Post by vbshrink on Dec 18, 2022 15:32:38 GMT -5
Welcome to the early-bird SEC Thread for 2023, in which I’m going to try to predict what each team in the conference is going to look like next year. It’s really going to be quite a challenge to get things going early this year because the portal is in full, unprecedented swing, and there is one program as of now in the throes of a coaching search (Ole Miss and TAMU have hired, Mizzou has not, as of press time). Update: Didn't even make it a day without an update. Mizzou has hired Dawn Sullivan away from UNLV (and, evidently, Kansas State).
So like last year, this is going to be a frequently updated thread as news about coaches, player moves, and COVID years get announced.
For folks who haven’t visited this thread before, each team gets a quick 2022 summary, followed by a look at departing players (via graduation or transfer), presumed returners, and newcomers (main source – press releases and Rich Kern’s irreplaceable site). That’s followed by a brief 2023 outlook (which is nothing but opinion).
As always, angry objections, pointing out errors, and highlighting updates that I have missed are all welcome.
Alabama
2022 Recap: Rashinda Reed’s first year at the Capstone wasn’t great, but it wasn’t as bad as some folks might have predicted. The Tide put together some strong performances but couldn’t do so consistently. They seemed to respond well to the insertion of Janek at S, though injuries and a bit of inexperience kept the Rootin’ Tootin’ Reeds from ever really settling in with a steady lineup. Wins over Texas State, TAMU, SC, and especially Tennessee on the season’s last weekend were relative bright spots in a predictably gloomy 10-20, 4-14 first season with a new coach/staff.
Departures: The Tide recognized six folks on Senior Day: Drapp, Janek, Kuck, Marjama, Shook, and Wells. Of those, I believe only Marjama is “done done” and fully out of eligibility. Neither Kuck or Shook got much playing time, though, so they may be ready to move on. The remaining players have decisions to make. Wells’s return would really make an impact. 6’2” MB Laila Smith, a rising junior, is reported to be in the portal.
Key Returners: Barring transfer, the Tide return a number of players who got considerable playing time. On the pins, 6’3 Kendyl Reaugh returns for her senior season, 6’ OPP Maddy McCormick will be a junior, as will 6’ OH Sami Jacobs. 6’1” OH Micah Gryniewicz will be back for her sophomore campaign after an injury cut her season short this year. 6’3” rising senior Chaise Campbell is the only “for sure” returning MB on the roster. 5’11” Brooke Slusser is set to return at S for her junior season. As for floor defense, Bama returns Sydney Gholson (Jr), Victoria Schmer (Sr), and Malia Moore (Jr). UPDATE Word out of Tuscaloosa is that MB Aliyah Wells has decided to return for the 2023 season, giving the Tide a very talented, experienced weapon in the middle! Good news for Tide fans!
Newcomers: The Tide are expecting one of the largest (6) recruiting classes in the conference for 2023. It includes help at just about every position: L Allison Berent; 6’4” pin Kyla Dunaway; L Lily Hopkins; 5’10” S Callie Kieffer; 6’3” pin Kaliegh Palmer, and 6’6” MB Jordyn Towns. As of the Aug 2022 update, none of these athletes were listed in the PrepVolleyball Top 150.
2023 Outlook: Hot take: a lot of the Tide’s fortunes will rest on which players with remaining eligibility return. If Wells and Janek, in particular, return, there are some things to build on here. Reaugh has a live arm, and Jacobs and Gryniewicz looked good at various times. All three need to be more consistent. I have some concerns about ball control and setting, especially if Janek moves on. It will take some time, I think, for this program to rebound from the Devine era, but if they can capitalize on some portal additions, it could be a lot quicker turnaround. As things stand, I’m seeing another bottom quarter of the conference season ahead for Bama.
January Portal news: The Tide added L Francesca Bertucci from Northern Illinois, who was the 2022 MAC DPOY with almost 6 dps.
Arkansas
2022 Recap: Well, the monkey is off the Hogs’ and Coach Watson’s back. Or should that be monkeys? Arkansas finally escaped “Last 4 out” purgatory and made the dance, even winning their first round match easily and playing 3 (out of 4) reasonably strong sets against homestanding Oregon. Arkansas decided to schedule much tougher, and it worked, posting wins over Washington, GA Tech, CO State, and Colorado. They still have some work to do in terms of closing out wins against conference powerhouses UF and KY (again, dropping 5-setters to each this year), but they played consistently solid and occasionally inspired volleyball all season. The SEC schedule was brutal, but despite that they finished a game better (11-7) than last year, in fourth, for their third consecutive over .500 conference record. The program has a bit more confidence under their belt that they hope translates into continued success.
Departures: The Hogs bid adieu to S Gracie Ryan, OPP Hailey Dirrigl, and MB Tatum Shipes, all of whom were using their COVID years for 2022. At this point, no other departures are expected, but of course that could change. The other seniors on the roster (Gillen and Cartwright) were not recognized on Senior Day. Update: MB Abbi Archibong is also out of eligibility, so that is another starter gone.
Key Returners: The Hogs will return 3 of their 4 starting pin hitters, including 5’7” COVID Sr Jill Gillen, 5’10” Sr Taylor Head (a newly minted HM All-American), and 6’ OPP Maggie Cartwright (COVID Sr). In addition, 5’10” OH Avery Calame (Soph) is back, and 5’7” OH Jada Lawson (Jr) will be returning from injury. In the middle,6’1” Abigail Archibong apparently has YET ANOTHER year of eligibility, 6’4” Zoi Evans (RS-Soph vs Jr?) and 6’2” Skylar Ellison (Soph) return. 5’8” Hannah Hogue (JR) returns at S. Defensively, the Hogs will return L Courtney Jackson (Jr) along with RS-Fr Kylie Weeks and Sr Hailey Schneider.
Newcomers: The Hogs have a 5 person signing class coming in, headlined by PV #70 S Logan Jones (5’9”). Although she is the only incoming player in the PV 150, the staff are very high on both 6’1” OH Aniya Madkin (an Arkansas OH that is over 6’? Is that even legal?) and 6’2” OPP Olivia Ruy. DS Ava Roth and OH/DS Lily Dudley round out the class.
2023 Outlook: You have to like the returning production of Head, Gillen, and Cartwright. And the ball control of Jackson, Head, and Gillen shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The ability to replace Shipes’s blocking production will be critically important, whether that happens with Evans or a transfer. The Hogs are certainly looking to repeat their 2022 success and end up in the tournament and in the top 3-4 of the conference.
January Portal news: The Hogs added 6'1" MB Sania Petties from Mississippi State, adding a quality player in a position of need.
Auburn
2022 Recap: The team that came out of nowhere! With a limited roster that didn’t include the top producer from last year, the Tigers used a powder-puff soft non-conference schedule to build confidence and momentum. Then a pretty soft SEC schedule let them carry that momentum to a top 6 conference finish to become the feel-good team of the year. If you had Auburn making the second round of the NCAAT with a roster full of freshmen hitters and a transfer MB that few had ever heard of … what are you doing here on VT? You should be the star of the Psychic Friends Network or making serious bank in the stock market. Great season for the young Tigers!
Departures: None as of now.
Key Returners: Everyone is expected back, barring transfer. There were no seniors on the roster this year: OHs Akasha Anderson and Madison Scheer, OPP Bel Zimmerman, L Sarah Morton, S Jackie Barrett, and MBs Chelsey Harmon and Kendal Kemp – the starting seven – all return, as do defensive subs Fallon Lanham and Zoe Slaughter.
Newcomers: The only signee reported for Auburn is 6’2” OH Lakin Laurendine (PV #46). There may be some roster room to explore the portal, if the staff are interested.
2023 Outlook: Is Auburn rising like a rocket, or are they headed to be 2023’s version of Mississippi State (an out-of-nowhere success story followed by a thud of reality)? They are so young that either scenario seems quite possible to me. Either way, they should be a very interesting team to watch, and not a team to overlook for next year. I see them finishing anywhere from a low of the middle of the pack (where they ended up this year) to a ceiling of the top quarter of the SEC, unless they get some portal upgrades.
January Portal news: Auburn has been one of the more active SEC squads in the early portal, adding 2 MBs and a setter: 6'3" Bella Bell from Kentucky, 6'4" Kyla Swanson from Illinois, and 5'11' Payton Dunn from Oklahoma.
Florida
2022 Recap: Another year, another Sweet 16 for the Gators. (I left that sentence in from last year’s SEC post.) Despite an impressive 25-6 record, it seemed to me the 2022 Gators were not as dominant as in previous years. Nothing ever seemed to click consistently – at times the Gators looked great, and others just good. Some nights the OH’s were untouchable, others they struggled. Sometimes the floor defense was great; other nights it looked average. The Gators were pretty good at everything, but they didn’t seem to be really great at anything. Played to their seed in the tournament, losing to Final 4 participant Pitt. Not an objectively bad season, but I think most UF fans expect more.
Departures: On Senior Night this year, the Gators recognized two OH’s, Markova (who technically has another year of eligibility) and Robinson (who does not). Since then, leaks have suggested that 6’2” S Birdie Hendrickson (Sr), 6’2” OH Carly Hendrickson (Soph), and 6’3” OPP Merritt Beason (Jr) have entered the transfer portal.
