WACO, Texas – Baylor volleyball head coach Ryan McGuyre has announced the addition of Mary Jane "MJ" McCurdy to the 2025 squad, revealed Tuesday. McCurdy, an outside hitter, spent her freshman season with Texas State in the Sun Belt Conference. She will join the Bears in January as a mid-year transfer.
"Excited to have MJ joining the Baylor Bears," said McGuyre. "She is an explosive outside and a perfect fit for Baylor. She is a natural leader with strong determination and trusts the Lord. We are glad she is coming this spring and can start training immediately."
The Frisco, Texas, native played in 108 of the Bobcats' 109 sets during her freshman year, where she tallied 326 kills, swinging .227 (326-129-868). With 31 aces, 244 digs, and 47 blocks, she accumulated 383.0 points, marking the second most by any Bobcat. McCurdy had 17 matches with double-digit kills, including her career-high of 21 against Coastal Carolina (11/8), along with 15 digs, which contributed to one of six double-doubles on her season. She also recorded nine matches with double-digit digs, leading with 22 against South Alabama (10/12).
Over Texas State's 31 matches, McCurdy averaged 3.02 kills and 2.26 digs per set. Her 3.55 points per set ranked second on the team. McCurdy played a pivotal role as the Bobcats finished with a 22-9 record overall and clinched the Sun Belt Championship by sweeping all three opponents, extending their win streak to 11. The team faced seventh-seed Missouri in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament held in Dallas.
Meanwhile, the Harvard men’s volleyball team is gearing up for its 2025 season, kicking off this weekend with back-to-back matches against the fourth-ranked University of Hawai'i. This match marks only the third and fourth competitive encounters between the two programs.
"This week will begin Harvard's 24-match season slate including 14 home matches inside the Malkin Athletic Center," informed the university's athletic department. Although losing three seniors from the preceding year, the Crimson returns key strikers Zach Berty, Owen Fanning, and Logan Shepherd, who collectively contributed to 619 of the team’s 1,071 total kills last season. With James Bardin returning as the main setter after tallying 708 total assists last season, Harvard’s attacking strategies look promising.
On another note, the University of Toledo proudly announced Taylor Alt, Izzy Granger, and Caylee Sharkey as selections for the College Sport Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. This honor recognizes outstanding student-athletes excelling both academically and athletically.
Alt, boasting a 3.928 GPA as a speech language pathology major, achieves this status for the third consecutive year, whereas Granger, with her 3.970 GPA majoring in early childhood education, has earned the accolade twice. Sharkey, who owns a 3.668 GPA as an exercise science major, is being honored for the very first time. Alt will advance to the ballot for Academic All-American recognition, with the announcement for first, second, and third-team honors set for January 14.
Bowling Green State University made headlines recently by appointing Alex DelPiombo as the new head coach for its volleyball program. Having previously served as the assistant coach under Danijela Tomic, her promotion highlights her commitment to the Falcons.
"I am deeply honored to be named the head coach of Bowling Green State University's volleyball program," DelPiombo expressed. "I am grateful for our players and to our community, whose passion and commitment to our program is unmatched." Athletic Director Derek van der Merwe emphasized the ease of the decision, crediting DelPiombo’s readiness to lead.
"She has had other opportunities to leave and be a head coach, but she has remained committed and loyal to the Falcons. I am honored she accepted this opportunity," van der Merwe said.
DelPiombo, who graduated from SMCC and played four seasons at Gannon University, officially stepped up as head coach following Tomic’s departure. She mentioned the rapid pace of the transition, ensuring continuity with regards to the players and recruiting staff.
Wrapping up the article, attention shifts to Penn State, where the Nittany Lions are brimming with talent as the season approaches. Key returning players include middle blocker Owen Rose, setter Michael Schwob, and libero Ryan Merk.
Rose's impressive collegiate history includes multiple accolades, making him one to watch. Schwob looks poised to take on the role as full-time setter, and Merk has already established himself as one of the leading liberos nationally.
With the 2025 season starting on January 10, Penn State's aspirations of clinching another EIVA Championship look promising. The combination of returning talent and fresh energy could lead the Nittany Lions to exciting prospects this volleyball season.