The New Wave: SEC 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 SEC’s newest difference-makers!

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Kentucky - #6, Kassie O’Brien, Setter, Gold

Trying to fill the void left by perennial All-American Emma Grome will be difficult, but O’Brien has all the skill and support to do just that! Having weapons like Eva Hudson and Brooklyn DeLeye will certainly lighten the load!

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Texas - #6, Abby Vander Wal, Outside, Diamond

The Longhorns graduated both of their starting pins from the past two seasons, in Most Outstanding Player Madi Skinner and Jenna Wenaas, but in turn brought in Pitt standout Torrey Stafford, and this USA U21 Gold Medalist!

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Florida - #13, Lily Hayes, Libero/DS, Red

The theme of graduation continues, as Florida lost five-year contributor Elli McKissock this past fall. Hayes will step in with international experience and will look to follow in Elli’s footsteps!

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Missouri - #4, Asia Harvey, Outside, Gold

For a program on the rise like Mizzou is, Harvey is just a continuation of their momentum - both on the court and on the recruiting trail! 

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Texas A&M - #20, Megan Fitch, Outside, Silver

An in-state dub for the Aggies and Coach Morrison, Fitch is a firecracker on the court and will push for a spot in the rotation right away!

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Oklahoma - #3, Tekoa Barnes, Outside, Silver

Barnes is one of the best athletes in the entire class, and when she hits the ball, she will truly be a BOOMer Sooner!

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Tennessee - #15, Maggie Dostic, Outside, Elite Red

Nina Čajić meet Maggie Dostic - that’s what the Vols will be looking for with their new pin! Setter Caroline Kerr, one of the best in the nation, will be looking to use this new weapon on their way to a deeper tournament run this fall!

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Ole Miss - #9, Keirstyn Carlton, Middle, Silver

After their outstanding win against Florida State last year in the first round of the tournament, the Rebels will hope to get off to a similar start in 2025, and Carlton will surely help with that!

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South Carolina - #7, Lina Merz, Right Side

A multi-time German club top finisher, Merz will bring loads of diverse experience and skills to this Gamecock roster!

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LSU - #25, Takyla Brown, Setter, Elite Red

Head Coach Tonya Johnson has been making waves in the recruiting world, and Brown is a testament to that! Both fans and opponents will want to keep all eyes on her!

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Arkansas - #27, Journey Peppers, Middle, Elite Orange

A dominant athlete, Peppers is poised to step into a starting role this season, and the rest of the conference will need to prepare for her!

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Georgia - #14, Emma Bryson, Middle, Green

An AAU All-American and standout in the state of North Carolina, Bryson’s talent is undeniable!

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Mississippi State - #26, Hailey Campagna, Outside, Green

Undersized and underrated, this player is ready to keep proving people wrong! Heads up SEC, Hailey is here!

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Auburn - #3, Audrey Nuckols, Outside, Orange

A California stud, Nuckols will add some firepower to the Tigers, hoping to rise higher than ever!

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Alabama - #17, Ryelle Rondo, Libero/DS, Green

The daughter of longtime NBA star Rajon Rondo, Ryelle is prepared to make her own mark on her own sport!

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