Redbirds Open 2025 in Michigan

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The 2025 Illinois State volleyball squad opens its season on Friday afternoon, when the Redbirds face off against DePaul in the opening game of the 2025 Western Michigan Volleyball Tournament. ISU will battle the Blue Demons on Friday afternoon, the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m., and the Oakland Grizzlies on Sunday at 11 a.m.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 - 2 p.m. - vs DePaul - WATCH | STATS
Aug. 30 - 5 p.m. - at Western Michigan - WATCH | STATS
Aug. 31 - 11 a.m. - vs Oakland - WATCH | STATS

PRESEASON POLL

Returning eight student-athletes that started at least nine matches last season, while bringing in the top-rated recruiting class in program history, has the Illinois State volleyball team picked to finish third in the preseason Missouri Valley Coaches Poll. Two Redbirds – Aida Shadewald and Khenedi Guest – were named to the preseason All-MVC squad.
 

SEASON OPENERS

With the opening match of the 2025 season, the Redbirds will play in their 53rd all-time season opener, and ISU is an even 26-26 in the previous 52 season openers.

FOUR-TIME TEAM LEADERS

Aida Shadewald is attempting to become just the second student-athlete in program history to lead her team in kills during all four years of her ISU career, joining Ashley Rosch (2012-15). In all there have been 15 student-athletes in the primary seven statistical categories to lead the team in a statistic four times 
 

THREE-TIME ALL-CONFERENCE ASPIRATIONS

Illinois State senior Aida Shadewald has been named to the All-MVC First Team as a sophomore and junior, and is looking to become just the eighth student-athlete in program history with three All-MVC designations. Two former student-athletes - Jaelyn Keane and Ashley Rosch - are among a select number of student-athletes in the MVC to earn four All-MVC honors during their playing careers.
4    Jaelyn Keane (2014-17)
4    Ashley Rosch (2012-15)
3    Kendra Haselhorst (1997, 99-00)
3    Stef Jankiewicz (2018-20)
3    Kaylee Martin (2018-20)
3    Courtney Pence (2016-18)
3    Chris Rehor (1986-88)

FRESHMAN BLOCKS

Last season freshman Khenedi Guest had a standout campaign, and her 20 solo blocks during the year are the seventh-most in a season by a Redbird freshman. Below are the top-10 single-season solo block totals by a freshman in ISU history.Rk.   

ALL-TIME SERIES

Illinois State and DePaul have met 26 times prior to Friday, with the Redbirds holding a 24-2 advantage in the series. Western Michigan leads the series with ISU 9-5, while ISU is undefeated against Oakland in three matches.

KILLING IT

Last season freshman Khenedi Guest had a standout campaign, and her 20 solo blocks during the year are the seventh-most in a season by a Redbird freshman.