The New Wave: Big Ten Edition

With only a handful of days until the first serve of the 2025 season, let’s take a look at some fresh(man) faces that will be hitting the court in this series, “The New Wave!” 

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Although we haven’t seen these athletes take center stage yet, the impact that they can make is astronomical! Take 2023 when Olivia Babcock and Harper Murray led their teams to Final Four appearances, and this past year with Izzy Starck helping her team to its first national championship in 10 years! Experience in the college game is obviously a huge benefit, but sometimes raw talent is just too hard to deny!

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In this article, we will dive into the Big Ten’s newest difference-makers!

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Penn State - #8, Gabby Nichols, Middle, Silver

After winning their eighth national championship, the Nittany Lions lost a lot of leadership and firepower with their senior class, specifically with stalwart middle Taylor Trammell’s graduation; Nichols will look to compete for a starting spot!

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Nebraska - #11, Teraya Sigler, Outside, Diamond

With new head coach DBK, the Huskers' roster remained virtually the same from last fall, counting out this outstanding incoming freshman class! Sigler and Landfair are seemingly set to battle it out for the OH2 spot beside Harper Murray!

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Wisconsin - #16, Aniya Warren, Libero/DS, Silver

With Lola Schumacher’s transfer to UCLA and Aniya Warren’s decommitment from Purdue, the Badgers swept in and grabbed what I believe to be a top DS in the entire class! Look for Warren to make an immediate impact, whether that’s in the libero jersey or a three-rotation asset!

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Purdue - #18, Addy Tindall, Outside, Silver

Anyone who follows the college game is aware of the absolute overhaul that this Boilermakers roster has underwent this calendar year. It’s safe to say without Hudson and Chicoine, Purdue is looking for its next star on the pin and Tindall could be that!

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Oregon - #4, Jillian McCarty, Setter

Matt Ulmer’s decision to take the job in Kansas pulled away duck after duck, including starting setter Cristin Cline. Under Trent Kersten, this new regime can be facilitated and led by the safe hands of McCarty!

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Minnesota - #33, Kelly Kinney, Outside, Gold

Coming in with every accolade and checklist item crossed off, Kinney has a strong chance to compete with the group of Julia Hanson and Mckenna Wucherer to solidify the identity and standing of the Gophers!

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USC - #5, Abigail Mullen, Right Side, Diamond

STAR ALERT! This Diamond player could have stepped onto a college court for the past couple years and made an impact - Mullen is raring to go!

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Illinois - #6, Gabriella Pitcel, Middle, Silver

Chris Tamas and co. have always been a hard out for Big Ten squads, but this season, the Fighting Illini are looking to fly even higher; Pitcel can help them reach those heights!

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Washington - #1, Addy Azavedo, Libero/DS, Elite Orange

This rock solid athlete will compete with fellow freshman Ava Jo Berry, who I also could have picked for this nod! Both will bring incredible stability to a program searching to establish its own in a new conference!

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Indiana - #9, Charlotte Vinson, Outside, Silver

Year after year, Coach Aird is bringing in better and better talent, and Vinson is the proof in the pudding! Although they lost standout setter Camryn Haworth, the Hoosiers will hope to stay hot!

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Michigan - #4, Ece Senyapici, Middle

Continuing the theme of international athletes joining the college scene, this Turkish stud chose the Wolverines as her stage to showcase her impressive skills!

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UCLA - #0, Hazel Alevok, Middle, Elite Red

If you’ve been in a gym with Hazel, then you have noticed Hazel. Towering over opponents at 6 foot 7, Alevok’s frame is already more than prepared for Big Ten competition, and I cannot wait to see how she develops!

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Ohio State - #11, Na’Vea Gauthier, Outside, Red

Similarly to other programs on this list, the transfer portal ravaged the Buckeyes, putting more pressure on the new faces to make an instant impact; Gauthier can be just that and more!

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Michigan State - #21, Caroline Formankova, Right Side

This conference has truly become global and here is another international recruit! The Czech Republic native Formankova chose new/returning Coach Kelsay and will aspire to fight for Sparty!

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Maryland - #8, Addie Canady, Libero/DS, Green

Quality all-around athletes is exactly what the Terps need and Canady is a prime example!

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Iowa - #10, Makena Rumple, Middle, Green

This middle is dynamic and packs a total punch! Watching her play, it is clear that she has the ability to succeed as early as this fall!

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Northwestern - #22, Bella Bullington, Outside, Orange

Coming from an extremely athletic family, Bullington has it in the genes to excel at a high level and has put in the work to get to this point! 

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Rutgers - #16, Imani Howell, Middle, Orange

Rutgers caps off the series with the versatile Howell! As the Scarlet Knights strive to get better and better, it’s players like this who will get them there!

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