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5 Key Takeaways From The Freed-Hardeman University Volleyball 2025 Season: Roster, Coach, And Mid-South Conference Performance

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The Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) Lions Women’s Volleyball program concluded its 2025 campaign with a strong 18-16 overall record, demonstrating significant resilience and growth under Head Coach Amanda Bretherick. As of December 25, 2025, the team has successfully navigated a challenging schedule within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the highly competitive Mid-South Conference (MSC), setting a solid foundation for future success. This season’s performance, marked by key victories and the development of core players, highlights the program's upward trajectory and commitment to athletic excellence in Henderson, Tennessee.

The 2025 season proved to be a pivotal year for the FHU Volleyball program, showcasing the strategic depth and talent of a roster led by experienced athletes and promising newcomers. Despite a demanding conference slate, the Lions secured a winning overall record, a testament to their hard work and the strategic vision of the coaching staff. Fans are already looking ahead to the next cycle, eager to see how the team builds upon the momentum generated by this latest run of success.

The 2025 Freed-Hardeman Volleyball Season: A Record of Resilience

The 2025 Freed-Hardeman University Volleyball season was defined by a remarkable 18-16 overall record, a significant achievement that speaks volumes about the team's competitive spirit and ability to win non-conference matches. While the Lions faced stiff competition within the Mid-South Conference (MSC), finishing with a 3-9 conference record, their overall performance against regional and national opponents was outstanding.

The team’s ability to secure a winning record was built on a solid foundation at home in the Brewer Sports Center, where they finished 7-6, and a respectable 5-7 record in true road games. The competitive schedule included participation in the FHU Labor Day Classic and matches against strong regional foes like Crowleys Ridge College and Fisk University.

Key Players and Roster Depth

The 2025 FHU Volleyball Roster featured a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Athletes such as Alex Howard, Iza Wos, Alyssa Austin, Allie Lowhorn, Marija Milic, Kendra Price, and Cate Schroer were central to the team's success. The collective effort, demonstrated through the team's cumulative statistics, was essential in securing the 18 victories. The depth of the program was further highlighted by the Junior Varsity (JV) squad, which posted a strong 7-8 overall record and a winning 5-3 conference record, indicating a robust pipeline of talent for future varsity seasons.

The individual contributions of these players were critical in high-pressure moments. For example, the performance of key hitters and defensive specialists was paramount in securing sweeps and winning tight five-set matches throughout the long season. The team showed a particular strength in non-conference play, often demonstrating superior execution and mental toughness against rivals outside the MSC.

Meet the Leaders: Coach Amanda Bretherick and the FHU Staff

The driving force behind the Freed-Hardeman University volleyball program’s recent success is Head Coach Amanda Bretherick. Coach Bretherick, a distinguished alumna of Freed-Hardeman (Class of 2016), has been instrumental in elevating the team's competitive level.

A Coach with FHU Roots

Bretherick is not just a coach; she is a product of the FHU system, bringing a deep understanding of the university's culture and the demands of NAIA athletics. Her playing career at FHU was notable, including earning All-Region honors and recording an impressive 117 blocks, a testament to her defensive prowess and court awareness. Now in her third season at the helm, Bretherick's record at FHU shows a steady progression, reflecting her ability to recruit and develop talent.

Beyond her coaching duties, Bretherick also serves as the Senior Woman Leader (SWL) for FHU Athletics, a role that emphasizes her commitment to the overall development and success of female athletes within the university. This dual role provides invaluable leadership and mentorship to the entire athletic department.

The Coaching Support System

Assisting Coach Bretherick is Assistant Coach Will White, who works closely with the players to refine technical skills and implement game strategies. The collaborative effort of the coaching staff ensures that the FHU Lions are well-prepared for the rigors of the Mid-South Conference schedule and maintain a high standard of play. This cohesive leadership structure has been key to achieving "key milestones" in recent seasons, including the strong 2025 overall record.

The philosophy of the coaching staff centers on developing well-rounded student-athletes, emphasizing not only on-court performance but also academic excellence and character development, aligning with the NAIA Champions of Character initiative.

Navigating the Mid-South Conference: Rivalries and the Road Ahead

Freed-Hardeman University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and is a member of the highly competitive Mid-South Conference (MSC). The MSC is known for its strong volleyball programs, making every conference match a significant challenge. The Lions’ 3-9 conference record in 2025 reflects the tough nature of this league.

The Competitive Landscape

The Mid-South Conference features perennial powerhouses, including teams like Campbellsville University (Ky.) and the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.). Facing these high-level opponents, such as the matches against the University of Pikeville (Ky.), provides the FHU Lions with invaluable experience and exposure to top-tier NAIA volleyball. The conference schedule is a proving ground, helping to sharpen the team’s skills and identify areas for improvement.

Despite the challenging conference slate, the team's 18-16 overall finish is a positive indicator of their ability to compete and win consistently. The Lions are building a reputation as a resilient team that can bounce back from tough conference losses to secure victories against other quality opponents.

Future Outlook and Recruiting

Looking beyond the 2025 season, the FHU volleyball program is poised for continued growth. The success of the JV program, particularly its winning conference record (5-3), demonstrates a promising future with a strong base of developing athletes. Recruiting efforts, often targeting talented players from Tennessee and the surrounding region, will be crucial for Head Coach Bretherick to solidify the roster and improve the team’s standing within the Mid-South Conference.

The focus moving forward will likely be on translating the team’s overall success into a stronger showing in conference play. By leveraging the experience gained in the 2025 season and the talent pipeline from the JV squad, the Freed-Hardeman Lions aim to climb the MSC standings in the upcoming years. The team’s dedication to the sport, combined with the leadership of Coach Bretherick, suggests a bright future for FHU Volleyball.

The final two-match losing streak (L2) to end the 2025 season will serve as motivation for the players and staff to return stronger and more focused on making a deep run in the MSC Tournament in the next competitive cycle.

5 Key Takeaways From the Freed-Hardeman University Volleyball 2025 Season: Roster, Coach, and Mid-South Conference Performance
freed hardeman university volleyball
freed hardeman university volleyball

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