Freshman star emerges for FGCU volleyball during opening weekend

FORT MYERS, Fla (WINK) — It took Maju Hildebrand just three matches to put her name in the Florida Gulf Coast University record book.

The freshman opposite hitter finished the FGCU Invitational with 45 kills, the most by an FGCU freshman through the first three matches of a season. She broke Jill Hopper’s previous mark of 39, set in 2011.

Hildebrand capped the weekend with 16 kills and 11 digs Sunday against Florida State, recording her first collegiate double-double in FGCU’s 3-1 loss.

“No, I wasn't expecting that,” Hildebrand said of her fast start. “I was very surprised that I did.”

The 6-foot freshman from Florianópolis, Brazil, opened her career with 13 kills in a 3-1 win over VCU before adding 16 against No. 24 BYU and 16 more against Florida State.

“I’m happy for the record,” Hildebrand said, while crediting her teammates for helping her reach the milestone.

Her early success comes with an impressive background. Hildebrand was named MVP and Best Opposite of All Brazilian Clubs in 2025 and previously represented Brazil’s U19 national team, helping the country win the 2024 South American U19 Championship.

FGCU head coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen said the Eagles knew they were bringing in a high-level player, but Hildebrand’s work since arriving has stood out.

“She’s putting a lot of effort,” Baziquetto-Allen said. “I love seeing the reward of how much work she put in.”

FGCU finished the opening weekend 1-2 after facing VCU, nationally ranked BYU and Florida State. Hildebrand was named to the FGCU Invitational All-Tournament Team.

For Baziquetto-Allen, the first three matches offered only a glimpse of what could be ahead.

“Just really exciting to see,” she said. “And think about her in four years. That’s gonna be amazing.”

Hildebrand said the focus now is on continuing to improve as FGCU moves deeper into the season.

“Continue to grow and continue practice,” she said, “so we can get better as a team and win the conference.”

FGCU returns to action Thursday against Florida Atlantic at Alico Arena.