Key Returners: UF will return only have one pin hitter with a lot of experience, 6’1” Sofia Victoria. AC Fitzpatrick will also be back, though she saw limited action this season (just 26 sets). The Gators seem to be in dire need of some pin arms. In the middle, though, there’s more depth, with 6’4” Bre Kelley (Jr), 6’3” Gabi Essix (Jr), 6’4” Nnedi Okammor (Sr), and 6’3” Amaya Thomas all back. Things are a little thinner on the pins, as only 6’1” Sofia Victoria (Jr) returns. Soph SEC FOY 6’2” Alexis Stucky is the only setter on the roster, as well. Defensively, there is a lot of depth, with Emerson Hoyle, Emily Canaan, Trinity Adams, and Emily McKissock all returning.
Newcomers: Florida has signed a 3-person class for 2023 that includes 6’4” OH Madison Gravlee (PV #96), 6’2”OH/OPP Kira Hutson (PV #11), and 6’6” OPP Kennedy Martin (PV #29).
2023 Outlook: Beason’s entry into the portal has tongues wagging – what is wrong in Gainesville? Maybe nothing, but for the second consecutive year the Gators are likely to be looking at the portal for some pins. Setting is in good shape with Stucky, but there is clearly a need for an insurance policy for her that will have to be addressed in the portal. The middle position seems solid. A lot will depend on whether anyone from the highly ranked recruiting class can come in and be ready to contribute, or what they land in the portal. It’s hard to say at this point that the Gators are the conference favorites heading into 2023. That could change quickly, though.
January Portal news: The Gators added 6'3" Mizzou OH transfer Anna Dixon and 5'11" Kennedy Muff from DII Flagler, a setting insurance policy for Stuckey.
Georgia
2022 Recap: Really nice season for the Dawgs after a couple of disappointing campaigns, resulting in SEC COY recognition for Smilin’ Tom Black. A healthy Kacie Evans on the outside and an effective Sophie Fischer in the middle was a winning combination. The Dawgs’ schedule wasn’t super tough, but they had a nice win over Santa Clara in the pre-season and an epic sweep of the Gators in Gainesville to cruise into a 3rd place SEC finish and the NCAA tournament, where they exited in the 2nd round to Texas after taking out Towson. Definitely a season to build on in Athens.
Departures: The Bulldogs recognized OH Amber Stivrins, MB Sage (Naves) Powell, S Alexa Fortin, and OPP Meghan Froemming on Senior Day. All are expected to be done in Athens, though I think only Powell is completely out of eligibility. Also, rising Jr OH Abby Maesch has announced her transfer to Butler.
Key Returners: OH Kacie Evans, MB Sophie Fischer, and S Clara Brower are key names here, but also back are 6’2” RS-Jr MB Mackenzie Norris, 6’2” RS-Soph MB Kaitlin Fournier, 6’2” Soph OPP Tori Harper and DS/L’s Bailey Cox and Mallory Downing. Two little-used rising sophomores will also return: 5’9” L/OH Ana Julia Bleeker, and 6’ OH Estelle Haugen.
Newcomers: UGA announced a 3-person signing class in November that included 6’3” OPP Ally Cavanaugh, DS/L Makena Kim, and 5’10” S Kaiya Tyson (from Canada).
2023 Outlook: Steady as she goes in Stegeman? There may be some roster room for a transfer, and some experienced help for Evans at OH would certainly be a strong addition for the Dawgs. I’m curious to see how UGA schedules next year; I would hope that their non-con gets a little tougher, and they are probably due for a little bit sturdier SEC slate, as well. Another top 3-4 finish in the conference seems well within the Bulldogs’ reach.
January Portal news: No news yet from the Dawgs, but they are reportedly being considered by several pin transfers, including one from a conference rival. An announcement could be coming soon.
Kentucky
2022 Recap: Is it fair to call a season where you tied for the conference title (losing the automatic bid on the tiebreaker) a disappointment? That’s kind what the Wildcats felt like this year. There were superlative moments: games where you thought that Reagan Rutherford was an unstoppable force. But there were too many others where the offense seemed to just be missing that upper gear. Grome and Tealer did their things. Rollins was more than serviceable at OH, but off-season injuries seemed to hamper Lamb’s development on the outside. Neither she nor Melby really ever seemed to grab the other OH spot and claim it. They did play to seed in the NCAAT this year, losing in the Sweet 16 to Final 4-bound San Diego (no shame there), which is an improvement over last year’s surprising 2nd round exit.
Departures: The Wildcats recognized MB Bella Bell, DS Maddie Berezowitz, OH Kelly Franxman, OH Adana Rollins, and MB Azhani Tealer on Senior Day, but Tealer has already announced she's coming back. Rollins is out of eligibility, as is Franxman, but Bell and Berezowitz could, in theory, play somewhere next season. Bell really turned into a capable MB, and losing her, Rollins, and Berezowitz is notable.
Key Returners: The Wildcats return LOTS of experience, with 5’10” MB Azhani Tealer (RS-Sr), 6’3” OH Erin Lamb (Jr), 6’ OPP Reagan Rutherford (Sr); 6’4” MB Elise Goetzinger (Sr), 6’2” OH Haley Melby (Soph), L Eleanor Beavin (Jr), DS’s Riah Walker (Sr) & Audrey Whitworth (Soph), and and 5’9” S Emma Grome (Jr) all due back. RS-Soph MB Jordyn Williams and reserve S Lane Jenkins also return.
Newcomers: BBN is welcoming a 5-person signing class to Lexington next year that includes some players with big expectations. They include 6’3” MB Brooke Bultema (PV #34), 6’2’ OH/MB Jordyn Dailey (PV #23), 6’2” OH Brooklyn DeLeye (PV #30), 5’10” S Ava Sarafa (PV #31), and DS Molly Tuozzo. Four freshmen in the PV top 35 likely marks the Wildcats as bringing in the conference’s best signinig class.
2023 Outlook: What’s happening on the OH? Do the highly rated freshmen come in an compete from day 1? Will the Cats strike gold in the portal? Do Lamb and Melby take big steps forward? Does Bultema come in and pass Williams, who (thanks to injury) has yet to live up to her heralded status as a stud recruit. With Tealer, Grome, Beavin, and Rutherford, Kentucky can’t be overlooked as a conference power, but for the first time in a while there seem to be some question marks in the Cats’ lineup.
January Portal news: BBN has added 6'3" OH/OPP Megan Wilson from Oklahoma, bolstering the offensive firepower on the team after Rollins's departure.
LSU
2022 Recap: Coach Johnson’s first season managed to achieve something that her predecessor could not manage in the previous four – making the NCAA tournament, despite losing a heap of talent. The preseason schedule didn’t start out too rosy, with losses to Houston and Rice at home, and losses to Penn St and Marquette. The biggest non-con W was a sweep of Iowa State, but the Tigers started out SEC play hot, beating both Arkansas and Kentucky in Baton Rouge. It was pretty mixed after that, but those wins were enough to earn a bid with a soft bubble, and the Jousting Johnsons earned an impressive first round win over Hawai’i before bowing out to Stanford.
Departures: The Tigers will say goodbye to MB Allee Morris, three grad transfers (S Josie Vondran, RS Hannah Jacobs, & OH Emily Gauthreaux), and DS Jill Bohnet. Vondran, Jacobs, and Gauthreaux are out of eligibility. Morris has announced she won’t be back, but I believe Bohnet has another year somewhere, if she wants it.
Key Returners: Although 6’1” OH Samarrah Hill graduated, she will be pursuing a graduate degree and playing next season. Anita Anwusi (6’3” MB) and Sanaa Dotson (6’ OH) will also be playing a 5th year. Other experienced returners include 5’8” OH Paige Flickinger (Sr), 6’1” Ellie Echter (Jr), L Ella Larkin (Jr), 5’10” S Maddie Waak (Soph), 6’1” and MB Alia Williams (Sr). On defense, DS Madison Martin (Jr), DS/OH Bri Anderson (Soph), and DS Bri Zamora (Soph) are also coming back. It looks like highly touted 6’3” MB Alexis Roberson red-shirted.
Newcomers: The Bayou Bengals are bringing in what appears to be the SEC’s biggest class with 6 prep players (per Rich Kern). They include 6’ OH Jurnee Robinson (PV #41), 6’3” MB Mackenzie Boyer, 6’1” OH Anna Claire Froelich, DS/L Ella Hemmings, 6’2” MB Angelina Lee, and 5’10” S Mika Rome. They announced 4 signees in November (Robinson, Froelich, Lee and Rome).
2023 Outlook: The Tigers return a lot of their key players, including the rotating stable of pins (Hill, Dotson, and Flickinger). Dotson seemed to have a bit of a breakout season, though Flickinger and Hill were a bit up and down. Both MBs are back, and Waak may get handed the keys to the offense next year unless the freshman international player can challenge her. With all the returning experience, the Tigers have a real chance to move up the conference standings and improve on their .500 SEC record.
January Portal news: The Bayou Bengals added one of the splashier transfers in the SEC so far, 6'2" OH/OPP Jade Demps from Wisconsin.
Mississippi State
2022 Recap: If the Starkville Bulldogs were the 2021 “feel-good” story, then they were the 2022 “WTF” story. With almost everyone back from their 2nd place SEC finish, expectations were sky high. Things did not go as planned. A tougher-than-usual non-con schedule had some bright spots (the road sweep of Notre Dame comes to mind), but also some warning signs (squeaking out a 3-2 over Oklahoma in Nashville). But alarm bells had to be going off when MSU lost a 5-setter to Bowling Green and then got handled by Michigan to close out the pre-conference season. The SEC slate didn’t get significantly better, with losses to Auburn, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and LSU snuffing out the Bulldogs’ post-season chances. To make matters worse, just after the season, there was reportedly an exodus of transfers out of Starkville (see below). Cinderella’s clock seems to have struck midnight in 2022.
