LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East is set for the 2024 season as 17 women's volleyball programs will be competing under the same banner. Gallaudet University defeated Cedar Crest College to earn the Conference Crown last year but the Bison will have plenty of competition in their quest to defend the title.

All teams kick off their season on the weekend of August 30 with sights set on the postseason. Twelve teams will earn playoff bids with the opening round set for Novermber 6. The Championship Final will take place on November 16.

Check out the schedule in its entirety HERE: 2024 WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

Gallaudet University
(2023 Record: 6-0 United East, 31-4 Overall)

The Bison were crowned United East Champions just a year ago and will look to go back-to-back as the squad heads into 2024. Led by Head Coach Lynn Ray Boren (19th year), Gallaudet boasts a competitive schedule including games against Stevenson (9/6), Salisbury (9/7) and Middlebury (9/14). The offense will be spearheaded by a trio of 2023 First Team All-Conference members including setter Ella Gamble, who took the league by storm as she was tabbed the Player of the Year. She will be passing the rock to Cassidy Perry and Citrine Lummer, who both finished the year north of 300 kills. 

Coach’s Outlook: “Very excited with a good number of returning players showcasing their maturity level. Looking forward to the first month of the new season, expecting more challenging matches that will help build our confidence and push the team to the next level.” - Lynn Ray Boren

 

Cedar Crest College
(2023 Record: 9-0 United East, 16-9 Overall) 

In just her first year as the Falcon’s Head Coach, Grace Sullivan was just one game from a conference title and is looking to build on that in her second year. The 2023 Skye Division Player of the Year, Ava Grapsy, will look to repeat as a First Teamer as she is joined by fellow First Teamer Ellise Everett. The backline will also show veteran leadership as Rebekka Sanchez-Castro will return after finishing 14th in the nation in Digs Per Set. Sullivan has orchestrated a tough non-conference schedule to prepare the Falcons for postseason action, taking on Rowan, Widener, Neumann and Stockton all within a week of one another.

  Coach’s Outlook: “I have a very experienced group of student-athletes this fall, including three key seniors using their final year of eligibility with the team as graduate students. Our incoming first-year class each bring great skill-sets as well, and I cannot wait to see how they grow and learn from veteran leadership! I look forward to building upon all of the great things we accomplished last year with this talented, seasoned group!” - Grace Sullivan
 

Lancaster Bible College
(2023 Record: 5-1 United East, 18-11 Overall) 

The Chargers come into 2024 eager to build upon last season in which the squad went 5-1 in conference play and racked up 18 wins overall. They’ll have no issues with their back row as two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Leah Helman, will once again don the opposite color jersey in the libero position. Running the offense will be Madeline Reed who earned Second Team All-Conference status in just her first year on the squad. Prepping for conference play will be imperative but fifth year Head Coach Julie Brubaker has stacked the schedule including matches against Stevenson, Messiah and Elizabethtown across a week stretch in mid-September.

Coach’s Outlook: “We are excited to compete again this season and build on last year. The players are hungry to win and see what this season has in store.” - Julie Brubaker
 

Notre Dame of Maryland University
(2023 Record: 8-1 United East, 17-10 Overall) 

Notre Dame of Maryland University made a big statement in 2023, going 8-1 in conference play, and will look to make a bigger one in 2024. Henry DeTitta enters his 17th year at the helm, scheduling out some tough non-conference opponents including crosstown rival Goucher(9/3) and doubleheader against Susquehanna (9/7). Paulina Hernandez returns to the backline for the Gators after being named the Skye Division Defensive Player of the Year. Offense will be provided by Miasia Ferrer and Ciarra Bockstie who both claimed All-Conference spots last season.

