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 Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
After a 23–8 finish and another NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024, Baylor will enter the 2025 season with uncertainty in key positions mixed with a core of experience and youth.
Now in his 11th season at the helm, head coach Ryan McGuyre continues to shape Baylor into a consistent force in the Big XII. With multiple Sweet 16 appearances and a Final Four run in 2019 under his belt, McGuyre knows how to build a winner.
He’ll have to start by rebuilding at the outside hitter and libero positions. Expect that to get sorted out quickly as the Lady Bears did quite well in the transfer portal.
Among Baylor’s offseason additions, is graduate transfer Gabrielle Essix from Florida. She brings SEC experience, where she tallied more than 250 career blocks for the Gators. Essix will be joined in the middle by fellow graduate Manuela Bibinbe, a two-time All-Big 12 honoree and AVCA regional standout. Bibinbe averaged over two kills per set last season while anchoring Baylor’s blocking presence.
Baylor’s depth at middle blocker is its strength and the addition of freshman Lauren Wiese, a high school All-American from Washington, adds even more talent at the position.
At setter, junior Bri Denney returns to run the offense that is young at the outside hitter position. Denney’s two years of experience and a strong connection to the middle will allow a group of young outside hitters time to adjust.
The outside hitter position will be one of the key storylines for Baylor volleyball in 2025, combining young talent, returning depth and promising newcomers.
Kendal Murphy, now a sophomore, returns after showing promise during her freshman season. At 6-foot-3, Murphy offers the size and athleticism to become a six-rotation weapon. With a year of experience and improved consistency, Murphy is poised for a breakout year.
Former Cornerstone Christian standout Grace Carroll brings versatility and court awareness to the outside. After a stellar freshman year, Carroll has a very high celling in 2025. Her ability to play in both front and back row gives the Bears another option with experience and a strong volleyball IQ.
Freshman Bailey Warren, an all-state outside hitter from Texas, could compete for a starting role on the left side right away.
With Carroll’s return, Murphy’s development, and Warren’s upside, Baylor has a flexible and competitive group of outside hitters. If that trio can stabilize the left pin and produce consistently, the Bears will have a much more balanced attack to complement their strength in the middle.
The libero position might be the other position battle to keep an eye on before Big 12 play begins.
The departure of Lauren Briseño means Baylor enters 2025 in search of a new defensive anchor in the libero jersey. Briseño had been a staple in the back row for the past several seasons, earning All-Big 12 recognition. Replacing her presence—both in performance and leadership—will be one of the Bears’ biggest early challenges.
Sophomore Taylor Crain, freshman Morgan Madison and junior Tehani Ulufatu will battle for the starting role.
Projected starting lineup
OH – Bailey Warren (#2), 5-10, fr., Fulshear
OH – Kendal Murphy (#11), 6-3, jr., Scottsdale, Arizona
OPP – Grace Carroll (#16), 6-5, so., San Antonio
MB – Gabrielle Essix (#10), 6-3, grad., Hoover, Alabama
MB – Manuela Bibinbe (#20), 6-3, grad., Yaounde, Cameroon
S – Bri Denney (#8), 5-11, r-jr., San Marcos, California
L – Tehani Ulufatu (#26), 5-5, jr., San Francisco, California
Breakout candidate
Kendal murphy, JR, OH
With her sophomore season under her belt, increased role and connection with Denney, Murphy has the tools to become one of the Big 12’s top outside hitters.
Our take
The pieces are in place for Baylor to make a run at a Big 12 championship and secure a 10th straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The Lady Bears’ front-row experience and setter continuity are strengths, but their ability to integrate new players in key roles—especially on the defensive end—will ultimately shape the season’s ceiling.
