(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian volleyball enters the 2025 season with high expectations and a roster brimming with Division I talent, promising plenty of highlight moments along the way. But for this year's Knights, true success will be measured by more than the scoreboard: it will be defined by the growth, connection, and resilience the players forge together.

"This is a driven, competitive, hardworking group, and they are hungry," fourth-year Head Coach Andrew Rasmussen said. "We will be talented and strong at multiple positions. We are already seeing great setter-hitter connections, and we'll be a tough serving team with steady passers anchoring our defense. But more than that, these are girls who care about each other. Our biggest goal this year will be to stay connected, and to stand firm with one another through the highs and lows of the season."

The Knights will be guided by a trio of veteran captains who have proven they have what it takes to set the standard for both performance and leadership, on and off the floor.

Senior setter Sidney Loth, the team's floor general, leads with poise and vision. Her consistency and ability to facilitate multiple options on the attack will keep the Knights' offense balanced and dynamic. Don't be fooled by her small stature: Loth is fearless and has been known to single-handedly challenge middles with her big block at the net.

Senior Alexia Heyn, fresh off a pairs state championship in beach volleyball and committed to play sand at USC in 2026, provides size and power at the net. Her quick arm swing, accuracy, and ability to hit over and around the block make her one of the most dangerous attackers in the conference, while her blocking presence anchors the front line. Heyn led the team with a .339 hitting percentage in 2024 and added 36 total blocks, contributing heavily on both offense and defense.

Junior Lillie Duitsman, Heyn's counterpart in earning Gilbert Christian's first-ever beach title, and a recent Grand Canyon University commit, brings mental fortitude, passion, versatility, and high-flying athleticism to the court. She averaged 3.1 kills per set last season and maintained a .314 hitting percentage, making her a reliable offensive weapon at the pin. A four-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, track, and beach), the hard-working Duitsman is selfless and steady, embodying the "we before me" mentality that defines the Knights' culture.

"These three student-athletes represent who we want to be as a program," Rasmussen said. "They lead by example, put others before themselves, and constantly look for ways to make those around them better."

The Knights' talent runs deep in 2025 and isn't limited to their captains.

Junior Sienna Cathey, committed to play Division I volleyball at Cal Poly, is a dominant force on the hardwood. Her explosive jumping ability and power at the net are unmatched, and her ceiling is high. Cathey led the Knights in kills per set (3.4) last season, cementing her as an elite attacking option on the loaded front line. She's a gifted player who competes against the nation's best on the club circuit and adds new tools to her repertoire every season.

Sophomore libero Shay Loth has quickly established herself as one of the top defenders in the region with her uncanny ability to read hitters and anticipate opponent angles. Loth anchored the Knights' back line in 2024 with her exceptional digging ability, leading the team in digs per set and providing stability in serve receive and defensive transitions. She's irreplaceable: she gets to everything and consistently puts the ball exactly where it needs to go.

Sophomore setter Kendall Moore adds grit and energy with her relentless pursuit of every ball. Known for her "no-quit" attitude and willingness to sacrifice her body to make plays, she gives the Knights valuable depth in running the offense. She's an exciting player to watch, can defend with the best, and should be a difference-maker on the floor in 2025.

Fans can expect important contributions from senior defensive specialist Gracie Ray, junior pin Ashley Gast, sophomore middle Ashlyn Kirby, junior pin Skylar Dedich, senior middle Lily Midthun, and sophomore middle/pin Liv Johnson- a group that adds both depth and versatility to the Knights' 2025 roster.

"We want to excel in three areas collectively, as a program," Rasmussen said. "Our pillars are: 1. We are going to celebrate. We want to be a group that celebrates each other and hunts for the good in each day, practice, and outcome. 2. We want to be connected. We can't do this alone. We want to practice a 'we before me' mentality and take the time to know and be known by our teammates. And 3. We are all contributors. Every member of the team plays a role and is gifted in ways that can help make the group better. Our aim is to be a group that gets in the gym ready and willing to own our 1-6 and work to make ourselves and our teammates better."

The Knights will face a demanding schedule, highlighted by key match-ups against Snowflake, Valley Christian, Northwest Christian, Payson, and Seton Catholic. While the season will inevitably bring challenges, Rasmussen believes this team is built for the grind.

"We want to be our best when it matters most," he said. "Our girls have trained hard, and they love this game. We're set for what will be an exciting and memorable year."

Rooted in their team verse, 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, the Knights will aim to "stand firm" as they pursue their goals: "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you."

With elite talent, strong leadership, and a culture that prioritizes growth as much as success, Gilbert Christian is ready for a 2025 season that promises to be both thrilling and transformative.

Knight Nation… get ready. The journey starts at home on Wednesday, August 27th (6:00 p.m.) versus Snowflake.