Departures: I guess we’ll start with the folks who were expected to leave. Gabby Waden and Deja Robinson completed their storied careers in Starkville, and they will be missed enormously. Grad transfer DS Lacey Jeffcoat, MB Burgundy Walters, S Gabby Coulter, and S/DS Katie Culumovic are also gone. Culumovic has already announced her transfer to Clemson for her COVID year. That’s a lot to lose on its own, but reports have OH Shania Cromartie, L Lilly Gunter, MB Sania Petties, and OPP Francesca McBride all hitting the portal. That’s every member of the starting MSU lineup gone, save one. Things can change, the the portal taketh AND giveth, but … will the last one leaving please turn out the lights?
Key Returners: The only returning regular starter is 6’ Lauren Myrick (Grad). She will be joined by sometime starters 6’2” MB Rebecca Walk (Sr) and 5’10” S Emily Oerther (Grad). Others with some experience coming back are 6’2” OH Sophie Agee (Soph), 6’ OH Avery Fitzgerald (Jr), and DS Georgia McCarter (Soph).
Newcomers: The Bulldogs announced a three-person signing class in November that includes 6’2” S Erin Kline (PV #89), L Mary Neal (PV #133), and 6’2” MB Arissa Smith (PV #91). Rich Kern’s site also lists 6’ OH Ashley Sturziou, who was not mentioned in the November MSU release. I would expect a fair amount of portal activity to balance the departures.
2023 Outlook: While the 2022 season wasn’t a full “penthouse to outhouse” situation for the ‘Dogs (they finished just below the middle of the conference), the post-season player exodus is pretty concerning. Now, people may decide to return, and the team could land some studs in the portal, but as of now, things look grim in Starkville, and they could quite easily slide down the conference table unless something changes.
January Portal news: The Bulldogs have several roster spots to fill, and they got a start by adding 6'1" OH Karli Schmidt from Kansas and 6'1" OPP Amina Schackelford from Butler. I am expecting more activity from them going forward.
Mizzou
2022 Recap: Speaking of grim … Coming off a 5-26 season in 2021, there were hopes that the CoMo Tigers’s young talent would propel them back to relevance in 2022. While a 9-19 season is an improvement overall, identical 2-16 conference records in back-to-back seasons cost the staff their jobs. As of this writing, the replacement has not been named (the only remaining opening in the conference). This team is just 3 years removed from back-to-back-to-back 13-5 SEC records and contention for conference titles. Now, the next staff faces a huge rebuild, not just of the program, but also the roster. Update: Okay, Coach Sullivan - this means you!
Departures: The coaching staff. In addition, Anna Dixon, Leandra Mangual-Duran, and Brynn Carlson were recognized on Senior Day. Of those, only Carlson is fully out of eligibility. However, reports have several Tigers hitting the portal: Dixon, OH Kaylee Cox, S Riley Buckley, and MB Trista Strasser. Others are rumored to be considering the portal but may be waiting to see who gets hired. That’s almost the entire starting lineup leaving.
Key Returners: As of now, the returners appear to include 6’2” OPP Jordan Iliff (Jr), 5’9” S Addison Lyon (Jr), 6’2” OH Janet deMarrais (Soph), 6’ MB Morgan Isenberg (Jr), 6’2” MB Madilyn Sell (Soph), 5’8” OH/DS Jasmine Dulan (Soph), and defenders Lauren Forbes (Jr), Estella Zatechka (Soph), and Skylar Buckley (RS-Jr), who has already transferred once.
Newcomers: Are there any? Rich Kern does not have any commits for 2023 listed for the Tigers, and I could not find a release announcing any signings on the Tiger website. If there really are zero commits/signees … yikes. Update #1 of what could be many Dawn Sullivan from UNLV is the new coach. Does she bring anyone (Isabel Martin? Jordyn Freeman?) with her?
2023 Outlook: In a word: Oof.Whoever the new coach may be, there are Coach Sullivan has a lot of problems to solve in CoMo, not the least of which is how to complete the roster. Iliff and deMarrais are talented, and Lyon was very capable during her freshman season, but the other remaining players are lesser-known quantities, and there appears to be very little depth at all. The Tigers are looking a third straight season in the SEC basement dead in the eye.
January Portal news: Coach Sullivan has announced that UNLV L Maya Sands is following her to CoMo. This is another program I would expect to be more active over the spring.
Ole Miss
2022 Recap: The drama that was bubbling under the surface last year, and seemingly got muted by the surprise NCAA tournament bid, came back in full force this year, leading to Coach Banwarth’s mid-season “parting of ways.” Ole Miss put the interim tag on Asst Coach Bre Henry, and then made it permanent at the end of the season. In terms of the action on the court, the Rebels had a very tough schedule to open the season, and I’m not sure that the 0-4 results helped the team’s psyche. Later losses to Wake Forest and South Alabama were clearly harbingers of a poor season, and the team ended up below .500 both overall and in conference.
Departures: The Head Coach. Beyond that, it's kind of murky. On Senior Day, Anna Bair, Maggie Miller, and Riley Fischer were all acknowledged. Fischer is out of eligibility, but Bair and Miller have COVID years to use, if they want. There are reportedly multiple players either in the portal (e.g., 6’ OPP Sam Schnitta) or considering the portal, though. Not surprising when there is a coaching change.
Key Returners: Given the portal uncertainty this may change, but the Rebels could see the return of starting MBs 6’2” Sasha Ratliff (Sr) and 6’3” Payton Brgoch (Sr),sometime starter 6’1” OPP/OH Katie Corelli (Jr) (Update: Corelli has transferred to Houston), alternating starting OHs 6’ Vivian Miller (Soph) and 6’2” Julia Dyess (Jr)., and both setters who saw action last year, 5’9” Sommer Daniel (Sr) and All-Freshman team 5’10” Aly Borellis (Soph). Starting L Cammy Niesen (Soph) is also expected back. Defensively, experienced DSs Bailee Middleton (Jr) and Bria Samilton (Jr) will return, as well. And that doesn’t include either Bair or Miller, should they decide to stay in Oxford for their COVID year.
Newcomers: The coaching change has disrupted the Rebels’ recruiting class, which has seen some decommits. The only newcomer currently listed on Rich Kern is L Jonna Spohn. If there aren’t many portal departures, though, the Rebels roster has decent numbers and some talent, and they may be able to find a missing piece or two in the portal.
2023 Outlook: The Rebels seem to have the MB positions tied down pretty well, if both Ratliff and Brgoch return. And between Borellis and Daniel, Ole Miss should be able to set the quick tempo sets that they seem to prefer (though … will Coach Henry keep that style?). Niesen was a solid libero. The pins are a bigger question mark. What will Bair do? Will either Miller, Dyess, or one of the younger arms on the bench be able to achieve some consistent effectiveness? Both Dyess and Miller had really bright spots last year, but they couldn’t seem to maintain the level. Barring some big roster additions, or some big leaps forward from current players, I like the Rebels for at least a middle of the pack finish in 2023.
January Portal news: I have not seen any news related to Ole Miss adding anyone through the portal. Since both their OPP players have moved on to Maryland and Houston, though, I'd expect some moves to be made in the coming months.
South Carolina
2022 Recap: Life without a Mikayla went about as well as could be expected in Columbia-East this season. The Gamecocks showed a lot of grit and some flashes of excellence (their home defeat of Florida comes to mind), which has become characteristic of Mendoza coached teams. The closest thing to a signature non-con win the Gamecocks found this year was a 3-2 win over Miami on the road, but losses to rival Clemson and Wake Forest made defeating the Hurricanes look like a blip. In conference, the Fightin’ Mendozas had some nice wins (Auburn, Mississippi State) but some bad losses, as well (Bama, TAMU), to end up mid-table. Despite All-SEC libero-ing from Jenna Hampton, the squad could not find enough consistent production from the pins to break through. They were, however, still the best team from a Columbia in the conference.
Departures: The Gamecock roster featured two graduate students (Hampton and half of the setting tandem, Dalaney Hans), four seniors (OH/OPP McKenzie Moorman, DS Camilla Covas, and OPPs Holly Eastridge and Gabby Brown), and one junior who graduated early (OH Jenna Schlageter, who has entered the portal). Hampton and Hans are out of eligibility, and Covas has already reportedly entered the portal. Not sure what Moorman, Eastridge, and Brown might decide with respect to their COVID years – Moorman was the only one of the three who got regular playing time (Brown and Eastridge played in 7 and 2 sets each, respectively).
Key Returners: Despite the relatively large number of departing players, a good bit of productivity is staying in Columbia. On the outside, 6’1” Lauren McCutcheon (Jr) and 5’11” Riley Whitesides (Sr) are both back. On the other side of the court, SC returns 6’1” Kiune Fletcher (Sr), who really seemed to be rounding into form at the end of the season, and 6’1” Alayna Johnson (Soph), who at times was SC’s most effective hitter last year. The middle will again be anchored by 6’3” Ellie Ruprich (Sr) and 6’3” Oby Anadi (Jr), who helped the team put up very respectable blocking numbers. At setter, 6’3” Claire Wilson (Jr) returns, and she’ll compete with 5’11” Kimmie Thompson. Defensively, with Hampton and Covas leaving, the Gamecocks may turn back to Morgan Carter (Soph), who played in the funny colored jersey her freshman year.
