Editor’s note: This story is published in the Austin Sports Journal’s 2025 Austin Volleyball Preview™, only available to subscribers. It is part of the 20-page college preview inside the magazine that previews all major Division I and Division II colleges in the state.
By Camryn Alberigo
Austin Sports Journal contributing writer
In most practice gyms, starters square off against non-starters.
But at Rice, the volleyball gym is so full of friendly fire that the sides are almost indistinguishable.
“If you were just a person who walked in and didn’t know anything about us, I don’t think you’d be able to tell in some cases because we have so much depth and so much competitiveness,” said head coach Genny Volpe, who enters her 22nd season at Rice . “But what really drives our team is our defensive ability … When you play against Rice, you know you’re going to have to work really hard to put the ball down because we are so relentless on defense.”
That relentless defense led Rice to a 19-8 overall record and a 13-3 mark in the American Athletic Conference and a second-place finish in the league.
With key returning players coming back from injury and a setter with high volleyball IQ, the Owls are ready to compete for the AAC championship.
Two key players returning from injury are senior libero Gaby Mansfield and junior outside hitter Cindy Tchouangwa. Mansfield averaged 3.25 digs per set and is expected to resume her role as the defensive anchor. Tchouangwa, who averaged 3.36 kills per set, the sixth-best mark in the conference, brings an offensive spark to the front line.
The Owls also welcome junior opposite hitter Kellen Dorotik, a transfer from Blinn College and the NJCAA leader in kills.
Rice is bolstering its front-line defense. Senior middle blocker Lademi Ogunlana earned first-team all-conference honors for the first time behind a career-high 199 kills. She is joined by junior middle blocker Arissa Smith, a transfer from Mississippi State.
Two Austin-area sophomores also look to build off their freshman campaigns – outside hitter Kayla Patel (St. Stephen’s) and setter Savannah Skopal (Rouse).
As a freshman, Skopal earned unanimous all-freshman honors and a second team all-conference selection. The Round Rock native started every match for the Owls in her first season and lead the team with 955 assists. She logged three separate matches with more than 50 assists.
“From day one she has just proven that she is an elite-level setter… Her IQ is off the charts, and she is a natural-born leader,” Volpe said of Skopal. “When she is on the court she makes a huge impact on the team immediately.”
Rice plans to challenge itself with its toughest preseason schedule in over 20 years, squaring off against several top-20 teams to gain the experience needed to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.
Projected starters
OH – Cindy Tchouangwa (#24), 6-0, jr., Katy, Texas
OPP – Kellen Dorotik (#4), 6-0, jr., East Bernard, Texas
MB – Arissa Smith (#25), 6-2, jr., Missouri City, Texas
MB – Lademi Ogunlana (#6), 5-11, sr., Missouri City, Texas
DS – Darby Harris (#21), 5-9, sr., Wheaton, Illinois
L – Gaby Mansfield (#2), 5-4, sr., Houston, Texas
S – Savannah Skopal (#14), 6-0, soph., Round Rock, Texas
Breakout players
Savannah Skopal, soph., S
After earning AAC All-Freshman Team honors and a spot on the Second Team All-Conference last season, Skopal enters her sophomore year poised to take the next step. With a year of collegiate experience behind her, her court vision, leadership and consistency continue to elevate her as a strong contender for First Team All-Conference honors in 2025.
Our take
Rice volleyball enters the 2025 season with depth, competitive spirit, and a focus on relentless defense. With key returners back from injury and strong transfers, added to an up-and-coming setter with proven leadership, the Owls are primed to compete for the American Athletic Conference title and push for an NCAA Tournament return.