WILBERFORCE, Ohio – Excitement is building around Central State University volleyball as the Marauders prepare for the 2025 season under second-year head coach Devin Walker. After finishing fourth in the SIAC West Division last fall and reaching the conference tournament for the first time in three seasons, CSU has been picked #2 in the SIAC West Preseason Poll—a sign of the program's growth and rising expectations under Coach Walker.
Veteran Leaders Returning
The Marauders return several key players who will anchor the squad this season. Leading the way is Preseason All-SIAC selection Zahra Coates, one of the league's top all-around performers. She is joined by setter Brooke Morris, who surpassed the 1,000 career assist milestone as just a sophomore last year, and Braelynn Reese, who will move back to the middle blocker position where she had so much success as a freshman. Together, this veteran core sets the tone for 2025.
Impact Newcomers
Coach Walker has bolstered his roster with a strong recruiting class. New additions include:
•          Maya Hendricks – Outside hitter transfer from Maryland Eastern Shore
•          Johanna Holston – Transfer from Emporia State
•          Sierra Peterson – Transfer from Columbus State
•          Karin Camacho Diaz – Talented freshman with international experience
•          Nia McGhee – Freshman standout expected to make an early impact
This mix of proven veterans and hungry newcomers gives the Marauders depth and versatility across the court.
 
2025 Schedule Highlights
The Marauders open the season with a crosstown matchup against Wilberforce University on September 5, followed by their home opener against Fisk University the next day inside Beacom/Lewis Gym. CSU will also compete in the very challenging Walsh Invitational and multiple SIAC crossover events, giving the team key opportunities to test themselves against strong regional and conference opponents.
Full Schedule
•          Sep. 5 – at Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, OH) – 6:00 PM
•          Sep. 6 – vs. Fisk University (Wilberforce, OH – Beacom/Lewis Gym) – 3:00 PM
•          Sep. 9 – at Lake Erie College (Painesville, OH) – 6:00 PM
•          Sep. 12 – vs. Indiana (PA) (North Canton, OH – Walsh Invitational) – 2:00 PM
•          Sep. 12 – vs. Northwood (North Canton, OH – Walsh Invitational) – 6:00 PM
•          Sep. 13 – at Walsh University (North Canton, OH) – 9:00 AM
•          Sep. 13 – vs. Seton Hill (North Canton, OH) – 1:00 PM
•          Sep. 17 – vs. Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, OH – Beacom/Lewis Gym) – 6:00 PM
•          Sep. 20 – vs. Talladega College (Wilberforce, OH – Beacom/Lewis Gym) – 4:00 PM
•          Sep. 25 – vs. Edward Waters (Albany, GA – SIAC Crossover) – 12:30 PM
•          Sep. 25 – vs. Benedict (Albany, GA – SIAC Crossover) – 8:00 PM
•          Sep. 26 – vs. Fort Valley State (Albany, GA – SIAC Crossover) – 9:00 AM
•          Sep. 26 – at Albany State (Albany, GA – SIAC Crossover) – 2:00 PM
•          Oct. 3 – vs. Miles (Frankfort, KY – SIAC Cluster) – 11:00 AM
•          Oct. 4 – vs. Spring Hill (Frankfort, KY – SIAC Cluster) – 11:30 AM
•          Oct. 4 – vs. Tuskegee (Frankfort, KY – SIAC Cluster) – 2:00 PM
•          Oct. 10 – vs. Savannah State (Memphis, TN – SIAC Crossover) – 11:30 AM
•          Oct. 10 – vs. Clark Atlanta (Memphis, TN – SIAC Crossover) – 4:30 PM
•          Oct. 11 – vs. Allen (Memphis, TN – SIAC Crossover) – 9:00 AM
•          Oct. 15 – at UC Clermont (Batavia, OH) – 6:00 PM
•          Oct. 17 – vs. Kentucky State (Wilberforce, OH – Beacom/Lewis Gym) – 6:00 PM
•          Oct. 24 – vs. Miles (Memphis, TN – SIAC Cluster) – 11:00 AM
•          Oct. 24 – vs. Tuskegee (Memphis, TN – SIAC Cluster) – 1:30 PM
•          Oct. 25 – vs. Spring Hill (Memphis, TN – SIAC Cluster) – 9:00 AM
•          Oct. 28 – vs. Ohio Dominican (Wilberforce, OH – Beacom/Lewis Gym) – 6:00 PM
•          Oct. 31 – at Lane College (Jackson, TN) – 6:00 PM
•          Nov. 1 – at LeMoyne-Owen (Memphis, TN) – 1:00 PM
•          Nov. 7 – vs. LeMoyne-Owen (Wilberforce, OH – Beacom/Lewis Gym) – 6:00 PM
•          Nov. 8 – vs. Lane College (Wilberforce, OH – Beacom/Lewis Gym – Senior Day) – 3:00 PM
•          Nov. 14 – at Kentucky State (Frankfort, KY) – 6:00 PM
Building for the Future
With veteran leadership, exciting new talent, and the respect of being picked near the top of the SIAC West, the Marauders are primed for one of their most promising seasons in years. The goal is clear: build on last year's momentum and make a run at the SIAC Championship.