Wayne State University’s volleyball team will begin its 2025 season at home in the Matthaei Center during the Warrior Invitational, scheduled for September 5-6. The Warriors are set to host nine matches over two days, participating in four themselves.
“We’re looking forward to the Warrior Invitational and hosting four great opponents,” said head coach Tim Koth, who is entering his 12th year with the program. “It should be a great weekend of volleyball and we’re looking forward to seeing people back in the stands at the Matthaei.”
The event will feature teams from multiple conferences. Wayne State opens against Upper Iowa, a Great Lakes Valley Conference member that finished last season with a 10-17 record and was picked to finish 12th out of 14 in its league’s preseason poll. Upper Iowa returns senior outside hitter Lydia Imbrogno and redshirt junior libero McKenna Diermeier among others.
Northwood, now part of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), comes off a 21-8 campaign under coach David Shumaker, who was named G-MAC Coach of the Year in 2024. Senior setter Renee Brines returns after posting over 1,000 assists last season and earning her third All-G-MAC honor.
Cedarville is also participating after being predicted to repeat as G-MAC South Division Champions. Junior outside hitter Madelyn Hensley led her conference in kills per set last year while middle hitter Janae Heegaard ranked among league leaders in attack percentage and blocks.
Winona State rounds out Wayne State’s opponents. Coached by Kristine Pelky, Winona State finished last fall at 18-12 overall and was picked seventh in its conference’s preseason poll. Sophomore outside Abby Ongna has been highlighted as a player to watch for Winona State this season.
The Warrior Invitational marks its tenth installment this year; Wayne State has compiled a 23-8 record over previous editions.
Additional information on match schedules, live streaming links, ticketing details, rosters, and statistics can be found through official Wayne State athletics channels.
