BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Gulf South Conference released its 2025 volleyball preseason awards on Tuesday, with the Falcons picked to finish sixth in the Preseason Coaches Poll. Sophomore
Nikol Antova was tabbed to the Preseason All-GSC Team, while the freshmen duo
Lily Erdal and
Mallory Hulsey were named to the league's Newcomer Watchlist.
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Antova delivered an impressive debut season for the Falcons in 2024, leading the team with 319 kills across 26 matches. The Vidin, Bulgaria native was recognized as the GSC Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-GSC Second Team. Antova earned GSC Freshman of the Week honors three times and was tabbed the GSC Player of the Week once.
Both Erdal and Hulsey are expected to make an immediate impact for the Falcons after standout high school careers in the state of Georgia.
In the GSC Preseason Poll, Montevallo was slated to finish sixth, tied with Trevecca Nazarene, with a total of 53 points. West Florida came in as the preseason favorite with 10 first-place votes, while UAH (91 points) and Lee (71 points) completed the top three.
The Falcons begin the 2025 regular season on Sept. 5 against Embry-Riddle to open up the Bahama House Classic.
2025 Preseason All-GSC Team
Gabi Moultron, West Florida
Kayla Ward, UAH
Emily Breazeale, West Florida
Nikol Antova, Montevallo
Caroline Moyer, UAH
Payton Danley, Lee
Sara Palumbo, Lee
Kumara Flanagain, West Florida
Hainline Skias, Trevecca Nazarene
2025 GSC Volleyball Preseason Poll
1. West Florida (10) – 100
2. UAH (1) – 91
3. Lee – 71
t4. Mississippi College – 66
t4. Valdosta State – 66
t6. Montevallo – 53
t6. Trevecca Nazarene – 53
8. Union – 35
9. Auburn Montgomery – 31
10. West Alabama – 27
11. Christian Brothers – 12
(first-place votes in parentheses)
