Northwestern volleyball entered last season hoping its rebuild was moving in the right direction. By the end of the fall, the answer was affirmative.
The hiring of Tim Nollan in 2024 marked a new era for a program seeking to become a conference contender. His first season, however, was largely transitional. He had little time to recruit or assemble his coaching staff, resulting in the Wildcats winning only five games the entire season and going 3-17 in the Big Ten.
However, Northwestern showed marked
improvement in 2025. The ‘Cats finished 17-15 overall and 7-13 in conference play behind a more formidable roster with greater continuity.
At the 2026 Big Ten Media Day, Nollan was asked how the Wildcats achieved such a remarkable turnaround.
“Just really committing to playing what we deem now the Northwestern way,” Nollan said. “How we want to play volleyball systematically, defensively and offensively, understanding what we’re trying to do, getting all closer on the same page.”
Entering his third season, Nollan has proved that a program resurgence is possible. Now comes the more difficult task of sustaining it. Northwestern’s roster features eight newcomers — two transfers and six freshmen — while grappling with the departure of key contributors from last season, such as Ayah Elnady and Rylen Reid.
Despite that turnover, the Wildcats are committed to building on the foundation built by Nollan by leaning into the program’s strengths to match the competition level of the Big Ten.
Player support and development form Northwestern’s identity
When asked about the keys to last season’s upward leap, Nollan highlighted the team’s emphasis on winning games and helping players grow as individuals both on and off the court.
“We want to be known as the best skill developers in the country,” Nollan said. “We want to train the best. We want to have the most improvement within our student-athletes.”
Gigi Navarrete and Drew Wright, two seniors who appeared alongside Nollan during the press conference, acknowledged the challenges of balancing a rigorous academic workload with the demands of being collegiate athletes. Both highlighted Northwestern’s resources and the support provided by their academic advisor, while also emphasizing the team’s unity as a source of strength when difficulty arises.
“I think we really rely on each other and we support each other,” Wright said. “We know it’s going to get hard and chaotic, but we also know we can always fall back on each other.”
After three full seasons at Northwestern, Navarrete and Wright represent the results of the Wildcats’ commitment to player development and well-rounded success. Both have grown on and off the court, embodying the qualities Nollan wants the program to represent.
Nollan said those traits were a major reason he chose the two seniors to represent Northwestern at Media Day.
“We decided that Drew and Gigi would come with us today because they really embody what we’re trying to build at Northwestern,” Nollan said. “They show up every day and work tirelessly at their craft. They compete with each other directly, yet they support each other directly — which is amazing. We couldn’t think of a better duo to represent us here today.”
Now, Navarette and Wright will be tasked with imparting those leadership qualities while helping guide the large incoming class. While building that group, Nollan said he prioritized many of the same traits his veteran leaders already showcase. This includes having a competitive edge, where players are motivated to take the extra step by running balls down off the court and elevating their play in clutch moments, two clear hallmarks of the resilient players Nollan’s program covets and develops.
These players must also show an aptitude for team chemistry and a willingness to work well with teammates and collectively learn from each other.
“I think one of their great superpowers, both of these players up here, is that they make the person next to them on the court better,” Nollan said. “That is something we certainly look for in the recruiting process.”
Adaptability is a hallmark of Northwestern’s schematic approach
Nollan has built a roster with great team unity and competitiveness. Now comes building the system those players will develop on the court.
When asked about what NU’s playbook will entail this season, Nollan emphasized his team’s strength in adaptability. The staff is never afraid to experiment with different sets and methods to score more points. Last season, the team frequently utilized both dual liberos and single liberos and ran different rotations, including a 5-1.
The ‘Cats view this adaptability as a strength against Big Ten opponents who may take a more rigid strategic approach.
“We’ll do whatever we think gives us the best opportunity that night,” Nollan said. “The best thing about our team, every night it might be a twist or tweak to that that might be a little bit different. We’re okay with that. We’re not stuck in this box of ‘we only do X.’ We’re willing to adapt, and I think we have the talent this year for continually adapting and making life tougher on our opponents.”
The Big Ten tournament provides both a benchmark and opportunity for Northwestern
One of the biggest storylines entering this season is the introduction of the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball tournament. The conference’s top 15 finishers will qualify for a single-elimination tournament taking place November 20-25th.
“I’m really excited for the tournament. I think it’s going to be an incredible TV event. I think it allows us to showcase the quality of the league,” Nollan said. “I think the Big Ten did a good job of listening to the coaches and implementing it for this fall, and I think the nature and structure of it is going to be first class.”
Last season, NU finished 14th in the conference, meaning they would have squeaked into the tournament
With gradual improvement still a program goal, the Wildcats should expect to again qualify for it this year. It sets a clear, coveted goal for the team to strive toward throughout the season. This tournament should also provide extra motivation for the ‘Cats, as it gives them another platform to prove themselves against the conference’s best and compete for something greater.
The Big Ten Conference is committed to elevating volleyball
While most of the conference focused on Northwestern-specific topics, Nollan also took time to address what he’s learned since becoming a Big Ten coach.
Now entering his third season coaching Northwestern, Nollan has been most impressed by the level of commitment Big Ten schools have invested in women’s volleyball. He touted the size of crowds and the energy surrounding the sport as something special to be part of, and something that inspires his own program to continue raising its standard.
“I think the Big Ten is pushing women’s volleyball to new heights,” Nollan said. “I think each of the institutions is doing a really, really good job at following in these footsteps and pushing boundaries.”
