August 18, 2025

Waxahachie, Texas – Nelson University Volleyball enters the 2025 season with momentum and national recognition after being ranked No. 21 in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Top 25 Poll. The Lady Lions are coming off a historic 2024 campaign that included a Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Regular Season Championship, a perfect 22-0 record in league play, and an overall mark of 31-6 that culminated in a trip to the NAIA National Tournament.

Preseason Respect in the SAC
Following their dominant 2024 run, Nelson narrowly edged Texas Wesleyan for the top spot in the 2025 SAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, earning 116 points and seven first-place votes. The Lady Lions' perfect conference record last season and strong national showing solidified their position among the league's elite.

2025 SAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll (Top 5)

1. Nelson – 116 (7)

2. Texas Wesleyan – 115 (5)

3. John Brown – 94

4. Oklahoma City – 89

5. Mid-America Christian – 82

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Returning Firepower
Head Coach Nick Moore will have plenty of proven talent at his disposal with 17 returners back from last year's championship squad:

• Cassidy Hargesheimer (S) – First Team All-SAC: Four-time SAC Setter of the Week, leader in tempo and consistency.

• Lilly Hanna (MB/RS) – First Team All-SAC: A force at the net who provides energy and production.

• Mackenzie Smith (OH) – Second Team All-SAC: Dynamic hitter and consistent offensive weapon.

• Alexandra Bonnett (MB) – Second Team All-SAC: Reliable presence who played a pivotal role in last season's success.

• Taylor Cavazos (S), Callie Boone (RS), Samantha Moore (DS/L) – All return with significant starting experience and leadership.

New Faces to Watch
The Lady Lions bolster their depth with an impressive mix of transfers and freshmen:

• Hailey Nixon (DS/L) – Skilled transfer with big-game experience.

• Ally Jowers (DS/L) – High-energy defender with strong passing and court awareness.

• Hope Jones (MB/RS/S) – 6'1 versatile freshman from Richmond, Texas, with size, skill, and flexibility at multiple positions.

Coaching Staff Update
The Lady Lions also welcome back a familiar face as Ashlyn Hill joins the staff as Assistant Coach. A four-year standout and championship leader during her playing days, Hill brings passion, program tradition, and a Christ-centered leadership style that will continue shaping the culture of Nelson Volleyball.?

Coach's Outlook
"We're excited to build upon the historic success of last season," said Head Coach Nick Moore. "We're returning 17 players from last year, and fans can look forward to watching a team that plays with passion and a lot of excitement."

Challenging Start to the Schedule
Nelson opens the season with two high-profile tournaments that will test the Lady Lions early:

• Big Sky Volleyball Challenge – Aug. 21 in Butte, MT

• Texas Two Step – Aug. 29-30 in Waxahachie, TX

Fans can secure their seats for home matches at: Get Your Tickets Here

Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.