Maya Sands makes preseason All-SEC team, Mizzou picked to finish fourth in conference

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou Volleyball's starting libero has added another accolade to a remarkable resume.

On Tuesday, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) named Maya Sands a preseason All-SEC selection, and the league's coaches predicted the Tigers to finish in fourth place in the conference during the 2025 season.

Sands earned preseason All-SEC honors for the first time in her collegiate career, following a 2024 campaign where she surpassed 1000 career digs, became a back-to-back SEC Libero of the Year and earned an AVCA All-America Honorable Mention. The Illinois native also paced the SEC in digs per set (4.53) and posted the second-most total digs (535) in the league last year.

As a team, Mizzou was picked to end the 2025 campaign behind only Kentucky, Texas and Texas A&M in the SEC standings.

The Tigers, who tallied a 22-9 overall record last year, are aiming to build on their first Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2017 and a fourth place finish in the SEC standings.