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The countdown continues with four days remaining until the 2025 women's volleyball season. Here are my top five returning outside hitters: 

CATCH UP: Top 5 returning middles

1. Brooklyn Deleye, Kentucky

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9-2, Kentucky | Timeout, CSU

📺💻 ESPN+
📻 UK Sports Network x

— Kentucky Volleyball (@KentuckyVB)

I have Kentucky's 2024 SEC Player of the Year, Brooklyn DeLeye, in my number one spot. Her numbers are unbelievable: 5.59 points and 4.87 kills per set. She led the Wildcats with 56 aces on the season and .78 blocks per set during her sophomore year campaign. DeLeye is a true six-rotation player who can just dominate a game, which is something she repeatedly proved last season. 

2. Harper Murray, Nebraska

6-0 RUN TO CLOSE OUT THE FIRST. 😤 on the kill!

— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB)

Next, I have Nebraska's Harper Murray. The 2023 Big Ten Freshmen of the Year is probably the best passing outside on this list while registering 59.2% in system last season with over 2.4 digs and four points per set. Murray has plenty of veteran experience under the bright lights and knows how to turn it on in big moments. She no doubt has that "it" factor as a player. 

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3. Torrey Stafford, Texas

The new Longhorn, Torrey Stafford, makes the list at number three. I think the most impressive part of Stafford's game is her hitting efficiency. She posted a .358 hitting percentage last season at Pitt and at least .400 in 15 games while averaging 4.2 points per set. She's got some incredibly impressive numbers to boast about for an outside and will likely get a lot more sets at Texas. 

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4. Eva Hudson, Kentucky

Eva Hudson, now at Kentucky, is a no-brainer to make the list after watching her play. Even her numbers alone speak for themselves. Hudson led the Big Ten last season at Purdue with 567 kills and 4.81 kills per set. She posted 5.2 points per set, while hitting almost .300 during her junior year campaign. The 2022 Big Ten Freshmen of the Year is the complete package: a powerful swing, great shot selection, and a strong blocking presence at the net. Paired with Brooklyn DeLeye, the Wildcats are looking very dangerous this season.  

5. Elia Rubin, Stanford

Nobody wants to be on the receiving end of that 😳🫣

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— Stanford Women's Volleyball (@StanfordWVB)

Rounding out my top five, I have Elia Rubin at Stanford. The two-time Pac-12 champion brings back so much valuable experience on the outside to lead the Cardinal in her senior season. Rubin is a versatile player who makes a difference everywhere on the court, averaging over 4.5 points per set and passing 54% in system. This veteran may just be the difference maker for Stanford. 

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HM. Mimi Colyer, Wisconsin

Mimi Colyer, now at Wisconsin, is my top honorable mention and just barely missed my top five. She comes to Madison boasting 3.97 kills and 4.73 points per set, with five 20-kills performances and nine double-doubles from her junior season at Oregon. The 2022 AVCA Freshmen of the Year is another firepower six-rotation player that brings key experience to the Badgers. 

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