Morningside women's volleyball prepares for 2025 with tenacity, talent

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Morningside women's volleyball head coach Jessica Squier '11 has seen two things stand out this preseason: new leadership and a readiness to play high-level volleyball.

The Mustangs, who are receiving votes in the NAIA women's volleyball preseason coaches' poll, open the season Thursday at home against Valley City State. Squier believes this year's group brings a different edge in both tenacity and talent.

"I don't know if I've ever seen a team as hungry as these guys were in the spring — getting in the gym, doing conditioning, agility, small groups, team practices," Squier said. "The scrimmages we did, they were out to show that just because we lost that many seniors doesn't matter. We're still elevating our culture and elevating our team."

In preseason workouts, the Mustangs have executed drills at such a high level that Squier has been able to challenge them harder than perhaps any team she's coached. Even in group settings, players have "conquered" the coaches' tests above and beyond expectations.

"This preseason has been vastly different from what we've had in the past," Squier said. "I'm a little bit underestimating the talent and strategic mindsets they have. So I've got to do a better job of pushing them, and I like that. It's not boring."

Morningside lost 10 seniors from last year's squad that reached the NAIA national tournament, but that turnover has opened doors for both returners and freshmen. That team started the year 11-2, including four wins over ranked or receiving-votes opponents, en route to the program's 10th national tournament berth.

To replicate that kind of start, Squier says the key will be finding rhythm. As long as players are talking through each point, she believes special things are possible.

"It's not like we're running a completely brand new team," Squier said. "So for us, it's not just about getting in volleyball shape or volleyball form. It's making sure that culturally we're setting a good standard. I really like the direction we're headed so far."

The Mustangs return three hitters who topped 100 kills last season. Junior Adelyn Harris led underclassmen with 155 kills and hit .239, while Payten Lode posted 138 kills and averaged over two kills per set in just 59 sets. Harris also led the team in blocking with 101 totals. Emma Haren had 133 kills.

"I've been more of a behind-the-scenes kind of leader, but now I've had to be more vocal," Lode said. "That's just another thing to add to the plate. But at the same time, I'm ready for that role."

At setter, sophomore Kyla Dyrstad was second on the team in assists (494) and third in digs (241) as a freshman, while classmate Quinn Groves chipped in 34 assists.

The Mustangs will spend the opening week close to home. After Thursday's match against Valley City State, they'll play three contests in the Siouxland Sports Academy Tournament in North Sioux City, S.D. They'll then travel to Des Moines to face Grand View on Aug. 27.

Morningside begins Great Plains Athletic Conference play at home against Mount Marty on Wednesday, Sept. 3.