Simon Fraser University Volleyball is riding a wave of momentum as it enters Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) regular season play, following a historic and undefeated preseason. The Red Leafs surged to a 6-0 start, climbing to No. 8 in the national rankings, the highest in program history.

The excitement began at home this September, where nearly 700 fans packed the stands for SFU's preseason opener against St. Cloud State. The Red Leafs delivered a dominant 3-0 sweep, setting the tone for a memorable start. A standout moment for the Red Leafs then came against San Francisco State, where they recorded a shutout in the fifth set—marking the first time in the 25-year history of the GNAC, and only the 10th time ever, that a GNAC team has held its opponent to fewer than five points in a decisive frame. That performance earned SFU Volleyball the title of GNAC Team of the Week on September 8.

Head coach Gina Schmidt, now in her 13th season, continues to build on a legacy that includes three NCAA regional appearances and a 174-120 overall record. Last season, she led SFU to a tie for second in the GNAC with a 17-9 finish.

"It was great to see our team execute against some quality opponents this preseason. Every match was a full team effort, and it has been fun to see so many different players step up at various moments when needed. Based on the other results around the GNAC, it looks like our conference is shaping up to very competitive this year and we are looking forward to the challenge," shared Schmidt.

While the team will miss Brooke Dexter, the 2024 GNAC Player of the Year who led the league with 3.90 kills per set, several standout players return:

• Davida Hill, a first-team all-conference outside hitter, is back after a breakout season where she ranked fifth in the GNAC with 3.01 kills per set.
• Eva Person, the 2024 GNAC Setter of the Year, returns for her senior season after leading the conference with 8.76 assists per set.
• Macyn Unger, a junior libero and honorable mention pick, anchors the defense after ranking third in digs (4.49 per set).
• Logan Remington, a rising sophomore, made headlines in the preseason by breaking the GNAC single-match record with 18 blocks against San Francisco State, earning her first GNAC Player of the Week honor.

With a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent, the Red Leafs are poised for a strong GNAC season. You can catch the team at home next Thursday, September 25 at 7:00 pm in the West Gym against Seattle Pacific. The first home game of the regular season will feature SFU's Whiteout Night, where fans are encouraged to wear their white Rep the Leaf merch! Tickets are free for SFU and FIC students, faculty and staff. Fans can get their tickets online in advance here.