ROCK HILL, S.C. - The Winthrop University volleyball team prepares to ship over to the smoky mountains for three matches on Thursday and Friday, taking on Samford, Wofford, and finally a receiving votes Tennessee squad.
SERIES HISTORY VS SAMFORD
Eagles and the Bulldogs have only met four times in the past, with Winthrop holding the series lead, 3-1. The first time that these two squads faced off was in 1989, seeing the Bulldogs defeat the Eagles in four sets, 3-1. They haven't faced off in just under 24 years, October 27, 2001, having Winthrop top the Bulldogs 3-2.
SERIES HISTORY VS WOFFORD
Winthrop and Wofford have faced off 16 times over the years, with the Eagles holding the lion's share of the victories, 13-3. The opening clash between the two sides was in 1995, having the Eagles take down the Terriers in three-sets, 3-0. After not seeing each other for seven years, the two threw down in 2024 having the Terriers capture the victory in straight sets.
SERIES HISTORY VS TENNESSEE
Winthrop and Tennessee have dueled five times, as the Lady Vols hold the series record, 4-1. The first showdown between the two happened in the inaugural season of 1971, with the Eagles capturing their only win of the series, 2-0. Tennessee captured the most recent matchup in 2018, 3-0, where now Eagles head coach Heather Gearhart was a Tennessee assistant coach.
FOOT NOTES
- First time since 2019 that Winthrop is 2-0 to start the year, when now Athletic Director Chuck Rey was head coach
- The 2019 team went undefeated in conference play, winning the Big South Tournament
- The last time Winthrop got a non-conference result in the state of Tennessee was in 2018, during the last time Winthrop and Tennessee faced off in 2018, a five-set victory against North Florida
- Paige Bennett totaled a career-high 21 kills against Charlotte on Aug. 30, with a .528 hitting percentage
- Isabella Murray sits at 2,917 career assists, ranking seventh in program history
- Winthrop opens the year as ranked as preseason number one in the 2025 Big South preseason poll
- First time atop of the Big South poll since 2007
- 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)
- 81.5% of total kills remain rostered for 2025
- 81% of total digs are back for the 2025 season
- Eagles return 10 players from last year's roster, which includes
- Seven of the top eight Eagles in sets played are back in 2025
- Isabella Murray played all 91 sets for the Eagles last year
- Murray was tabbed as the 2024 Big South Setter of the Year
- Rachel McCollum appeared in all but one set (90) for the Eagles, named to 2024 Big South All-Tournament Team
- Avery Jolley reached just over the 1,000 attempts mark with 1,002
- 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)
- Giselle Little showcased elite efficiency in her freshman year,144 kills on just 397 swings (.374)
- Little was listed on the Honorable Mention All-Conference and was named to the Big South All-Freshman Team
- Sophia Matthews led the Eagles in digs in her as a freshman, 397
- Matthews earned Big South All-Freshman Team and was named on the Big South All-Tournament Team
- Alyah Cadavid is fourth amongst returners in digs with 147
- Maeve Rehmann and Paige Bennett round out the standout returners on the offensive side with 116 and 112, respectfully
- The Eagles have made the Big South postseason tournament for the last seven years
- 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)
- This is the 54th season of Eagle Volleyball, with these three matches being the 1832nd, 1833rd and 1834th matches
- Heather Gearhart enters her fourth season, one as an interim head coach and the last three as head coach
- Gearhart sits at 48 wins, two away from 50 career victories
- Winthrop holds an 1091-740 record all-time (.596)
2025 HONORS
- Avery Jolley
- Big South Preseason Player of the Year
- Preseason All-Conference
- Winthrop Invitational All-Tournament Team
- Isabella Murray
- Big South Preseason Setter of the Year
- Preseason All-Conference
- Sophia Matthews
- Big South Preseason Co-Libero of the Year
- Preseason All-Conference
- Giselle Little
- Paige Bennett
- Winthrop Invitational All-Tournament Team
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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