Coach’s Outlook: “Our team has high expectations of ourselves. With the growth of the conference and the steady improvement of all teams we know this season will be as tough as ever. the core of this group has been incredibly consistent over the last 3 years but we have bigger aspirations. We have a good mix of veteran leadership as well as some talented youth. We will need to improve on last year to hit our goals but that is within our reach. I’m excited to see what this group can accomplish.” - Henry DeTitta
 

Keystone College
(2023 Record: 7-2 United East, 15-10 Overall) 

After dropping just a pair of conference matches in 2023 (7-2), Coach Maegen Eddinger looks to improve upon a successful season from just a year ago. She’ll have plenty of help as she returns a full squad including Rebecca Jackson who eclipsed the 500-career kill mark en route to a First Team All-Conference nod. Joining her will be second-year Taylor Hallam, who was named the Skye Division Rookie of the Year in 2023. The Giants open the year with plenty of competition, hosting Wilkes University on August 30th before welcoming Goucher and Rutgers Newark the following day.

Coach’s Outlook: Keystone will have 14 returners this season while adding 4 freshmen to the roster. The team will be led by Cassidy Fredo who is a 4-year captain for the team and Elise Burk who is a 5th year senior and co-captain. Keystone will have a lot of fire power offensively with returning players such a Derrick, Jackson, Hallam, Howard, Cortinas, Brown, Ely, and Burk. Red shirt freshmen, Sofia Green will return to the court this season after overcoming major injury her freshmen season. Keystone adds Freshmen, Genevieve Pollock on the outside from Wallkill, NY. Defensively, Keystone is bringing a lot of strength with returners of Fredo, Herneisey, and Sargent while adding in some fresh faces with Catie Woolf from Fremont, OH and Bella Brienza from Fredericksburg, VA joining the team. Running the court, we have Tobi West and Messana Haslock returning as setters and incoming freshmen setter, Genevieve Mennemeyer from Lee's Summit, MO joining the roster. Keystone hopes to make a deep run in the post season to surpass their semi-final loses the past two seasons.” - Maegen Eddinger
 

Penn State Harrisburg
(2023 Record: 3-3 United East, 12-15 Overall) 

Harrisburg is hungry for more postseason action as the Lions picked up their first playoff win since 2009 last year. Led by Head Coach Angela Burkett (9th year), the team squares off against a slew of tough non-conference opponents to get them ready including McDaniel to open the season up and Gettysburg on September 11. The squad returns some veterans though including a trio of Second Team All-Conference members in Hannah DeGregory (Setter), Julia Choe (DS) and Camryn Wettstone (OH/OPP)

  Coach’s Outlook: “Our program has a strong mix of experienced returners coming back this season, including three all-conference players from a year ago, along with an exciting group of newcomers, some of whom will have the chance to make an immediate impact. After getting a taste of the postseason last fall, we're looking forward to building on a promising 2023 campaign by continuing that momentum and meeting our goals on the court and in the classroom in 2024.” - Angela Burkett
 

Cairn University
(2023 Record: 6-3 United East, 15-10 Overall) 

Cairn turned in a successful 2023 campaign (15-10, 6-3 UEC) but are looking for new heights entering 2024. The Highlanders bench captain Whitney Seidel enters her eighth year and has put together a tough schedule including an opening non-conference game with Penn State Abington and a Tri-Match with Washington (MD) and Centenary. The offense will be lead by 2023 All-Conference First Teamer Hendryl Peabody and Second Teamer Caroline Conrad who both tallied 250 kills last year. Feeding them the ball will be fellow First Team All-Conference member, Olivia Zepp, who is just 43 assists away from crossing the 2,000 helper mark. 

