The back-to-back Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference women's volleyball champion, Penn State Altoona, is excited for the 2025 season. 

The team has a good blend of returning starters and first-year players.  

Last season, Penn State Altoona finished 7-1 in the AMCC and captured another conference title after defeating Alfred State in the championship match. The victory earned the Lions a berth in the NCAA Division III national tournament, where Penn State Altoona lost to eventual national champion Juniata College in the quarterfinals. 

On the court, the Lions return second-team all-conference selection, junior outside hitter Lia Simanski (Altoona, PA/Bishop Guilfoyle), as well as third-team all-conference pick, sophomore outside hitter Ella Hadley (Spring Mills, PA/Penns Valley). Simanski was seventh in the AMCC in points (342.0) and kills (309) last season, while Hadley ranked 10th in the league in kills (221) and 11th in points (255.5). 

Other returning players include junior setter Julia Emel (Woodward, PA/Penns Valley), sophomore opposite hitter Maggie Brewer (NuMine, PA/West Shamokin), and sophomore libero/defensive specialist Brianna Woodring (Greencastle, PA/Greencastle-Antrim). Senior outside hitter/right side hitter Jadeyn Price (Altoona, PA/Altoona) and senior right-side hitter Morgan Fussell (Blairsville, GA/Union County) are expected to lead the team this year. 

"Jadeyn Price and Morgan Fussell will step into the senior leadership role, and there is plenty of leadership and playing experience from other players like Lia Simanski, Julia Emel, Ella Hadley, Maggie Brewer, and Brianna Woodring," said second-year head coach Bob Kasun, who also serves as the men's volleyball head coach. 

Further boosting the excitement of the team heading into the new season is a strong incoming class that features eight first-year players and a pair of transfers. Among the freshmen are middle hitters Jayden Ulmer (Williamsport, PA/Williamsport), Emma Ray (Ruckersville, VA/William Monroe), and Makiya Mack (Philipsburg, PA/West Branch), outside hitters Jenna Dunn (Clarion, PA/Clarion-Limestone) and Johanna Heckman (Bellwood, PA/Bellwood-Antis), and setter Marlo Mellish (Kittanning, PA/Armstrong). Sophomore defensive specialist/libero Nicole Pierce (Bethel Park, PA/Bethel Park) and sophomore setter Brooklyn Myers (Grassflat, PA/West Branch) also enter their first seasons with the team. Additionally, the Lions welcome a pair of transfers to the roster in sophomore outside hitter/right side Hannah Swank (Boswell, PA/Conemaugh Township) and junior middle hitter Kyla Campbell (Altoona, PA/Great Commission). 

"Our 10 new players have displayed a 100 percent buy-in to the team. They are competing hard for playing time and elevating the level of our practices and our team." said Kasun. 

On the coaching side, Kasun highlighted the quality of assistant coaches: Jamie McGreal and Dave Eckberg. 

"We are very fortunate to have great coaches in Jamie McGreal and Dave Eckberg. Our coaching staff is 100 percent committed to the best interest of our players on and off the volleyball court," Kasun stated. 

Penn State Altoona opens the season with a road trip to Salisbury University to face Salisbury, UW-Oshkosh, and Thiel in the Margie Knight Classic. The Lions face a tricky schedule this year that includes strong non-conference opponents such as Saint Vincent and Juniata, along with AMCC opponent Alfred State. 

The team's full schedule can be viewed on psaltoonalions.com.