As the 2025 Fulton Montgomery Community College volleyball season gets set to begin, a fresh chapter is being written for the program. With a larger-than-ever incoming class made up of talented freshmen and impactful sophomores, the team enters the season with more new faces than returning athletes for the first time in recent memory.
Head Coach Tina Olyer's emphasis has been on refining the fundamental skills: communication, team building, ball control, defense, and a collective drive to compete at the highest level.
"This year, more than ever, the team is working to gel as one unit, developing chemistry, and learning how to play for each other," said Olyer.
The Lady Raiders return Jacquelyn Rattray and Marisa Dygon to the squad from last year. They both bring experience and leadership after being a part of the Region 3 Title in 2024.
The newcomers have already begun making their mark. Samara Hunt, a transfer from Utica College, is expected to anchor the defense in the crucial Libero role. At the net, Annika Fedullo and Kaylee Moore will be a dynamic presence in the middle blocker position. Joining them are Olivia Linart, Mattingly Hindes, Sophia Dugan, Elizabeth Wilmot, and Juliana Schmidtmann, who will be key newcomers at the net.
Ellana Dineen and Kaylee Colabello will provide a strong role defensively, while Briana Santiago's strength at the service line will be an asset. Daphne McGann will run the offense, stepping into the setter role.
"Our depth will definitely be one of our strengths this season. We will have the ability to implement multiple lines ups with several players being able to perform in multiple positions. We feel we will be competitive with whatever lineup we put out on the court. Our main goal is to remain competitive and qualify for regionals again this year," said Olyer.
The Lady Raiders will kick off their season on Saturday, September 6th. They will travel to Jefferson Community College to take on Erie Community College and SUNY Niagara. FM will open up at home on September 13th.
Follow us on social media for updates all season long: Facebook: FMCC Raiders Athletics, Instagram: @suny_fmcc_raiders_athletics, and X: @fmcc_athletics
