Kent State Tuscarawas women’s volleyball team makes history
The Kent State Tuscarawas Golden Eagles women’s volleyball team captured the USCAA Division II National Championship.
Kent State Tuscarawas women’s volleyball team has claimed its first USCAA Division II National Championship.
The Golden Eagles’ national title win is not only a triumph for the team, but also a groundbreaking moment for the entire school. For the first time in history, Kent State Tuscarawas can call itself a USCAA Div. II national champion, a milestone that has captured the attention of the entire athletic community.
“History has been made at Kent State Tuscarawas,” said Brad Bielski, Kent State Tuscarawas dean and chief administrative officer. “We’ve been competing in an organized way with the USCAA for about nine years now, and while we’ve had some excellent teams and excellent individuals compete, this was our first national championship. I couldn’t be prouder of the coaches, Cortney Goodwin and Steve Colpus, and most importantly, the women who put in all the work, the effort, and particularly those students who served as leaders on the court. They’ve really put a spotlight on the campus, the community and beyond.”
Team members include Cayla Shrimplin, Elizabeth Keller, Allie Keller, Mackenzie Neininger, Kylie Culbertson, Adazianna Manns, Rylee Sensabaugh, Ally Carpenter, Madison Mook, Jaileigh Price, Kadence Noll, Sam Uhlman and Ava McFarland.
The 2024 season was full of accolades and recognition for the Golden Eagles, both as a team and individually. The success of the squad was not limited to their championship win, as several players and coaches earned honors.
Head coach Cortney Goodwin and assistant coach Steve Colpus were named the Coaching Staff of the Year.
First-team All-Americans include Rylee Sensabaugh (freshman) and Mackenzie Neininger (freshman). Elizabeth Keller (junior) earned honorable mention and All-Academic Team. The All-Tournament Team included Cayla Shrimplin (sophomore), Jaileigh Price (freshman) and Neininger, with Neininger as Championship MVP.
“I think we’re excited for the program — the growth of the program — bringing the championship title back to this small community,” Goodwin said. “This was a goal that we had at the start of the season, and we were able to accomplish it. I think that’s really good for the program as we move forward.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of these incredible young ladies. Their hard work and dedication all year long have truly paid off,” said Dakota Wright, interim athletic director. “With a team that’s mostly freshmen — just three returners and no seniors — they’ve shown remarkable growth and resilience. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to keep building on this success for many more seasons to come.”
In celebration of their achievements, a reception for the Golden Eagles women’s volleyball team was held in Founders Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 19, where the team and coaches were honored for their season.
Visit www.flyhighgoldeneagles.com.