Troy volleyball gears up for grueling 2025 campaign

In just over a week, the Troy volleyball team will kick off the season with an exhibition against Jacksonville State. Following a 13-14 record last season, Troy leaps into 2025 with a retooled roster. 

For the first time since 2019, the Trojans don’t have a returning all-conference player. Tori Hester, who was the 2024 Sun Belt Player of the Year, graduated after a stellar Troy career. Star setter Janelle Stuempfig also departed after leading the team with 735 assists. 

Troy Athletics photo

Kalina Calvillo celebrates after winning a point last season

“I think this group has a little bit of a chip on their shoulder, and they have something to prove,” said head coach Josh Lauer. “With no returning ‘stars,’ if you will, we get the chance to have the ultimate team season.” 

Although Troy loses Hester, there are plenty of other talented players waiting in the wings. At outside hitter, senior Amiah Butler and sophomores Kalina Calvillo and Olivia Kwiatkowski produced in limited roles – however, injuries hampered some of them at times. 

“Tori stepped into a role that was needed for the team as injuries happened,” Lauer said. “The hope is that we have a lot more balanced distribution this year.” 

Lauer points to a group of seniors in Butler, Jaci Mesa and Sara Bates that each bring leadership and experience to the team. 

“Those three have probably logged the most minutes for us over the course of their time here,” Lauer said. “I know they’re excited to tie a bow on their career and time at Troy the right way.” 

Last season, freshmen like Calvillo and Kwiatkowski contributed in their first seasons. Lauer highlighted Josephine Hensley, Brooke Forkum and Madison Marx as players that might see playing time this season. 

“I think the freshman class is pretty dynamic,” Lauer said. “Our players love the freshman group, they’ve really fit in, and they were here this summer working hard.” 

The Trojans face a tough schedule in 2025, including non-conference matches against Georgia, Auburn, Virginia and Ohio State. The Massey Ratings place Troy at the 104th toughest schedule in the nation, highest among Sun Belt Conference teams. 

“The Sun Belt is the sixth best conference in the country,” Lauer said. “You can’t just walk through the non-conference schedule and expect to be prepared for what you’re going to face in conference season. 

“The focus for us is ‘how do we prepare to be our best during the conference season?’” 

Lauer also emphasized the importance of creating a strong atmosphere at Trojan Arena. 

“We have some really fun home matches this year and we’re going to need support,” Lauer said. “We’re home against Texas State and Georgia Southern and I think those are going to be two of the top three when the preseason ranking comes out. 

“Football is on Saturday but volleyball is on Friday nights. If we can get Trojan Arena rocking, I think great things are going to happen for this group.” 

After the Aug. 23 exhibition against Jacksonville State, the Trojans are on the road until Sep. 6 for the home opener against Jackson State. Troy opens the season with matches against Georgia, Samford and Auburn.