Newcomers: South Carolina has announced a modestly-sized (three) but rather large (physically) recruiting class for 2023. A pair of 6’5” MBs, Campbell Paris (PV #121) and Gabrielle Gerry, highlight the class, along with 5’7” L/S Liz McElveen.
2023 Outlook: Replacing the best libero in the conference is going to be tough, but just about all the other contributors will be back. The lack of clear progress from the OH positions this season is a bit of a concern, as both Whitesides and McCutcheon at times seemed to have trouble finding ways to score. Both of them are good players, though, and if they can catch a little bit of fire, the OPP players continue developing, and Ruprich and Onadi continue to provide a solid block, it bodes very well for the Gamecocks’ fortunes. The setting position is perhaps a bit of a question mark, and it will be interesting to see if Mendoza continues to utilize a 6-2 formation to take advantage of his depth on the pins. Whether the Gamecocks have enough firepower to improve on their bottom-third performance this season remains to be seen.
January Portal news: Another team that hasn't announced any incoming transfers, as yet (though Soph OH Emmy Rollins has left for Charleston Southern).
Tennessee
2022 Recap: Injuries were unkind to the Lady Vols this season, as both Morghan Fingall and especially Danielle Mahaffey missed time (Mahaffey only saw action in 10 matches all season). When they were both full strength, the Vols looked like an almost entirely different team, at least for a while. The LV’s season was a roller coaster in terms of results, and a very tough early schedule (Purdue, Ohio State, Pitt, WKU) didn’t do them any real favors when they turned around and lost to Bowling Green and Colgate (COLGATE?!?!). The SEC slate was also pretty mixed, with losses to TAMU and Alabama mixed in with sweeps of Mississippi State and LSU. In retrospect, looking over their schedule, it’s a bit of a surprise that they made the tournament (SOS?), because LSU looks like their best win all season. But make it they did, and they played a strong Purdue team tough before losing in 5 in the 1st round. The post-season got off to a pretty rocky start when former DS Paula Laborda took to social media to accuse the coaching staff of psychological abuse and cultural insensitivity.
Departures: After returning for their COVID years, S Natalie Hayward and MB Danielle Mahaffey are out of eligibility. Starting OPP Morghan Fingall, backup S Kylie Robinson, and DS Abigail Matoso were also recognized on Senior Day, but Fingall and Robinson have already announced their return. As noted above, DS Laborda has entered the portal, as has 6’4” RS-Jr OPP Emily Merrick (per the VT thread).
Key Returners: In addition to COVID Srs Fingall (OPP) and Robinson (S), who are the presumptive starters at their positions, the Wrasslin’ Rackhams are expected to return OHs Erykah Lovett (Jr), Kadynce Booth (Soph), and Jasmine Brooks (Sr). In the middle 6’3” SEC All-Freshman Keondraya Granberry is back, along with RS-Sophs 6’5” Emily Beeker and 6’6” Klaudia Pawlik. Starting L Ashllyn King returns, along with DSs JaKya Moore (Sr) and Abby Ekeler (Jr).
Newcomers: Rich Kern identifies 5 Tennessee commits for 2023, but to date, only 3 have been announced by the school. These include DS/L Sydney Jaynes (PV #44), 6’1” OH Mackenzie Plante (PV #120), and 6’ OH Kamille Gibson. The other 2 unannounced commits listed on RK include 6’1” OH Cate Schnell (whose Insta account includes posts about her signing), and DS/L Katie Barrier.
2023 Outlook: Losing Hayward and Mahaffey is going to hurt, but Robinson will finally get her chance to shine in Knoxville and shake the bad memories of her time in Eugene. The LV’s will have to hope that either Pawlik or Beeker is ready to step into the MB spot that Mahaffey is leaving, or they’ll have to pull in a transfer. Between Brooks, Lovett, and Booth, there ought to be some consistent production on the pins, right? If not, perhaps they’re counting on a newcomer to provide what’s missing. I really like Fingall, but I’m not entirely sold on what looks like the 2023 edition of the Lady Vols just yet, and I am curious about how Laborda’s parting accusations might affect (or not) the program. I kind of see the Eastern Orange Empire holding steady in the upper middle of the conference.
January Portal news: The Lady Vols announced the addition of Bowling Green L Yelianiz Torres.
Texas A&M
2022 Recap: In last season’s recap, I wrote that “it really wasn’t very pretty this season in Aggie-land.” Well, this year was equally unattractive, and the staff lost their jobs, leading to the somewhat surprising hire of Jamie Morrison to take the Aggie reins. In terms of bright spots, Logan Lednicky showed herself to be elite on the right side, single handedly keeping the Aggies competitive in some matches (see the Arkansas loss for an example). Caroline Meuth was an effective counter-weight on the left side. But apart from that, there just wasn’t enough “oomph” in the Aggies’ game this year, leading to a sub-.500 record overall and a 5-13 SEC finish, just above cellar-dwellers Alabama and Mizzou, and two games behind drama filled Ole Miss. With Meuth and Lednicky, though, the Ags did break their 2-year streak of having zero players receive All-Conference recognition. I’m sure that the Aggie program is eager to start fresh with a new staff and start the climb out of the basement.
Departures: The coaching staff. On Senior Night, the TAMU faithful got to cheer for OH Destiny Cox (who has already announced her grad transfer to Texas Tech), grad transfer S Elena Karakasi, OH Lauren Davis (medical retiree), MB Madison Bowser, OH Cece Hecht, and DS Allison Fields. Bowser and Hecht have additional eligibility, I believe. It will be interesting to see if the new hire motivates them to stay at TAMU, if that’s what the new staff wants. Hecht’s social posts suggest that she was not planning on returning. No clear indication from Bowser. Karakasi and Fields are out of eligibility. Update: Reports have DS Brooke Frazier in the transfer portal.
Key Returners: On the plus side, both 5’11” OH Caroline Meuth and 6’3” OPP Logan Lednicky are, as of now, expected back. Also on the pins, 6’ OH Lexi Guinn (Soph), 5’11” OH Mia Johnson (Jr), and 5’10” Faye Wilbricht (Jr) are eligible to return. In the middle, former Purdue transfer 6’2” Molly Brown (Sr), 6’2” Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (Soph), and 6’9” Ital Lopuyo (RS-Fr?) return. The only returning S is 6’2” Jr Nisa Buzlutepe, and on defense,Brooke Frazier (Jr), Lauren Hogan (Sr) and Ava Underwood (Soph) are both back. Outside Meuth and Lednicky, though, none of the returners really made a big impact.
Newcomers: Coach Jamie Morrison. The Aggies announced three signees in November: 6’ S Brynn Covell (PV #97), 6’ OH Bianna Muoneke, and DS Alayna Pearson (PV #126).
2023 Outlook: Get to work, Coach Morrison. Lednicky is a strong piece to build around, but she can’t do it all by herself, even with Meuth’s offense on the left. I hope he gets a staff in place quickly and hits the portal hard. For a coach whose calling card was recruiting, I just don’t see Kuhn’s recruits being what the program needs to resume its place a contender, either nationally or within the SEC.
January Portal news: I've been expecting some transfer announcements out of College Station, but haven't seen anything yet. Have I missed some announcements? They have announced a staff, with Lindsey Gray-Walton (formerly of OU) and Jen Woods both coming aboard with Associate HC titles.
And by popular demand:
Vanderbilt
Welcome, Commodores! The Vandy program, which won't begin competition until 2025, announced the hiring of Head Coach Anders Nelson, formerly a long-time Associate HC at Kentucky. No additional personnel announcements yet, but good luck to Coach Nelson in assembling the staff, roster, and program elements in Nashville. Anchor Down!
Conference outlook overall: Last year I commented that several teams were benefitting from extra COVID eligibility, and while that is still a factor, I think this is the year some of that starts coming home to roost as teams rebuild with younger, less experienced rosters (though the portal may ease some of that transition for teams who can utilize it well).
I am predicting a bit of a down year for the SEC next year, overall. I think that both Florida and Kentucky, the standard bearers for the conference, are going to be good, but they’ll be more vulnerable than usual. Behind them, I don’t think there is anyone who is clearly well-positioned to push them out. UGA has to replace Stivrins and find a complement for Fischer in the middle, and it’s impossible to believe they’ll get another schedule that is quite so favorable for them. Arkansas returns a lot but also has to replace three players with 5 (or 6!) years of playing experience. Tennessee is losing a veteran setter and may be having some locker room issues. LSU returns a lot, but … sorry Bayou Bengals … they never seem to live up to their potential or hype.
Like last year, I’m going to save predictions on how the 2023 standings will shake out until later in the winter/spring, after the portal shenanigans and more returning player decisions are made. Instead, what I’m going to do here is list the teams by 2022 order of finish in the conference and ask what I think is the major issue (or in some cases, issues) confronting them for 2023.
1. Florida – pin hitters besides Victoria? They have added Dixon and a back up setter. Can the OHs pass?
2. Kentucky – what happens at OH? The answer seems, in part, to be Megan Wilson!
3. UGA – replacing Stivrins, 5-1 with Brower vs 6-2 with who? Still waiting on news here, but I expect some soon.
4. Arkansas – replacing Shipes, 5-1 with Hogue or 6-2 with Hogue and Fr Jones? The Shipes replacement has been announced. The other questions may wait till fall.
