New month, same heartbreak. With a solid 45-12 record at LMU, a WCC championship, and an NCAA Tournament run under his belt, Trent Kersten was supposed to fill the Matt Ulmer-shaped crack in the hearts of Oregon Ducks fans. And maybe he will. But as things stand, the 2024 WCC Coach of the Year is already short one Duck.

Lincoln Arneal took to X on February 4 to shine a spotlight on a major Ducks departure, resharing Sun Devil Volleyball’s big announcement. “It’s official! Welcome to the Sun Devil family, Colby Neal,” the post read, confirming that the former Oregon Ducks’ standout is heading to Arizona State.

After four years as a Duck, the graduate middle blocker is set to spend her final season as a Sun Devil—right alongside her younger sister, Jillian Neal. Arneal added his own take on the move, making it clear just how impactful Neal was for Oregon Ducks last season.

“Former Oregon middle blocker Colby Neal lands at Arizona State to play with her sister. She averaged 1.06 kills and 1.16 blocks per set for the Ducks last year.” Colby Neal is switching things up for her final season, ready to dominate the court alongside her sister!

She played four seasons; 68 matches, 229 blocks, and 237 kills; yes, she left her mark at Oregon. But 2024? That was her real glow-up. As a result of her performance, she featured in all the 32 matches that helped the Ducks to progress to the NCAA Regional Semifinals. Even in her high school years, she was making the rounds—rated 88th on the PrepVolleyball Top 150, Class of 2021. She was not just any middle blocker but the fourth best in California, the twelfth overall in the state of California, and the twenty-second in the entire United States as a middle blocker.

And she’ll have enough support in her sister who made quite a name for herself in her sophomore year, playing in all but one game for the Devils while leading the team in aces (36). But while Arizona is getting a formidable duo of sisters, KU’s heartbreaks are still quite fresh.

Oregon Ducks keep losing

January was not the best month for the Oregon Ducks, and it has been a roller coaster ride since the end of the season. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Badgers volleyball was in the process of rebuilding its roster, and they hit the jackpot in the transfer portal as 6’3″ outside hitter Mimi Colyer came in. She didn’t linger around either; she left as soon as Coach Matt Ulmer declared that he was moving to Kansas. Now, with one season of eligibility left, she’s gearing up to make waves at UW-Madison.

Meanwhile, Pitt has its sights on breaking through the Final Four, despite the loss of such talents as Torrey Stafford and Samara Coleman. Enter Gregoire, a 6’1″ outside hitter from Dundee, Oregon, who visited Pittsburgh, posted several subtle teasers on Instagram, and then, voila—committed to Pitt. She wasn’t a major piece for the Ducks, but she may prove to be a great addition to the Panthers, a former top recruit who is now ready to rise in a new team.

And it’s not just the players that have left KU following Ulmer’s departure. Just hours ago, Kansas University Volleyball announced that Ulmer has also roped in long-time partner-in-crime and former Oregon associate head coach Erika “Child” Dillard as part of his coaching staff at KU. Dillard will be joined at the Jayhawks camp by former Duck’s assistant coach Arica Nassar, who is best known for her work with Mimi Coyler. All in all, it seems like the Ducks have some major rebuilding to do.