UCO Ready For 2025 Season

Bronchos Return Three Starters From Last Year's 33-3 Team

Following up the best season in school history will be a daunting task for Central Oklahoma in 2025, but the Bronchos aren't about to shy away from the challenge.

Three starters and four other letterwinners are back from last year's team that won a school-record 33 matches, captured the MIAA Tournament title for the first time and claimed its first-ever NCAA Division II Central Regional championship. Eight talented newcomers complete the roster, with several of those expected to play key roles.

So UCO is hardly devoid of talent, with the Bronchos -- ranked seventh in the national preseason poll -- once again expected to be a top contender in the MIAA and Division II. Central opens the 2025 campaign Sept. 4-6 at the Patriot Classic in Tyler, Texas.

"We're going to stick with our blue collar approach and work hard at getting better every day," said head coach Edgar Miraku, who enters his 13th season with a stellar 302-93 record. "Our depth is a little concerning and we have to stay healthy, but we have good pieces in place and I'm excited about seeing what this team can become."

UCO is led by a trio of senior veterans -- setter Lindsey Houran, outside hitter Sydney Huck and middle blocker Lari Migliorino. All three are entering their fourth season as starters and each ranks among the best in the league at their position.

Senior middle blocker Mikiah Perdue, junior outside hitter Sawyer Franz, junior libero Kaitlyn Parrott and junior setter Riley Roberts all saw extensive playing time last year and give the Bronchos much-needed experience.

Six freshmen and two transfers round out the roster, with senior middle blocker Kedron Burk expected to have the biggest impact of the newcomers.

The MIAA is the toughest conference in Division II and will once again present a big challenge, with UCO also playing several high-level teams during the early-season schedule.

"We have a tougher non-conference schedule than usual, but that makes good teams better," Miraku said. "Those matches will help prepare us for the MIAA, which is always a grind."

Here's a position-by-position breakdown of the 2025 team.

SETTER
Senior Lindsey Houran makes the high-powered offense go with her precision passing and keen understanding of the game. She was a First-Team All-MIAA pick last year and enters her fourth year as the starter with 3,892 career assists. UCO's undisputed team leader is also a fantastic server and top-notch defender.

Junior Riley Roberts has gained great experience the past two seasons and looks to be the main back-up once again. She should also help the Bronchos defensively.

Freshman Taylor Nielsen brings boundless energy to the position and is poised to help, though she's also a redshirt candidate.

DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST/LIBERO
UCO is looking for a new starter here, with junior Kaitlyn Parrott the favorite to take over the top role. A versatile athlete who knows the Broncho system, Parrott has seen extensive action the last two years and is ready to show what she's capable of.

Morgan Manning is expected to help out here, with the feisty freshman making up for her lack of collegiate experience with hard work and can-do attitude.

Junior transfer Emma Halstead will also contribute, bringing maturity and experience to the position as well as being a true team player.

Freshman Jordyn Baker is an excellent server who could also help out and rookie Mayli Whetter provides even more depth.

HITTER
The Bronchos have one of the best in the conference here in senior standout Sydney Huck, who is back for her fourth year of starting duty.

Huck earned First-Team All-MIAA honors for the third straight time last season and enters her final season with 1,133 career kills. She's a proven point provider who has improved her game from last year and will continue to contribute on the front and back rows.

Junior Sawyer Franz lettered in a reserve role last season and UCO is looking for her to provide consistency and steadiness to the position this fall. A key team leader, Franz has the ability to be a big-time contributor in 2025.

Freshmen Kamryn Glover and Myla Unterweger will also push for playing time despite their lack of collegiate experience.

Glover has been a quick learner of UCO's system and should contribute immediately, while Unterweger also has the ability to help on the left or right side.

MIDDLE BLOCKER
A trio of experienced seniors will provide major offensive and defensive support at the net this season.

Lari Migliorino enters her fourth year as a starter for the Bronchos, excelling in UCO's high-tempo offense with her offensive versatility and blocking prowess She has a .297 career attack percentage with 501 kills and ranked 10th in the MIAA last year with 109 total blocks.

Transfer Kedron Burk looks to make a major impact this season after starting 50 matches during three years at Oral Roberts. She brings athleticism and height to the middle and should be a big-time contributor. Burk had 102 kills and 57 total blocks last year.

Mikiah Perdue is the final senior and will also play a major role as a a reliable defender who brings great energy to the court. She can help at right-side hitter as well and is a tremendous blocker. Perdue has 222 kills and 103 total blocks in two years at UCO.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Lindsey Houran: S; 5' 8"; Junior

#14 Sydney Huck: OH; 5' 10"; Junior

#10 Lari Migliorino: MB; 6' 0"; Junior

#9 Kaitlyn Parrott: DS/L; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#15 Mikiah Perdue: MB; 5' 9"; Junior

#11 Riley Roberts: S; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#6 Sawyer Franz: OH; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#8 Emma Halstead: DS/L; 5' 11"; Junior

#3 Kedron Burk: MB; 6' 2"; Senior

#2 Mayli Whetter: DS; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Lindsey Houran
: 5' 8"; Junior
: S

#14 Sydney Huck
: 5' 10"; Junior
: OH

#10 Lari Migliorino
: 6' 0"; Junior
: MB

#9 Kaitlyn Parrott
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: DS/L

#15 Mikiah Perdue
: 5' 9"; Junior
: MB

#11 Riley Roberts
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: S

#6 Sawyer Franz
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: OH

#8 Emma Halstead
: 5' 11"; Junior
: DS/L

#3 Kedron Burk
: 6' 2"; Senior
: MB

#2 Mayli Whetter
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: DS