5. Tennessee – replacing Hayward, consistent pin production, replacing Mahaffey. Added a L, but these questions are still relevant.
6. Auburn – isn’t going to sneak up on anyone this year, ball control could be better. Added quality pieces at MB and S, which were very thin positions last year.
7. LSU – Can Waak run 5-1? Can pins be consistently effective? Adding Demps provides an instant starter somewhere, probably OPP?
8. Mississippi State – addressing the apparent player exodus. Made a couple additions, have more work to do.
9. South Carolina – ball control, pin production, setting. Still waiting on news.
10. Ole Miss – who stays, who goes? Ball control, pin hitter development. The departure questions seem to have been answered, at least.
11. TAMU – Lednicky and Meuth need a supporting cast. Ok, new staff - impress us!
12. Bama – start building talent on the roster; who comes back? Nice defensive addition.
13. Mizzou – seems like a total rebuild. A libero, though solid, seems like a drop in the bucket in terms of what needs to happen at Mizzou.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! You are either a die hard SEC VB fan or someone who may need to touch some grass. Maybe both!
So like last year, this is going to be a frequently updated thread as news about coaches, player moves, and COVID years get announced.
For folks who haven’t visited this thread before, each team gets a quick 2022 summary, followed by a look at departing players (via graduation or transfer), presumed returners, and newcomers (main source – press releases and Rich Kern’s irreplaceable site). That’s followed by a brief 2023 outlook (which is nothing but opinion).
As always, angry objections, pointing out errors, and highlighting updates that I have missed are all welcome.
Alabama
2022 Recap: Rashinda Reed’s first year at the Capstone wasn’t great, but it wasn’t as bad as some folks might have predicted. The Tide put together some strong performances but couldn’t do so consistently. They seemed to respond well to the insertion of Janek at S, though injuries and a bit of inexperience kept the Rootin’ Tootin’ Reeds from ever really settling in with a steady lineup. Wins over Texas State, TAMU, SC, and especially Tennessee on the season’s last weekend were relative bright spots in a predictably gloomy 10-20, 4-14 first season with a new coach/staff.
Departures: The Tide recognized six folks on Senior Day: Drapp, Janek, Kuck, Marjama, Shook, and Wells. Of those, I believe only Marjama is “done done” and fully out of eligibility. Neither Kuck or Shook got much playing time, though, so they may be ready to move on. The remaining players have decisions to make. Wells’s return would really make an impact. 6’2” MB Laila Smith, a rising junior, is reported to be in the portal.
Key Returners: Barring transfer, the Tide return a number of players who got considerable playing time. On the pins, 6’3 Kendyl Reaugh returns for her senior season, 6’ OPP Maddy McCormick will be a junior, as will 6’ OH Sami Jacobs. 6’1” OH Micah Gryniewicz will be back for her sophomore campaign after an injury cut her season short this year. 6’3” rising senior Chaise Campbell is the only “for sure” returning MB on the roster. 5’11” Brooke Slusser is set to return at S for her junior season. As for floor defense, Bama returns Sydney Gholson (Jr), Victoria Schmer (Sr), and Malia Moore (Jr). UPDATE Word out of Tuscaloosa is that MB Aliyah Wells has decided to return for the 2023 season, giving the Tide a very talented, experienced weapon in the middle! Good news for Tide fans!
Newcomers: The Tide are expecting one of the largest (6) recruiting classes in the conference for 2023. It includes help at just about every position: L Allison Berent; 6’4” pin Kyla Dunaway; L Lily Hopkins; 5’10” S Callie Kieffer; 6’3” pin Kaliegh Palmer, and 6’6” MB Jordyn Towns. As of the Aug 2022 update, none of these athletes were listed in the PrepVolleyball Top 150.
2023 Outlook: Hot take: a lot of the Tide’s fortunes will rest on which players with remaining eligibility return. If Wells and Janek, in particular, return, there are some things to build on here. Reaugh has a live arm, and Jacobs and Gryniewicz looked good at various times. All three need to be more consistent. I have some concerns about ball control and setting, especially if Janek moves on. It will take some time, I think, for this program to rebound from the Devine era, but if they can capitalize on some portal additions, it could be a lot quicker turnaround. As things stand, I’m seeing another bottom quarter of the conference season ahead for Bama.
January Portal news: The Tide added L Francesca Bertucci from Northern Illinois, who was the 2022 MAC DPOY with almost 6 dps.
Arkansas
2022 Recap: Well, the monkey is off the Hogs’ and Coach Watson’s back. Or should that be monkeys? Arkansas finally escaped “Last 4 out” purgatory and made the dance, even winning their first round match easily and playing 3 (out of 4) reasonably strong sets against homestanding Oregon. Arkansas decided to schedule much tougher, and it worked, posting wins over Washington, GA Tech, CO State, and Colorado. They still have some work to do in terms of closing out wins against conference powerhouses UF and KY (again, dropping 5-setters to each this year), but they played consistently solid and occasionally inspired volleyball all season. The SEC schedule was brutal, but despite that they finished a game better (11-7) than last year, in fourth, for their third consecutive over .500 conference record. The program has a bit more confidence under their belt that they hope translates into continued success.
Departures: The Hogs bid adieu to S Gracie Ryan, OPP Hailey Dirrigl, and MB Tatum Shipes, all of whom were using their COVID years for 2022. At this point, no other departures are expected, but of course that could change. The other seniors on the roster (Gillen and Cartwright) were not recognized on Senior Day. Update: MB Abbi Archibong is also out of eligibility, so that is another starter gone.
Key Returners: The Hogs will return 3 of their 4 starting pin hitters, including 5’7” COVID Sr Jill Gillen, 5’10” Sr Taylor Head (a newly minted HM All-American), and 6’ OPP Maggie Cartwright (COVID Sr). In addition, 5’10” OH Avery Calame (Soph) is back, and 5’7” OH Jada Lawson (Jr) will be returning from injury. In the middle,
Newcomers: The Hogs have a 5 person signing class coming in, headlined by PV #70 S Logan Jones (5’9”). Although she is the only incoming player in the PV 150, the staff are very high on both 6’1” OH Aniya Madkin (an Arkansas OH that is over 6’? Is that even legal?) and 6’2” OPP Olivia Ruy. DS Ava Roth and OH/DS Lily Dudley round out the class.
2023 Outlook: You have to like the returning production of Head, Gillen, and Cartwright. And the ball control of Jackson, Head, and Gillen shouldn’t be overlooked, either. The ability to replace Shipes’s blocking production will be critically important, whether that happens with Evans or a transfer. The Hogs are certainly looking to repeat their 2022 success and end up in the tournament and in the top 3-4 of the conference.
January Portal news: The Hogs added 6'1" MB Sania Petties from Mississippi State, adding a quality player in a position of need.
Auburn
2022 Recap: The team that came out of nowhere! With a limited roster that didn’t include the top producer from last year, the Tigers used a powder-puff soft non-conference schedule to build confidence and momentum. Then a pretty soft SEC schedule let them carry that momentum to a top 6 conference finish to become the feel-good team of the year. If you had Auburn making the second round of the NCAAT with a roster full of freshmen hitters and a transfer MB that few had ever heard of … what are you doing here on VT? You should be the star of the Psychic Friends Network or making serious bank in the stock market. Great season for the young Tigers!
Departures: None as of now.
Key Returners: Everyone is expected back, barring transfer. There were no seniors on the roster this year: OHs Akasha Anderson and Madison Scheer, OPP Bel Zimmerman, L Sarah Morton, S Jackie Barrett, and MBs Chelsey Harmon and Kendal Kemp – the starting seven – all return, as do defensive subs Fallon Lanham and Zoe Slaughter.
Newcomers: The only signee reported for Auburn is 6’2” OH Lakin Laurendine (PV #46). There may be some roster room to explore the portal, if the staff are interested.
2023 Outlook: Is Auburn rising like a rocket, or are they headed to be 2023’s version of Mississippi State (an out-of-nowhere success story followed by a thud of reality)? They are so young that either scenario seems quite possible to me. Either way, they should be a very interesting team to watch, and not a team to overlook for next year. I see them finishing anywhere from a low of the middle of the pack (where they ended up this year) to a ceiling of the top quarter of the SEC, unless they get some portal upgrades.
January Portal news: Auburn has been one of the more active SEC squads in the early portal, adding 2 MBs and a setter: 6'3" Bella Bell from Kentucky, 6'4" Kyla Swanson from Illinois, and 5'11' Payton Dunn from Oklahoma.
Florida
2022 Recap: Another year, another Sweet 16 for the Gators. (I left that sentence in from last year’s SEC post.) Despite an impressive 25-6 record, it seemed to me the 2022 Gators were not as dominant as in previous years. Nothing ever seemed to click consistently – at times the Gators looked great, and others just good. Some nights the OH’s were untouchable, others they struggled. Sometimes the floor defense was great; other nights it looked average. The Gators were pretty good at everything, but they didn’t seem to be really great at anything. Played to their seed in the tournament, losing to Final 4 participant Pitt. Not an objectively bad season, but I think most UF fans expect more.
Departures: On Senior Night this year, the Gators recognized two OH’s, Markova (who technically has another year of eligibility) and Robinson (who does not). Since then, leaks have suggested that 6’2” S Birdie Hendrickson (Sr), 6’2” OH Carly Hendrickson (Soph), and 6’3” OPP Merritt Beason (Jr) have entered the transfer portal.
