After reaching the semi-finals of the Gulf South Conference Tournament last season and posting an overall record of 19-16 and 11-9 against rugged GSC opponents, the Lee University volleyball team has earned respect as shown by being ranked third in the annual 2025 Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll. The University of West Florida, unbeaten in GSC play last year, is No.1 while always strong the University of Alabama in Huntsville is No. 2.
Mississippi College and Valdosta State University are tied for 4th. The University of Montevallo and Trevecca Nazarene University are deadlocked for 6th while Union University, Auburn University Montgomery, University of West Alabama, and Christian Brothers University round out the poll.
“Our ranking this year is credited to the way our girls played last season through every setback,” stated Lee coach Christa Fabre, who begins her third season as a head college coach. “We lost some important pieces from last season but we are stronger with great returners and key new players.
“I do believe we have what it takes to be competing for a championship at the end of this season. West Florida is unanimously at the top and have decidedly earned that right by being undefeated in our conference last season. UAH is another strong opponent, always finding their way to the top.
“The teams ranked just beneath us are always competitive and I am sure this year will be no different. I am looking forward to competing this year. There should be some exciting matches and hopefully a few upsets that swing our way,” the coach concluded.
Palumbo, Danley Preseason All-GSC
Sophomores Sara Palumbo and Payton Danley were named to the Preseason All-GSC Team. Palumbo powered the Lady Flames with 368 kills last season and Danley countered with 318 kills and 92 blocks. West Florida placed three on the nine-player team while Lee and UAH had two each.
Coach Fabre said, “Both Palumbo and Danley were major contributors to our success last season, and I am confident they will continue to push us forward this year as well. Sara is a solid all-around player who knows the game well and swings hard. Her backrow play is so important for our overall ball control. Payton is only continuing to grow as a blocker and an attacker and is a big-time challenge for our opponents at the net.”
Freshman Jasmine Terry, redshirt sophomore Jordyn Butler and freshman Sydney Sharpe were listed on the GSC Newcomer Watchlist. Coach Fabre noted, “We have several new players who I already have a lot of confidence in. Terry is a dynamic outside with a high touch and strong swing. Sharpe is an athletic setter who moves the ball around well and with consistency. Butler is another strong outside who will find time on the court with her all-around play.” The coach also mentioned 6-foot-4 Esthefany Rabit. “She is another add (transfer) who is a big presence in the middle and will add power and a strong block for us.”
Volleyball fans will get an early look at the Lady Flames this evening at 6 p.m. when they host Lincoln Memorial University in an exhibition match. For the second consecutive year there will be no admission charge thanks to our good friends at Food City.
2025 GSC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. West Florida (10) – 100
2. UAH (1) – 91
3. Lee – 71
t4. Mississippi College – 66
t4. Valdosta State – 66
t6. Montevallo – 53
t6. Trevecca Nazarene – 53
8. Union – 35
9. Auburn Montgomery – 31
10. West Alabama – 27
11. Christian Brothers – 12
First-place votes in parenthesis ( )
2025 Preseason All-GSC Team
Gabi Moulton, Jr., S, West Florida
Kayla Ward, Jr., MB, UAH
Emily Breazeale, Jr., OH, West Florida
Nikol Antova, So., OH, Montevallo
Caroline Moyer, Sr., OH, UAH
Payton Danley, So., MB/RS, Lee
Sara Palumbo, So., OH, Lee
Kumara Flanagain, Jr., RS/OH, West Florida
Hainline Skias, Sr., S, Trevecca Nazarene
Organized alphabetically by school