Marquette Volleyball: Tom Mendoza Era Begins with Challenging 2025 Schedule
Table of Contents
- 1. Marquette Volleyball: Tom Mendoza Era Begins with Challenging 2025 Schedule
- 2. A Schedule That Tests and Prepares
- 3. Tom Mendoza’s Vision for Marquette Volleyball
- 4. Non-Conference Schedule Breakdown
- 5. key Matchups to Watch
- 6. Impact of Key Player Departures
- 7. Season Tickets and Access to the Wisconsin Game
- 8. 2025 Marquette Volleyball Non-Conference Schedule
- 9. Reader Questions
- 10. Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
- 11. Given the challenging non-conference schedule, what are the biggest potential roadblocks Marquette Volleyball might face in achieving success during the 2025 season?
- 12. Archyde Interviews Tom Mendoza: Discussing Marquette Volleyball’s Challenging 2025 Season
- 13. An Interview with Tom Mendoza
- 14. Reader Engagement
The anticipation is building as Marquette volleyball prepares to enter a new chapter under head coach Tom Mendoza.With the announcement of the 2025 non-conference schedule, fans are eager to see how the Golden Eagles will fare against a formidable lineup of opponents. The schedule promises to be a rigorous test, featuring several NCAA tournament qualifiers and teams with remarkable records. Will this challenging start set the stage for a successful season? Onyl time will tell.
A Schedule That Tests and Prepares
Marquette’s 2025 non-conference schedule is strategically designed to challenge the team and prepare them for the rigors of Big East play. Six of their opponents reached the NCAA tournament last season, including Wisconsin, an Elite Eight contender.Only one opponent had a losing record, and eight teams boasted at least 20 wins. this high level of competition aims to elevate Marquette’s performance and strengthen their RPI.
The schedule also offers the advantage of home-court support. All but three matches will be played in Milwaukee, with eight of the nine home games hosted at the McGuire Center. The annual showdown against Wisconsin will return to Fiserv Forum, providing a larger stage for this marquee matchup.
Did You Know? Marquette has a 2-0 all-time record against Hawaii, setting a positive precedent for their opening match in the 2025 Rainbow Wahine Classic.
Tom Mendoza’s Vision for Marquette Volleyball
New head coach Tom Mendoza emphasizes the importance of competing at the highest level. “elite student-athletes choose Marquette as they get the experience and education Marquette provides while competing at the top level nationally,” Mendoza stated.”Our non-conference schedule not only gives our team the opportunity to compete to win at the highest level but also brings great volleyball to Milwaukee.”
Non-Conference Schedule Breakdown
The season kicks off with a trip to Honolulu for the 2025 rainbow wahine Classic. Marquette will face host Hawaii on August 29, followed by matches against San Diego and Utah State.The remainder of the non-conference schedule will be played at home.
The home stretch includes three consecutive weekend events at the McGuire Center. starting September 5, Marquette will host Western Kentucky, Dayton, and Buffalo.Both Western Kentucky and Dayton competed in the NCAA tournament last season, with Dayton reaching the Sweet 16 after defeating Mendoza’s former team, South Carolina.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Marquette vs. Dayton match. With dayton’s recent Sweet 16 appearance and their victory over Tom Mendoza’s former team, this game carries extra importance and competitive intensity.
The following weekend features matches against Ball State, James Madison, and Milwaukee. Marquette last faced Ball State in the 2022 NCAA tournament and has won 14 straight contests against milwaukee.
key Matchups to Watch
the final stretch of the non-conference schedule is packed with challenging matchups. On September 17,Marquette will face Wisconsin at Fiserv Forum. This will be followed by home games against Florida and Minnesota on September 19 and 21, respectively. All three teams participated in the NCAA tournament last season, with Wisconsin reaching the Elite Eight and Florida making it to the Sweet 16.
Impact of Key Player Departures
With only one returning starter,Hattie Bray,and one consistent rotation player,Natalie Ring,Marquette faces the challenge of integrating new talent.the tough non-conference schedule will provide valuable experience for the team as they adjust to new roles and build chemistry.
Did You Know? The Big East is exceptionally open this year, with both Marquette and Creighton undergoing head coaching changes, adding an element of unpredictability to the conference standings.
Season Tickets and Access to the Wisconsin Game
Season tickets are priced at $75 and will be available starting May 12. While the season ticket package does not include the Wisconsin match at Fiserv Forum,season ticket holders will receive early access to purchase those tickets. General public sales for the Wisconsin game begin on June 26.
