Kicking Off the 2025 NCAA Volleyball Season
The 2025 NCAA women's volleyball season has officially begun on August 22, with powerhouse teams ready to dominate the court. Nebraska, Penn State, Pitt, and Louisville have emerged as the top four ranked teams in the preseason AVCA Coaches Poll, setting the stage for an intense battle for supremacy. Nebraska holds the coveted No. 1 spot with 1,490 points, closely followed by reigning national champion Penn State at No. 2 with 1,459 points, as reported by sources on the University of Nebraska's official athletics website.
Pitt, ranked No. 3 with 1,338 points, and Louisville at No. 4 are also poised to make significant impacts this season. The excitement is palpable as fans anticipate key matchups, including Nebraska's opening clash against Pitt, which marks the start of the Dani Busboom Kelly era for the Huskers. This season opener, part of the AVCA First Serve Showcase, will take place at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, highlighting some of the best talent in college volleyball.
Key Teams and Early Matchups to Watch
Nebraska's top ranking comes as no surprise after their strong performance in previous seasons, including a notable sweep against Louisville last year. With Dani Busboom Kelly at the helm, there are high expectations for the Huskers to maintain their dominance. Their early schedule includes tough competition against both Pitt and Stanford during the First Serve Showcase, events that will test their mettle right out of the gate.
Penn State, fresh off their national championship win in 2024, remains a formidable force despite being ranked just behind Nebraska. Under coach Katie Schumacher, who made history as the first female Division 1 volleyball coach to win a national title, the Nittany Lions are determined to defend their crown. Meanwhile, Pitt aims to build on their past successes and is looking to blend new talent with veteran leadership to push for another Final Four appearance, starting with their match against Nebraska.
Louisville, under consistent leadership, rounds out the top four and continues to be a strong contender in the ACC. The Cardinals, alongside Pitt, will travel to Lincoln for the season's opening matches, providing an early glimpse into how these top teams stack up against each other. These initial games are critical for setting the tone of the season and establishing momentum.
Expectations and Challenges Ahead
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how these top teams navigate the challenges of a highly competitive field. Nebraska's early matchups against top-five opponents will be a litmus test for their new coaching era, while Penn State faces the pressure of living up to their championship legacy. Social media posts on X reflect a mix of excitement and curiosity among fans about whether Penn State can repeat or if Nebraska will claim the top spot by season's end.
Pitt and Louisville also face significant hurdles as they aim to upset the balance of power in NCAA women's volleyball. With nine of the ten teams in the First Serve Showcase featured in the preseason AVCA Poll, the level of competition is unprecedented. As reported by the Atlantic Coast Conference, this event will include eight matches over four days, showcasing the depth of talent across the board and promising thrilling volleyball action throughout the season.