Full Breakdown
2025 NCAA Volleyball Tournament: Sweet 16 Preview
12/11/2025, 8:34:19 AM
Key Players to Watch
As the 2025 NCAA Volleyball Tournament progresses to the Sweet 16, several standout players are poised to make significant impacts on their teams' performances. Olivia Babcock, the reigning AVCA Player of the Year from the University of Pittsburgh, continues to impress with an average of 5.9 points and 5.1 kills per set. Her dynamic play has been instrumental in leading Pitt to the tournament, where they will face the University of Minnesota, who is looking to upset the top-seeded Panthers.
Mimi Colyer from the University of Wisconsin has also emerged as a key player, averaging 5.32 kills per set, the highest among remaining competitors. Colyer's recent performances include a double-double against North Carolina, showcasing her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. Wisconsin will face Stanford, a team that has historically dominated their matchups, including a victory in the 2019 National Championship.
Rebekah Allick of Nebraska is another player to watch. As a senior middle blocker, she has stepped up her offensive game while serving as an emotional leader for the Cornhuskers. Nebraska's balanced attack, featuring multiple capable attackers, will be tested as they aim for a deep tournament run.
Tournament Highlights and Upsets
The tournament has already seen significant upsets, with Cal Poly emerging as a Cinderella story. The Mustangs, who entered the tournament unseeded, achieved back-to-back upsets against No. 5 BYU and No. 4 USC, marking their first Sweet 16 appearance in 18 years. Their next challenge will be against the second-seeded Kentucky Wildcats, who have been a dominant force throughout the season.
The tournament's first round was particularly thrilling, featuring eight upsets where unseeded teams defeated higher-ranked opponents. This trend continued into the second round, with teams like SMU and Louisville also making headlines with their strong performances.
Official Statements & Responses
Coaches and players have expressed their excitement and determination as they approach the Sweet 16. Wisconsin head coach Kelly Sheffield emphasized the importance of confidence built through hard work, stating, “Confidence is earned by the work you put in.” Meanwhile, Cal Poly's head coach Caroline Walters noted the significance of their unexpected success, saying, “We’ve been doing things right, and that’s why we’ve made it this far.”
Upcoming Matches
The Sweet 16 matches are set to take place on December 11 and 12, with key matchups including Minnesota vs. Pittsburgh, Wisconsin vs. Stanford, and Cal Poly vs. Kentucky. Each match promises to deliver high-stakes competition as teams vie for a spot in the Elite Eight.
As the tournament unfolds, the blend of established stars and emerging talents will shape the narrative, making for an exciting continuation of the NCAA Volleyball Championship.
