8-29-25

As the 2025 collegiate volleyball season tips off this weekend, an extraordinary group of New Jersey high school graduates are stepping onto college courts as freshman across the nation, representing the absolute pinnacle of athletic achievement. Through extensive research, we’ve unearthed this impressive list of Garden State volleyball stars who have accomplished what only 4% of high school volleyball players ever will, earning the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. Typically, just 1% play at the D1 level.

Despite our research, we know there are many more New Jersey players beginning their collegiate careers this season! We’re calling on the volleyball community to help us identify additional players we may have missed. Share information about other 2025 New Jersey graduates who are stepping onto college courts this fall at njpowerranking@gmail.com.

Division I Excellence: Competing at the Highest Level

The crown jewel of this recruiting class is the impressive Division I contingent, featuring players who will compete against the nation’s elite programs. Leading this group is Rachel Williams from Union Catholic, who has earned a coveted spot at Big Ten powerhouse Purdue University, a testament to the exceptional level of volleyball being played in the Garden State. In a very unique situation, Rachel joins a squad that has another Rachel Williams on the roster. The NJ native is the 6’3″ RS #15.

Gwen Atkins from Morristown and her sister Hailey Atkins will both suit up for St. Frances University, creating a dynamic sibling duo at the Division I level. Meanwhile, Amali Johnson from Teaneck brings her talents to the historic Howard University program.

Other notable Division I commitments include Aralyn Saulys from Sparta joining Pace University, Eve Roman from Immaculate Heart Academy heading to Binghamton University, Jalia Dublin from Lawrenceville prep heading to Binghamton as well, and Ryan Oden from Mount St. Mary Academy venturing south to Middle Tennessee State University. Sara Griesbauer from St. Mary (Rutherford) rounds out the Pace University contingent. Eiley Schneider from Ramsey has chosen LeMoyne College in the NEC.

The regional Division I representation is particularly strong, with Samantha Kranzler from Old Tappan heading to Western Carolina University in the competitive Southern Conference, and Giselle Parker from South Brunswick keeping her talents in-state at NJIT. Ryan Gorski from Union Catholic will compete in the prestigious Big East Conference at DePaul University. Both Morristown and Union Catholic place two D1 commits from the 2025 class year.

Mishka Fernandez from Mount Olive is making perhaps the most adventurous journey, heading internationally to compete at Santo Tomas in the Philippines, a unique opportunity that showcases the global appeal of New Jersey volleyball talent. Mia Izzo from Park Ridge, NJP’s top-ranked player in New Jersey in 2024, has chosen Merrimack College, adding another elite talent to the Division I ranks.

Division II Powerhouses: Regional Excellence

The Division II contingent represents a perfect blend of competitive volleyball and academic excellence. Cassandra Chauhan from Montville will compete at Felician College, leading this impressive group.

Brooke Bowbliss from Donovan Catholic and Jenna Heiser from Roxbury will both join Georgian Court University, adding to the strong Garden State presence in their program. Mackenzie Layton from Kingsway will compete at Holy Family University.

The Division II group also includes Jill Becker from Pinelands at St. Michael’s College, Aubree Mon from Cherry Hill East heading to Delaware State, Keira Mullen from Howell joining Daemen University, Kassadi Avent from Paul VI at New Haven University, Ava Provinsal from Watchung Hills competing at Belmont Abbey, and Summer Ciresi from Pequannock rounding out the group at Caldwell College.

Division III Excellence: Academic and Athletic Balance

The Division III representation showcases the impressive depth of New Jersey volleyball, with players heading to some of the nation’s most prestigious academic institutions while continuing their volleyball careers.

Abbey Bivona from Delaware Valley will anchor Rowan University’s program, joined by Jessica Smart from Southern Regional. The local Rowan contingent demonstrates the university’s strong recruiting presence in South Jersey.

Reagan Dyba from Hunterdon Central will compete at SUNY New Paltz. Academic excellence meets athletic achievement with Lois Matsukawa from Princeton heading to the prestigious Swarthmore College.

