Breaking down Stanford Women's Volleyball's incoming 2025 freshman class
Stanford women’s volleyball will look to make another deep NCAA tournament run in 2025 after reaching the Elite Eight for the third straight season in 2024. If they are to make another deep run and get back to the Final Four, their incoming freshmen will need to do their part. Below are some thoughts I have on the six incoming freshmen and what they can bring to the program.
Via GoStanford.com: Stanford Signs Six
Up first is 6’3” outside hitter Kaci Demaria out of Palos Verdes High School in San Pedro, California. Demaria is a right-handed hitter that is aggressive at the net and is great at getting kills. She strikes the ball well, has terrific elevation, and is comfortable getting kills from anywhere on the floor. She’ll add immediate depth at the outside hitter position behind Elia Rubin, Ipar Kurt, Jordyn Harvey, and Julia Blyashov. While she doesn’t project to see a lot of rotations early on, she’s certainly a big part of the program’s future and has the potential to break into the rotation at some point in the season.
“Kaci is a tremendous point scorer who brings exceptional size and physicality to the outside hitter position,” Stanford head coach Kevin Hambly said in the team release. “Kaci has the potential to develop into a six-rotation player in the near future, and we’re excited to see her grow as a complete player.”
Next up is 6’3” middle blocker Reese Dunkle out of Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana. Dunkle is fantastic at the net. She has a great feel for making plays and getting kills at her position. She is right-handed, able to direct her kills in a variety of spots on the floor. With Sami Francis graduating and Lizzy Andrew projected as the new number one middle blocker, there is a real opportunity for Dunkle to get a lot of action this season and make her presence felt right away. However, Hambly indicated to me before the season started in an interview that she is out with an injury, so that’s something to monitor.
“Reese fills a critical need for us as a middle blocker in this class,” Hambly said of Dunkle. “She is a tireless worker and a fierce competitor. Her ability to score in front of and behind the setter adds a unique dynamic to our offensive system.”
Switching gears to the libero/defensive specialist position, Stanford has Spencer Etzler coming in out of Coldwater High School in Coldwater, Ohio. Listed at 5’8”, she’s got some big shoes to fill with Elena Oglivie graduating. That being said, it sounds like Stanford has high hopes for Etzler and sees her as someone who can indeed step into that role. She has experience playing at the outside hitter position in high school given the fact that she was one of the best if not the best player on her team. So, she’s a good all-around volleyball player. Those skills should serve her well as she makes the switch to being a full-time libero/defensive specialist.
“Spencer is the heir apparent at libero, possessing an innate ability to pass and play defense at an elite level,” Hambly said of Etzler. “Her understanding of the game from defensive instincts is exceptional, allowing her to read plays and anticipate attacks with precision. Spencer’s competitive spirit and intensity will bring the level of focus and drive every program needs.”
The next player I’ll address is Logan Parks, a 5’11” setter/opposite out of Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kansas. She’s got versatility as someone who can play a variety of positions, so we’ll just have to see where Stanford ends up playing her. Given that Taylor Yu is only a sophomore and is taking the place of Kami Miner at setter, we’ll just have to see where and how Parks works her way into the rotation.
Regardless of where she plays, Parks should be well equipped to be effective. A righty, she strikes the ball well and gets good pop on the ball. She knows how to elevate to block at the net and she has good touch when she’s setting for her teammates. Her versatility should allow her to see the floor in some capacity this season.
“Logan is an elite athlete with a versatile skill set, having earned spots on USA programs as both a setter and an opposite hitter,” Hambly said of Parks. “Her dynamic athleticism allows her to compete at a high level in multiple positions, and we expect her to challenge for playing time immediately. Logan’s adaptability and talent will help us maximize her potential in whichever role we ask of her.”
Number five on the list is 6’1” outside hitter Zaria Queen out of Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. When watching her tape, what stands out is her athleticism. She has a terrific vertical jump and strikes the ball cleanly as a righty. She hits with tremendous power and force. According to her notes on the team release, she hit a Hawaii girl’s record 53 mph serve. Her physical tools are truly astounding. It sounds like she is a bit raw and needs to refine her technique, but the talent is certainly there.
“Zaria is a highly skilled athlete who brings depth and experience to both pin hitter positions,” Hambly said. “Her versatility will allow her to contribute in various roles as she develops over the next few years. We’re excited to see how her game evolves, and we’re confident that her potential will make a significant impact as she continues to grow.”
Finally, there is 6’2” middle blocker Erika Sayer out of Village High School in Monument, Colorado. Sayer has good size for the middle blocker position and is a force up front. She strikes the ball well and demonstrates a nice blend of finesse and power. Given the need for more depth at middle blocker, she’s got a chance to work her way into the rotation immediately. It sounds like Stanford is hoping she can be an instant contributor.
“Erika is an elite slide hitter, known for her explosive movement and high-level offensive transitions,” Hambly said. “With a relentless motor and the ability to execute plays efficiently, she can immediately impact both offense and defense. Erika’s competitive nature and solid blocking skills give her the tools to compete for a starting spot right away.”
Big Picture: Stanford is bringing in a well-rounded recruiting class that shores up their needs on multiple fronts. They especially need help at middle blocker and they did a nice job addressing that need, but across the board at every spot they have someone coming in. It’ll be fun to see what this group brings to The Farm and what impact they make on this year’s team.
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