In Adam Hughes’ seven seasons as coach of Maryland volleyball, the Terps haven’t reached the mark that he laid out when he was hired in 2018. Maryland hasn’t finished with a winning record in conference play or come close to making the NCAA tournament.
The Terps haven’t made the NCAA tournament since 2005. They finished last season with a 14-17 record, ending a three-year streak of finishing .500 or better.
Hughes entered the offseason looking to upgrade Maryland’s talent and avoid a two decade tournament drought. Between veterans, transfers and highly rated freshmen, Maryland is primed for a potential bounce back season.“We have to be consistent to do it every weekend,” Hughes said. “Last year we had some games go the other way. We’re hoping we can learn to close out matches together with this younger group, this newer group, and I’m excited about what this group has to bring to the table.”
Middle blocker Eva Rohrbach, who led the team with 108 blocks last season and finished with 248 points, is the Terps’ top returner. The junior has logged 56 points and 37 kills so far in the 2025 season, ranking third on the team for both.
Defensive specialist Ally Williamsalso returns after totaling 176 digs last season. She currently leads the team with 73 digsand reached a career high performance of 22 against Coastal Carolina in the season opener.
The Terps also brought in four transfers to bolster the lineup. Outside hitter Olivia Ruylogged 221 kills and 13 aces for the Arkansas Razorbacks last season,making her a key addition for a Maryland team that finished 2024 near the bottom of the conference in kills per set.
Opposite hitter Ajack Malual arrives from Tennessee with 15.5 points, five kills, three digs and two blocks recorded in eight games last season.
Before playing with the Volunteers, Malual spent two seasons with Division II Chaminade. She led the Pacific West Conference with 51 service aces in 2023 and led her team in points and kills.
“I got on a phone call with Hughes in the process of transferring from Tennessee, and I just knew this was my place,” Malual said. “It was just the perfect fit for me and for where I want to go.”
The transfers have already produced in their first matches for the Terps. Malual currently leads the team with 66 kills, and Ruy has logged 31 digs and is third on the team with 2.38 digs per set.
Outside hitter Haley Melby joined Maryland’s roster from Kentucky and has burst onto the scene early as a Terp,recording 52 kills and eight service aces so far.
On top of transfer additions, Maryland also signed three recruits. Libero Addie Canady, middle blocker Ellis Crawford and setter Nikki Tawil all joined the Terps for their freshman campaigns.
Crawford stands out for the accolades she received in her time at Georgia’s Pope High School. She was named to the AVCA Girls High School All-America 3rd Team in 2024 and made the GVCA All-State team for three consecutive years.
“She’s someone who, as a middle in club, was a great server,” Hughes said. “She’s really effective at hitting in front and behind the center, and those are skills that are hard to find in middles.”
The Terps’ coaching staff will see if the roster’s fresh faces can counterbalance the loss of several key veterans from last season, such as pin hitter Samantha Schnitta, outside hitter Sam Csire, middle blocker Anastasia Russ and libero Lilly Gunter.
Maryland will be counting on its new arrivals to carry the torch in what may be a pivotal season for Hughes.