Perhaps most impressive is the Ramapo College recruiting haul, which includes a remarkable collection of New Jersey talent: Emily Tepale from Garfield, Wendy Palaguachi from Cliffside Park, Natalya Polkowski from New Milford, Scarlett Melick from Jefferson, Emilia Ristevska from Garfield, and Valentina Palen from Wayne Valley. This concentration of Garden State talent should make Ramapo a formidable force in Division III volleyball.

The Division III group also features Ashley Torok from Woodbridge and Madison Hopkins from Timber Creek both heading to Kean University, creating another strong New Jersey pipeline. Cassady Smith from Notre Dame will compete at St. Lawrence University, while Cassie Guim from Williamstown joins Rutgers Camden.

Additional notable Division III commitments include Jennifer Jacobson from Hackettstown at Misericordia University, Saniah Fenison from Roselle Park heading to Lincoln University, Amiyah Freeman from Linden joining St. Elizabeth University, and several players choosing various Rutgers campuses: Helen Bilomasur from Vernon, Mariam Dosouki Mohamed from Bayonne, Cameron Corino from Roxbury, Kelly Perez from Bloomfield, and Alexis Albino from Bayonne all heading to Rutgers Newark, while Ella Truitt from Shawnee will compete at Rutgers Camden. Maia Pedreira from North Arlington rounds out the group at Penn State Hazelton.

Erin Cargill from Rancocas Valley will compete at Gallaudet University, Annabelle Farnsworth from Mendham heads to Ursinus College, and Rose Jean-Baptiste from East Orange will play at St. Elizabeth University.

NJCAA Pathway: The Foundation for Future Success

Several talented players are beginning their collegiate careers in the NJCAA system, which often serves as a crucial stepping stone to four-year programs. Union County College has attracted multiple New Jersey standouts, including Maya Antione from Roselle, Maya Kukielko from Linden, Mary Campos from Roselle Catholic, and Gabriela Garcia from Plainfield.

County College of Morris will feature Nalani Washington from East Orange and Kaitlyn Peterson from Sparta, while Nyah Herman from East Orange heads to Raritan Valley Community College. Ellania Morales from Morris Hills will compete at Lackawanna College, completing this impressive NJCAA contingent.

Geographic Diversity: From Coast to Coast

What’s remarkable about this class is the geographic spread of their collegiate destinations. While many are staying regional, with strong concentrations at schools like Ramapo College, various Rutgers campuses, and other local institutions, others are venturing far from home to pursue their volleyball dreams.

The variety of conferences represented is equally impressive, from Rachel Williams competing in the Big Ten at Purdue to multiple players heading to highly competitive Division III programs in prestigious academic conferences. The New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) will particularly benefit from this influx of Garden State talent.

Breaking Barriers: The Elite 4% Club

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of this story is what these remarkable young women represent. In a sport where hundreds of thousands of high school athletes compete annually, reaching the collegiate level is an extraordinary achievement. These players have demonstrated not only athletic excellence but also the academic standards and character necessary to earn spots on college rosters.

Each story represents years of dedication, countless hours in the gym, and the support of coaches, families, and communities throughout New Jersey. From small rural schools to large suburban powerhouses, this list demonstrates that volleyball excellence can emerge from anywhere in the Garden State.

Season Outlook: Ready to Make Immediate Impact

As these players begin their collegiate careers this weekend, volleyball fans should keep their eyes on several who are positioned to make immediate impacts. The depth and quality of talent suggest these aren’t just roster fillers, these are players who could contribute significantly as freshmen across all levels of competition.

The Division I contingent, in particular, will be stepping into programs where they’ll face some of the nation’s best competition immediately. Their proven track records in New Jersey’s highly competitive high school scene suggest they’re ready for the challenge.

As the first serves are hit this weekend, New Jersey volleyball fans can take pride in knowing that their state has produced another exceptional class of collegiate volleyball players. These student-athletes carry with them the training, competitiveness, and excellence that defines NJ volleyball, and they’re ready to prove that New Jersey players belong on the national stage.

The 2025 collegiate volleyball season officially begins this weekend, and New Jersey will be well-represented across all levels of competition.