DUDLEY, Mass. (August 18, 2025) – The Nichols College women's volleyball program enters the 2025 season with renewed energy and a fresh perspective under new head coach Caryn Sibiskie. With a balance of experienced returners and promising newcomers, the Bison are looking to spark a new era for Nichols volleyball.
Sibiskie was officially named the sixth head coach in program history, making this the first time in Nichols Athletics history that different head coaches will lead the men's and women's volleyball teams.
When asked about her feelings towards the upcoming season, Sibiskie said,"We are excited to build the foundation of Nichols women's volleyball,".
Bringing five years of collegiate coaching experience across all three NCAA divisions, Sibiskie arrives in Dudley after most recently serving as an assistant coach at Iona University (2022–24), helping the Gaels win 15 matches and advance to the MAAC Championship semifinal in her first season. During her time, she mentored three All-MAAC performers, including the Libero of the Year. Sibiskie has also coached at New Haven (2021–22) as a graduate assistant and at Thiel College (2019–20) as an assistant coach.
The Bisons return several key contributors from last year's roster. Kya Burdier (Sr.) ranked second on the team in kills (131) and was in the top three in both assists (123) and digs (121). She also etched her name in program history by recording the first-ever triple-double (11 kills, 20 assists, 11 digs). Ruby St. Onge (Gr.) led the team in assists (287) while setting career highs in service aces (34) and digs (117). Melina Bezati (Sr.) recorded 42 kills, 33 digs, and 10 blocks as a junior, highlighted by a career-high 12-kill performance.
Nichols will also welcome five new players to the 2025 roster, including transfer Angelina Steiger and freshmen Cami Layman, Alyssa Morse, and Brooke Partridge.
The Bisons open their season on the road against FDU-Florham on Saturday, August 30th at Campbell Sports Center for the Sarah Lawrence Tri-Match. The match is scheduled for a 1pm start.
