Marquette Women’s Volleyball Poised for Strong Season with All-Conference Honorees
Table of Contents
MILWAUKEE – Senior Hattie Bray and junior Natalie Ring have been recognized as Preseason All-BIG EAST selections, signaling a promising start to the Marquette University women’s volleyball season. The Golden Eagles are predicted to finish second in the league, according to the annual preseason coaches’ survey released today.
2024 Season Recap & 2025 Outlook
Marquette concluded the 2024 season with a 25-9 overall record, achieving a second-place finish in the BIG EAST Conference and advancing to the NCAA tournament’s regional semi-final. The team secured 85 points in the preseason poll,trailing only Creighton with 100 points. This strong performance underscores the program’s consistent competitiveness and sets high expectations for the upcoming year.
Bray and Ring: Key Players to Watch
Hattie Bray, a dominant force at middle blocker, has consistently earned All-BIG EAST recognition throughout her collegiate career, receiving unanimous selections in both 2024 and 2025. She is a two-time AVCA All-Region honoree and led the conference in hitting percentage during conference play last season with a .431 average. Bray also led the Golden Eagles defensively with 96 blocks.
Natalie Ring, an outside hitter, showcased her all-around skills in 2024, recording a .290 hitting percentage with 2.62 kills per set. she also contributed 24 blocks and 57 digs.Ring’s academic achievements were also recognized with a spot on the BIG EAST All-Academic Team, demonstrating her commitment to excellence both on and off the court.
did You Know? Marquette University was founded in 1881 and has a long tradition of academic and athletic excellence. [[2]]
New Leadership at the Helm
The 2025 season marks the debut for head coach Tom mendoza, who will lead the Golden Eagles as they strive for a conference championship. Mendoza inherits a talented roster and a program with a proven track record of success.
Upcoming schedule
Marquette will kick off its season on Saturday, August 30, against Hawai’i in the Rainbow Wahine Volleyball Classic in Honolulu, with the first serve scheduled for midnight Central Time.
BIG EAST Preseason Poll
| Rank | Team | Points (First-Place Votes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Creighton | 100 (10) |
| 2 | Marquette | 85 (1) |
| 3 | UConn | 80 |
| 4 | St.John’s | 79 |
| 5 | Villanova | 63 |
| 6 | DePaul | 53 |
| 7 | Xavier | 47 |
| 8 | Seton Hall | 31 |
| 9 | Butler | 29 |
| 10 | Georgetown | 27 |
| 11 | Providence | 11 |
Pro Tip: Staying updated on Marquette Athletics is easy! Follow them on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram for the latest news and scores.
Preseason All-BIG EAST Team
in addition to Bray and Ring, the Preseason All-BIG EAST Team includes McKenna Brand, Doga Kutlu, Emma Werkmeister (UConn); Jaya Johnson, Ava Martin, Kiara Reinhardt (Creighton); Erin Jones, Lucrezia Lodi, Rashanny Solano-Smith (St. John’s); Abby Harrell, Campbell McKinnon (Villanova); and margo Kemp (Xavier). Ava Martin of creighton was named Preseason BIG EAST Player of the Year.
What are your predictions for the Marquette women’s volleyball team this season? Do you think they can surpass Creighton and claim the BIG EAST title?
Women’s college volleyball continues to experience critically important growth in popularity,driven by increased media coverage and the athleticism of the players. The BIG EAST Conference, while not traditionally a powerhouse, is becoming increasingly competitive, with programs like Marquette and Creighton consistently challenging for national recognition. The emphasis on both athletic and academic achievement, as exemplified by Natalie Ring’s all-Academic Team selection, is a hallmark of the modern collegiate athlete.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marquette Women’s Volleyball
- What is Marquette’s record in women’s volleyball? Marquette finished the 2024 season with a 25-9 overall record.
- Who is the head coach of Marquette women’s volleyball? Tom Mendoza is the current head coach.
- Where does Marquette play its home volleyball matches? Marquette plays its home matches at the Al McGuire Center.
- What conference does Marquette women’s volleyball compete in? The Golden Eagles compete in the BIG EAST Conference.
- Who are the key players to watch on the Marquette volleyball team? Hattie Bray and Natalie Ring are considered key players for the upcoming season.
We hope you enjoyed this preview of the Marquette women’s volleyball season! Share this article with your friends and family,and be sure to follow the Golden Eagles as they compete for a championship.Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more in-depth coverage of college sports.
