Purdue volleyball faces a busy season-opening stretch as No. 15 in the AVCA preseason rankings looks to translate into early momentum. The Boilers kick off the 2025 campaign with a pair of weekend matches in Tennessee: Friday, Aug. 29, at 11:30 a.m. ET in Knoxville against USF at Thompson-Bowling Arena, and Sunday, Aug. 31, at 3:07 p.m. ET in Nashville against Tennessee at the Bridgestone Arena as part of the Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party. The events will be carried on Stretch/Presto for listening.
AVCA PRESEASON RANKING AND SEASON OUTLOOK
Purdue sits at No. 15 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association preseason poll, continuing a trend of steady top-20 placements. The Boilers have been ranked No. 16 or better in the preseason poll for six straight seasons, underscoring a program that consistently aims for high-level competition from the start of the season.
RETURNERS AND KEY PLAYERS
The Boilers return eight players who logged significant time last season. Notable returnees include junior setter Taylor Anderson and junior outside hitter Kenna Wollard, alongside sophomore defensive specialist Ryan McAleer. The trio anchors the lineup, delivering continuity in a season that features a young but talented roster.
Grace Heaney, a redshirt sophomore opposite, is set to return after missing the 2024 season due to injury. In addition to the on-court leadership of Anderson, Wollard, and McAleer, Anderson finished last season with a standout 11.25 assists per set, ranking No. 8 nationally and leading the Big Ten in assists per game. McAleer, a reliable back-row presence, posted just 21 reception errors over 117 sets and averaged 2.4 digs per set. Wollard contributed 150 kills last year and is slated to play a central role on the team’s offense.
The Team at a Glance
Purdue’s roster is notably young, with about two-thirds of the squad classified as underclassmen (66.7%, 12 of 18 players). The program has integrated five incoming freshmen and five transfers to complement the returning core. With just one returning starter in setter Taylor Anderson, Wollard and McAleer have been essential in providing experience and stability on the court.
Offense and depth bring a different flavor to this season. Purdue is returning only a small slice of its offense from a year ago (7.5%), but the returning players—Wollard, Anderson, and McAleer—are complemented by a broader mix of contributors who can expand the offense in new ways. The roster includes players from 11 states plus Washington, D.C., with Indiana leading the way (four players), followed by California (three).
From the Portal
The Boilers added five transfers to strengthen the lineup: Akasha Anderson (OH, Sr., Michigan State), Dior Charles (MB, Jr., Wake Forest), Bianka Lulić (MB, RS-So., Miami), Lindsey Miller (MB, Gr., USC), and Natalie Moravec (OH, RS-So., Iowa). Anderson has immediate experience as a primary attacker (3.27 kills per set last season) and was a key blocker for Michigan State. Moravec appeared in most of Iowa’s sets in 2023 and added strong blocking and hitting numbers. Charles, one of the top blockers in the ACC last season, brings size and versatility. Lulić arrives with high efficiency marks against top programs, including standout performances against Stanford and Texas. Miller brings a proven blocking presence and efficiency, having led USC in blocks multiple times last year.
FRESHMAN CLASS TALENT
The incoming freshman class is part of Purdue’s broader talent strategy to diversify its weapons and develop depth across positions. The balance of talent from the freshman class, combined with the experienced transfer additions, positions Purdue to adapt to various matchups and competition levels throughout the season.
LOOKING AHEAD
The season-opening sequence in Tennessee offers Purdue an early gauge of how an energized roster—with a mix of proven performers, impactful transfers, and fresh faces—will gel in high-stakes matches. The return of Grace Heaney adds another layer of depth and upside after her redshirt year. If the team can translate the early momentum into sustained performance, Purdue could challenge for a strong finish in the Big Ten and contest for conference and national honors.
Summary
Purdue enters 2025 with No. 15 national recognition, a mostly young but talented roster, and a blend of established playmakers and impactful newcomers. The season-opening matchups in Knoxville and Nashville should set the tone for a year of growth, competitive volleyball, and opportunities for the Boilers to showcase a dynamic, multi-faceted offense and a resilient, defense-oriented core.
Additional notes and value
– Watch the development of Grace Heaney as she returns to the court, potentially expanding Purdue’s opposite options.
– With five transfers, Purdue’s blocker corps could become a major strength, especially if Lulić and Miller anchor the middle alongside Charles.
– The mix of underclassmen and experienced players will be a key storyline as the team navigates the Big Ten schedule and strives for postseason play.
– A strong start against non-conference opponents could build confidence and chemistry early in the season.
Overall, the season preview signals optimism for Purdue’s ability to compete at a high level, leveraging a robust transfer class, a solid returning core, and a growing group of young players to contend from non-conference play through Big Ten action. If you’re following Purdue volleyball, the early matches in Tennessee will be telling about how quickly this new chemistry comes together.