Volleyball | 7/18/2025 4:39:00 PM

NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State volleyball team announced its 2025 schedule on Friday, headlined by four tournaments, a Florida trip, and multiple power-conference foes.
 
"I'm excited about the 2025 season. It's probably our strongest preseason thus far," head coach Kathy Bullock said. "It's extremely challenging and it should expose the areas that we need to improve on before the start of conference play. You can expect a much bigger, dynamic, and physical team this fall."
 
Norfolk State begins the 2025 season in the UCF Tournament from Aug. 29-30. The tournament includes showdowns against UCF, Chattanooga, and UC Riverside.
 
The Spartans finish off their weekend with a ride up to Gainesville on Aug. 31 to face the Gators of Florida.  The matchup will mark the first time Norfolk State has faced an SEC opponent in three years, last occurring in 2022 against Tennessee.
 
The Spartans remain on the road to start the month of September, traveling to Buies Creek, N.C. to compete in the Campbell Tournament. From Sept. 5-6, the Spartans will play UNC Greensboro, Campbell, and Gardner-Webb.
 
Norfolk State faces William & Mary and Liberty in the William & Mary tournament in Williamsburg, Va. from Sept. 12-13. The Spartans last battled the Flames in 2007 and the Tribe in 2018.
 
The Spartans' final tournament of the nonconference stretch will be hosted by ACC foe Clemson from Sept. 18-19. Charleston Southern and Georgetown will also compete in the tournament.
 
After starting the season with 12 consecutive road matches, the Spartans will return home to Norfolk, hosting in-state rival Hampton at Gill Gymnasium on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. in a "Battle of the Bay" matchup.
 
Norfolk State has dominated the Battle of the Bay rivalry in recent years, sweeping the series in 2024. The Spartans have won the last three matchup against the nearby foe.
 
MEAC play begins against Morgan State, Coppin State, and Maryland Eastern Shore on the road from Sept. 26 to Oct. 3.
 
The Spartans play their first conference home match against Delaware State on Oct. 5.
 
The Spartans and Pirates face off once again on Nov. 14, this time in Hampton at 6 p.m.
 
A three-match home stretch featuring South Carolina State, North Carolina Central and Howard ends Norfolk State's 2025 regular season, with the Howard match on Nov. 14 marking Senior Night at 6 p.m.
 
The Spartans finished fourth in the MEAC after a 13-15 overall record last season, going 7-7 in conference play. Two-time All-MEAC First Team selection Gabby Gilbert along with All-MEAC Second Team selection Sydney McCree return to the 2025 squad.
 
The Spartans will aim for the program's first-ever conference title at the 2025 MEAC Volleyball Championships, hosted by Coppin State from Nov. 21-23.
 
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.