Texas A&M women’s volleyball team made history by winning its first NCAA national championship, sweeping top-seeded Kentucky 3-0 in the title match on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The Aggies’ victory at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City capped an improbable tournament run marked by resilience and upsets.
In a thrilling first set, Texas A&M trailed by as many as six points and faced a set point before rallying to win 26-24. Kyndal Stowers tied the set with a kill, and a block by Ifenna Cos-Okpalla set up Stowers to seal it. This comeback set the tone for the match, with the Aggies never trailing again. Coach Jamie Morrison later said the team’s familiarity with adversity was key, referencing their earlier tournament comebacks.
The second and third sets were dominated by Texas A&M, who won 25-15 and 25-20 to complete the sweep. Senior Logan Lednicky led the team with 11 kills, while Stowers added 10 and was named Most Outstanding Player. Setter Maddie Waak orchestrated the offense with 28 assists, and the defense, led by Ava Underwood’s 10 digs, stifled Kentucky’s attacks. The Aggies’ balanced performance left Kentucky struggling with errors, hitting only .148 for the match.
Morrison attributed the win to the team’s “grit,” a quality they emphasized throughout the season. “As soon as we got within two, I was like, ‘Oh no’ for them,” he said, confident in his team’s refusal to back down. The Aggies had adopted “Why not us?” as their motto, believing in their potential despite being underdogs. This mindset fueled their victories over higher-seeded opponents.
Texas A&M’s path to the championship was arduous, featuring upsets of three No. 1 seeds. They reverse-swept Louisville in the regional semifinals, defeated undefeated Nebraska in the regional final, and swept Pitt in the semifinals before facing Kentucky. Each win showcased their tenacity and ability to perform under pressure, earning them a reputation as the tournament’s grittiest team.
Kentucky, the top seed, was unable to replicate their regular-season success against Texas A&M, having won their previous meeting in October. Coach Craig Skinner pointed to A&M’s superior passing as the difference-maker. “They handled our serve really well early,” Skinner said, noting that Texas A&M’s first contact allowed them to run their offense efficiently. The Wildcats’ 23 hitting errors and nine service errors underscored their struggles.
For Texas A&M, this championship is a culmination of years of building under Morrison. Lednicky, one of nine seniors, expressed emotional pride in ending her career with a title. “Being able to do this with these girls, end with [the trophy], end like this, I just can’t even believe it,” she said. The victory not only secures the program’s first national title but also marks a significant achievement for the SEC, as it was the first all-conference final.
Looking ahead, Texas A&M’s triumph signals a shift in the collegiate volleyball landscape, with the Aggies establishing themselves as a powerhouse. The team’s success is expected to boost recruitment and fan engagement. As the celebration continues, the focus will turn to defending the title and building on this historic moment for years to come.
