“Small but Mighty” Rookies Shine for Women’s Volleyball

Three consistent players on the Loyola women’s volleyball team are all true freshmen. The class of 2029 consists of outside hitter Lenya Nguyen, setter Ava Hunter and right side hitter Karli Molnau, each making their mark early.

After her debut in collegiate play at the Western Kentucky Invitational, Ngueyn earned Atlantic 10 (A10) Rookie of the Week. After the Loyola Invitational, Molnau joined Nguyen in earning the A10 Rookie of the Week accolade. 

Nguyen attended Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, Calif.. She earned 2023 West Catholic Athletic League honorable mention, along with being a member of her school’s honor roll.

Nguyen and Hunter talked about how young the team is and the comfort they have that they’re not alone — especially in their first few collegiate matches.

“I think knowing that we weren’t the only ones out there,” Hunter said. “We all were going through it and our team in general is younger. Everyone is kind of out there for the first time.” 

On top of athletics, Hunter earned a spot on the Distinguished Honor Roll every semester, highlighting her focus on academics, which she said was a big draw for her when committing to Loyola. 

Hunter attended Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Ind.. She achieved American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region, All-District and United States High School Volleyball Coaches Association All-State First Team in her senior year. 

Head coach Amanda Berkley said she was proud of the three rookies so far. 

“They are all athletic,” Berkley said. “They have played for a long time at high levels, and I think they are still learning and growing, but it has been cool to see them make their place here.” 

The recruitment process looked different for all three Ramblers. Molnau was one of the first to commit June 15, 2023. She came to the Loyola Girls Prospect Camp — an event the volleyball program hosts for prospective volleyball players — and Berkley said the coaching staff liked her versatility. 

Molnau attended Lake Country Lutheran High School in Brookfield, Wis.. She earned 2021 All-Conference honorable mention honors, 2021 Girls Junior National Championship All-Tournament Team accolades and is a three-time First Team All-Conference and All-State selection. Molnau was also named the 2024 Northwest Crossroads Conference Player of the Year.

Hunter was scouted by the coaching staff and Berkley said they went to watch her quite a bit. She said she took all the visits she could and liked the all-female coaching staff Loyola has. Hunter also prioritized education, and Loyola had the academics she desired. 

Nguyen had a slightly different recruiting process since she’s younger and was scouted in the wrong position. She visited Loyola in the spring and the coaching staff was excited with the talent she brought, according to Berkley. The staff then went out to Reno, Nev. to further scout her.

Nguyen said despite the visits to schools all over the country, she felt Loyola was the right choice for her.

“I took visits on the West Coast, East Coast and Midwest,” Nguyen said. “Loyola just felt like home for me, and I really liked the coaches and the girls. I was surrounded by a group of people I could see myself with for a really long time.”

All three players agreed the biggest change from high school volleyball to collegiate volleyball is the time and pace of play. They spend three hours in practice, have team lift sessions and are together for around four hours before the game on game day. 

Due to the rigor of volleyball and academics, they’ve learned the best ways to manage their time so academics don’t slip away. 

“I just keep the two things separate,” Molnau said. “When I’m at volleyball, I put all my attention towards volleyball, and when I’m at school, I put all my attention towards school.” 

Both Hunter and Nguyen are playing the same positions they played in high school, as a setter and outside hitter, respectively. Molnau, on the other hand, is playing whatever position needs to be filled. 

Molnau said she wanted to be on the court from the minute she arrived and would work as hard as she could in whatever position needed. She played outside hitter and middle in high school and is now playing as a right side hitter. 

“It’s definitely been an adjustment,” Molnau said. “The sets are a lot higher than in the middle position but it’s been fun and I love getting to try new things.” 

Berkley said she can see all three rookies playing a big role in the team’s future. 

“All of them have to continue to grow,” Berkley said. “They can all play a big role and are all playing a big role. They have to keep being confident players and figure out new shots and new things to do that will make them great.”

Each girl gave a piece of advice to high school players striving to play at the collegiate level. Molnau said to put in the work to see the reward. Hunter said don’t rush the process, it will all work out in the end. Nguyen told players not to let their height limit them. 

“Everyone told me that I was too short and I should switch to libero,” Nguyen said. “But here I am playing outside [hitter]. Don’t let your height define you.” 

The three are close friends and spend a lot of time together. They love to do their Sunday resets together, whether that means grocery shopping or doing homework or just hanging out. 

“We’re a close group,” Molnau said. “Small but mighty, and we love each other.” 

The rookies and the Ramblers take on Fordham University Sept. 26 in The Bronx, N.Y. at 4 p.m. Streaming will be available on ESPN+.