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
Texas A&M enters the 2025 season with a roster loaded with experience, anchored by a group of determined seniors and bolstered by promising newcomers.
After finishing 16-13 last year, the Aggies are aiming for a run at the top of the SEC standings and a return to the NCAA Tournament.
Leading the way is senior opposite hitter Logan Lednicky, a 2024 second-team All-American who tallied more than 490 kills last season. Known for her power and consistency, Lednicky has been the team’s offensive engine since her freshman year and remains one of the top hitters in the conference.
The Aggies’ depth at outside hitter is a major strength. Seniors Emily Hellmuth, Lexi Guinn, Austin High graduate Brooke Jeffrey and Taylor Humphrey give head coach Jamie Morrison (entering his fourth season) multiple proven options on the left side.
Hellmuth, a former Pepperdine transfer, had a breakout year in 2024 and brings size and athleticism to the rotation.
In the middle, Texas A&M returns seniors Iffenna Cos-Okpalla and Morgan Perkins, a tandem that offers solid blocking and high-level leadership. Cos-Okpalla has been a standout at the net throughout her career, while Perkins provides steady production and leadership up front.
The defense is in good hands with senior libero Ava Underwood, who recorded more than 350 digs last season. Her stability in serve receive and ability to read hitters will be essential in anchoring a back row that features several underclassmen.
At setter, the Aggies benefit from a two-headed approach. Senior Maddie Waak and junior Margot Manning each bring starting experience and could rotate or run a 6-2 system, depending on how Morrison configures the offense.
One of the most intriguing additions to the roster is Kyndal Stowers, a redshirt sophomore outside hitter who transferred from Baylor. Stowers was a top recruit out of high school and could make an immediate impact as a scorer and serving threat.
The freshman class adds size and athleticism to the depth chart. Outside hitters Taryn Morris, Megan Fitch and Amaré Hernandez will compete for time, while Addi Applegate (libero) and Kirra Musgrove (setter) add youth behind the senior core.
Projected starting lineup
OH – Lexi Guinn (#5), 6-0, sr., Frisco, Texas
OH – Brooke Jeffrey (#7), 6-1 sr., Austin, Texas
OPP – Logan Lednicky (#9), 6-3, sr., Sugar Land, Texas
MB – Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (#10), 6-2, sr., Flower Mound, Texas
MB – Morgan Perkins (#21), sr., Rosharon, Texas
S – Maddie Waek (#16), 5-10, sr., Katy, Texas
L – Ava Underwood (#12), 5-7, sr., Houston, Texas
Breakout candidate
Kyndal Stowers, R-soph., OH
The 6-1 Baylor transfer adds more depth to an experienced outside hitter group. Stowers was a top-30 national recruit out of high school and a Gatorade Texas player of the year finalist. She saw limited action at Baylor due to depth and injury but showed flashes of dynamic scoring and serve pressure. With Texas A&M returning a veteran core of outsides – most of whom will graduate after this season – Stowers is in prime position to carve out a meaningful role, either as a starter or first-off-the-bench scoring option.
Our take
Texas A&M enters 2025 with one of the most experienced rosters in the SEC, led by a senior-heavy core that includes Lednicky, a deep group of outside hitters and two veteran setters. The pieces are in place for the Aggies to make a run at the top of the conference and return to the NCAA Tournament.
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