Coach’s Outlook: “After only losing one starter from 2023, we are excited to enter this season with our largest roster in program history. We expect to compete at a high level in our new conference landscape, and are excited to face both old rivals and new-to-us conference competitors. We are returning some key starters and adding 2022 CSAC Player of the Year Allison Barnes to our coaching staff, and our depth of talent and commitment to our culture standards make this season one we can't wait to get started!” - Whitney Seidel

 

Penn State Abington
(2023 Record: 3-3 United East, 12-16 Overall)

  Abington heads into 2024 with plenty of fresh faces that will use the help of some veteran leadership to help the team back into the postseason. Head Coach Roy Watson returns to his post for a fifth season and has added some key tune-up matches to the schedule including a big bout against Delaware Valley on September 19. The middle will be a strong point for the Nittany Lions as junior Alyssa Flickinger and sophomore Brynn Atkins teamed up for 65 blocks during the 2023 season. On the right side, Kayla Mason will be a big help as her efforts last year put her just three kills shy of the double-triple club (157 digs, 97 kills).
 

Coach’s Outlook: “Penn State Abington continues to build upon a strong foundation of returning athletes. Another year of learning and building is the plan as we will rely heavily on our younger athletes to contribute immediately. Returning junior veterans Maddie Gajewski Alyssa Flickinger and Morgan Schaefer are strong role models of the grit-only culture in our gym. Our plan is simple. Our vision is clear. Work hard. Get better. Always.” - Roy Watson

 

Bryn Athyn College
(2023 Record: 5-4 United East, 5-18 Overall) 

Bryn Athyn returns a veteran squad as they enter 2024, including Head Coach Amber Wood who will start her third year at the helm. Returning outsides Sabrina Brock and Riley Breen were tabbed Second Team All-Conference members last season as the two both totaled over 200 kills. Defensively, Samantha Lipp will be a mainstay with the libero being tabbed Third Team All-Conference despite missing a portion of the season. Non-conference rival Gwynedd Mercy will be one of their biggest battles as they square off with them on September 7.

Coach’s Outlook: “I am very excited about our upcoming season. We didn't graduate anyone from our team last year and we added 3 new, strong freshmen. Our team was very young last year- but with one more year of growth as both players and individuals, I am confident that this season will bring nothing but success. Returning three all conference players (2 of which are your power hitters) isn't a bad start, either!” - Amber Wood
 

St. Mary’s College of Maryland
(2023 Record: 2-4 United East, 12-16 Overall) 

After securing an upset win in the opening round of last season’s playoffs, St. Mary’s College searches to take another step forward in 2024. Alexis Calloway enters her third season as the Head Coach, posting a tough non-conference schedule that includes matches against Southern Virginia (9/6), Washington & Lee (9/7) and Mary Washington (10/3). She will have some veteran leadership on the court though, including her setting pair of Alayna Sievert and Lauren Pangeotou who combined for 632 dimes last year. Julia Brorowski will also play a big role as she was second on the team in both kills (181) and digs (319).

  Coach’s Outlook: “I am excited to see what our program has in store this season. With several new players and the return of two injured players, I am excited to see how everyone meshes and grows together. I am confident that our strong out-of-conference schedule will prepare us well for the United East and I'm excited to see the new teams in conference play this season as well.” - Alexis Calloway
 

Penn State Berks
(2023 Record: 2-4 United East, 7-18 Overall)

Looking to capitalize on her second season in the Head Coaches chair, Micaela Sensenig is excited about her veteran talent as well as the incoming Nittany Lions. Jordan Thompson will be a big presence at middle, tallying 223 kills and 51 blocks in 2023. She will get help from outside Katelyn Williams who did a little of everything with 200+ digs and kills. Libby Swoyer also returns, producing 728 assists last season. Berks opens up its year against non-conference rival Moravian who they edged 3-2 in 2023.

Coach’s Outlook: "This upcoming season presents an exciting opportunity for growth and development within our program. We are fortunate to welcome several talented incoming freshmen, along with a skilled transfer athlete, who will undoubtedly contribute to the team's success. Additionally, I am pleased to announce the addition of a new assistant coach to our staff this year. I look forward to the fresh perspective and expertise she will bring to our volleyball program as we continue to strive for excellence.” - Micaela Sensenig
 

Saint Elizabeth University
(2023 Record: 5-4 United East, 10-15 Overall)

The Eagles made the postseason just a season ago and are looking to repeat that and more this season. They open the year with a tough tri-match which will feature matches against King's College and Penn State Schyukill. Rebeca Pagan Padilla will be returning to lead the Saint Elizabeth squad.

