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 Houston volleyball’s training facilities, the words “work,” “standard” and “culture” are written on whiteboards.
Those words define a three-step process to revitalize a program that went 12-16 in 2024, marking its first losing season since 2019 and a ninth-place finish in the 16-team Big 12.
“We’ve got to go back to the roots of building like a blue-collar team, acting like we suck again and building that work ethic back so we get to the point where we can see success again,” said head coach David Rehr, who is entering his seventh season at Houston.
The Cougars return just one consistent starter from last season – redshirt senior middle blocker Barakat Rahmon, who led the team with 105 blocks.
The most notable change comes at libero, where Houston will replace four-time conference libero of the year Kate Georgiades, who now plays for the Pro Volleyball Federation’s Columbus Fury.
Senior Alana Torres-Rivera, who spent each of her seasons learning behind Georgiades, is the most likely replacement for Georgiades. She averaged 0.75 digs per set in limited action in 2024.
Injuries also played a major role in Houston’s struggles last season, with several key players sidelined.
Redshirt senior middle blocker Kellen Morin, a key contributor during the Cougars’ NCAA Tournament runs in 2022 and 2023, missed the entirety of last season with an ACL injury she sustained in the spring. She will play a major role in the Cougars’ net defense.
Sophomore outside hitter Lily Barron (leg) and middle blocker Addisyn Pohl (foot) were also limited due to injuries.
Alongside the returners, seven newcomers joined the program ahead of the 2025 spring season, while four more participated in Houston’s summer camp abroad with the Dominican Republic National Team.
Key senior transfers include American East Conference setter of the year Lottie Scully from Binghamton and first team all-Sun Belt Conference outside hitter Brenya Reid from James Madison University.
With the roster reshaped and standards in place, Rehr plans to solidify Houston volleyball’s culture and improve its scoring efficiency to keep matches shorter and controlled in 2025.
If the Cougars can stay healthy, there’s a pretty high ceiling for them to reach. With Morain’s size and strength to complement a sleuth of experience on the frontline, Houston could be the silent contender in the Big 12 with expectations to return to the NCAA Tournament.
Projected starting lineup
OH – Avery Shimaitis (#9), 6-0, sr., Sugar Land, Texas
OH – Lily Barron (#5), 6-2, soph., Lewis Center, Ohio
OH – Brenya Reid (#16), 5-10, sr., Georgetown, Deleware
MB – Kellen Morin (#25), 6-4, r-sr., Hickory, North Carolina
MB – Barakat Rahmon (#13), 6-1, r-sr., Oakdale, Minnesota
L – Alana Torres-Rivera (#2), 5-5, sr., Caguas, Puerto Rico
S – Lottie Scully (#22), 5-10, sr., Hurdle Mills, North Carolina
Breakout candidate
Alana Torres-Rivera, senior, libero
Torres-Rivera has spent her entire college career behind award-winning libero Kate Georgiades, starting just one match to date. In 2024, she appeared in a career-high 75 sets and posted a personal best 10 digs in October. Heading into her senior season, she is locked in a position battle with standout freshman Gillian Pitts for the starting libero role, a job Torres-Rivera has been preparing for since day one.
Our take
The combination of a strong returning group of players added depth from newcomers and the resolve to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season makes the Cougars a team to watch Rehr’s vision for a blue-collar team might just be the spark this group needs to ignite their potential and bring Houston volleyball back to prominence and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
