NASHVILLE - The Gulf South Conference released the 2025 GSC Preseason Volleyball Coaches Poll, All-Conference Team, and 2025 GSC Newcomer Watch list.

The fifty-first edition of Trojan volleyball is picked to finish in a tie for sixth this season by the league coaches. Skias Hainline, a senior setter, made the 2025 GSC Volleyball Preseason team. Kaitlyn Grant made the 2025 GSC Newcomers list.

Below you'll find the full 2025 GSC Preseason Poll, full 2025 GSC Preseason Team, a preview of Trevecca Volleyballl Team 51, recap of Team 50, and a closer look at all of the eight Trevecca Newcomers.

The 2025 GSC Preseason Poll and Preseason Team are determined via an online ballot by the GSC's 11 head volleyball coaches, who were not able to vote for their own team or student-athletes. 

2025 GULF SOUTH PRESEASON POLL

LOOKING BACK AT THE 2024 TROJANS

Trevecca's first season in the GSC brought several highlights and firsts. Six of those milestones came against longtime NAIA and TranSouth rival Union University.

The 2024 Bulldogs served as Trevecca's first Gulf South opponent, first victory, first road win, first series sweep, first postseason opponent, and first postseason win. 

Trevecca started their first Gulf South schedule 4-1 and battled near the top of the standings the rest of the season, finishing sixth in the final standings by winning five of seven matches late in the regular season, including 3-0 sweeps in the final three wins. Their season efforts earned the team a home Gulf South first round match at Trojan Fieldhouse.  

Several other team and personal accomplishments are detailed in the FULL 2024 SEASON REVIEW.

A PEAK AT THE 2025 TROJANS | Trevecca Volleyball Team 51

The 2025 Trojans have eight newcomers - Scroll down to get more details on each of them – and eight returning players. The returners include preseason all-conference setter Skias Hainline and record-breaking middle Reese Payne.

Hainline made second team all-conference on the strength of a 1,000 assist season. Payne is already No. 4 on the Trevecca NCAA era assist list.

Payne printed her name in the Trevecca record book and earned a GSC Defender of the Week honors during the 2024 season. Payne set the Trevecca NCAA era record for blocks in a season, solo blocks in a game, total blocks in a game, and blocks per game average. 

Trevecca Team 51 begins the celebration of 50 years of Trevecca volleyball with the 2025 Thrasher Classic (Thrasher Home) September 5-6 at Trojan Fieldhouse. Their first match is against Henderson State at 2:30 PM on Friday, September 5.

They open their second GSC slate at home on Tuesday, September 23 when Union University visits at 6 PM. They finish the regular season with three home matches, including a 2025 Trevecca Homecoming battle with Auburn Montgomery on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Noon.  

2025 GSC VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

West Florida is the preseason favorite to win the 2025 GSC Championships. The Argonauts, the defending GSC regular season and tournament champions, are the GSC preseason favorites for the 14th time since 2010. They picked up 100 points and 10 first-place votes. UAH is picked second and received the only other first place vote and came in with 91 total points. Lee (71) is third while Mississippi College and Valdosta State are tied for fourth (66). Trevecca and Montevallo are tied for sixth (53).

2025 PRESEASON ALL-GULF SOUTH TEAM

Organized alphabetically by school

2025 TREVECCA NEWCOMERS

The Trevecca volleyball program is excited to announce the addition of eight talented players to its 2025 roster.

One of those eight, Kaitlyn Grant, is recognized on the 2025 Gulf South Newcomers Watch List.

The incoming class of eight includes five freshmen and three junior transfers who bring a wealth of experience, skill, and leadership to the Trojans as they prepare for another competitive year in the Gulf South Conference.

Head Coach Emily Moore, who begins her seventh season as head coach, shared her enthusiasm for the new additions, "This is one of the largest and most complete classes we've brought in during my time at Trevecca. We've added depth at every position and brought in athletes with strong competitive résumés from NCAA Division I, Division II, and junior college backgrounds as well as high school standouts. But what sets this group apart is their character. They're serious about their development, eager to contribute, and aligned with our mission as a program. I can't wait to get in the gym with them."

The newcomers join a returning core as the Trojans aim to build on their success in 2024, making the Gulf South Championships in their first season in the new league.   

