BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) announced Wednesday that Alabama State University junior middle blocker Kaylen Hines was named the preseason All-SWAC Blocker of the Year, selected by the league's head coaches and media relations directors.
The South Holland, Ill., native finished last season with 76 total blocks and has 120 blocks over her first two seasons with the Hornets.
Hines joins teammate Kamrynn Clay on the preseason All-SWAC first-team. Clay finished her freshman season with a team-high 598 assists. Both players received second team all-conference honors following the 2024 season.
Senior Jyriah Morgan joins Clay and Hines on the preseason honor list after being named to the All-SWAC second-team. The outside hitter finished last season with 200 kills, averaging over two per set.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have been picked to finish fifth in the preseason poll with 146 total points and one first-place vote. FAMU was picked to win the conference title with 218 total points and 13 first-place votes, followed by Jackson State (202, 1), Bethune-Cookman (167) and Prairie View A&M just two points in front of the Hornets with 148 points and two first-place tallies.
Southern (124, 2), Grambling State (122), Alabama A&M (111), Texas Southern (107) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (63) round out the second five. The rest of the voting included Alcorn State (41) and Mississippi Valley State (33) completing the field.
2025 SWAC Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First-Place Votes in Parentheses)
1. Florida A&M - 218 (13)
2. Jackson State – 202 (1)
3. Bethune-Cookman - 167
4. Prairie View A&M – 148 (2)
5. ALABAMA STATE – 146 (1)
6. Southern – 124 (2)
7. Grambling State - 122
8. Alabama A&M - 111
9. Texas Southern - 107
10. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 63
11. Alcorn State - 41
12. Mississippi Valley State - 33
