The Stillwater Lady Pioneers volleyball team entered the 2025 season determined to raise the bar, and so far, they’re proving that hard work and belief can turn lofty expectations into reality.
After finishing last season with an 11-21 record, head coach Andrue Brown and his players set a bold goal for themselves: host a regional tournament for the first time since 2018. While that may have seemed ambitious just months ago, the Lady Pioneers have already shown they belong in the conversation among the state’s best.
One of the defining highlights of the season came when Stillwater stunned the state’s top-ranked team, the Norman Tigers. The Lady Pioneers didn’t just compete with Norman, they knocked off the defending powerhouse in dramatic fashion. That victory, paired with two other wins over top-10 opponents, has cemented Stillwater as a team capable of taking on anyone.
“This group came in hungry and ready to push themselves,” Coach Brown said. “They’ve put in the work, and you can see the results. We wanted to be the team that surprises people, and I think we’re doing that.”
Senior libero Taylor Rattay has been the defensive anchor, using her leadership and quick reflexes to keep plays alive and spark momentum. Her presence in the back row brings stability and confidence to the team’s overall rhythm. Senior setter Lillian Jeffery plays a pivotal role in directing the offense, consistently putting her teammates in position to succeed while providing veteran leadership. Sophomore outside hitter Sloane Rattay has emerged as a rising star, delivering powerful swings and proving she can be counted on in pressure moments.
Together, these standouts and their teammates are helping Stillwater rewrite the narrative around the program. The Lady Pioneers aren’t just chasing wins, they’re chasing history. With a string of signature victories already under their belt and confidence running high, hosting a regional no longer feels like a dream. It feels like an expectation.
If Stillwater keeps this pace, the Lady Pioneers won’t just be a team to watch this season, they’ll be a team no one wants to face when the postseason begins.
