PITMAN, NJ – Stockton has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2025 New Jersey Athletic Conference Volleyball Coaches Poll, based on a vote of the league’s nine head coaches.
Defending champion William Paterson finished second in the polling but garnered the most first place votes with four. Montclair State follows in third, while Kean was tabbed as the conference’s dark horse in fourth. Rowan, Rutgers-Camden, Ramapo, Rutgers-Newark, and NJCU rounded out the poll.
The top six teams will qualify for the 2025 NJAC Tournament, slated for November 11 (quarterfinals), November 13 (semifinals), and November 15 (championship). The tournament winner will secure the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
2025 NJAC WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL PRESEASON POLL
(first place votes in parentheses)
- Stockton (3)
- William Paterson (4)
- Montclair State (1)
- Kean (dark horse)
- Rowan (1)
- Rutgers-Camden
- Ramapo
- Rutgers-Newark
- NJCU
STOCKTON
Stockton once again will be led by two-time NJAC Player of the Year Nicole Palmer, who ranked among the league leaders in kills, aces, and hitting percentage last season. She is joined by three-time all-conference outside hitter Kate Louer, giving the Ospreys one of the most productive pin combinations in the conference. Defensively, senior Lauren Sommer adds back-row consistency, while Division II transfer Laila Newborn (Lincoln University) and a large freshman class provide immediate depth. With a strong senior core and the return of Palmer, Stockton looks primed to remain a title contender.
Newcomers to Watch: Laila Newborn (MH; Ardmore, PA/Lincoln University), Olivia Magro (OH; Brigantine, NJ/ACIT), Helen Murray (DS; Virginia Beach, VA/First Colonial)
Head Coach Allison Walker: “We have the returning two-time NJAC Player of the Year along with four seniors that I expect to lead this team this year. With the addition of a senior transfer and a large freshman class, we should be deep and competitive.”
WILLIAM PATERSON
William Paterson returns two-time First Team NJAC outside hitter Cecilia Miller, one of the conference’s most dangerous two-way players after ranking fifth in kills and among the top 15 in digs last season. Running the offense is setter Abby Houpt, a two-time all-conference performer who finished second in the league in assists and among the leaders in aces. Dilara Pak will step into the libero role following the graduation of All-American Paola Molina, bringing experience and poise to the back row. The Pioneers also welcome transfers Isabella Demers (Eastern Michigan) and Jill Hitt (Sonoma State), along with Georgia product Emeli Giesler, adding depth across multiple positions.
Newcomers to Watch: Emeli Giesler (OH/RS; Alpharetta, GA/Milton), Isabella Demers (L/DS; Maumee, OH/Eastern Michigan), Jill Hitt (L/DS; Lakewood, CA/Sonoma State)
Head Coach Kevin Rodgers: “We have strong returners and highly competitive newcomers that will allow us to continue a strong run in the NJAC and compete on a national level. With another difficult schedule this year, we hope to turn some heads and earn a few more wins compared to last season.”
MONTCLAIR STATE
Montclair State features one of the league’s brightest stars in sophomore Camryn Muuss, the reigning NJAC Rookie of the Year who led the conference in kills. Veteran setter Emily Carcich returns as one of the NJAC’s top distributors, while outside hitter Bryn Bautista provides versatility on both offense and defense. The Red Hawks also add depth with a talented recruiting class, highlighted by transfer Breanna Craig from West Chester University. With a proven core and immediate-impact newcomers, Montclair is positioned for another strong campaign.
Newcomers to Watch: Lucy Cornelius (S; Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak), Sammy Mizak (OH; Land O’Lakes, FL/Sunlake), Rylee Sherman (RS; Everett, WA/Kamiak), Breanna Craig (MB; Coatesville, PA/West Chester University)
Head Coach Eduardo Stawinski: “Montclair will look to continue its strong play from the 2024 season and carry it over to the Fall 2025. Key returners Camryn Muuss, Emily Carcich, and Bryn Bautista look to provide stability and experience this season when the team begins play during the opening weekend home tournament. The 2025 season also welcomes a deep and talented recruiting class that will contribute in key positions right away.”
KEAN
Kean returns one of the NJAC’s most dominant middles in Cayley Elena Morrison, who ranked among the league leaders in hitting percentage, kills, and blocks. Senior setter Aspen O’Brien also returns after leading the conference in assists, while libero Madeline Dohogne adds defensive strength and a top-three NJAC ranking in aces. The Cougars will also benefit from Division I transfer Vic Latino (Niagara), who joins the outside hitter group. With 10 upperclassmen and proven all-conference performers, Kean has the experience and depth to compete at the top of the standings.
