Rowan women’s volleyball enters the 2025 season after a strong 2024 campaign that ended in a loss in the semifinals of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Volleyball Championship, where they were swept by eventual champion William Paterson.

The Profs finished last year with a 16-14 overall record and a 5-3 mark in conference play—a major step forward from their 9-21 season in 2023. Now, Rowan looks to continue its upward trajectory, though they’ll do so without several key graduates, including opposite hitters Isa Kirchner and Maya Iovacchini, defensive specialist Abby Webster, outside hitter Kyra Hissner, and setter Brooke Adams.

Adams was the anchor of the Profs last season. The two-time NJAC champion finished her career as Rowan volleyball’s all-time assists leader with 4,185. Playing in all 106 sets, she led her team that season with 973 assists and in service aces with 75, cementing her legacy as one of the best players the Rowan women’s volleyball program has ever seen.

She was a huge piece of the Prof’s success and the heartbeat of her team. With her departure, it marks a new era for Rowan women’s volleyball, and many are left wondering who will take her spot at setter.

One possible option is sophomore Reese Timothy. Timothy played in 11 sets her freshman season with 32 assists. Incoming freshman Raven Albrecht and Aubrey Ward could also be possible suitors.

Adams’ absence on the court, while difficult, can be filled, but what she contributed in terms of team leadership is harder to replace. Luckily, two veteran seniors, Jena Kaul and Vanessa Hutchinson, have what it takes to rise to the challenge.

Hutchinson, the team’s libero, dominated the court in her junior season. And like Adams, she played in all 106 of Rowan volleyball’s sets. She led her team with 497 digs. Hutchinson also surpassed 1000 for her career. As for outside hitter Kaul, she brought the power with a team-high 330 kills last year, acting as the decider in crucial sets for her team down the stretch.

Looking rest of the court, Rowan volleyball has things figured out. The Profs added five new freshmen to their lineup in the offseason, including Ward, Albrecht, outside hitter Jessica Smart, middle hitter Abigail Bivona, and opposite hitter Alexis Hoyer. As for the veterans, including Hutchinson and Kaul, 13 players are returning in 2025.

2024 was a season of growth for the Rowan University Profs. After a 9-21 record in 2023, the Profs flipped the script and ended the 2024 season with a 16-14 record. With a mix of seasoned leaders, the Profs aim to build on their turnaround season and prove they belong among the NJAC’s top contenders in 2025.

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