Bolivar, Mo. — Southwest Baptist University's Women's Volleyball Team gears up for the fall season where they welcome new players to the court and seek to build upon last year's successes.
 
The Bearcats kick off their season at the Dallas Baptist Tournament in Texas this weekend. Tune in to the following matches:

• SBU vs. St. Edward's University on Friday, September 5th at 9 a.m.
• SBU vs. Dallas Baptist University on Friday, September 5th at 2 p.m.
• SBU vs. Minnesota State University Moorhead on Saturday, September 6th at 9 a.m.
• SBU vs. East Central University on Saturday, September 6th at 4:30 p.m.

 
Coach James Hanger begins his sixth season at Southwest Baptist University this fall, continuing one of the best stretch of seasons in program history. He says, "I'm excited to see a team invested in each other and to witness how that can lead to many great experiences together."
 
The 2024 season presented many milestone moments for the Bearcats, including victories over Rockhurst University (first since 1987) and Truman State University. Many players saw personal victories last season as well. Katie Pogue led the team on the court, hitting a milestone of 1,000 career assists. Rory Stanley, a junior, was named GLVC Defensive Player of the Week last November, while leading her team in blocks and finishing fourth in the GLVC. After an excellent performance last year, Hannah Jackson, a junior, leads with the highest number of kills among the returners. Riding the momentum of the 2024 season, the Bearcats aim to earn their places on the court and strive for a successful season this fall.
 
Returning players welcome eleven freshmen for the 2025 season, five of whom played in the USAV National Championship this last spring. Coach Hanger expressed his optimism about the "athletic, talented, and well-experienced group of freshmen" and looks forward to witnessing fans support the 2025 team. 
 
Fostering their team culture, the Bearcats have chosen three core values for the upcoming year: Trust, Resilience, and Accountability. Coach Hanger emphasizes how "every member of the team has an important role to play this year for these core values to shine."