2025 Volleyball Preview: Bloomington seeking to climb into top half of Big 12

BLOOMINGTON — Bloomington volleyball is looking to get back in the double-digit win department in 2025 after back-to-back nine-win campaigns. 

Despite falling short of 10 wins a season ago, the Purple Raiders still finished in the middle of the pack in the Big 12 with five of their victories coming in conference play, plus an additional win over Peoria Notre Dame outside of Big 12 action. 

A big bright spot for the team is senior setter Lauren Shuey, who will quarterback the Purple Raiders’ attack and is an experienced multi-sport athlete. Shuey earned second-team all-Big 12 honors last season as a junior and has earned Bloomington High School’s Athlete of the Year award for two years in a row. 

Her connection will run strong with outside hitters Ella Cvetan and Mara Copes, who are both seniors, with Emma Kracher providing another senior presence up front too. 

Among Bloomington’s many multi-sport athletes on the team are juniors Audrey Elver and Kendall Greenlee, who are also playing golf for the Purple Raiders this fall. 

BHS will kick off its season on Aug. 28 as it hosts a competitive Mid-Illini foe in Washington. The Purple Raiders will also host LaSalle Peru on Sept. 2 before heading off to the Edwardsville Invite, one of four tournaments on their 2025 slate, later that week. 

Bloomington-Normal’s Intercity tournament on Sept. 27 will provide strong tests for the team in the middle of the season before the Purple Raiders make their stretch run into the Class 3A playoffs, where they are seeking their first regional title since 2018. 

2024 record: 9-23 (5-5 Big 12)

Head coach: Joe Sanders (28th season)

Key returners: S Lauren Shuey, OH Mara Copes, OH Ella Cvetan, MB Emma Kracher 

Key games/tournaments:

Sept. 5 @ Edwardsville Invite

Sept. 18 @ Richwoods

Sept. 27 @ Intercity

Oct. 10-11 @ Bloomington Central Catholic Fall Classic

Oct. 16 vs. Peoria Notre Dame