By: Mark Wasik
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State volleyball brings back a loaded squad this fall, and that has not got unnoticed by the Conference USA coaches as the Owls have been picked to finish fourth this season in the 2025 CUSA Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced on Thursday. In addition, a pair of Owls, senior outside hitter
Manu Johnsen and junior middle blocker
Olivia Burrage, have been selected to the 12-member CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team.
Western Kentucky, winners of five of the last six CUSA titles, are again the preseason favorites though by just four votes this year, as Hilltoppers received eight first place votes and 118 total. UTEP, last year's runner-up, was picked to finish second with 114 points (four first-place votes). New league member Delaware is slotted third with 87, while only two points behind are the Owls with 85.
A year ago, KSU was picked seventh in the preseason poll before finishing in fourth place and reaching the CUSA tournament semifinals. The Owls bring back every starter from last year's squad and overall 15 players return for the Black and Gold. Highlighting the returnees are Johnsen, a three-time all-conference honoree during the Owls' two seasons in the Atlantic Sun and their inaugural year as members of CUSA. One of the top offensive stars in KSU history, she ranks among the top two returning players in the conference in kills (433, 3.79 per set) and points (507, 4.33 per set). Burrage meanwhile set a new KSU school record last season with a .368 hitting percentage. She also ranked among the league leaders in blocks per set at 0.91 while adding 2.16 kills per set.
The Owls open the season for the second straight year against Wichita State, this time in Wichita, Kan., as part of the Shocker Volleyball Classic. The two will square off on Friday, Aug. 29 at 8 pm, while KSU will follow with a neutral contest against Arkansas on Aug. 30. KSU's home opener will fall on Sept. 6 against South Carolina State at 2 pm, while the CUSA opener will be on the road at Middle Tennessee on Sept. 26.
2025 Conference USA Preseason Volleyball Coaches' Poll
Place Team (1st place votes) Votes
1. Western Kentucky (8) 118
2. UTEP (4) 114
3. Delaware 87
4. Kennesaw State 85
5. NM State 82
6. Liberty 73
7. FIU 50
8. Sam Houston 49
9. Missouri State 45
10. Middle Tennessee 44
11. Jacksonville State 33
12. Louisiana Tech 12
2025 Preseason All-Conference USA Team
Anna Logan Gillens, Delaware
Mandi Morioka, FIU
Kayla Williams, Jax State
Olivia Burrage, Kennesaw State
Manu Johnsen, Kennesaw State
Sara Pustahija, UTEP
Ema Uskokovic, UTEP
Danika Washington, UTEP
Kaya Weaver, UTEP
Callie Bauer, WKU
Alivia Skidmore, WKU
Izzy Van De Wiele, WKU
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Joining The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
