FAMU Volleyball Kicks Off Season at Hampton Invitational: Key Players to Watch!

FAMU Volleyball Kicks Off Season at Hampton Invitational: Key Players to Watch!

As the sun sets on another summer, the Florida A&M University (FAMU) volleyball team is gearing up to kick off its 2025 season at the highly anticipated Hampton Invitational this Friday. The Rattlers are set to bring their winning spirit back to the court, after securing their third Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) title in four years just last season. With their eyes firmly set on a successful non-conference opener, expectations are high.

FAMU will face East Carolina and the host team, Hampton, on August 29, before squaring off against Maryland Eastern Shore the next day. The Rattlers aim to build momentum ahead of the SWAC play, focusing on consistency and depth with key contributors back in the lineup. Friday’s matches are scheduled for 10 a.m. against East Carolina and at 6 p.m. against Hampton, followed by a noon match against Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday.

Key Players to Watch

The Rattlers are armed with a solid roster, featuring standout players who have shown promise in previous seasons. Dylan Hoskins, a transfer from Grambling State, has been named the Preseason SWAC Libero of the Year and earned First Team honors after tallying 321 digs and 66 assists last season. Another important player is Victoria Santana, a Charlotte transfer, who impressed with 183 digs, including a high of 29 against Tulane.

Meanwhile, Iyonnie Sanford, also on the Preseason All-SWAC First Team, is looking to replicate her remarkable performance from last season where she recorded 250 kills and was named SWAC Offensive Player of the Week on two occasions. Completing the mix is Makenzie Taylor, who not only racked up 428 assists last season but is also recognized on the Preseason All-SWAC Second Team. With such talent at their disposal, FAMU is poised to make an impact this season.

Last Season’s Triumphs

Last year was a historic one for FAMU, as they completed a flawless regular season in SWAC play with an impressive 19-0 record, while also dominating at home with a 13-0 record at the Al Lawson Center. Under the guidance of head coach Gokhan Yilmaz, the team finished the SWAC Volleyball Tournament with a 3-1 victory over Jackson State, marking a remarkable third title in four years. This win at Grambling State’s Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center was followed by a new single-season record of 27 wins, surpassing the previous mark of 25-7 achieved in 2021.

Key players, including Brooke Lynn Watts, who earned MVP honors in the championship match, were instrumental in this run. Assistant coach Dominique Washington noted that the preseason preparations proved vital for the team, setting them up for success in conference play. As a result, FAMU is ready to represent the SWAC in the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Tournament, with the official bracket due to be revealed in December.

As we gear up for the season opener, one thing remains clear: the Rattlers are ready for action, eager to build on their past successes and keep the winning spirit alive! With rich talent and an unyielding will, Florida A&M is certainly a team to watch as the season unfolds.