“It’s not an easy challenge, but we’re taking that on,” Maryland volleyball head coach Adam Hughes said in July as he looked ahead to the 2025 season. The Terps finished 2024 with a 14-17 record, their first year below .500 since 2020.
A major factor that contributed to the shift in Maryland’s fortunes was its abundance of injuries. Towards the end of the 2024 season, Hughes had four injured players on the bench, including star outside hitter Erin Morrissey, a redshirt senior whose season-long absence
deprived Maryland of one of its strongest contributors.
The entry into the 2025 season marks a loss of eight familiar and integral players who once called The Pavillion home. Their departure forces the 2025 Terps to rebuild, but they have the talent to do so.
Notable departures
Morrissey transferred to Florida Atlantic this offseason. Farewells were also said to outside hitter Sam Csire, who had the team’s second-most kills (290) in 2024, pin hitter and 2024 second-team All-Big Ten honoree Samantha Schnitta, who broke the program record for most single-season aces with 88 and middle blocker Anastasia Russ, who led the team in blocks per set (1.1) last season. Gaps in the offensive that were once filled by those mentioned leaves room for new players to step up to the plate.
The departures of setters Sydney Dowler and Zoe Huang also removes a link from the offense. Libero Lilly Gunter dominated the back row for the Terps with her precision, ending her career with 791 digs.
Looking forward
The departure of veteran leaders leaves Hughes with plenty of holes to fill. Some of his returners, though, are set to step into crucial roles. One of those is outside hitter Skylar Gerhardt, a Villanova transfer who was out with an injury for the entire 2024 season. Gerhardt led the Wildcats with 43 service aces in 2023. Fully healed, Gerhardt can bring that power and her 2.21 kills per set average to Maryland.
As two setters departed, redshirt freshman Lilly Wagner will step up to the plate. The former MaxPreps High School First Team All-American has the capability to breathe new life into Maryland’s next season.
Experienced transfers
Maryland will be welcoming Arkansas transfer Olivia Ruy this coming season, a redshirt freshman outside hitter. She finished her 2024 season averaging 2.81 kills per set.
Ajack Malual, a senior right-side hitter, appeared in eight matches at Tennessee last season, scoring a kill in every set she played. Hailing from Rome, Malual’s siblings are professional volleyball players in Italy. That heritage, as well as her 6-foot-1 frame, suggest that Hughes can get some effective play from the Italian.
Necessities
With eight players departing, the 2025 roster is in desperate need of reliable leadership and teamwork. Without clear replacements to hold up the team, the season could be a tumultuous one.
The Terps’ season opener will take place on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. at Coastal Carolina. Their home opener will be Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. against Delaware State.
