Dolphins Volleyball Roster Highlights: New Dolphins Ready to Raise The Bar

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University Volleyball program is thrilled to unveil its 2024 roster, featuring a talented mix of incoming freshmen and key transfers. These additions come from diverse volleyball backgrounds and are poised to make an immediate impact as the Dolphins prepare for the upcoming season. First-year head Coach Alicia Roth is enthusiastic about the newcomers' impact on the team: "Our new additions bring the energy, competitiveness, and dedication to growth that will drive our player development and elevate the program."

Here’s a closer look at some of the new faces who are set to bolster Jacksonville's lineup this year: 

Freshman: 

Emily Collings | Setter 

#0 | Jacksonville, Fla. | Providence High School 
Local talent Emily Collings joins the Dolphins squad in 2024, eager to make an impact as a setter. A three-time Team Florida USAV All-Star with one silver and one gold medal, she is also a two-time AAU All-American, U18 Premier National Champion, and recipient of multiple academic honors, including the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar Award. Collings has been recognized as Varsity Captain, MVP, and Most Inspirational Player in high school, and has also earned AVCA All-American Honorable Mention and Prep Volleyball All-Region accolades.

Roth's Roundup:

“Emily brings a lot of energy to the court and her passion for the game is infectious! She will be a great representative of our program for years to come."

Elle Kennedy | Defensive Specialist/Libero 

#1 | Sheboygan Falls, WI. | Howards Grove 
Kennedy joins the Dolphins after an impressive high school career where she dominated the court. Along with her success with her club team FC Elite, Kennedy’s versatility and dynamic skill set will make her a factor as she looks to leave her mark at Jacksonville. 

Roth's Roundup:

“Elle got to spend the spring with us and has truly bought into the training and culture. Her commitment to growth is admirable and we expect big things out of her. ”

Amina Dervisevic | Middle Blocker 

#2 | Lincolnwood, IL. | Niles West High School 
Dervisevic’s experience and powerful hitting will boost the Dolphins’ offense. At Niles West High School, she was named All-Conference Player of the Year for 2023-24, served as Team Captain, and led her team to Conference and Regional Championships, earning Most Improved honors and making the Honors Roll.  

Roth's Roundup:

“Amina is an aggressive player who has helped improve our attackers by being a wall at the net. She is committed to growth and I’m excited about what she can do for this program!”

Haley Yount | Middle Blocker 

#11 | St. Louis, Mo.  | Northwest High School 
Yount, a standout middle blocker with a history of First Team All-Conference and All-District honors, joins the Dolphins Volleyball program ready to contribute. Known for her powerful hitting and strong court presence, Yount's leadership—recognized with the 2023 SPHSAAA Sportswomen of the Year award and consistent Academic All-State selections—will be a valuable asset to the Dolphins squad. 

Roth's Roundup:

“Haley has a cannon of an arm and immediately impressed everyone in our gym with her work ethic. She’s continuing to improve and is a great addition to our middle blocker group.”

Ana Tobar | Outside Hitter/Libero 

#15 | Miami, Fla. | St. Brendan 
Tobar, a powerful net presence and quick attacker, is ready to make her mark early in her freshman campaign. During her time with St. Brendan, she was a two-time First Team All-Dade selection, twice earned Team MVP honors, received Athlete of the Year recognition, and served as Team Captain. 

Roth's Roundup:
“Ana is a fierce competitor and loves the game. She brings a spark to the court and helps maintain the competitiveness in the gym.”

Transfers: 

Sofia Rampazzo | Outside Hitter 

#5 | Padova, Italy | Istituto Barbarigo | Fairleigh Dickinson 
Rampazzo comes to Jacksonville from Fairleigh Dickinson, where she played a pivotal role in Fairleigh Dickinson winning the Northeast Conference tournament last year, earning a spot in the NCAA tournament. Renowned for her strong hitting and smart positioning, Rampazzo will be ready to make an immediate impact. Her leadership will provide valuable experience to the 2024 squad. 

Roth's Roundup:
“Sofia brings a level of maturity and experience that will be very valuable to the culture of the program. She has immediately improved our ball control.”

Jamie Seward | Opposite Hitter 

#6 | Sweet Home, Ore. | Sweet Home High School | Austin Peay 
Seward, a dynamic opposite hitter and transfer from Austin Peay, brings valuable experience to Jacksonville. A Player of the Year and State Champion from her time at Sweet Home High School, she also excelled as a swimmer, earning an individual state championship, two team state titles, and a relay state record. 

Roth's Roundup:
"Jamie is such a great addition to our offense. She isn’t afraid to take big swings and brings an aggressive offensive mentality to the court."

Bre McDonough | Outside/Opposite Hitter 

#16 | Tampa, Fla. | Berkeley Preparatory School | Tarleton State 

McDonough boosts the Dolphins’ lineup with her strong presence as an outside or opposite hitter, making significant contributions on both sides of the net. She earned WAC Freshman of the Week honors and Offensive MVP accolades at Tarleton State.

Roth's Roundup:
“Bre has a drive and passion that I admire. She came in committed to learning and it has shown. She is very versatile in the front row and has a willingness to do whatever her team needs her to do. She adds a lot of in-game experience to our program.”

Emily Hodsdon | Setter 

#17 | Alpharetta, Ga. | Alpharetta High School | Wofford  

Hodsdon, a seasoned transfer who helped Wofford win the SOCON in 2023 and reach the NCAA tournament, brings a consistent setting game to Jacksonville. She was also named to the 2023-24 SOCON  Academic Honor Roll, the 2023 SOCON All-Academic Team, and the 2023 Jefferson Cup Invitational All-Tournament Team. 

Roth's Roundup:
“Emily is an experienced setter coming off a championship season. She knows what it takes to win and is a very composed player on the court. I see her being a big impact player for us.”

The Dolphins start their 2024 season with a Friday doubleheader, with the first game starting at 11:00 A.M against Southern and the second game against host Southern Miss at 7:00 P.M. Jacksonville concludes the opening weekend with a noon matchup against Northwestern State. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on Dolphins Volleyball.