Photo by: Tim Cowie/DavidsonPhotos.com
Davidson’s Depth Headlines 2025 Season
8/28/2025 2:15:00 PM | Volleyball
DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Davidson College volleyball team opens the 2025 season this Friday at 7 p.m. in Rock Hill, S.C., against Winthrop. The team also faces William & Mary in Rock Hill, S.C. on Saturday at 1 p.m. and then wraps up opening weekend on the road Sunday at 2 p.m. against Charlotte.
"Our team is full of potential," said head coach Chris Willis, who is entering his 14th season leading the Wildcats. "At every position, this is the most depth we've had since I've been here."
Davidson was picked fourth in the Atlantic 10 Conference Preseason poll last week. The defending tournament champion, Dayton, was picked as the preseason favorite. The Wildcats open league play at home against the Flyers Sept. 26-27.
"When you come out and watch us, you'll see us play with speed, precision, power and most of all, joy," said Willis. "They love playing this game, and they love playing with each other."
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS + LIBERO
The Wildcats return 2024 Atlantic 10 Libero of the Year, Jordan Hummel, to this year's roster. Hummel recorded 527 digs last season and had 43 service aces. Those 527 digs are the seventh-most in a single season in Davidson volleyball history.
"The best thing about Jordan is she's not satisfied," said Willis. "She keeps balls off the floor that most people wouldn't imagine that they could keep off the floor."
Chloe Popkin and Adlee Grissett also will anchor the back row as defensive specialists. Popkin appeared in 23 matches last season as a freshman and has improved in multiple areas on and off the court. Grissett is one of the five newcomers to this year's squad.
"Chloe has really developed in her confidence," said Willis. "Being able to pop the ball out of the back row … not a lot of people know she has a great arm. Adlee has great touch on first contact. I expect her to contribute this year as well."
OUTSIDE + OPPOSITE HITTERS
The offense features veterans Jackie Bardin, Emma Slusser, Anna Withee and Elena Garcia-Guerrios.
Slusser, the 2022 Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, averaged 2.66 kills per set last season, which ranked 10th in the conference. Withee logged a career-best 2.10 kills per set a year ago. Bardin and Garcia-Guerrios bring a lot of versatility on the court with their ability to play in the back row on a regular basis. They have combined to play in a total 128 matches so far while at Davidson.
Meile Songaila is fresh off a solid first season with the Wildcats. She was third on the team with 2.45 kills per set and landed on the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team.
Finally, this group welcomes two promising freshmen in Ellie Ocampo and Ariyana Johnson.
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Melanie Tilles and Mia Compas are the upperclassmen of this group. Tilles led the team last season with 89 blocks. Compas is back on the court after not playing in a match last season.
"Mia can flat out score," said Willis. "I think she is going to be one of the top middles in the conference this year."
Cayla Weisner and Ngodoo Harris also bring an important dynamic to this position. Harris enters her first season with the Wildcats after a strong high school and AAU career. Weisner recorded 44 kills and 37 blocks across 15 matches at Davidson as a freshman last year.
"Cayla Weisner was probably our most improved player last spring," said Willis. "Her first step in blocking is one of the best on the team."
SETTERS
There is a lot of youth and upside in this area for the Wildcats. Sophomore Kinsey Smith is poised for another great season. Smith finished inside the top 10 in the league with 5.61 assists per set last season and ended up on the 2024 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team.
Kate Whiteley and Ylame Dsamou bring a ton of leadership both on and off the court
"We'll likely be in a 6-2 offense again," said Willis. "I'm really excited to see what all three of them bring to the court this year."
"Our team is full of potential," said head coach Chris Willis, who is entering his 14th season leading the Wildcats. "At every position, this is the most depth we've had since I've been here."
Davidson was picked fourth in the Atlantic 10 Conference Preseason poll last week. The defending tournament champion, Dayton, was picked as the preseason favorite. The Wildcats open league play at home against the Flyers Sept. 26-27.
"When you come out and watch us, you'll see us play with speed, precision, power and most of all, joy," said Willis. "They love playing this game, and they love playing with each other."
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS + LIBERO
The Wildcats return 2024 Atlantic 10 Libero of the Year, Jordan Hummel, to this year's roster. Hummel recorded 527 digs last season and had 43 service aces. Those 527 digs are the seventh-most in a single season in Davidson volleyball history.
"The best thing about Jordan is she's not satisfied," said Willis. "She keeps balls off the floor that most people wouldn't imagine that they could keep off the floor."
Chloe Popkin and Adlee Grissett also will anchor the back row as defensive specialists. Popkin appeared in 23 matches last season as a freshman and has improved in multiple areas on and off the court. Grissett is one of the five newcomers to this year's squad.
"Chloe has really developed in her confidence," said Willis. "Being able to pop the ball out of the back row … not a lot of people know she has a great arm. Adlee has great touch on first contact. I expect her to contribute this year as well."
OUTSIDE + OPPOSITE HITTERS
The offense features veterans Jackie Bardin, Emma Slusser, Anna Withee and Elena Garcia-Guerrios.
Slusser, the 2022 Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, averaged 2.66 kills per set last season, which ranked 10th in the conference. Withee logged a career-best 2.10 kills per set a year ago. Bardin and Garcia-Guerrios bring a lot of versatility on the court with their ability to play in the back row on a regular basis. They have combined to play in a total 128 matches so far while at Davidson.
Meile Songaila is fresh off a solid first season with the Wildcats. She was third on the team with 2.45 kills per set and landed on the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team.
Finally, this group welcomes two promising freshmen in Ellie Ocampo and Ariyana Johnson.
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Melanie Tilles and Mia Compas are the upperclassmen of this group. Tilles led the team last season with 89 blocks. Compas is back on the court after not playing in a match last season.
"Mia can flat out score," said Willis. "I think she is going to be one of the top middles in the conference this year."
Cayla Weisner and Ngodoo Harris also bring an important dynamic to this position. Harris enters her first season with the Wildcats after a strong high school and AAU career. Weisner recorded 44 kills and 37 blocks across 15 matches at Davidson as a freshman last year.
"Cayla Weisner was probably our most improved player last spring," said Willis. "Her first step in blocking is one of the best on the team."
SETTERS
There is a lot of youth and upside in this area for the Wildcats. Sophomore Kinsey Smith is poised for another great season. Smith finished inside the top 10 in the league with 5.61 assists per set last season and ended up on the 2024 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team.
Kate Whiteley and Ylame Dsamou bring a ton of leadership both on and off the court
"We'll likely be in a 6-2 offense again," said Willis. "I'm really excited to see what all three of them bring to the court this year."
Players Mentioned
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