With just over two weeks until the start of the season, the Northern Illinois University Huskies volleyball team returned to campus with nine new players, including seven true freshmen, as they prepare for the start of the 2025 season.

Eleven Huskies are underclassmen making this head coach Sondra D’Amore’s youngest roster. Five players are from the Chicagoland area, with six more from neighboring states—Wisconsin to the north and Indiana to the east.

“The energy and buy-in from this group have been exceptional. Even in the first ten days, their grit and determination have stood out. We’re seeing a level of alignment within the program that surpasses previous seasons,” remarked D’Amore. “Although we’re a young team, our athleticism is a clear asset. Our returning players have embraced leadership roles, helping to establish and reinforce the systems and standards that define our culture.”

A duo that saw significant playing time during the 2024 season are sophomore setter Ella Strausberger (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield North) and Ava Grevengoed (Shorewood, Ill./Joliet West). Strausberger led the team in assists per set (6.03) while Grevengoed led the team in kills per set (2.96) and total aces (35).

Also making their return this fall are Rylea Alvin (Randolph, Wis./Randolph) and Emma McCartney (Cleveland, Ohio/Chadron) saw action in over 82 sets as Alvin led the team in total blocks (68).

“The focus for non-conference is to gain experience playing high level volleyball while building confidence as a young group. The coaching staff feels confident with having much more depth within the team this season and that’s exciting as we have a lot of great talent,” said D’Amore.

The Huskies will open the season at home with an exhibition match against DePaul University on August 22. First serve is set for 7 p.m. in the NIU Convocation Center.

This season, NIU will see first time opponents in Southern Miss, Merrimack, Gonzaga, Bellarmine, and IU-Indianapolis. Six of NIU’s first nine games are on the road as they open the 2025 season at the Stetson Hatters Invitational, August 29 and 30.

After the season opens on the road, NIU takes on Merrimack and Indiana State on September 5 as they close the tournament with SIUE on September 6. Mid-American Conference action starts on September 25-26 as the Huskies host Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

New and returning fans can purchase general admission, family 4-pack, or courtside seats to watch the Huskies this fall with general admission tickets starting at just $35. The Family 4-Pack is available for $90 ($22.50 each). Courtside seats are priced at $180 for the season. To purchase tickets online, please click here.

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