PRESS RELEASE: NOVEMBER 24, 2025

Successful and Historic Season for Vikings Volleyball

The Vikings volleyball team closed the 2025 season with their first-ever state and region 8 title, and a historic first appearance in the national championships.

Under the direction of first-year coaches Stephanie Champine and Shaun Dryden, the Vikings had a strong start at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With an impressive win over the #7 seed (Iowa Central), the Vikings made it to the quarterfinals, but would lose to the #2 seed and eventual national champion (Heartland). The Vikings were the only team to win a set against Heartland.

Despite their loss to Mesa Community College of Arizona on day three of the tournament, the Vikings (22-15) returned home tied for 9th in the nation.

The Vikings gained their berth to the nationals with a win on Nov. 8 at the Florida College Systems Activities Association (FCSAA) Region 8 Division II championships, sweeping Lake-Sumter State College in Ft. Pierce.

“I’m proud of this team, they made history, but more importantly, they grew as competitors and people,” said head coach Stephine Champine. “This season is just the beginning for us. Unlike the rest of the programs there, we didn't return as experienced players, yet we still finished tied for 9th in the nation. Next year we will return more than half our roster, and I know they will be hungry to climb even higher.“

SJR State President Joe Pickens and his wife Carole joined the team in Iowa for the tournament. “Carole and I are just so proud of our team!” Pickens said. “Watching them grow as a team and overcome the adversity they faced early in the year was truly satisfying. It was an historic season and certainly the harbinger of more success to come under the leadership of coaches Champine and Dryden.”

Adding to the team’s state championship, outside hitter Lovina Teel was named the Region 8 DII Player of the Year. Jessica Horn was named the DII Setter of the Year.

Head coach Stephanie Champine was named the FCSAA District Coach of the Year and was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

Players named to the FCSAA Sun-Lakes Conference and DII All-State 1st Team were Lovina Teel, Jessica Horn, and Nadia Ewton. Players named to the second-team All-Sun-Lakes Conference was Paola Aviles-Morales.

This achievement marks the four SJR State athletic teams (Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Softball and Baseball) reaching the national stage within the last three years.

The Vikings volleyball team won their first-ever state and region 8 title.

Head coach Stephanie Champine was named the FCSAA District Coach of the Year and was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

Jessica Horn was named the DII Setter of the Year.

Outside hitter Lovina Teel was named the Region 8 DII Player of the Year.

The Vikings volleyball team were led by first-year coaches Stephanie Champine and Shaun Dryden.