News Summary
As the volleyball season approaches, Augusta University and USC Aiken both look forward to strong performances. With Augusta ranked No. 2 and USC Aiken at No. 4 in the Peach Belt Conference, both teams are enhancing their rosters with talented new athletes. Augusta University adds 11 players to an already robust lineup, while USC Aiken welcomes their largest signing class since 2013. The coaching experience on both sides promises to bring excitement to the upcoming matches, further deepening the rivalry in the Central Savannah River Area.
Augusta, Georgia – The 2025 volleyball season is shaping up to be an exciting one for teams in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), with both Augusta University and USC Aiken entering the year with heightened expectations and talented new rosters. Augusta University is currently ranked No. 2 in the Peach Belt Conference’s preseason poll, having received one first-place vote and a total of 21 points. Meanwhile, USC Aiken holds the No. 4 spot in the same poll, accumulating 15 points and trailing behind Flagler.
With the competition intensifying, both teams are taking significant steps to prepare for the challenges ahead. Augusta University is set to bolster its roster with 11 new student-athletes, which expands its total to 16 players. The incoming class is a mix of Division I and Division II transfers, international talents, and promising freshmen. Key veteran leaders for Augusta include Lauren Posa, Lauren Nelson, and Giulia Rodrigues, who are expected to contribute to the team’s success substantially.
To complement their new talent, Augusta University is focused on maintaining a balance that includes strong leadership and team cohesion. A motivational factor for the Jaguars is their impressive historical achievements, prominently displayed in their locker room, to remind players of their past successes. Last season, they finished with a 22-8 record and reached the NCAA Southeast Region semifinals while entering the year as favorites after claiming two consecutive regular-season titles.
On the other hand, USC Aiken’s volleyball program is also seeing growth through a strong recruitment strategy, culminating in its largest signing class since 2013, with 10 new players. This strong class includes standout high school athletes and transfers, who bring with them valuable experience, including state championships and appearances in national tournaments. The need for this depth comes on the heels of injuries faced in past seasons, prompting the Pacers to build a more robust team depth.
USC Aiken’s head coach, Glenn Cox, enters his 18th season with a commendable record of 324-176 over 17 seasons. Enhancing the team’s competitiveness this season, the Pacers aim to have three players deep at every position. In a competitive Peach Belt Conference, which is notable for having four teams qualify for regional tournaments, this depth is expected to be crucial. USC Aiken will also face each opponent three times this season, increasing the challenge and intensity of their schedule.
A returning player to watch for USC Aiken is Lexi Rogers, who is making her comeback after missing most of the previous year due to an ACL tear. Her return is significant, and she has already been named to the preseason all-conference team. Augusta’s Giulia Rodrigues, a standout libero, also received recognition by being named in the preseason All-Conference Team after averaging 3.71 digs per set last season.
Both programs have a wealth of experience on the sidelines. USC Aiken’s head coach Glenn Cox and Augusta University’s Sharon Quarles, who is entering her 17th season with a 324-196 record, bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to their respective teams. As the 2025 volleyball season approaches, the CSRA is set to witness a thrilling competition between these two talented teams, each eager to build on their legacies while striving for victory.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Augusta High Schools Achieve Excellence in U.S. Rankings
Augusta University Athletics Recognized for Community Service
Augusta University Athletics Achieves Top Ranking in Service Challenge
Additional Resources
- Augusta Jags: Volleyball Voted Second in PBC Preseason Poll
- WRDW: Jags, Pacers Volleyball Enter Season with High Hopes
- MaxPreps: Volleyball Recap – Augusta Comes Up Short
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
