No. 19 BYU Women’s Volleyball Team Enters Big 12 with Season of Growth and Readiness for Challenges

BYU women’s Volleyball Poised for Rebound Season,Driven by Freshman Talent and Last Year’s Disappointment

PROVO,UT – The Brigham Young university women’s volleyball team is entering the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose,fueled by a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. The team is determined to overcome the sting of a premature exit in the previous season and contend for national recognition.

Headlining the incoming talent is freshman outside hitter Suli Davis, an experienced international athlete already setting ambitious goals. Davis has openly expressed her desire to earn AVCA national freshman of the year honors – a target widely considered within reach given her established skillset.”We’re fired up,” said sophomore libero Lulu Uluave. “Nobody wanted to end that way, even though only one team in the NCAA is going to end with a win. It’s just about how you react, and not the outcome.”

The team’s leadership will be anchored by sophomore outside hitter Whitney Little Chambers, a former top-50 recruit who earned All-Big 12 first-team honors and AVCA All-American honorable mention last season.Little Chambers averaged an impressive 3.882 kills per set with 427 total attacks, alongside 235 digs, 48 blocks, and 30 aces.

Both davis and Little Chambers, along with the rest of the team, are motivated by the abrupt conclusion to their 2024 campaign. While acknowledging the past, the focus is firmly on building a more cohesive and consistently successful program.

“We acknowledged it, and we’re ready to move on,” Little Chambers stated.”We don’t wont that to happen again; we were unsatisfied with last season. We want more, and we want to be consistently good to make through a better season.”

Uluave echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. “It’s only driven us closer together. We figured out that the last game showed a lot of individuality, and we want to be better together and cohesive.”

Beyond the immediate Season: The Evolution of BYU Volleyball

BYU’s commitment to volleyball excellence extends beyond individual accolades and immediate wins. The program has a rich history of developing high-caliber athletes and fostering a competitive environment. The emphasis on team cohesion, as highlighted by Uluave, reflects a broader trend in modern volleyball – the increasing importance of collaborative play and strategic adaptability.

The rise of players like Little Chambers, who balance athletic achievement with personal commitments (her marriage to BYU men’s volleyball player Gavin Chambers), also speaks to the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Athletes are increasingly viewed as well-rounded individuals with lives extending beyond the court.

Looking Ahead: Schedule and Key Dates

The Cougars will kick off their season with an exhibition game against Idaho State on August 23rd at Ogden High School (3 p.m. MDT). The regular season begins on August 29th with a home match against Fairleigh Dickinson. Fans can expect a dynamic and competitive season as BYU aims to reclaim its position as a national powerhouse.

How will BYU’s historically strong team culture translate to success against the more aggressive playing style of the Big 12?

Transitioning to a New Conference: The Big 12 Landscape

The BYU cougars women’s volleyball team, currently ranked No. 19 nationally, is embarking on a meaningful new chapter: their inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference. after years of dominance in the West Coast Conference (WCC), this move presents both exciting opportunities and formidable challenges. The Big 12 is widely recognized as one of the most competitive volleyball conferences in the nation, boasting programs like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas State – all consistently ranked among the top 25. This shift requires a strategic approach to team development, recruiting, and game-day preparation. Understanding the nuances of Big 12 volleyball – known for its aggressive serving and fast-paced rallies – is crucial for BYU’s success.

Key Players and Coaching Strategy

Head Coach Shawn Olmstead, now in his ninth season, will be instrumental in navigating this transition. His emphasis on disciplined defense and a balanced offensive attack will be vital.

Whitney Bower (Setter): A veteran leader and All-American, Bower’s ability to distribute the ball effectively will be paramount. Her experience managing the offense against diverse opponents will be key.

Skylar Hadley (Outside Hitter): Hadley’s powerful hitting and consistent performance make her a primary offensive threat. Improving her side-out percentage will be a focus.

Heather Gneiting (Middle Blocker): Gneiting’s blocking prowess and speedy attacks are essential to controlling the net. Her ability to read opposing hitters will be crucial in the Big 12.

Kendall Bateman (Libero): Bateman’s defensive skills and ball-control expertise will be vital in handling the Big 12’s aggressive serving attacks.

Olmstead’s coaching philosophy centers around player development and fostering a strong team culture. He’s known for his ability to adapt game plans based on opponent strengths and weaknesses, a skill that will be heavily tested in the Big 12.

Pre-Season Preparations and Training Focus

BYU’s pre-season training has been geared towards enhancing several key areas:

1. Strength and Conditioning: Increased emphasis on physical conditioning to withstand the rigors of a longer season and more physically demanding matches. This includes targeted workouts to improve explosive power, agility, and endurance.
2. Serving and Passing: Recognizing the importance of these skills in the Big 12, the team has dedicated significant practice time to improving serve accuracy and pass control.
3. Defensive Systems: Refining defensive strategies to counter the diverse offensive attacks of Big 12 teams. This includes improving blocking schemes and digging techniques.
4. mental Toughness: Building mental resilience to handle the pressure of competing in a new conference and facing tough opponents. Sports psychology techniques are being integrated into training.

scouting the Competition: Big 12 Powerhouses

The Big 12 presents a unique set of challenges. Here’s a brief look at some key opponents:

Texas: Consistently ranked No. 1,Texas boasts a powerful offense and a strong defensive presence. BYU will need to execute flawlessly to compete with the Longhorns.

Oklahoma: A rising program with a dynamic attack and aggressive serving. Their home-court advantage will be a significant factor.

Kansas State: Known for their tenacious defense and strategic blocking. BYU will need to find ways to exploit their weaknesses.

Iowa State: A well-rounded team with a balanced attack and solid defense. Their consistency makes them a hazardous opponent.

Detailed scouting reports are being compiled for each Big 12 team, focusing on individual player strengths and weaknesses, offensive tendencies, and defensive strategies.

Schedule Analysis and Key Matchups

BYU’s 2025 schedule is packed with challenging matchups.Key games to watch include:

September 25th vs. Texas: An early-season test against the reigning national champions.

October 9th at Oklahoma: A road game against a tough opponent in a hostile habitat.

November 12th vs. Kansas State: A crucial home game that could impact conference standings.

November 22nd at Iowa State: Another challenging road game late in the season.

The team’s ability to navigate this demanding schedule will be a key indicator of their success in the Big 12.

Recruiting Strategies for Sustained Success

Looking ahead, BYU’s recruiting strategy will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the Big 12. The coaching staff is focusing on:

Identifying Top Talent: Actively scouting high school and club volleyball tournaments to identify promising recruits.

Building Relationships: Establishing strong relationships with club coaches and high school coaches.

Highlighting BYU’s Unique Advantages: Emphasizing BYU’s academic reputation, strong athletic facilities, and supportive fan base.

Targeting Specific Positions: Prioritizing recruits who can fill key positions and address team needs.

Benefits of Big 12 Membership for BYU Volleyball

The move to the Big