Bluefield, WV – Bluefield State University Volleyball has been selected 5^th in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Preseason Poll. Setter Gabrielle Hale was named to the 2025 Preseason All-CIAA Volleyball Team.

The Big Blue finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 18-16 and 11-4 in CIAA play. Key Returners for the Big Blue include Sophomore Gabrielle Hale. Hale had 906 assists in her Freshman debut with 229 digs, 100 kills, 77 (16 solo) blocks and 39 aces. Soniya Garner and Callesta Styles return for the Big Blue combining for 267 kills, with Styles adding 67 blocks (11 solo).

The Big Blue will begin play in the GSU Tournament September 5^th and 6^th with nonconference matchups against West Virginia Wesleyan, Glenville State, Carson-Newman and Chowan before taking on crosstown rival Bluefield University on September 9^th.

2025 CIAA Volleyball Predicted Order of Finish 

1. Fayetteville State University 
2. Shaw University 
3. Virginia State University 
4. Winston-Salem State University 
5. Bluefield State University 
6. Bowie State University 
7. Elizabeth City State University 
8. Livingstone College 
9. Johnson C. Smith University 
10. Virginia Union University 
11. Claflin University 
12. Lincoln University (PA) 

2025 Preseason All-CIAA Volleyball Team

Libero  
Jasmine Culp, Fayetteville State 

Middle Hitter/Blocker 
Nina Edwards, Bowie State 
Amihan Johnson, Fayetteville State 
Zoe Chesson, Winston-Salem State 

Outside Hitter
Alana Simmons, Virginia Union 
Gracie Darville, Virginia State 
Malani Martin, Winston-Salem State 

Right Side Hitter
Nicole Taylor, Bowie State 
Khamare Steppe, Shaw 

Setter 
Gabby Hale, Bluefield State 
Chiara Vittoni, Fayetteville State 

Utility 
Love Riley, Livingstone