Key Returners: UF will return only have one pin hitter with a lot of experience, 6’1” Sofia Victoria. AC Fitzpatrick will also be back, though she saw limited action this season (just 26 sets). The Gators seem to be in dire need of some pin arms. In the middle, though, there’s more depth, with 6’4” Bre Kelley (Jr), 6’3” Gabi Essix (Jr), 6’4” Nnedi Okammor (Sr), and 6’3” Amaya Thomas all back. Things are a little thinner on the pins, as only 6’1” Sofia Victoria (Jr) returns. Soph SEC FOY 6’2” Alexis Stucky is the only setter on the roster, as well. Defensively, there is a lot of depth, with Emerson Hoyle, Emily Canaan, Trinity Adams, and Emily McKissock all returning.
Newcomers: Florida has signed a 3-person class for 2023 that includes 6’4” OH Madison Gravlee (PV #96), 6’2”OH/OPP Kira Hutson (PV #11), and 6’6” OPP Kennedy Martin (PV #29).
2023 Outlook: Beason’s entry into the portal has tongues wagging – what is wrong in Gainesville? Maybe nothing, but for the second consecutive year the Gators are likely to be looking at the portal for some pins. Setting is in good shape with Stucky, but there is clearly a need for an insurance policy for her that will have to be addressed in the portal. The middle position seems solid. A lot will depend on whether anyone from the highly ranked recruiting class can come in and be ready to contribute, or what they land in the portal. It’s hard to say at this point that the Gators are the conference favorites heading into 2023. That could change quickly, though.
January Portal news: The Gators added 6'3" Mizzou OH transfer Anna Dixon and 5'11" Kennedy Muff from DII Flagler, a setting insurance policy for Stuckey.
Georgia
2022 Recap: Really nice season for the Dawgs after a couple of disappointing campaigns, resulting in SEC COY recognition for Smilin’ Tom Black. A healthy Kacie Evans on the outside and an effective Sophie Fischer in the middle was a winning combination. The Dawgs’ schedule wasn’t super tough, but they had a nice win over Santa Clara in the pre-season and an epic sweep of the Gators in Gainesville to cruise into a 3rd place SEC finish and the NCAA tournament, where they exited in the 2nd round to Texas after taking out Towson. Definitely a season to build on in Athens.
Departures: The Bulldogs recognized OH Amber Stivrins, MB Sage (Naves) Powell, S Alexa Fortin, and OPP Meghan Froemming on Senior Day. All are expected to be done in Athens, though I think only Powell is completely out of eligibility. Also, rising Jr OH Abby Maesch has announced her transfer to Butler.
Key Returners: OH Kacie Evans, MB Sophie Fischer, and S Clara Brower are key names here, but also back are 6’2” RS-Jr MB Mackenzie Norris, 6’2” RS-Soph MB Kaitlin Fournier, 6’2” Soph OPP Tori Harper and DS/L’s Bailey Cox and Mallory Downing. Two little-used rising sophomores will also return: 5’9” L/OH Ana Julia Bleeker, and 6’ OH Estelle Haugen.
Newcomers: UGA announced a 3-person signing class in November that included 6’3” OPP Ally Cavanaugh, DS/L Makena Kim, and 5’10” S Kaiya Tyson (from Canada).
2023 Outlook: Steady as she goes in Stegeman? There may be some roster room for a transfer, and some experienced help for Evans at OH would certainly be a strong addition for the Dawgs. I’m curious to see how UGA schedules next year; I would hope that their non-con gets a little tougher, and they are probably due for a little bit sturdier SEC slate, as well. Another top 3-4 finish in the conference seems well within the Bulldogs’ reach.
January Portal news: No news yet from the Dawgs, but they are reportedly being considered by several pin transfers, including one from a conference rival. An announcement could be coming soon.
Kentucky
2022 Recap: Is it fair to call a season where you tied for the conference title (losing the automatic bid on the tiebreaker) a disappointment? That’s kind what the Wildcats felt like this year. There were superlative moments: games where you thought that Reagan Rutherford was an unstoppable force. But there were too many others where the offense seemed to just be missing that upper gear. Grome and Tealer did their things. Rollins was more than serviceable at OH, but off-season injuries seemed to hamper Lamb’s development on the outside. Neither she nor Melby really ever seemed to grab the other OH spot and claim it. They did play to seed in the NCAAT this year, losing in the Sweet 16 to Final 4-bound San Diego (no shame there), which is an improvement over last year’s surprising 2nd round exit.
Departures: The Wildcats recognized MB Bella Bell, DS Maddie Berezowitz, OH Kelly Franxman, OH Adana Rollins, and MB Azhani Tealer on Senior Day, but Tealer has already announced she's coming back. Rollins is out of eligibility, as is Franxman, but Bell and Berezowitz could, in theory, play somewhere next season. Bell really turned into a capable MB, and losing her, Rollins, and Berezowitz is notable.
Key Returners: The Wildcats return LOTS of experience, with 5’10” MB Azhani Tealer (RS-Sr), 6’3” OH Erin Lamb (Jr), 6’ OPP Reagan Rutherford (Sr); 6’4” MB Elise Goetzinger (Sr), 6’2” OH Haley Melby (Soph), L Eleanor Beavin (Jr), DS’s Riah Walker (Sr) & Audrey Whitworth (Soph), and and 5’9” S Emma Grome (Jr) all due back. RS-Soph MB Jordyn Williams and reserve S Lane Jenkins also return.
Newcomers: BBN is welcoming a 5-person signing class to Lexington next year that includes some players with big expectations. They include 6’3” MB Brooke Bultema (PV #34), 6’2’ OH/MB Jordyn Dailey (PV #23), 6’2” OH Brooklyn DeLeye (PV #30), 5’10” S Ava Sarafa (PV #31), and DS Molly Tuozzo. Four freshmen in the PV top 35 likely marks the Wildcats as bringing in the conference’s best signinig class.
2023 Outlook: What’s happening on the OH? Do the highly rated freshmen come in an compete from day 1? Will the Cats strike gold in the portal? Do Lamb and Melby take big steps forward? Does Bultema come in and pass Williams, who (thanks to injury) has yet to live up to her heralded status as a stud recruit. With Tealer, Grome, Beavin, and Rutherford, Kentucky can’t be overlooked as a conference power, but for the first time in a while there seem to be some question marks in the Cats’ lineup.
January Portal news: BBN has added 6'3" OH/OPP Megan Wilson from Oklahoma, bolstering the offensive firepower on the team after Rollins's departure.
LSU
2022 Recap: Coach Johnson’s first season managed to achieve something that her predecessor could not manage in the previous four – making the NCAA tournament, despite losing a heap of talent. The preseason schedule didn’t start out too rosy, with losses to Houston and Rice at home, and losses to Penn St and Marquette. The biggest non-con W was a sweep of Iowa State, but the Tigers started out SEC play hot, beating both Arkansas and Kentucky in Baton Rouge. It was pretty mixed after that, but those wins were enough to earn a bid with a soft bubble, and the Jousting Johnsons earned an impressive first round win over Hawai’i before bowing out to Stanford.
Departures: The Tigers will say goodbye to MB Allee Morris, three grad transfers (S Josie Vondran, RS Hannah Jacobs, & OH Emily Gauthreaux), and DS Jill Bohnet. Vondran, Jacobs, and Gauthreaux are out of eligibility. Morris has announced she won’t be back, but I believe Bohnet has another year somewhere, if she wants it.
Key Returners: Although 6’1” OH Samarrah Hill graduated, she will be pursuing a graduate degree and playing next season. Anita Anwusi (6’3” MB) and Sanaa Dotson (6’ OH) will also be playing a 5th year. Other experienced returners include 5’8” OH Paige Flickinger (Sr), 6’1” Ellie Echter (Jr), L Ella Larkin (Jr), 5’10” S Maddie Waak (Soph), 6’1” and MB Alia Williams (Sr). On defense, DS Madison Martin (Jr), DS/OH Bri Anderson (Soph), and DS Bri Zamora (Soph) are also coming back. It looks like highly touted 6’3” MB Alexis Roberson red-shirted.
Newcomers: The Bayou Bengals are bringing in what appears to be the SEC’s biggest class with 6 prep players (per Rich Kern). They include 6’ OH Jurnee Robinson (PV #41), 6’3” MB Mackenzie Boyer, 6’1” OH Anna Claire Froelich, DS/L Ella Hemmings, 6’2” MB Angelina Lee, and 5’10” S Mika Rome. They announced 4 signees in November (Robinson, Froelich, Lee and Rome).
2023 Outlook: The Tigers return a lot of their key players, including the rotating stable of pins (Hill, Dotson, and Flickinger). Dotson seemed to have a bit of a breakout season, though Flickinger and Hill were a bit up and down. Both MBs are back, and Waak may get handed the keys to the offense next year unless the freshman international player can challenge her. With all the returning experience, the Tigers have a real chance to move up the conference standings and improve on their .500 SEC record.
January Portal news: The Bayou Bengals added one of the splashier transfers in the SEC so far, 6'2" OH/OPP Jade Demps from Wisconsin.
Mississippi State
2022 Recap: If the Starkville Bulldogs were the 2021 “feel-good” story, then they were the 2022 “WTF” story. With almost everyone back from their 2nd place SEC finish, expectations were sky high. Things did not go as planned. A tougher-than-usual non-con schedule had some bright spots (the road sweep of Notre Dame comes to mind), but also some warning signs (squeaking out a 3-2 over Oklahoma in Nashville). But alarm bells had to be going off when MSU lost a 5-setter to Bowling Green and then got handled by Michigan to close out the pre-conference season. The SEC slate didn’t get significantly better, with losses to Auburn, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and LSU snuffing out the Bulldogs’ post-season chances. To make matters worse, just after the season, there was reportedly an exodus of transfers out of Starkville (see below). Cinderella’s clock seems to have struck midnight in 2022.