2025 Marquette Volleyball Non-Conference Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (CT) |
|---|---|---|
| August 29 | at Hawaii | TBD |
| August 30 | vs San Diego (at Hawaii) | TBD |
| August 31 | vs Utah State (at Hawaii) | TBD |
| september 5 | Western Kentucky | 7:00 PM |
| september 6 | Dayton | 2:00 PM |
| September 7 | Buffalo | Noon |
| September 12 | ball State | 7:00 PM |
| September 13 | James Madison | 6:00 PM |
| september 14 | milwaukee | 3:00 PM |
| September 17 | Wisconsin (at Fiserv Forum) | 7:00 PM |
| September 19 | Florida | 7:00 PM |
| September 21 | minnesota | TBD |
Pro Tip: Attending early-season home games can provide a great sense of the team’s dynamics and potential strengths as they integrate new players and strategies.
Reader Questions
- How do you think the team’s new players will adapt to this challenging schedule?
- Which match are you most looking forward to this season, and why?
- What are your expectations for Marquette volleyball under Tom Mendoza’s leadership?
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of the non-conference schedule?
The non-conference schedule is designed to prepare the team for Big East play, build their RPI, and provide valuable experience against top-tier opponents.
When does the season start?
The season begins on August 29 with a match against Hawaii in the Rainbow Wahine Classic.
How can I purchase tickets for the Wisconsin game?
Season ticket holders get early access, while general public sales begin on June 26.
Given the challenging non-conference schedule, what are the biggest potential roadblocks Marquette Volleyball might face in achieving success during the 2025 season?
Archyde Interviews Tom Mendoza: Discussing Marquette Volleyball’s Challenging 2025 Season
Archyde News Editor, here.We’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with Coach Tom Mendoza of the Marquette Golden Eagles volleyball team.Coach Mendoza, welcome to Archyde!
An Interview with Tom Mendoza
Archyde: Coach Mendoza, the 2025 non-conference schedule is out, and it’s packed! What was the vision behind creating such a challenging lineup for your first season at Marquette?
Tom Mendoza: Thanks for having me. The goal was simple: to test our team and get them ready for the competitive demands of the Big East and, ultimately, the NCAA tournament. We wanted to play high-level teams right from the start,to help develop our players and elevate our program.
Archyde: That’s clear looking at the teams.With six opponents that reached the NCAA tournament last year, including a strong Wisconsin team, is there a specific game you’re especially excited about?
Tom Mendoza: The Wisconsin game at Fiserv Forum is definitely special. Playing in front of a big crowd adds an extra layer of motivation. Plus, the Dayton match is poignant for me due to their recent success and being the team that knocked out my former team, south Carolina, in the Sweet 16. That one carries some personal importance.
archyde: With only Hattie Bray returning as a starter and Natalie Ring as a key rotation player, how do you plan to integrate new talent and address the challenges posed by this tough schedule?
Tom Mendoza: This is where the non-conference schedule becomes invaluable. Playing these high-caliber teams early on will give our younger players a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow quickly. it’s about building chemistry and allowing them to get comfortable in their roles under pressure. It’s a steep learning curve, but I believe in their abilities.
Archyde: The schedule starts in Hawaii. What are the key dynamics you’re looking at in the opening games?
Tom Mendoza: It is always a great experiance to play in Hawaii. We will be facing an amazing program in Hawaii, as well as San Diego and Utah State. Being in the Rainbow Wahine Classic forces you to be prepared and ready to hit the ground running. We need to set the tone, establish our brand of volleyball there.
Archyde: The Big East is looking quite open this year with both Marquette and Creighton having changes.Does this alter your approach in any way?
Tom Mendoza: Absolutely. It creates a lot of excitement and unpredictability. We can come in here and build our own brand of high-level volleyball and make a serious run to the NCAA tournament. Right now everyone is on an even playing field.
Archyde: What advice would you give to the Marquette volleyball fans who are preparing for the 2025 season?
Tom Mendoza: Come out and support these amazing student athletes! We’re building something special here,a team that competes at the highest level. The home games offer a great opportunity to become part of our program.
Archyde: Coach Mendoza, thank you for your time and your insights. We wish you and the team all the best for the upcoming season!
Tom Mendoza: My pleasure. Thank you.
Reader Engagement
What are your expectations for Marquette volleyball under coach Mendoza’s leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
