CRESTON, Iowa – With a renewed sense of direction and depth, the Southwestern volleyball program enters year two under Head Coach Brianna Maitlen focused on progress, competitiveness, and long-term growth. The Spartans announced their full 2025 schedule and roster this week, featuring a 30-match regular season that leans heavily on early tournament play and a large group of incoming freshmen.
After laying foundational pieces in 2024, the Spartans return key sophomores, including middle hitter Whitney Hollins, who ranked fourth in the ICCAC in hitting percentage last season (.330). Hollins will anchor a front line that also features sophomore Skyelar Lawal and returning setter/opposite Cadence Perkins.
They'll be joined by a large and diverse incoming class of 13 freshmen, representing both local Iowa talent and recruits from as far as South Carolina, Texas, and Colorado. The 2025 roster features length at the net, defensive versatility, and a pair of setters ready to compete for early playing time.
"We have a deeper lineup, better balance across positions, and more internal competition than last year," said Maitlen. "This fall is about sharpening habits, finding consistency, and closing the gap with high-level programs."
The Spartans will open the season on August 23 at the Opening Weekend Tournament in Rockford, Illinois, before returning to Creston for a crucial three-match home stretch from August 27 to September 3. That stretch will include dates against Northeast, Highland, and Central —three matches that could help build early-season confidence.
Much of the fall slate is tournament-based, providing young players with regular match experience and the opportunity to adjust to the college game quickly. Conference play opens August 27, when Southwestern hosts Northeast.
The Spartans close the regular season at home on October 21 against Western Iowa Tech, with the Region XI Tournament scheduled for November 1-5. While the Spartans aren't projected to be league favorites, Coach Maitlen and her group are focused on building a competitive culture and earning sets from perennial ICCAC contenders.
With the release of the 2025 schedule and roster, the foundation is set. The next step: turning close sets into wins and establishing a new standard for Spartan Volleyball.
�� 2025 Key Dates
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Aug. 20 – Season opener scrimmage vs Graceland University
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Aug. 27 – Sept. 3 – Three-match home stand (Northeast, Highland, Central)
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Oct. 21 – Regular-season home finale vs. Western Iowa Tech
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Nov. 1–5 – Region XI Tournament