The Rockets’ landmark victory comes in the program’s 45th season as a varsity sport and marks a triumphant debut campaign for first-year head coach Brian Wright. The championship crowns a remarkable turnaround year for Toledo, which now awaits its first NCAA Tournament assignment on November 30.
Freshman outside hitter Jessica Costlow led the way with 21 kills and 22 digs, earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors after notching her eighth double-double of the season. Sophomore Olivia Heitkamp added 16 kills, while libero Grace Freiberger tied her season high with 29 digs and served three aces. In the process, Freiberger set a new Toledo record for single-season digs, reaching 621 for the year. Senior setter Kelsey Smith recorded 38 assists and 20 digs for her 17th double-double of the season. All three – Costlow, Freiberger, and Smith – were named to the MAC All-Tournament Team.
A Resilient Finish
Trailing 9–3 early in the decisive fourth set, the Rockets’ championship hopes appeared to be slipping away. But a 5-0 run fueled by Heitkamp and Smith rallied the team within striking distance. Costlow’s late kills and a key block from Anna Alford helped Toledo fight off Western Michigan’s set points before a Broncos error sealed the Rockets’ 28-26 clincher—and the title.
The comeback symbolized a weekend of grit and determination for Toledo, which spent much of the tournament battling from behind.
“The whole team has been worth supporting,” Wright said. “When our backs were against the wall, our play went up. That only happens when you work hard and love each other—and that’s exactly what this group does.”
Emotional Reflections
For veterans like Smith, the championship was the culmination of years of growth and perseverance.
“In those final moments, I just felt overwhelming gratitude,” the senior setter said. “I’m so thankful to be part of this program and this team. It didn’t even feel real.”
Costlow echoed the emotion. “It was an unreal feeling,” she said. “Everything we worked for all year came down to that moment.”
Key Performances and Honors
Western Michigan’s Reeghan Boyer and Leah Richmond joined Toledo’s trio of standouts on the All-Tournament Team, alongside Bowling Green’s Lauryn Hovey and Ball State’s Camryn Wise.
What’s Next
With a 22-10 record, Toledo now turns its focus to the NCAA Tournament. The Rockets will learn their postseason destination during the selection show on Sunday, Nov. 30, airing at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
A milestone season has already delivered a first-ever MAC crown. For Toledo, the journey isn’t over—it’s just beginning.