Departures: I guess we’ll start with the folks who were expected to leave. Gabby Waden and Deja Robinson completed their storied careers in Starkville, and they will be missed enormously. Grad transfer DS Lacey Jeffcoat, MB Burgundy Walters, S Gabby Coulter, and S/DS Katie Culumovic are also gone. Culumovic has already announced her transfer to Clemson for her COVID year. That’s a lot to lose on its own, but reports have OH Shania Cromartie, L Lilly Gunter, MB Sania Petties, and OPP Francesca McBride all hitting the portal. That’s every member of the starting MSU lineup gone, save one. Things can change, the the portal taketh AND giveth, but … will the last one leaving please turn out the lights?
Key Returners: The only returning regular starter is 6’ Lauren Myrick (Grad). She will be joined by sometime starters 6’2” MB Rebecca Walk (Sr) and 5’10” S Emily Oerther (Grad). Others with some experience coming back are 6’2” OH Sophie Agee (Soph), 6’ OH Avery Fitzgerald (Jr), and DS Georgia McCarter (Soph).
Newcomers: The Bulldogs announced a three-person signing class in November that includes 6’2” S Erin Kline (PV #89), L Mary Neal (PV #133), and 6’2” MB Arissa Smith (PV #91). Rich Kern’s site also lists 6’ OH Ashley Sturziou, who was not mentioned in the November MSU release. I would expect a fair amount of portal activity to balance the departures.
2023 Outlook: While the 2022 season wasn’t a full “penthouse to outhouse” situation for the ‘Dogs (they finished just below the middle of the conference), the post-season player exodus is pretty concerning. Now, people may decide to return, and the team could land some studs in the portal, but as of now, things look grim in Starkville, and they could quite easily slide down the conference table unless something changes.
January Portal news: The Bulldogs have several roster spots to fill, and they got a start by adding 6'1" OH Karli Schmidt from Kansas and 6'1" OPP Amina Schackelford from Butler. I am expecting more activity from them going forward.
Mizzou
2022 Recap: Speaking of grim … Coming off a 5-26 season in 2021, there were hopes that the CoMo Tigers’s young talent would propel them back to relevance in 2022. While a 9-19 season is an improvement overall, identical 2-16 conference records in back-to-back seasons cost the staff their jobs. As of this writing, the replacement has not been named (the only remaining opening in the conference). This team is just 3 years removed from back-to-back-to-back 13-5 SEC records and contention for conference titles. Now, the next staff faces a huge rebuild, not just of the program, but also the roster. Update: Okay, Coach Sullivan - this means you!
Departures: The coaching staff. In addition, Anna Dixon, Leandra Mangual-Duran, and Brynn Carlson were recognized on Senior Day. Of those, only Carlson is fully out of eligibility. However, reports have several Tigers hitting the portal: Dixon, OH Kaylee Cox, S Riley Buckley, and MB Trista Strasser. Others are rumored to be considering the portal but may be waiting to see who gets hired. That’s almost the entire starting lineup leaving.
Key Returners: As of now, the returners appear to include 6’2” OPP Jordan Iliff (Jr), 5’9” S Addison Lyon (Jr), 6’2” OH Janet deMarrais (Soph), 6’ MB Morgan Isenberg (Jr), 6’2” MB Madilyn Sell (Soph), 5’8” OH/DS Jasmine Dulan (Soph), and defenders Lauren Forbes (Jr), Estella Zatechka (Soph), and Skylar Buckley (RS-Jr), who has already transferred once.
Newcomers: Are there any? Rich Kern does not have any commits for 2023 listed for the Tigers, and I could not find a release announcing any signings on the Tiger website. If there really are zero commits/signees … yikes. Update #1 of what could be many Dawn Sullivan from UNLV is the new coach. Does she bring anyone (Isabel Martin? Jordyn Freeman?) with her?
2023 Outlook: In a word: Oof.
January Portal news: Coach Sullivan has announced that UNLV L Maya Sands is following her to CoMo. This is another program I would expect to be more active over the spring.
Ole Miss
2022 Recap: The drama that was bubbling under the surface last year, and seemingly got muted by the surprise NCAA tournament bid, came back in full force this year, leading to Coach Banwarth’s mid-season “parting of ways.” Ole Miss put the interim tag on Asst Coach Bre Henry, and then made it permanent at the end of the season. In terms of the action on the court, the Rebels had a very tough schedule to open the season, and I’m not sure that the 0-4 results helped the team’s psyche. Later losses to Wake Forest and South Alabama were clearly harbingers of a poor season, and the team ended up below .500 both overall and in conference.
Departures: The Head Coach. Beyond that, it's kind of murky. On Senior Day, Anna Bair, Maggie Miller, and Riley Fischer were all acknowledged. Fischer is out of eligibility, but Bair and Miller have COVID years to use, if they want. There are reportedly multiple players either in the portal (e.g., 6’ OPP Sam Schnitta) or considering the portal, though. Not surprising when there is a coaching change.
Key Returners: Given the portal uncertainty this may change, but the Rebels could see the return of starting MBs 6’2” Sasha Ratliff (Sr) and 6’3” Payton Brgoch (Sr),
Newcomers: The coaching change has disrupted the Rebels’ recruiting class, which has seen some decommits. The only newcomer currently listed on Rich Kern is L Jonna Spohn. If there aren’t many portal departures, though, the Rebels roster has decent numbers and some talent, and they may be able to find a missing piece or two in the portal.
2023 Outlook: The Rebels seem to have the MB positions tied down pretty well, if both Ratliff and Brgoch return. And between Borellis and Daniel, Ole Miss should be able to set the quick tempo sets that they seem to prefer (though … will Coach Henry keep that style?). Niesen was a solid libero. The pins are a bigger question mark. What will Bair do? Will either Miller, Dyess, or one of the younger arms on the bench be able to achieve some consistent effectiveness? Both Dyess and Miller had really bright spots last year, but they couldn’t seem to maintain the level. Barring some big roster additions, or some big leaps forward from current players, I like the Rebels for at least a middle of the pack finish in 2023.
January Portal news: I have not seen any news related to Ole Miss adding anyone through the portal. Since both their OPP players have moved on to Maryland and Houston, though, I'd expect some moves to be made in the coming months.
South Carolina
2022 Recap: Life without a Mikayla went about as well as could be expected in Columbia-East this season. The Gamecocks showed a lot of grit and some flashes of excellence (their home defeat of Florida comes to mind), which has become characteristic of Mendoza coached teams. The closest thing to a signature non-con win the Gamecocks found this year was a 3-2 win over Miami on the road, but losses to rival Clemson and Wake Forest made defeating the Hurricanes look like a blip. In conference, the Fightin’ Mendozas had some nice wins (Auburn, Mississippi State) but some bad losses, as well (Bama, TAMU), to end up mid-table. Despite All-SEC libero-ing from Jenna Hampton, the squad could not find enough consistent production from the pins to break through. They were, however, still the best team from a Columbia in the conference.
Departures: The Gamecock roster featured two graduate students (Hampton and half of the setting tandem, Dalaney Hans), four seniors (OH/OPP McKenzie Moorman, DS Camilla Covas, and OPPs Holly Eastridge and Gabby Brown), and one junior who graduated early (OH Jenna Schlageter, who has entered the portal). Hampton and Hans are out of eligibility, and Covas has already reportedly entered the portal. Not sure what Moorman, Eastridge, and Brown might decide with respect to their COVID years – Moorman was the only one of the three who got regular playing time (Brown and Eastridge played in 7 and 2 sets each, respectively).
Key Returners: Despite the relatively large number of departing players, a good bit of productivity is staying in Columbia. On the outside, 6’1” Lauren McCutcheon (Jr) and 5’11” Riley Whitesides (Sr) are both back. On the other side of the court, SC returns 6’1” Kiune Fletcher (Sr), who really seemed to be rounding into form at the end of the season, and 6’1” Alayna Johnson (Soph), who at times was SC’s most effective hitter last year. The middle will again be anchored by 6’3” Ellie Ruprich (Sr) and 6’3” Oby Anadi (Jr), who helped the team put up very respectable blocking numbers. At setter, 6’3” Claire Wilson (Jr) returns, and she’ll compete with 5’11” Kimmie Thompson. Defensively, with Hampton and Covas leaving, the Gamecocks may turn back to Morgan Carter (Soph), who played in the funny colored jersey her freshman year.
Newcomers: South Carolina has announced a modestly-sized (three) but rather large (physically) recruiting class for 2023. A pair of 6’5” MBs, Campbell Paris (PV #121) and Gabrielle Gerry, highlight the class, along with 5’7” L/S Liz McElveen.
2023 Outlook: Replacing the best libero in the conference is going to be tough, but just about all the other contributors will be back. The lack of clear progress from the OH positions this season is a bit of a concern, as both Whitesides and McCutcheon at times seemed to have trouble finding ways to score. Both of them are good players, though, and if they can catch a little bit of fire, the OPP players continue developing, and Ruprich and Onadi continue to provide a solid block, it bodes very well for the Gamecocks’ fortunes. The setting position is perhaps a bit of a question mark, and it will be interesting to see if Mendoza continues to utilize a 6-2 formation to take advantage of his depth on the pins. Whether the Gamecocks have enough firepower to improve on their bottom-third performance this season remains to be seen.
