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Rutgers volleyball's 2025 campaign concluded with a 12-20 overall record and a 3-17 mark in Big Ten play, both representing the most wins under seventh-year head coach Caitlin Schweihofer. The season was highlighted by a seven-match winning streak, the program's longest since 2012, and a 9-3 nonconference record. The Scarlet Knights also set a new all-time attendance record, drawing 8,000 fans to Jersey Mike's Arena for a match against No. 1 Nebraska, and secured their first-ever Big Ten sweep of Ohio State.
Now, Schweihofer welcomes seven newcomers—four freshmen and three transfers—tasked with translating last year's momentum into victories. The incoming class includes standout recruits and experienced transfers, each bringing unique talents and backgrounds to the program.
Freshmen Add Depth and Talent
Brooke Baldwin, a Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the Year, follows in the footsteps of her brother Patrick, a 2022 NBA first-round pick. Both parents played at Northwestern, with her father Pat earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 1994. Baldwin's high school career included 953 assists, a Division 1 state title, and AVCA Second Team All-American recognition. Her coach praised her dedication to improving weaknesses and motivating teammates, while a teammate described her as the kind of leader every volleyball player hopes to have. Off the court, Baldwin volunteered with the Miracle League of Wisconsin.
Malia Romes, a middle blocker, graduated high school early to begin coursework at Rutgers before volleyball travel intensifies. She emphasized the importance of establishing academics first, given the demanding travel schedule in the Big Ten. Romes was her conference's Player of the Year and a first-team All-Ohio selection after four straight first-team all-league honors.
Kami Dyrstad, a libero from Nebraska, joins her sister Kenzie at Rutgers. Dyrstad closed her prep career with over 1,000 digs and was named Class A Player of the Year and Libero of the Year. She expressed pride in representing Nebraska at the collegiate level.
Addison Wiemann, an outside hitter, earned Player of the Match honors in the 2025 5A state championship game, recording 100 attempts and 38 kills—both top-20 marks in state history. A seven-time USA Volleyball NTDP invitee, Wiemann is already redshirting as a true freshman, a decision the program has not publicly explained.
Transfers Bring Experience and Determination
Karis Willow spent three seasons at Penn State, including a role on the 2024 national championship team, but saw limited playing time, appearing in just 14 matches with six total kills. She entered the transfer portal in December after Penn State's NCAA Tournament exit. The 6-foot-4 outside hitter was ranked 58th in her recruiting class and finished her high school career with 1,377 kills and 833 digs.
Skylar George's journey to Rutgers includes a frustrating redshirt year at Utah, where she was used almost exclusively as a practice libero and never appeared in a match. She transferred to Syracuse, where she started every match for two years, finishing 2025 second on the team in kills with 296 and first in aces with 30. Her mother noted that doubters fueled her determination, a narrative she continues to prove wrong.
Zharia Harris-Waddy, a New Jersey native, began volleyball in fourth grade after a dance background. She led Paul VI to its first state championship and became a two-time program MVP. At Syracuse, she started all 89 sets as a freshman, recorded the first kills-and-blocks double-double since 2021, and led the team with 91 blocks as a junior before an injury cut short her season. She is pursuing a master's in digital marketing while playing a fifth year at Rutgers.
With a strong returning core, including Lily Bolen, who set the program's single-season assist record in Big Ten play, and Aspen Maxwell, who posted the most kills per set since 2009, Rutgers is counting on this newcomer group to elevate the win total. The Scarlet Knights open the season on August 28 against Purdue Fort Wayne in Louisville, Kentucky, before their home debut on September 8 against LIU.
Originally reported by yahoo.