Here's a closer look at the eight newcomers.

FRESHMEN NEWCOMERS

Megan Ellis | College Grove, TN | 5-7 | Setter
HS: Page High School

Club: Tennessee Performance Volleyball

A leader on and off the court at Page High School, Ellis captained her team and earned All-Tournament honors. She brings strong competitive experience from Tennessee Performance Volleyball, including a U18 AAU National Championship.

Quote from Moore, "Megan is a technically sound setter with a strong competitive spirit. She's eager to master our offensive system and contribute to making our attack more dynamic and complete. Her athleticism and physicality at the net will be valuable assets for our team."

Charlee Young | Yorkville, IL | 5-9 | Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
HS: Yorkville High School

Club: Chi City Volleyball

Young led her high school team in kills as a senior and earned All-Area and All-Conference honors. She has extensive club experience with Chi City Volleyball, competing in USAV Nationals in 2025.

Quote from Moore, "Charlee's consistent production and versatility as both an outside hitter and defensive specialist make her a valuable asset. She brings great energy and enthusiasm, ready to contribute in every aspect of the game."

Emma Schnitzer | Chattanooga, TN | 5-8 | Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
HS: Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences

Club: A5 Chattanooga

Schnitzer captained her high school team for three seasons and earned multiple All-State and MVP honors. She helped lead her teams to consecutive regional championships and state tournament appearances.

Quote from Moore, "Emma combines high volleyball IQ with impressive athleticism, playing bigger than her size. She's shown great resilience overcoming injury and adversity, and she's more than ready to compete and make an impact at the collegiate level."

Sydney Blackmore | Holstein, IA | 5-9 | Middle Blocker/Right Side Hitter
HS: Ridge View High School

Club: Iowa PowerPlex

Blackmore is a high-achieving multi-sport athlete with impressive volleyball stats including 875 kills and 300 blocks finishing second all-time in school history for kills. She has earned multiple All-Conference and All-Area honors and competed in national club tournaments.

Quote from Moore, "Sydney is a well-rounded athlete with strong offensive and defensive skills. Her multi-sport background and competitive nature will help bring depth and physicality to our offense."

Jordan Hunt | North Augusta, SC | 6-0 | Middle Blocker
HS: North Augusta High School

Club: Carolina Rogue

A two-time team captain at North Augusta High School, Hunt set a school record for kills by a middle blocker and earned All-State and Region Player of the Year honors. She brings valuable club experience from Carolina Rouge.

Quote from Moore, "Jordan's powerful presence at the net and impressive record-breaking performances make her a formidable middle blocker. Her infectious personality will positively influence our team dynamics."

TRANSFER NEWCOMERS

Katilyn Grant | Alabaster, AL | 5-10 | Middle Blocker
Previous School: Mars Hill University

HS: Thompson High School

Transferring from Mars Hill University, Grant has been recognized as SAC Freshman of the Year and All-SAC Preseason First Team. She is a proven performer with strong offensive and defensive skills in the Middle Blocker position.

Quote from Moore, "Katilyn has proven herself at the collegiate level with solid production and awards. She brings experience, skill, and a competitive mindset that will help us immediately on both sides of the net."

Anna Lott | Memphis, TN | 5-10 | Right Side
Previous School: Northwest MS CC

HS: Bartlett High School

Lott joined the Trojan squad for the 2025 spring season. She brings two seasons of junior college experience, where she helped lead Northwest Mississippi CC to a conference championship. She earned multiple all-tournament honors.

Quote from Moore, "Anna combines academic excellence with athletic achievement. Her junior college experience and strong work ethic will make her a dependable and mature leader on and off the court."

Ellie Marbet | Spring Hill, TN | 5-10 | Outside Hitter/Right Side
Previous School: University of Southern Indiana

High School: Spring Hill High School

Marbet, another transfer who joined the Trojans for the 2025 spring season, comes to the Hill with two seasons of NCAA Division I experience. Prior to her time at USI, Ellie was an All-District MVP and Offensive Player of the Year at Spring Hill HS.

Quote from Moore, "Ellie brings valuable experience from the Division I level and a strong drive to grow and contribute. She's fiercely competitive, coachable, and team-oriented—willing to do whatever it takes to help us succeed. Her energy and personality bring a lightness to the gym that makes everyone better."

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