January Portal news: Another team that hasn't announced any incoming transfers, as yet (though Soph OH Emmy Rollins has left for Charleston Southern).
Tennessee
2022 Recap: Injuries were unkind to the Lady Vols this season, as both Morghan Fingall and especially Danielle Mahaffey missed time (Mahaffey only saw action in 10 matches all season). When they were both full strength, the Vols looked like an almost entirely different team, at least for a while. The LV’s season was a roller coaster in terms of results, and a very tough early schedule (Purdue, Ohio State, Pitt, WKU) didn’t do them any real favors when they turned around and lost to Bowling Green and Colgate (COLGATE?!?!). The SEC slate was also pretty mixed, with losses to TAMU and Alabama mixed in with sweeps of Mississippi State and LSU. In retrospect, looking over their schedule, it’s a bit of a surprise that they made the tournament (SOS?), because LSU looks like their best win all season. But make it they did, and they played a strong Purdue team tough before losing in 5 in the 1st round. The post-season got off to a pretty rocky start when former DS Paula Laborda took to social media to accuse the coaching staff of psychological abuse and cultural insensitivity.
Departures: After returning for their COVID years, S Natalie Hayward and MB Danielle Mahaffey are out of eligibility. Starting OPP Morghan Fingall, backup S Kylie Robinson, and DS Abigail Matoso were also recognized on Senior Day, but Fingall and Robinson have already announced their return. As noted above, DS Laborda has entered the portal, as has 6’4” RS-Jr OPP Emily Merrick (per the VT thread).
Key Returners: In addition to COVID Srs Fingall (OPP) and Robinson (S), who are the presumptive starters at their positions, the Wrasslin’ Rackhams are expected to return OHs Erykah Lovett (Jr), Kadynce Booth (Soph), and Jasmine Brooks (Sr). In the middle 6’3” SEC All-Freshman Keondraya Granberry is back, along with RS-Sophs 6’5” Emily Beeker and 6’6” Klaudia Pawlik. Starting L Ashllyn King returns, along with DSs JaKya Moore (Sr) and Abby Ekeler (Jr).
Newcomers: Rich Kern identifies 5 Tennessee commits for 2023, but to date, only 3 have been announced by the school. These include DS/L Sydney Jaynes (PV #44), 6’1” OH Mackenzie Plante (PV #120), and 6’ OH Kamille Gibson. The other 2 unannounced commits listed on RK include 6’1” OH Cate Schnell (whose Insta account includes posts about her signing), and DS/L Katie Barrier.
2023 Outlook: Losing Hayward and Mahaffey is going to hurt, but Robinson will finally get her chance to shine in Knoxville and shake the bad memories of her time in Eugene. The LV’s will have to hope that either Pawlik or Beeker is ready to step into the MB spot that Mahaffey is leaving, or they’ll have to pull in a transfer. Between Brooks, Lovett, and Booth, there ought to be some consistent production on the pins, right? If not, perhaps they’re counting on a newcomer to provide what’s missing. I really like Fingall, but I’m not entirely sold on what looks like the 2023 edition of the Lady Vols just yet, and I am curious about how Laborda’s parting accusations might affect (or not) the program. I kind of see the Eastern Orange Empire holding steady in the upper middle of the conference.
January Portal news: The Lady Vols announced the addition of Bowling Green L Yelianiz Torres.
Texas A&M
2022 Recap: In last season’s recap, I wrote that “it really wasn’t very pretty this season in Aggie-land.” Well, this year was equally unattractive, and the staff lost their jobs, leading to the somewhat surprising hire of Jamie Morrison to take the Aggie reins. In terms of bright spots, Logan Lednicky showed herself to be elite on the right side, single handedly keeping the Aggies competitive in some matches (see the Arkansas loss for an example). Caroline Meuth was an effective counter-weight on the left side. But apart from that, there just wasn’t enough “oomph” in the Aggies’ game this year, leading to a sub-.500 record overall and a 5-13 SEC finish, just above cellar-dwellers Alabama and Mizzou, and two games behind drama filled Ole Miss. With Meuth and Lednicky, though, the Ags did break their 2-year streak of having zero players receive All-Conference recognition. I’m sure that the Aggie program is eager to start fresh with a new staff and start the climb out of the basement.
Departures: The coaching staff. On Senior Night, the TAMU faithful got to cheer for OH Destiny Cox (who has already announced her grad transfer to Texas Tech), grad transfer S Elena Karakasi, OH Lauren Davis (medical retiree), MB Madison Bowser, OH Cece Hecht, and DS Allison Fields. Bowser and Hecht have additional eligibility, I believe. It will be interesting to see if the new hire motivates them to stay at TAMU, if that’s what the new staff wants. Hecht’s social posts suggest that she was not planning on returning. No clear indication from Bowser. Karakasi and Fields are out of eligibility. Update: Reports have DS Brooke Frazier in the transfer portal.
Key Returners: On the plus side, both 5’11” OH Caroline Meuth and 6’3” OPP Logan Lednicky are, as of now, expected back. Also on the pins, 6’ OH Lexi Guinn (Soph), 5’11” OH Mia Johnson (Jr), and 5’10” Faye Wilbricht (Jr) are eligible to return. In the middle, former Purdue transfer 6’2” Molly Brown (Sr), 6’2” Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (Soph), and 6’9” Ital Lopuyo (RS-Fr?) return. The only returning S is 6’2” Jr Nisa Buzlutepe, and on defense,
Newcomers: Coach Jamie Morrison. The Aggies announced three signees in November: 6’ S Brynn Covell (PV #97), 6’ OH Bianna Muoneke, and DS Alayna Pearson (PV #126).
2023 Outlook: Get to work, Coach Morrison. Lednicky is a strong piece to build around, but she can’t do it all by herself, even with Meuth’s offense on the left. I hope he gets a staff in place quickly and hits the portal hard. For a coach whose calling card was recruiting, I just don’t see Kuhn’s recruits being what the program needs to resume its place a contender, either nationally or within the SEC.
January Portal news: I've been expecting some transfer announcements out of College Station, but haven't seen anything yet. Have I missed some announcements? They have announced a staff, with Lindsey Gray-Walton (formerly of OU) and Jen Woods both coming aboard with Associate HC titles.
And by popular demand:
Vanderbilt
Welcome, Commodores! The Vandy program, which won't begin competition until 2025, announced the hiring of Head Coach Anders Nelson, formerly a long-time Associate HC at Kentucky. No additional personnel announcements yet, but good luck to Coach Nelson in assembling the staff, roster, and program elements in Nashville. Anchor Down!
Conference outlook overall: Last year I commented that several teams were benefitting from extra COVID eligibility, and while that is still a factor, I think this is the year some of that starts coming home to roost as teams rebuild with younger, less experienced rosters (though the portal may ease some of that transition for teams who can utilize it well).
I am predicting a bit of a down year for the SEC next year, overall. I think that both Florida and Kentucky, the standard bearers for the conference, are going to be good, but they’ll be more vulnerable than usual. Behind them, I don’t think there is anyone who is clearly well-positioned to push them out. UGA has to replace Stivrins and find a complement for Fischer in the middle, and it’s impossible to believe they’ll get another schedule that is quite so favorable for them. Arkansas returns a lot but also has to replace three players with 5 (or 6!) years of playing experience. Tennessee is losing a veteran setter and may be having some locker room issues. LSU returns a lot, but … sorry Bayou Bengals … they never seem to live up to their potential or hype.
Like last year, I’m going to save predictions on how the 2023 standings will shake out until later in the winter/spring, after the portal shenanigans and more returning player decisions are made. Instead, what I’m going to do here is list the teams by 2022 order of finish in the conference and ask what I think is the major issue (or in some cases, issues) confronting them for 2023.
1. Florida – pin hitters besides Victoria? They have added Dixon and a back up setter. Can the OHs pass?
2. Kentucky – what happens at OH? The answer seems, in part, to be Megan Wilson!
3. UGA – replacing Stivrins, 5-1 with Brower vs 6-2 with who? Still waiting on news here, but I expect some soon.
4. Arkansas – replacing Shipes, 5-1 with Hogue or 6-2 with Hogue and Fr Jones? The Shipes replacement has been announced. The other questions may wait till fall.
5. Tennessee – replacing Hayward, consistent pin production, replacing Mahaffey. Added a L, but these questions are still relevant.
6. Auburn – isn’t going to sneak up on anyone this year, ball control could be better. Added quality pieces at MB and S, which were very thin positions last year.
7. LSU – Can Waak run 5-1? Can pins be consistently effective? Adding Demps provides an instant starter somewhere, probably OPP?
8. Mississippi State – addressing the apparent player exodus. Made a couple additions, have more work to do.
9. South Carolina – ball control, pin production, setting. Still waiting on news.
10. Ole Miss – who stays, who goes? Ball control, pin hitter development. The departure questions seem to have been answered, at least.
11. TAMU – Lednicky and Meuth need a supporting cast. Ok, new staff - impress us!
12. Bama – start building talent on the roster; who comes back? Nice defensive addition.
13. Mizzou – seems like a total rebuild. A libero, though solid, seems like a drop in the bucket in terms of what needs to happen at Mizzou.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! You are either a die hard SEC VB fan or someone who may need to touch some grass. Maybe both!
