Following a strong showing in the 2024 season, the Case Western Reserve University volleyball team looks to keep the momentum going into the 2025 season.
CWRU finished the 2024 season with a 24-8 overall record, advancing all the way to the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season before falling five sets to the University of Dubuque in the first round. In UAA play, the Spartans finished with a 5-2 record, giving them a second-place tie with Washington University in St. Louis. Both teams finished behind Emory University (7-0).
Going into her final season, fourth-year middle blocker and team captain Amanda Ngo noted her wide range of feelings given this will be her final season as a Spartan.
“I’d say it’s definitely a mix of emotions,” Ngo said. “Excitement with a little bit of bittersweet reflection. It’s crazy to think this is my last season when it feels like just yesterday I was a lanky 17-year-old stepping into the gym for the first time. But more than anything, I’m really excited to see what this group can accomplish together. I feel grateful for all the amazing people I’ve met here, and I’m going into this season with a lot of appreciation.”
With this mix of gratitude and determination setting the tone, the Spartans now shift their sights to the challenges ahead. The team’s schedule for this season offers no shortage of tests, with CWRU set to face numerous competitive teams who will be sure to give the squad no easy way of making it back to the NCAA tournament.
This slate of highly-ranked opponents includes Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, who finished last season with a 22-7 record, Marietta College, who finished 24-2 overall and 9-0 in conference play, and familiar UAA rivals like Emory University and WashU.
Adding to the challenge will be the loss of nine players who graduated last year. Filling these roles are six first-years who will all be making their collegiate debuts this season: outside hitter Elena Stone, setter Kaitlyn Harris, middle blocker Kate Williams, defensive specialist Thea Beran, right side hitter Olivia Myers, and middle blocker Isabel Haytayan. Nonetheless, Ngo took note of positive changes to the team’s dynamic with the presence of these new players.
“This team feels different in the best way,” Ngo stated. “The positivity is off the charts, and the effort I see from these women every day is contagious, it keeps everyone bought in. We’ve also been really intentional with our mindset this year, focusing on our theme: ‘ALL IN, ALL US.’ There’s a strong sense that we’ve got each other’s backs, and that’s everything we need to build on.”
On the coaching side of things, the entire coaching staff from the 2024 season will be returning for the 2025 season; Among this returning staff is Head Coach Karen Farrell who notably achieved her 500th career win last season with a CWRU victory over Earlham College. New to the coaching staff this year will be graduate student Hayden Caldwell who previously served as a coaching assistant for the team.
“I’m [really] looking forward to seeing how far this group can go,” Ngo said. “There’s something special about us, and I think people will see that this season.”
The Spartans’ season will kick off on Friday, Aug. 29 at 2:30 p.m. against Whittier College as part of the Pacific Coast Classic Tournament in Claremont, California. The match will be streamed live on FloSports.