Big Moves: Creighton Doesn't Sit Quiet In The Early Portal Window

With the 2025 spring season quickly approaching, the Creighton Bluejays were looking to make some notable moves this offseason. Coming off of their impressive elite 8 performance, the Jays are looking to take it even further in the fall. However, with the 2024 senior class departing, most notably setter Kendra Wait and outside hitter Norah Sis, there were a few gaps in the roster that the coaching staff was looking to fill.  

The first acquisition is Eloise Brandewie, a middle blocker coming into her junior year out of Ohio State. The 6’3 middle was named an Academic All-Big Ten this past year and was one of three Buckeyes to play in all 117 sets. Coming off the loss of senior transfer Elise Goetzinger, the Jays needed to add some height in addition to returning senior Kiara Reinhardt.  

The next addition is Saige Damrow, out of Wisconsin, a defensive specialist. After the loss of senior Maddy Bilinovic, who is now playing professionally with the Orlando Valkyries, the Bluejays needed to strengthen the back row. Damrow had to end her sophomore season early due to injury, so the former Badger will have three more years of eligibility. Playing in the Big 10 previously, Damrow has plenty of experience against top 10 teams, which makes her a versatile addition to the Bluejays.  

Another acquisition is rising junior Ivy Leuck out of the University of Nebraska Omaha. The setter was a two-year starter at Omaha and will bring expertise to the Jays. Coming off the loss of setter Kendra Wait and the transfer of backup setter Audrey Clark, the Jays are looking to fill the setting role. Lueck led the Omaha Mavericks in assists last season.  

The final addition is setter Annalea Maeder, coming from the University of California. The setter, who is 6’1 and heading into her last year of eligibility, will also give the Jays a much-needed boost in the setting department. Maeder missed the majority of last season due to injury, but previously was ACC setter of the week and was an all-PAC 12 honorable mention in 2023.  

The Bluejays will also be adding incoming freshman Abbey Hayes, an outside hitter and Ashlyn Paymal a right-side hitter. Both freshmen are coming out of Nebraska and will join the team in the fall of 2025.