NM State Volleyball: A Look Ahead to the 2025 Season and Beyond
The NM State Aggies volleyball program is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, and the buzz around Las Cruces is palpable. With Head Coach Mike Jordan at the helm, the team has been hard at work, making strategic additions to bolster their roster and aiming for a successful campaign. This article provides an in-depth look at the new recruits, key returners, and what fans can expect in the coming year.
New Faces: Fresh Talent Ready to Make an Impact
Coach Jordan has been busy recruiting, bringing in six new student-athletes to the Crimson & White. These additions include a mix of transfers and promising freshmen, promising to infuse fresh energy and skill into the team. The incoming class consists of two middle blockers, a pair of outside hitters, a setter, and a defensive specialist, each bringing unique strengths to the court.
A significant highlight is the height of the incoming front row. The four new additions boast an average height of 6’3″, potentially transforming the Aggies’ blocking game. The incoming freshmen include two New Mexico natives, a Texan, and a Canadian, adding a diverse geographical representation to the team.
Meet the New Aggies: Player Spotlights
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key new faces joining the NM State volleyball program:
- Zoe Ziegler (Outside Hitter): Standing tall at 6’6″, Ziegler, a transfer from Cypress Community College, brings impressive size and offensive power. She averaged 2.70 kills per set with a .306 hitting percentage at her previous school.
- Katie Funk (Middle Blocker): Funk, a transfer from Tyler Junior College, is poised to continue the tradition of strong middle blockers for the Aggies. During her time with the Apaches, she had 160 kills and 137 blocks.
- Jaelynn Kohli (Outside Hitter): Kohli joins the team as a highly-regarded freshman. She’s a dynamic outside hitter from Eastlake HS, where she led her team in kills, hitting percentage, and blocks.
- Mia Mendoza (Setter): Mendoza, a freshman setter from Los Lunas HS, brings experience and playmaking skills. She averaged 9.2 assists per set during her high school career, with a total of 2,962 assists.
- Kate Sinclair (Middle Blocker): Sinclair, a freshman from Calgary, Alberta, will add depth to the middle blocker position. She has international experience, competing with the Canadian National Excellence Program.
- Jazlyn Vasquez (Libero): From Centennial HS in Las Cruces, Vasquez will add more versatility to the Aggies’ defensive unit. In her senior year, she had 267 receptions and 254 digs.
Returning Stars and Team Dynamics
The team isn’t just about new talent. The return of seasoned players is just as crucial. A strong core of 13 returning players, including key setters and defensive specialists, will provide the leadership and experience needed to guide the new recruits.
Returning players like Nellie Reese, who led the team with 678 assists last season, will be vital. Ashley Herman, who had 164 kills, and the defensive specialists Bella Castro, Makayla Martinez, and Kaylee Peterson, are also expected to play significant roles.
Did you know? Returning players account for roughly 15% of all the team’s production from the prior year.
Looking Ahead: Expectations and Potential
With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the NM State volleyball program has a strong foundation for success. The addition of height in the front row and the experience of the returners suggest that the team will be in a good position to improve their performance and make a run in the upcoming season. Their goal is to build upon the team’s foundation. Fans can expect to see an exciting brand of volleyball from the Aggies.
Pro Tip: Follow NM State Volleyball on social media for the latest updates, practice videos, and player profiles.
FAQ: Common Questions About NM State Volleyball
Q: When does the 2025 season start?
A: The schedule will be announced soon, so keep an eye on NMStateSports.com.
Q: Where can I buy tickets to the games?
A: Tickets will be available on the NM State Athletics website.
Q: How can I stay updated on the team’s progress?
A: Follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook; check out NMStateSports.com.
Get Involved: Stay Connected with Aggie Volleyball
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest NM State Volleyball news, player profiles, and game schedules? Follow us on social media (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook – links above in article). Visit NMStateSports.com for complete coverage.
Comment below: What are your predictions for the upcoming season?
