Fresh off a Sweet 16 run in 2024, the Millikin women's volleyball team is back — and hungrier than ever. Head coach Whitney Nichols enters her second season at the helm with a talented mix of returning leaders and exciting newcomers ready to take on one of the toughest schedules in the country.
A Competitive Season Ahead
"Every single match on our schedule feels like a big one," Nichols said. "We're playing the best-of-the-best every night, so there's no taking a point off. After last year's success, we know teams will circle us on their calendars — and we're embracing that challenge."
Filling Big Shoes
Millikin graduated a strong senior class, but this year's squad is more than ready to step up. First-Team All-CCIW standouts Delaney Higgins and Kyra Carothers are poised for huge seasons, while Elle Richards continues to elevate her game at opposite. Add in the confidence of Addison Oyer — who looks primed for a breakout year — and the leadership of setter Alyssa Frederking, and the Big Blue's core is as strong as ever.
"These five have the bar set incredibly high," Nichols said. "They're not just focused on individual success — they're pushing each other to be the best team possible."
Returners with Championship Experience
That core group — Delaney, Kyra, Elle, Addison, and Alyssa — brings invaluable experience from last year's NCAA Tournament run. They've been tested, they know the grind, and they're determined to take Millikin Volleyball even further in 2025.
"They want to win, and they want to win at everything," Nichols said. "I love that they hold themselves to an even higher standard than I do at times."
New Faces to Watch
Fans will also see some new impact players in the Big Blue lineup this season. Transfer Gabriella Ricci (Illinois-Springfield) adds veteran presence and power on the pin, while freshmen Rylie Kuhle (Moline, Ill.), Isabelle Martinelle (Indianapolis, Ind.), and Emma Laatsch (Green Bay, Wis.) bring athleticism, versatility, and grit to the roster.
"They're learning quickly how hard they need to work to win," Nichols said. "Each of them brings something special to the table."
Playing with a Target
Millikin enters the season ranked No. 12 in the AVCA preseason poll, recognition that both excites and motivates the squad.
"It's an honor, but we know it doesn't mean much until we step on the court in Texas to open the year," Nichols said. "The girls see that number and say, 'Let's put in the work to climb higher.'"
The Big Blue were also picked second in the CCIW preseason poll, just behind Illinois Wesleyan. That's fuel for a team that came so close to a conference title last fall.
"Second place leaves a bad taste in your mouth," Nichols said. "We don't want that again. Our goal is to win — but to win the right way, by playing for each other and loving the process."
Building Culture, Building Family
For Nichols, year two is about more than just volleyball.
"Last year I proved to myself I could coach the game, but what I really wanted to build was culture," she said. "The standards we set in year one are being carried forward by our returners — they take it seriously. At the end of the day, I want our girls to feel the family aspect, to love the journey, and to create memories while we chase championships."
The Big Blue open the 2025 season in Texas tonight against NYU as part of the Trinity Fall Classic and will battle through a loaded CCIW slate this fall. With championship experience, a strong returning core, and new faces ready to shine, this team has its eyes set on making more noise on the national stage.