Penn State Brandywine
(2023 Record: 12-8 Overall)

As the conference’s newest member, Penn State Brandywine looks to make an impact coming off a 12-win season last year. Emily Battista enters her third year at the helm, scheduling a difficult contest against Immaculata to open up the season. The Nittany Lions will have experience on their side though as junior setter Laura Jezyk collected First Team All-Conference honors last season in the PSUAC. She will be feeding the ball to outside Anna Ramirez, who was tabbed an All-America Honorable Mention in 2022. 

Coach’s Outlook: “As a coaching staff we are excited to welcome a brand new and young team to Penn State Brandywine this fall. Competing in the United East conference this season is definitely going to be a challenge but we are ready to be pushed and hopefully learn and grow from competing against these teams.” - Emily Battista

 

Rosemont College
(2023 Record: 3-6 United East, 5-13 Overall) 

Erin Schuler takes over as the bench captain for the Ravens, welcoming back seven returners as well as a group of talented freshmen. Madeline McCarthhy did a little bit of everything for Rosemont last season, tallying 128 kills to go along with her 130 digs. She will be aided by Pearl Smith who accumulated 37 blocks in 2023. The path to conference play will help prepare the Raven squad as they square off against Gwynedd Mercy on September 12 and Rutgers-Newark on September 21. 

Coach’s Outlook: “A new coaching staff comes into Rosemont with 7 returners and a strong freshman as we look to build and improve as a team on and off the court.” - Erin Schuler

 

Wilson College
(2023 Record: 2-7 United East, 2-24 Overall) 

Wilson worked through a rebuilding phase last season and is ready to show off the improvements as Head Coach Jason Lewis enters his third year with the program. Abby Moreland was a star in her first year as the Third Team All-Conference member registered a team-high 239 kills and 51 aces. Deah Menedis pitched in as another 6-rotation player, eclipsing the 200-kill mark as well. In the middle, Allyson Garcelon will look to add to her resume as she racked up 17 solo blocks from a season ago.

  Coach’s Outlook: “Wilson has been in the midst of building a cohesive base. Our non-traditional season showed tremendous growth, and going into fall of 2024 we have an excellent team dynamic, fundamental prowess, and strongly unified group.” - Jason Lewis
 

University of Valley Forge
(2023 Record: 1-8 United East, 3-20 Overall) 

The University of Valley Forge has its sights set on the postseason this year as they return a healthy dose of starters as well as some new additions. Head Coach Jacob Rodriguez enters his third year as the skipper, scheduling out a big home opening match against Trinity (DC) on August 30. He will have a pair of experienced outsides competing in Rhena Lauver and Telia Robinson who combined for 114 kills and 47 aces in 2023. Madelyn Oakley also returns in the libero position after only playing just five matches last season.

  Coach’s Outlook: “Very excited to continue building here at UVF. Looking forward to what our 5 new additions will provide this year.” - Jacob Rodriguez
 

Penn College
(2023 Record: 0-6 United East, 4-17 Overall) 

A new set of hands will be taking the reins in Williamsport, Pa. as Kyle Hawk heads the Penn College women’s volleyball team in 2024. Looking to prep the team for conference play, the Wildcats will square off against some difficult regional opponents including the opener against crosstown rival Lycoming on August 30 and Messiah on September 28. Helping aid the rebuild process is senior middle Hailey DeBrody who finished the year with 76 kills and 146 digs through just 70 sets. The team will also return Jo Hess who was unable to compete last season due to injury.

Coach’s Outlook: “As I step into the role of head coach at Penn College I am excited to begin the journey of revitalizing the program. Our main focus this year will be laying down a solid foundation that we can build on for years to come. We have several returning players, and several freshmen that will play key roles for this year.” - Kyle Hawk