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Vincennes University

VU Volleyball Eyes Fifth Consecutive Title

VU Volleyball Eyes Fifth Consecutive Title
August 16, 2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Women's Volleyball team enters the 2025 season with both a target on its back and a legacy to uphold as the four-time defending NJCAA Region 24 Champions.

Guided by veteran Head Coach Gary Sien, the Trailblazers have established themselves as the region's standard-bearer, with last year's championship perhaps the most hard-earned yet.

"It was our fourth straight Region 24 Championship," Sien said. "It was a very difficult season due to injuries and other events that occurred. However, it's a credit to the team to overcome those situations and come together to win a championship. I always say you appreciate it more when it's that difficult."

Continuing the Legacy Beyond Vincennes

The 2024 sophomore class has carried that championship spirit into new opportunities. Isadora Dias signed with NAIA powerhouse Park University after earning Third-Team All-American honors and being named Region 24 Player of the Year - the program's fourth straight and fifth overall. Fellow sophomore Elisa Dalla Pozza also joined Park after earning consecutive First-Team All-Region honors. Libby Mehringer, a Second-Team All-Region pick, and Julianna Rettig both continued their academic and athletic careers at Oakland City University.

Tougher Road Ahead

The 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory as Region 24's 10-team field creates an 18-match gauntlet for the Trailblazers. Among the top challengers are perennial contender John A. Logan (Sept. 17 away, Oct. 22 home), rising Lake Land (Sept. 2 home, Oct. 17 away), resurgent Kaskaskia (Sept. 24 away, Oct. 27 home), and Southwestern Illinois (Sept. 5 home, Oct. 9 away), which reached the championship match last season in its first year as a Division I program. Improved squads such as Shawnee (Aug. 21 away, Sept. 12 home) and Frontier (Aug. 23 home, Oct. 13 away) will also make every regional contest a test of endurance.

"Every one of those 18 matches is going to be very, very difficult," Sien noted. "It's going to really test us—especially because we're so young."

That challenge will demand strong leadership from the Trailblazers' returning upperclassmen, whose experience and versatility will be crucial in guiding a young roster through the rigors of Region 24 play.

Key Returners

Despite a roster featuring 11 freshmen, VU returns a core group of upperclassmen whose versatility, experience, and volleyball IQ will be vital to another championship run.

Rylee Edwards returns at setter after emerging as the team's second setter midway through last season. Known for her court awareness and decision-making, Edwards has developed into a player who can read defenses, identify blocking schemes, and deliver precise sets within VU's offensive system.

Martyna Sadowska also returns after a breakout second half of last season. Naturally a middle, she spent much of 2024 playing on the right side and will likely remain there this fall. Her ability to swing effectively, combined with her growth as a right-side blocker, makes her a key piece of the lineup. The right side is often tasked with neutralizing opponents' top hitters, and Sadowska has adapted to that challenge with poise, turning it into one of her strengths.

Karen Kodi enters her sophomore season as a dynamic pin option, capable of playing both outside and right-side hitter as well as contributing in the back row. After gaining valuable spring-season experience, she's expected to be a multi-position threat in 2025.

Brooklyn Summers returns for her second season on the roster. Last year, she primarily contributed defensively, but in 2025 she will return to her natural setting role, reacclimating quickly to the position's pace and demands.

All four bring not only valuable on-court skills but also strong academic credentials, with multiple Academic All-American honorees among the group—underscoring the leadership and balance they provide both on and off the court.

Youth Movement and Identity

Blending those returners with a highly promising freshman class, Sien believes this group could be the most versatile he has coached. Nearly every player can contribute in multiple positions, allowing the Trailblazers flexibility and depth across the floor. Energy and communication are also hallmarks of this squad.

"Not every team needs to be vocal to be good, but I just personally feel that if you are loud and cumulative, you're going to be a better team," Sien said.

VU's length at the net makes blocking a core strength, and early practices have focused heavily on refining technique within the program's blocking system. Just as importantly, the Trailblazers boast outstanding ball control, with defensive specialists and hitters alike excelling in serve receive and first-ball contact—ensuring consistency in running the offense.

"It's been a great couple weeks so far in regards to practice and learning, and it's a great group thus far—high-spirited, very vocal," stated Sien. "They love the game. They enjoy each other. So I cannot be more happy with the group that we have so far."

The Journey Begins

The Trailblazers open the 2025 season Thursday, August 21 on the road against Shawnee Community College, a matchup that will immediately test VU in Region 24 play. Early highlights include the Owens Invitational in Perrysburg, Ohio (Aug. 29–30), the Blazer Classic in Vincennes (Sept. 5–6), and the Wallace State CC Fall Bash in Cullman, Alabama (Sept. 19–20).

With experience, energy, and depth across the roster, Vincennes University is set to defend its crown and aim for a fifth straight Region 24 title.

Join the Journey

As always, fans can keep up with the Vincennes University Volleyball squad all year long through a number of ways: