ROCK HILL, S.C. -- The Winthrop University volleyball team begins its 2025 campaign in the friendly confines of the Winthrop Coliseum on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 & 6:00 p.m., respectfully.
SERIES HISTORY VERSUS DAVIDSONÂ
The series between Winthrop and Davidson dates to the late 80's, where the Wildcats took the first matchup against the two in three sets to one (September 5, 1988). Davidson took all sixteen of the showdowns between the two squads from 1988 to 1996. Winthrop's first win against Davidson came in 1997, besting the 'Cats in five sets, 3-2. Davidson owns the all-time matchup history, 21-15, with the latest installment coming in September of 2022 producing an Eagle loss.Â
SERIES HISTORY VERSUS CHARLOTTEÂ
Since 1979, the two programs have gone head-to-head 46 times, with the 49ers leading the all-time series 28-17. Winthrop took home the first ever meeting between the two, 2-1, on September 24, also to open the 1979 season. The Eagles also won the most recent tilt, in 2021, beating the 49ers in a three-set sweep.Â
FOOT NOTESÂ
- Winthrop is 30-23 all-time in season openersÂ
- The Eagles are 2-8 in the previous ten years in opening matchesÂ
- Winthrop opens the year as ranked as preseason number one in the 2025 Big South preseason pollÂ
- First time atop of the Big South poll since 2007Â
- The Eagles returns all its top contributors in the categories of kills (Avery Jolley, 320), assists (Isabella Murray, 963), digs (Sophia Matthews, 397), and blocks (Maeve Rehmann, 58)Â
- 81.5% of total kills remain rostered for 2025Â
- 81% of total digs are back for the 2025 seasonÂ
- Eagles return 10 players from last year's roster, which includes Â
- Seven of the top eight Eagles in sets played are back in 2025Â
- Isabella Murray played all 91 sets for the Eagles last yearÂ
- Murray was tabbed as the 2024 Big South Setter of the YearÂ
- Rachel McCollum appeared in all but one set (90) for the Eagles, named to 2024 Big South All-Tournament TeamÂ
- Avery Jolley reached just over the 1,000 attempts mark with 1,002Â
- Jolley earned First Team All-Conference honors and earned the Big South Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year (first time since Pohai Nu'uhiwa did so in 2007)Â
- Giselle Little showcased elite efficiency in her freshman year,144 kills on just 397 swings (.374)Â
- Little was listed on the Honorable Mention All-Conference and was named to the Big South All-Freshman TeamÂ
- Sophia Matthews led the Eagles in digs in her as a freshman, 397 Â
- Matthews earned Big South All-Freshman Team and was named on the Big South All-Tournament TeamÂ
- Alyah Cadavid is fourth amongst returners in digs with 147Â
- Maeve Rehmann and Paige Bennett round out the standout returners on the offensive side with 116 and 112, respectfullyÂ
- The Eagles have made the Big South postseason tournament for the last seven yearsÂ
- Winthrop has six conference titles, tied for second most in Big South history and tied for the most of all active Big South members (Tied with Radford)Â
- This is the 54th season of Eagle Volleyball, with these two matches being the 1830th and 1831st matchesÂ
- Heather Gearhart enters her fourth season, one as an interim head coach and the last three as head coachÂ
- Winthrop holds an 1089-740 record all-time (.595)Â
2025 HONORSÂ
- Avery Jolley (Big South Preseason Player of the Year & Preseason All-Conference)Â
- Isabella Murray (Big South Preseason Setter of the Year & Preseason All-Conference)Â
- Sophia Matthews (Big South Preseason Co-Libero of the Year & Preseason All-Conference)Â
- Giselle Little (Preseason All-Conference)Â
ALUMNI WEEKEND
All former players, coaches, and staff members of the Winthrop volleyball program are invited for Alumni Weekend Oct. 24. The Eagles will have a home match on Friday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. versus Radford.
SEASON TICKETS
Lock in your seat for every serve, spike and set this season! Winthrop Volleyball season tickets are now on sale. Don't miss a single home match inside the Winthrop Coliseum as the Eagles take flight in 2025. Secure your spot today and be part of the action all season long.
Purchase Here!
BE A BALLRUNNER FOR WINTHROP VOLLEYBALL MATCHES
Interested in getting closer to the action of college volleyball? Winthrop Volleyball is looking for ball runners to help at home matches in 2025 and beyond. Become a ball runner for official games and be a part of our game day experience. Sign up as an individual or register an entire team/club to assist at a match and help keep play moving as ball runners. Open to students in grades 3rd through 8th. If interested please fill out the
ONLINE FORM.
JOIN THE EAGLE CLUB
The Eagle Club is the official fundraising arm of Winthrop Athletics. Your generosity directly supports Winthrop Athletics and helps provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed on and off the field. From facility upgrades and enhanced game-day experiences to scholarships, equipment, travel, and academic support, every dollar makes a difference.
By investing in the Eagle Club, you're helping us build a stronger future for Winthrop Athletics—one that prioritizes excellence, opportunity, and a championship culture.
Whether you're an alum, parent, fan, or community member, your support fuels our success. For more information or to become a member,
CLICK HERE.
UP NEXT
Winthrop heads to Knoxville for a three-game slate against Samford, Wofford, and being rounded out by the home squad Tennessee on Sept. 4 & 5th.
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