With only three returning players from last season, Tennessee State volleyball enters 2025 with a new-look roster and a mix of youth and leadership.

Head coach Donika Sutton, now in her ninth season, said she's been impressed with how her veterans have stepped up. For her, rebuilding around a small core of returners is as exciting as it is challenging.

"They've grown up tremendously because they've had to," Sutton said. "We put a lot of emphasis on leadership development here, and they've worked on themselves to become better leaders, better communicators, and better players. They're leading both by example and by action."

While talent isn't a concern, Sutton said building chemistry will be the key to unlocking the Tigers' potential.

"We're very talented, but talent isn't the thing. The thing is connections and chemistry," she said. "Once that gets rolling, we'll be fine."

This fall, Sutton believes the program is turning a corner.

"For the first time since I've been head coach, we're really seeing the culture taught from top to bottom," she said. "In the past, we had transfers and broken leadership. This group feels fully bought in, and I'm excited to see how that translates to the court."

Senior Celestial Miller, the lone four-year veteran, has embraced her role as the team's "grandma." Last season, she led the Tigers in service aces (42) and finished second in kills (280), kills per set (2.34) and digs (232). Being the only player remaining from TSU's 2022 OVC Tournament championship team, Miller brings experience and perspective.

"Preseason has gone well, but it's definitely been a learning experience trying to lead everybody," Miller said. "I know what to expect now, but it's still challenging every day. I just try to lead by example. Off the court, I keep things organized, and on the court, I play with aggression and try to pull others along with me."

Miller said her focus is on consistency in her final season.

"I learned a lot from last season — what to do and what not to do," she said. "With so many new players, it's given me the opportunity to keep working on my leadership skills. This is my last year, so I'm just trying to take it all in."

Junior setter Sagaia Reilly also returns after leading the Tigers with 678 assists across 125 sets last season. The Nashville native added 209 digs, finishing third on the squad defensively.

"Everyone just wants to get better," Reilly said. "The freshmen especially come in excited and ready to work. I've been telling them to be patient and trust the process. If you stick with it, everything comes together."

Reilly pointed to a recent scrimmage as proof of the team's growth.

"It didn't feel like an A or B side — it was just all of us going hard," she said. "The competitiveness has been amazing."

Stepping into a leadership role has also pushed her development.

"I've had to slow my game down and be more patient, especially with younger players adjusting to the speed of college volleyball," Reilly said. "It's helped me focus on my communication and the energy I bring every day."

Sophomore Maygan Miller-Garcia enters the season following a strong freshman year when she ranked second on the team with 93 blocks and added more than 120 kills.

She said the Tigers' goals are simple: stay healthy, consistent, and united.

"Some of our goals are to stay a unit and move as a family," Miller-Garcia said. "Of course we want to win, but the ultimate goal is to be consistent through the season."

Fans, she added, should notice an exciting difference.

"Fans can expect hustle plays," she said. "We're a competitive team, and we all want to show out for each other."

For Miller-Garcia, her legacy won't be defined by stats.

"I want people to remember me for my impact with positive and consistent energy," she said. "Just being a light. Not always serious, but always consistent."

As Sutton looks ahead, she believes this group has a chance to set the standard for TSU volleyball moving forward.

"This is the first time we're seeing the full culture in action," Sutton said. "I believe this group is ready to embody it, and I can't wait to see how it shows on the court."