Yellowjackets Target Improvement with Experience in the Middle, Energy on the Wings
Graceland Women's Volleyball 2025 Season Outlook:
After a season marked by transition and tough results, Graceland volleyball enters the 2025 campaign looking to take a step forward under the steady leadership of veteran head coach Stew McDole, now in his 43rd season at the helm.
The Yellowjackets finished 2024 with a 5-24 overall record (2-16 Heart of America Athletic Conference), but signs of progress were evident — particularly in serving (1.88 aces/set) and stretches of defensive consistency. With key returners anchoring the front line and a promising freshman class bolstering depth at critical positions, there's optimism that Graceland is ready to climb in the HAAC standings.
One of the biggest challenges for 2025 will be replacing the production of senior outside hitter Brenna Crabtree, who graduated after leading the team with 371 kills (3.71 k/s) last season. Her departure leaves a major void on the left side and in team leadership, forcing others to step into elevated roles.
The Yellowjackets' strength lies in the middle with both starters returning: Kaylee Baker, a 6'1" senior and three-year starter who hit a team-best .221 in 2024, and Kylee Dixon, an athletic 5'8" junior who makes up for size with her vertical and quickness at the net. Together, they accounted for 138 total blocks last season and will be relied upon to anchor the defense while also creating offensive balance.
The biggest roster additions come at the setter position, where two freshmen bring new energy and international flavor. Amelie Heinzmann, from Stuttgart, Germany, arrives as a highly trained, all-around talent with strong fundamentals. She'll be joined by Shaeniah-Kassidy La Fountain, a setter from Waipahu, Hawai'i, known for her platform skills and ability to steady ball control. Both are expected to make immediate contributions and could redefine the Jackets' offensive tempo.
"Ball control is an unknown factor at this point," said McDole. "Offensively, we should be solid — not dominant, but efficient. Our setting will be excellent, and serving should be a strong point. We did lose some benchmark players, but I think there's opportunity here to be a better team."
Graceland opens the season at the William Woods Invitational in Fulton, Mo., facing Friends (Kan.) on Aug. 22 at 9 a.m. and Evangel (Mo.) later that afternoon. The invitational continues on Aug. 23, with matches against Justice (Ariz.) and Haskell (Kan.). The Yellowjackets make their home debut Sept. 2 against Central College (Iowa). Conference play begins Sept. 16 on the road at William Penn (Iowa), with key HAAC showdowns at home against Grand View (Sept. 23), Clarke (Oct. 10), and Park (Oct. 25). The regular season concludes Nov. 4 at Peru State (Neb.).
While rebuilding remains part of the narrative, the combination of experienced middles, new setter talent, and a renewed emphasis on ball control positions the Yellowjackets to improve in 2025. If serving continues to be a strength and the offense develops consistency, Graceland could surprise opponents in the Heart of America and take meaningful steps toward returning to postseason contention.