No. 20-ranked Baylor volleyball reloads for 2025

When 20th-ranked Baylor volleyball begins the 2025 season Friday afternoon in Baton Rouge, a new-look team will pursue the same high standards that have become the norm under head coach Ryan McGuyre. Over the last decade, McGuyre has led the program into a golden age. The Bears have earned nine straight NCAA tournament berths, including four Sweet 16s and a Final Four, and look to extend that success in 2025.

To get there, they’ll rely on players stepping up in new opportunities. This year’s squad looks to reload after graduating key seniors from 2024. Two Preseason All-Big 12 honorees on the front line are expected to play a key role. Middle blocker Victoria Davis returns for her junior season after finishing last year with 74 blocks and 84 kills. She’s joined this year by grad transfer Gabrielle Essix, also a middle blocker. Essix comes to Baylor from the Florida Gators, for whom she stood out in 2023 and 2024 before being limited by an injury last year.

The Bears will be challenged by their usual tough schedule. This year’s slate includes eight opponents who appeared in the NCAA Tournament last year, including No. 5 Texas and No. 16 Florida. The season begins Friday, Aug. 29, against South Alabama in Baton Rouge; the Bears then play host LSU on Sunday. The first home game of the season comes Sept. 4 at the Ferrell Center, when the Bears host Northwestern. Tickets are available online now.

Sic ’em, Baylor Volleyball!