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7 Shocking Ways NAU Volleyball Dominated The 2025 Big Sky Season: MVP, Coach Of The Year, And The Path To The NCAA Tournament

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Northern Arizona University (NAU) Volleyball has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the Big Sky Conference, capping off the most recent season with a historic and dominant performance. As of today, December 18, 2025, the conversation in collegiate volleyball circles is dominated by the Lumberjacks' achievements, which saw them clinch the Big Sky Conference regular-season championship outright and collect a slew of major individual awards. This article dives deep into the seven most shocking and significant ways the NAU program, led by the veteran coaching staff and a core group of elite athletes, asserted their dominance and set the stage for continued success.

The 2025 season was a landmark year, characterized by an impressive 23-7 overall record and a stellar 13-3 mark in conference play, demonstrating their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The team’s success is a testament to the culture built in Flagstaff, Arizona, under the long-standing leadership of Head Coach Ken Murphy, transforming the program into a perennial contender for the NCAA Tournament.

The Architects of Success: NAU Volleyball Coaching Staff and Key Player Roster

The foundation of the Lumberjacks’ success lies in the stability and expertise of their coaching staff, combined with a deep and talented roster of dedicated athletes. Head Coach Ken Murphy has been the driving force behind the program’s resurgence, turning a team with only one prior NCAA Tournament appearance into a Big Sky perennial.

NAU Volleyball Coaching Staff

  • Head Coach: Ken Murphy (Named 2025 Big Sky Coach of the Year)
  • Associate Head Coach: Rachel Dunlap
  • Assistant Coach: (Specific name not cited, but a critical entity)

Key Roster Entities for the 2025 Championship Season

The 2025 roster featured a mix of veteran leadership and impactful young talent who were instrumental in securing the conference title.

  • Hanah Stoddard: Outside Hitter (OH), R-Jr., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The team’s cornerstone and Co-Most Valuable Player of the Big Sky Conference.
  • Gigi Greenlee: Middle Blocker (MB), R-So., Scottsdale, Ariz. Noted for her significant impact as a blocker.
  • Georgi Stein: (Position/Year not specified, but a major contributor)
  • Taryn Davis: (Position/Year not specified, a Spring 2025 signee)
  • Ella Hosfeld: Setter, 5'8", Coeur D'Alene, Idaho. Joined the team after two seasons at Westmont College.
  • Lauren Edlund: (Position/Year not specified)
  • Peyton Devlin: (Position/Year not specified)
  • Alivia Eikenberg: (Mentioned as an All-Big Sky First Team member for context, but plays for Northern Colorado)
  • Victoria Marthaler: (Mentioned as Co-MVP from Sacramento State)

1. The Big Sky Awards Sweep: MVP and Coach of the Year

The most telling sign of NAU’s overwhelming success was the clean sweep of the Big Sky's top individual honors. The Lumberjacks didn't just win the regular season; they claimed two of the conference's most prestigious awards.

Hanah Stoddard, Co-Most Valuable Player (Co-MVP): Stoddard’s exceptional performance throughout the season earned her the high honor of being named Co-MVP of the Big Sky Conference, sharing the title with Victoria Marthaler of Sacramento State. This recognition highlights her status as one of the most dynamic and effective Outside Hitters in the region, which was further cemented by her selection for the 2025 AVCA All-Region Honors.

Ken Murphy, Coach of the Year: Head Coach Ken Murphy was rightfully named the Big Sky Coach of the Year. This award is a direct reflection of his strategic genius, his ability to develop talent, and his leadership in navigating the team to an outright conference title. His tenure has fundamentally changed the trajectory of the NAU volleyball program.

2. Unstoppable Home Court Advantage at the Walkup Skydome

One of the less-discussed but crucial factors in the team's dominance was their impenetrable performance on their home court. The Lumberjacks finished the 2025 season with a perfect 11-0 record at home. Playing inside the iconic J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, the team consistently delivered high-level performances that opponents simply could not match. The atmosphere created by the Flagstaff faithful in the high-altitude setting proved to be a significant competitive edge.

3. Clinching the Outright Big Sky Regular Season Championship

The ultimate goal for any team in the Big Sky is the regular season title, and NAU achieved this with authority. They clinched the championship outright after a statement victory over Northern Colorado, a key rival. The team secured at least a share of the title earlier in the final weekend with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Idaho State, showcasing their resilience and ability to close out crucial matches.

4. Dominance in All-Conference Selections

Beyond the major individual awards, Northern Arizona’s depth was recognized by the Big Sky Conference. The Lumberjacks collected three First Team All-Conference representatives. This high number of selections demonstrates that their success was not reliant on just one or two stars, but on a cohesive unit of elite players performing at a First Team level across multiple positions, further strengthening their topical authority within the Big Sky Conference.

5. Strategic Recruiting for Future Success

The NAU program is not resting on its laurels; the coaching staff is actively building for the future, which is a major indicator of sustained success. Recent recruiting news highlights the program’s ability to attract top talent and strategically fill key positions.

  • Ella Hosfeld: A strategic addition at the Setter position, transferring from Westmont College.
  • Spring 2025 Signees: The early signing of players like Camp and Taryn Davis for the Spring 2025 semester allows them to integrate early into the team culture and training regimen.
  • Future Commits: The program is already securing top talent for future classes, including players like Ryan Libey (MB, 6’0”, Class of 2027 from Washington), Addison Bartnik, Kate Federico, Rylan Keane, and Avalon Legg, ensuring a deep pipeline of talent for years to come.

6. The Impressive Overall Record and Match Consistency

Finishing the season with an overall win percentage of .767 (23-7) is a remarkable achievement for any Division I program. The team’s ability to win on the road (7-5 record) and perform well in neutral-site tournaments (5-2 record) shows they are not just a home-court team, but a program built for national competition. Key victories, including a four-set win over Portland State, highlighted their ability to regain first place and maintain momentum throughout the demanding conference schedule.

7. Building a Blocker: The Impact of Gigi Greenlee

While Hanah Stoddard captured the MVP spotlight, the impact of players like Middle Blocker Gigi Greenlee cannot be overstated. The NAU Athletics website specifically highlighted Greenlee’s role in "Building a Blocker," underscoring her importance to the team’s defensive structure. Her presence at the net was a critical factor in the team’s defensive success, demonstrating the program’s commitment to developing specialized, high-impact players who excel in their specific roles.

The 2025 season for Northern Arizona University Volleyball was a masterclass in program building and competitive excellence. With a decorated coaching staff, a perfect home record at the Walkup Skydome, and a consistent influx of high-level recruits, the Lumberjacks are poised to continue their reign over the Big Sky Conference and make even deeper runs in the NCAA Tournament in the years to come. The future of NAU Volleyball is undeniably bright, built on the solid foundation of their recent championship success.

7 Shocking Ways NAU Volleyball Dominated the 2025 Big Sky Season: MVP, Coach of the Year, and the Path to the NCAA Tournament
northern arizona university volleyball
northern arizona university volleyball

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