LYNCHBURG, Va.- The Randolph women's volleyball team has been back in the gym for almost two weeks as the WildCats begin preparations for the 2025 season.

Four seniors return to the squad for their final season. Brooklyn Finnerty started all 28 matches last year and tied a team high of 105 sets played. She is coming off a 2024 campaign where she was second on the team in total blocks and fourth in kills. In her first season with the team last year, Kailee Turner led in assists and service aces and will be looked to put up big numbers again. Mackenzie Woodson had a career year across the board last season. She had a career-high 50 block assists and 133 digs. Abby Maldonado was a big contributor in her first season with the 'Cats as she totaled 180 digs and also had 20 service aces.

Jamie Galinis, a junior, returns for the WildCats, will be competing in her final season as well. Last season, she had a total of 53 kills, 165 attacks, 14 assists, 25 digs, 16 blocks and 64 points. A versatile contributor, she will be stepping into a key role as a right side/setter as she finds her way back to the court.

At defensive specialist/libero, McKayla Padgett took a big step up in her sophomore year as she finished with 311 digs to rank second on the WildCats.

Of the nine newcomers joining the squad this year are seven First Years. Sophomore Caroline Towle joined the WildCats last spring and fellow sophomore Jaelle Hinkle comes aboard this season. Towle is an outside hitter/defensive specialist while Hinkle is also a defensive specialist.

"We have added some great athleticism and talent to our team this year," said head coach Kara Matthews.  "Even though we have so many new faces in the gym, the team is bonding very well and our newcomers have been learning and growing quickly.  We've added some solid ball control as well as many new additions to our offense. Overall, I'm having a lot of fun with this group and very excited to see what they can accomplish this year!" 

Randolph begins its season at Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday as the WildCats face Plymouth State and Westminster College. The home opener is September 12 when the team hosts Clinton College and Pfeiffer University at Giles Gymnasium.