Volleyball Set for Fall Training

The reinstated Vanderbilt volleyball program held its first official practice Tuesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt volleyball stepped onto the court for its first official practice in almost 45 years Tuesday.

“Being here and having athletes on campus and getting to actually be in the gym, which is our normal that we haven’t gotten to do in so long, definitely makes it feel like things are happening,” head coach Anders Nelson said. “We’re getting closer and making the right strides towards day one.”

The reinstated program’s “Team Zero” includes freshmen Reese Animashaun, Maddy Bowser, Taryn DeWese, Hailee Mack, Gigi Mason and Rachel Ogunleye, sophomore Elli Kinney, junior Jacquelyn Moore and graduate students Isabella Bareford and Sydney Conley.

Moore and Bareford join the Dores as transfers from Loyola Marymount. Conley is a graduate transfer from Florida State, and Kinney comes to Nashville after spending her freshman year playing at College of Charleston.

These 10 student-athletes, Nelson, defensive coordinator Russell Corbelli, offensive coordinator Lauren Plum and assistant coach Azhani Tealer will continue to train throughout the fall semester, with all student-athletes redshirting to preserve their collegiate eligibility.

The Commodores’ first official match is less than one year away; it will be Aug. 29, 2025.

Fans can follow Vanderbilt volleyball on X/Twitter, Threads and Instagram at @VandyVolleyball for updates.