Three key figures from the Ole Miss volleyball program have been selected to attend the prestigious USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program. This event, which takes place from February 20 to February 23, 2025, at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, will feature top collegiate athletes and coaches from across the country.
Among those representing the Ole Miss Rebels are junior setter Mokihana Tufono, senior libero Cammy Niesen, and associate head coach Taylor Gregory. These three individuals have been recognized for their impressive skills, accomplishments, and potential within the world of volleyball. Their selection to the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program highlights both their individual talents and the growing reputation of the Ole Miss volleyball program.
The Women’s National Team Open Program serves as a key part of USA Volleyball’s efforts to identify and nurture top-tier talent for the U.S. Women’s National Team, as well as the various age-group national teams that make up the National Team Development Program (NTDP). This program serves as a platform for athletes who aspire to compete in international events such as the Volleyball Nations League, Pan American Cup, and NORCECA Final Six. The athletes selected to participate in the program will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of national team coaches and officials, and some may even be chosen for national team selection.
The 2025 Women’s National Team is expected to compete in major events, including the Volleyball Nations League, Pan American Cup, and NORCECA Final Six, where the best athletes from across North America will compete. With Tufono, Niesen, and Gregory attending this highly regarded program, the Ole Miss volleyball program is gaining national attention, and these athletes are ready to take their game to the next level.
Mokihana Tufono: A Rising Star in the Volleyball World
One of the standout selections to the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program is Mokihana Tufono, a dynamic junior setter from Aiea, Hawaii. Tufono is coming off a breakout season in 2024, which has catapulted her into national recognition. In her first season with the Ole Miss Rebels, she earned AVCA All-South Region honors and led the team with an impressive 1,173 assists. Tufono’s vision on the court and her ability to distribute the ball efficiently were key factors in the Rebels’ offensive success.
In addition to her setting skills, Tufono also contributed significantly in other areas. She posted 286 digs, 60 blocks, 43 kills, and 21 service aces, showing her all-around versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Perhaps most impressive was her record-setting performance during the NCAA Tournament, where she recorded 59 assists during the Rebels’ dramatic win over No. 21 Florida State. She also accomplished this feat against No. 14 Texas earlier in the season. Tufono’s consistency and ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations make her a standout player at both the collegiate and national levels.
Her selection to the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program is a testament to her hard work and determination. She will have the opportunity to showcase her skills among some of the best players in the country, which could lead to further opportunities to represent the United States in international competitions. For Tufono, this selection is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright and successful volleyball career.
Cammy Niesen: A Defensive Force for Ole Miss
Senior libero Cammy Niesen is another key player from Ole Miss who has earned a spot in the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program. Niesen, who hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, has been an anchor for the Rebels’ defense throughout her college career. She was recently honored as the 2024 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year, an accolade that recognizes her academic excellence alongside her athletic achievements.
Niesen’s performance on the court speaks for itself. She finished the 2024 season with an impressive 537 digs, averaging 4.48 digs per set, which ranked second in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Her defensive skills were critical to the Rebels’ success, and her total of 537 digs marked the second-highest single-season total in the rally scoring era for Ole Miss and third across all eras in the program’s history. She also ranks third on the Rebels’ all-time digs list, further cementing her legacy as one of the top liberos in Ole Miss volleyball history.
In addition to her outstanding defensive numbers, Niesen is known for her leadership on and off the court. She serves as a role model for younger players and is consistently praised for her work ethic and dedication. Her selection to the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program is a well-deserved recognition of her talents and contributions to the sport. Like Tufono, Niesen will have the chance to showcase her skills at the national level, where she could earn a spot on one of the national teams.
Taylor Gregory: A Coach Who Shapes Champions
In addition to the impressive player selections, associate head coach Taylor Gregory will also be attending the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program. Gregory has been an integral part of the Ole Miss volleyball program and played a key role in developing the team into a competitive force in the SEC. His inclusion in the program is a testament to his coaching expertise and the high regard in which he is held by the volleyball community.
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Gregory’s experience and insight into the game make him a valuable asset to the program. As an assistant coach at various programs and now as associate head coach at Ole Miss, he has helped numerous athletes develop their skills and reach their potential. His presence at the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program will allow him to interact with some of the best coaches in the country and gain valuable experience working with national team athletes.
Coaching at the national level is a tremendous opportunity for Gregory, and his selection reflects the strength of the Ole Miss volleyball program. Gregory’s ability to mentor and develop top-tier talent is evident in the success of players like Tufono and Niesen. His role in the program will undoubtedly help elevate the Rebels to new heights in the coming seasons.
The National Team Open Program: A Gateway to International Competition
The USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program is an essential part of the athlete development process, serving as a critical stepping stone for those hoping to compete on the international stage. The event brings together top collegiate players from across the country, giving them a chance to showcase their abilities and potentially earn spots on national teams. For Tufono, Niesen, and Gregory, participating in this program offers valuable exposure and the chance to learn from some of the best coaches and players in the sport.
The 2025 Women’s National Team will compete in a variety of prestigious international events, including the Volleyball Nations League, Pan American Cup, and NORCECA Final Six. These competitions provide athletes with the opportunity to represent the United States on the global stage, competing against the best teams in the world. For the participants in the National Team Open Program, it is a chance to prove their skills and gain a spot in these high-profile tournaments.
The program is also an important part of USA Volleyball’s mission to grow the sport and ensure that the U.S. remains a dominant force in international volleyball. By identifying and developing talented athletes through initiatives like the National Team Open Program, USA Volleyball helps to build a pipeline of future stars who will continue to elevate the sport in the United States and beyond.
Ole Miss Volleyball: Building a Legacy
The selection of Tufono, Niesen, and Gregory to the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program speaks volumes about the strength and direction of the Ole Miss volleyball program. These athletes are not only excelling individually but are also contributing to the larger goal of making Ole Miss a powerhouse in college volleyball. Their involvement in the National Team Open Program is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire coaching staff, as well as the commitment of the athletes themselves.
As Ole Miss volleyball continues to build on its success, the Rebels will undoubtedly remain a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and on the national stage. The participation of Tufono, Niesen, and Gregory in the USA Volleyball Women’s National Team Open Program is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for Ole Miss volleyball.
These selections provide hope and inspiration for current and future Rebels, showing that with hard work, dedication, and passion for the game, anything is possible. As the program continues to grow, more athletes will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of Tufono, Niesen, and Gregory, and make their mark on the volleyball world.
With the future of Ole Miss volleyball shining brightly, Tufono, Niesen, and Gregory are poised to represent the university on the biggest stage, furthering the legacy of excellence at Ole Miss and beyond.
