Bowling Green, KY, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The WKU volleyball team has been predicted to finish first in the upcoming season, with three standout players earning spots on the CUSA Preseason All-Conference team. Callie Bauer, Alivia Skidmore, and Izzy Van De Wiele have been recognized for their achievements, showcasing WKU’s dominance in the league. The team aims to continue its successful legacy, having won the majority of conference titles since joining CUSA.
Bowling Green, KY – WKU Volleyball Players Highlighted in CUSA Preseason All-Conference Team as Hilltoppers Predicted to Finish First Again
The Conference USA (CUSA) has announced that the Western Kentucky University (WKU) volleyball team is predicted to finish first in the upcoming season. The announcement, made on August 21, 2025, includes highlights of three standout players from the Hilltoppers who earned spots on the Preseason All-Conference team: Callie Bauer, Alivia Skidmore, and Izzy Van De Wiele.
WKU, known for its dominance in the conference, received eight out of twelve first-place votes from league coaches, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the league. The Hilltoppers have won 19 out of a possible 22 CUSA titles since joining the league in 2014, showcasing their consistent excellence in volleyball.
In the 2024 season, WKU achieved an impressive record of 28-7, finishing with a perfect 18-0 record at E.A. Diddle Arena. The team’s success last season has positioned them as favorites once again as they look to defend their title.
Player Highlights
Callie Bauer, who is the reigning CUSA Setter of the Year and an AVCA First Team All-Region member, is a key player to watch. She participated in all 126 sets during the 2024 season, accumulating 1,387 assists, which ranked first in the conference and third nationally. Bauer’s contributions also included 300 digs, 96 kills, 57 blocks, and 36 aces. Notably, she recorded the only triple-double of the season on October 9, achieving 10 kills, 15 digs, and 39 assists.
This marks the third consecutive year Bauer has been recognized in the CUSA Preseason All-Conference team, underscoring her pivotal role in the team.
Izzy Van De Wiele also had an extraordinary season, with her block totals nearly quadrupling from the previous year, rising from 52 in 2023 to 177 in 2024. She ranked fourth nationally with her total blocks and led the conference with an average of 1.40 blocks per set. Van De Wiele also recorded 290 kills with a hitting percentage of .308, highlighting her offensive ability.
Alivia Skidmore made an impressive debut season, playing in 122 of 126 sets and earning a place on the CUSA All-Freshman team. She totaled 344 kills, 38 blocks, 74 digs, and nine aces with a hitting percentage of .263, proving her worth to the team’s performance as a newcomer.
Academic Achievements
In addition to their athletic success, WKU volleyball has maintained academic excellence, earning their 19th-straight AVCA Team Academic Award with a team GPA of 3.3 or greater throughout the year. For the 2024-2025 school year, the team’s cumulative GPA was 3.56.
Historical Context
WKU volleyball has a storied history of success in the CUSA, advancing to its 17th NCAA Tournament in 2024 and winning its ninth CUSA tournament championship along with its tenth regular-season championship. The team’s consistent performance and focus on both athletic prowess and academic achievement underline the dedication and talent within the program as they head into the new season.
Conclusion
The Hilltoppers, with their ensemble of exceptional players and a proven track record within the CUSA, are set to make waves once more in the 2025 season. As they work toward another successful campaign, all eyes will be on WKU to see if they can maintain their status as conference champions.
FAQs
What is the CUSA Preseason All-Conference team?
The CUSA Preseason All-Conference team is a selection of top volleyball players recognized by the league’s coaches for their performance and potential ahead of the upcoming season.
How many titles has WKU volleyball won in CUSA?
WKU volleyball has won 19 out of a possible 22 CUSA titles since joining the league in 2014.
Who are the key players highlighted from WKU volleyball?
The key players highlighted from WKU volleyball are Callie Bauer, Alivia Skidmore, and Izzy Van De Wiele, all of whom were selected for the Preseason All-Conference team.
What was WKU’s record in the 2024 season?
WKU finished the 2024 season with a record of 28-7, including an undefeated 18-0 record at home.
| Player Name | Achievements | 2024 Season Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Callie Bauer | Reigning CUSA Setter of the Year, AVCA First Team All-Region | 1,387 assists, 300 digs, 96 kills |
| Izzy Van De Wiele | Fourth nationally in blocks | 177 blocks, 290 kills, .308 hitting percentage |
| Alivia Skidmore | Named to CUSA All-Freshman team | 344 kills, 74 digs, .263 hitting percentage |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Warren Football Team Prepares for New Season
March Tournaments Highlight Women’s Golf Scene
WKU Highlights Student Success and New Initiatives
WKU Football Players Recognized for Notable Awards
WKU Football Announces Game Themes and Fan Colors
WKU Quarterback Maverick McIvor Named to Maxwell Award Watch List
Marshall Madness Volleyball Tournament Returns to Bowling Green
WKU Athletic Teams Achieve Academic Excellence
WKU Volleyball Team Achieves Academic Milestone
WKU Football Players Earn Preseason All-Conference Honors
Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: CUSA Preseason All-Conference Squad
- Google Search: WKU Volleyball
- WKU Sports: Football Highlights
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- WKU Sports: AVCA Team Academic Award
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
