JACKSONVILLE, FL – Jacksonville University Beach Volleyball proudly announces that Rachel Hess will rejoin the team in a Graduate Assistant role for the upcoming 2025 season. Hess's return to the team in a staff role, as she can continue to contribute to the Beach Volleyball program, this time transitioning from player to mentor and leader.

Hess brings extensive experience and numerous accolades to her new role as a GA. Before becoming a Dolphin, she made a significant impact at LaSalle University and Towson University. In her freshman year at LaSalle University in 2019, Hess earned Atlantic 10 All-Rookie honors and was twice named A10 Rookie of the Week. She then transferred to Towson University, where she played from her sophomore to senior years, making three NCAA Volleyball Tournament appearances from 2020-2022. Hess was an instrumental piece in Towson winning the CAA Championship in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Some more honors at Towson include being named the Most Outstanding Player at the 2021 Towson Invitational while earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. She also received the CAA Defensive Player of the Week award twice. Before her collegiate career, Hess excelled at Allentown Central Catholic, leading her team to a PIAA state title and being named the Morning Call Girls' Volleyball Player of the Year as a junior.

Hess's dedication to excellence extends beyond the sand court as the Pennsylvania native earned her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, with a Minor in Health Science, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Exercise Science at JU. Throughout her academic career, Hess has been recognized for her scholarly achievements, including earning a Scholar-Athlete award and being named to the academic honor roll.

"We are ecstatic to have Rachel Hess return to our program in a new capacity," mentioned Dylan Hough, Head Coach of Jacksonville Beach Volleyball. "Her experience, both on and off the court, will be invaluable to our team. Rachel's leadership and passion for the sport are evident, and we look forward to seeing her thrive in this new role."