Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/28/2025) – "I've always known Gwynedd Mercy University to be a very determined and intelligent team. I expect our success on the serve to continue, but above all that...we have each other's back and that is what can really make a difference," opened Head Women's Volleyball Coach Amber Medycki. Coach Medycki was formerly the head women's volleyball coach at Bryn Athyn College (2022-2024); the Lions were 4-18 overall and 2-8 as a member of the United East Conference in 2024.
 
Under Head Coach Lauren Yancer '21, Gwynedd Mercy University finished 2024 with a 17-11 overall record, earning the program's highest win-total since the 2006 campaign, when the Red and Gold reached the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) Semifinals with a 18-8 overall record and a 9-2 league standing. The Griffins went on to earn the #4 seed in the AEC Championship Tournament with a 3-3 league record; there, the Griffins enjoyed a 3-1 (20-25, 25-22, 25-15, 16-25) First Round triumph over Pratt Institute (Nov. 12) before enduring a 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-16) semifinal loss to eventual league champion, #1 Marymount University (Nov. 14).
 
"Our team has worked very hard in the offseason to prepare for this fall and that is a testament to our senior leadership." Coach Medycki recognized senior captains, setter Ayanna Gaston (Middletown, Del.) and defensive specialist/middle hitter Charlotte Pugh (Philadelphia, Pa.) as the key players to the Red and Gold's success in 2025, "Ayanna and Charlotte are strong leaders and skilled players. Ayanna's quick hands and Charlotte's versatile abilities are among our luxuries." Gaston earned a second straight All-AEC Second Team honor in 2024 with the AEC's third-best numbers in assists (908) and aces (56). She surpassed 2,000 assists in the 2024 postseason (vs. #5 Pratt Institute (AEC First Round) on Nov. 12) and currently ranks third all-time in program history, while Pugh's 2024 established career-highs in multiple categories including points (211.5), kills (174), assists (53), aces (20), solo blocks (4), and block assists (27). The Gwynedd Mercy University senior class also includes defensive specialist Samantha Peralte (Morrisville, Pa.).

The Griffins' junior class includes defensive specialist Kate Etter (Chambersburg, Pa.) and Bryn Athyn College transfer Darlene Nunez (Philadelphia, Pa.). Etter was an All-AEC Second Team selection in 2024 as she finished third in the AEC for points with 319.0 (287 kills, 36 aces, 4 solo blocks, 13 block assists) while also ranking sixth in digs with 275. She was the Griffins' most efficient hitter (.203; 287K-121E-817TA) last year, but she will look to benefit the Red and Gold in a more defensive role in 2025.
 
The Gwynedd Mercy University sophomore class includes defensive specialists/pin hitters Annalise Kuppel (Estell Manor, N.J.) and Marley Robbins (Medford, N.J.), middle hitter Emma Hastings (Collingswood, N.J.), and middle blocker/outside hitter Sydney Pryor (West Chester, Pa.). Kuppel played a pivotal role in her freshman campaign as the Griffins' primary libero; she finished the season with 32 points (three kills, 12 assists, and 29 aces) and 203 digs.
 
The 2025 freshman class includes setter/right side Brynn Crooks (Philadelphia, Pa.), opposite/defensive Addisyn De Leon (Lakeland, Fla.), setter Macie Ferla (Mickleton, N.J.), outside hitter/right side/middle blocker Hannah George (Clay, N.Y.), and defensive specialist P.J. Mendoza (Kennett Square, Pa.). "Hannah is ready to take the baton from Bria," said Coach Medycki. "She has a hard swing and a great volleyball IQ." Coach also recognized the Mendoza's early efforts this preseason, "She brings a lot of hustle and heart in the backrow. She will surely help us keep the ball off the floor."
 
"This team will miss Bria Purnell and Lexi Lane; they were a big part of the team's front-row attack last year," acknowledged Coach Medycki. "But we will capitalize on our hustle, heart, and smarts to help us compete today and excel tomorrow. We want to have some fun, get one percent better every day, and win some games along the way."
 
The 2025 Gwynedd Mercy University women's volleyball season begins on Saturday, August 30, when the Griffins visit Cedar Crest College (3:00 p.m.) for a tri-match with Delaware Valley University (1:00 p.m.).