Full Breakdown
SEC Volleyball Tournament Set to Begin in Savannah
11/20/2025, 6:50:10 AM
Overview of the Tournament
The 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Volleyball Tournament is scheduled to take place at Savannah's Enmarket Arena from November 21 to November 25. Sixteen teams will compete, including four ranked in the latest NCAA Top 25: No. 2 Kentucky, No. 3 Texas, No. 6 Texas A&M, and No. 18 Tennessee. Kentucky enters as the top seed, followed by Texas A&M, Texas, and Tennessee. Georgia, with a record of 16-9, is seeded seventh and will face the winner of the Mississippi State versus Vanderbilt match on Saturday.
Tournament Schedule
The tournament will kick off with the following matches:
- Friday, Nov. 21
- Match 1: No. 16 Arkansas vs. No. 9 Oklahoma at noon
- Match 2: No. 13 South Carolina vs. No. 12 Alabama at 2 p.m.
- Match 3: No. 15 Vanderbilt vs. No. 10 Mississippi State at 5 p.m.
- Match 4: No. 14 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 LSU at 7 p.m.
The tournament will continue through the weekend, culminating in the championship match on Tuesday, November 25, at 7 p.m.
Key Players and Awards
Kentucky's Eva Hudson has been recognized as the SEC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, while Kassie O’Brien earned the title of SEC Freshman of the Year. Head coach Craig Skinner received his seventh SEC Coach of the Year award, marking his third consecutive year winning this honor. Hudson, O’Brien, and junior outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye were all named to the All-SEC First Team, showcasing Kentucky's dominance in the conference.
Mississippi State's Lindsey Mangelson was also highlighted for her performance, earning spots on the All-SEC Second and Freshman Teams. Mangelson has been a standout player, leading her team in multiple offensive categories during her freshman season.
Official Statements & Responses
Kentucky's head coach Craig Skinner emphasized the importance of team culture, stating, “Those new players immediately bought into the culture and the foundation of what we’ve built.” This sentiment reflects the Wildcats' successful season and their readiness for the upcoming tournament.
Criticism & Opposition
While the tournament showcases top talent, some critics have pointed out the challenges faced by lower-seeded teams, such as Alabama and South Carolina, who must navigate tough matchups right from the start. Concerns about the competitive balance in the tournament have been raised, particularly regarding the advantages held by higher-seeded teams.
What's Next
As the tournament progresses, teams will vie for the SEC title, with the championship match set for November 25. The outcomes will not only determine the SEC champion but also influence seeding for the upcoming NCAA tournament.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm so proud of Lindsey and the freshman season she has put together,” — Head Coach, Mississippi State Volleyball
- “They have an elite ability to stay present,” — Craig Skinner, Head Coach, Kentucky Volleyball
The SEC Volleyball Tournament promises to deliver exciting matches and showcase the talents of some of the best collegiate volleyball players in the nation.
