Duquesne Dukes — Preseason Outlook

2024 Record: 14–14 overall, 9–9 A-10

Postseason: Atlantic 10 Quarterfinals

Head Coach: Steve Opperman (25th season)

2024 Recap & Roster Overview

Duquesne heads into 2025 with a solid foundation—returning 10 players, including five starters. That group is led by Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team middle blocker Ariel Helm, and A-10 All-Rookie standout Emersen Schrom, who ranked second on the team with 295 kills and averaged 2.57 kills per set last season.

Departures & New Additions

The Dukes were not hit hard by graduation, and the roster remains largely intact. They’ve added four freshmen — Karli Jordan, Alexa Flowers, Ryan Hicks, and Kaylie Baumgart — plus one key transfer, Kylie Griffin, a former starter at Cal State Fullerton.

Team Leadership & Experience

Ariel Helm not only dominated defensively — posting 139 blocks and shattering the program’s single-season blocks record — but also became just the seventh player in Duquesne history to surpass 300 career blocks. Emersen Schrom, meanwhile, produced double-digit kills in 17 matches and solidified herself as a rising offensive force.

Early-Season Matchups & Outlook

Duquesne’s 2025 schedule begins with tough non-conference tests, including the YSU Invitational (featuring Canisius, Youngstown State, and Mercyhurst). They’ll then c0-host the Chick-fil-A Robinson Classic with matchups against Loyola Maryland and FDU, capped by a pivotal early-season showdown at Robert Morris. These matchups will be early indicators of where the Dukes stand heading into Atlantic 10 play.

Expectations & Outlook

Head coach Steve Opperman, entering his 25th season and already the winningest coach in Duquesne volleyball history, provides unmatched stability. With a roster brimming with experience and a class that mixes veterans with promising recruits, Duquesne looks poised for a top-three finish in the A-10. The key will be whether Schrom builds on her breakout year and how quickly the freshmen and transfer Griffin contribute to the rotation.

Players To Watch

  • Ariel Helm, MH – A-10 All-Conference; blocks leader

  • Emersen Schrom, OH – All-Rookie standout and kill machine

  • Kylie Griffin, OH – Impact transfer bringing D-I experience

  • Karli Jordan, OH – Three-time high school All-District

  • Kaylie Baumgart, OH – WPIAL First Team at Chartiers Valley

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