Newcomers to Watch: Vic Latino (OH; Mine Hill, NJ/Niagara University), Ashley Torok (OH; Woodbridge, NJ/Woodbridge)
Head Coach Don Perkins: “We have 10 upperclassmen so this is a veteran squad who have done and seen a lot, and we are adding some talented young players. It will be exciting to see how it comes together and what the team can achieve."
ROWAN
Rowan brings back one of the league’s top liberos in Vanessa Hutchinson, who ranked second in the NJAC in digs per set, and outside hitter Jena Kaul, who finished top 10 in both kills and points. Junior Ciara Bradley provides additional strength in the middle, while the Profs’ incoming class features several players expected to make an early impact, including setter Raven Albrecht and outside hitter Jessica Smart. With proven veterans and young talent, Rowan enters 2025 with a balanced roster built to contend.
Newcomers to Watch: Raven Albrecht (S; King of Prussia, PA/Upper Merion HS), Jessica Smart (OH; Manahawkin, NJ/Southern Regional), Abigail Bivona (MH; Frenchtown, NJ/Delaware Valley HS)
Head Coach Deana Jespersen: “This team is full of energy and drive, combining athleticism and their ability to be dynamic which leads to really fun volleyball. They are hungry to compete this season!”
RUTGERS-CAMDEN
Rutgers-Camden returns leaders at every position, with setter Avery Ang directing the offense, outside hitter Sophia Granieri leading the attack, and libero Mia Owens anchoring the defense. Granieri was among the NJAC’s top 15 in both kills and digs, while Owens ranked fourth in the league in digs per set. With the addition of newcomers like middle Jana Jovanovic and setter Cassie Guim, the Scarlet Raptors will look to improve their depth and consistency across the court.
Newcomers to Watch: Jana Jovanovic (MB/OPP; Colmar, PA/North Penn), Asha Pensa Johnson (OH; Hampton Bays, NY/Hampton Bays), Cassie Guim (S; Williamstown, NJ/Williamstown)
Head Coach David Gurst: “Our defensive depth and overall team experience will be much improved this season.”
RAMAPO
Ramapo returns several key contributors, led by setter Katie Bishop, who averaged over six assists per set last year. Emma Garcia gives the Roadrunners stability in the back row after ranking among the NJAC’s top 10 in digs, while middle blocker Jasmine Rolle showed promise as a rookie. With nine returners and a large group of newcomers, the program adds depth across the board. Incoming players such as Scarlett Melick, Asya Akar, and Valentina Palen will compete for court time immediately, giving Ramapo more balance and options at the net.
Newcomers to Watch: Scarlett Melick (RS; Jefferson, NJ/Jefferson), Asya Akar (Pin; Lyndhurst, NJ/Lyndhurst), Valentina Palen (OH; Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley)
Head Coach Tyler Kwinta: “Going into this season, it’s super exciting for our program to build upon the team culture that was established last year. We return a small but meaningful group of nine players whose leadership and experience will be key, while welcoming 11 newcomers who bring fresh energy and depth. The mix of veteran presence and new potential sets the stage for a competitive and dynamic season ahead.”
RUTGERS-NEWARK
Rutgers-Newark returns top scorers Tracey Ilderis and Jaedyn-Simba Malasarte, both of whom ranked among the NJAC leaders in kills, digs, and aces. Their veteran presence provides stability for a roster that features a nearly even split of 10 returners and 10 newcomers. First-year pins Cyan Long and Helen Bilomasur add size and athleticism on the outside, boosting Newark’s options on the attack. With balance across the roster, the Scarlet Raiders will blend experience with new energy in 2025.
Newcomers to Watch: Cyan Long (Pin; Plantation, FL/South Plantation), Helen Bilomasur (Pin; Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township)
Head Coach Sovanny Kon: “[This year’s squad] featured 10 returners and 10 first-years. We will see a lot of mentorship and new energy on the court.”
NJCU
NJCU will look to setter Keyanni Overstreet, who finished among the NJAC’s top assist leaders last year, and middle blocker Brianna Melanson, who ranked fourth in the league in hitting percentage. Jenilsa Pichardo steps into the libero role and will be key in anchoring the defense. Offensively, the Gothic Knights bring in several new options on the pins, including Diane Pugay, Kaili Fitzpatrick, and Emma Yager, giving them added depth at the net. With a mix of returning contributors and a high-energy recruiting class, NJCU will look to surprise opponents this season.
Newcomers to Watch: Diane Pugay (OH/RS; Jersey City, NJ/Infinity Institute), Kaili Fitzpatrick (OH; Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough), Emma Yager (OH; Morristown, OH/Union Local)
Head Coach Britni Jaskot: “This year’s team is hungry, fearless, and ready to prove themselves. Every athlete on this roster brings a unique spark, and together they create a relentless, high-energy team that refuses to back down. Everyone can expect passion, grit, and a fight to the very last point every time we step on the court.”