Change is in the air for the Arizona Wildcats volleyball program, as two freshmen have entered the transfer portal following spring practice. Paige Thies and Chloe Giehtbrock are the latest players to move on, part of a second wave of transfers that typically follows spring tournaments.

Thies, an outside hitter from Oregon, saw limited action during her debut season. Appearing in 15 matches and 23 sets, she averaged 1.26 points per set, with 1.09 kills per set and a solid .258 hitting percentage. She also contributed 0.13 service aces and 0.9 blocks per set. Despite some starting opportunities, playing time was tough to come by behind veterans Jordan Wilson and Carlie Cisneros. Looking ahead, the Wildcats' spring tournament at McKale Center showed a crowded picture on the outside, with incoming freshman Hayden Reeder and transfer Payton Woods logging significant minutes. Returners Renée Jones and Britt Carlson held down the right side, while Cisneros was absent due to beach volleyball commitments.

Giehtbrock, a setter from Michigan, originally planned to redshirt but ended up playing sparingly in seven matches (eight sets). She typically entered when the coaching staff needed a breather for starter Avery Scoggins, who has since transferred to Vanderbilt. While Giehtbrock's departure opens a spot, the Wildcats have reinforcements on the way. Two incoming transfers are expected to compete for the starting setter role. Maria Olga "Mo" Siapani, who arrived from the University of Albany for the spring semester, handled most of the setting duties during spring practices. Meanwhile, former Notre Dame setter Harmony Sample will join the team in the fall after completing her undergraduate degree.

For Arizona fans, the roster shuffle is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of college volleyball. With new talent arriving and experienced players moving on, the Wildcats are building depth and competition for the upcoming season.