With a successful season tucked under their belts, the Utah Volleyball team has returned with the sounds of bouncing volleyballs and squeaking sneakers to campus, gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling 2025 campaign. Beth Launiere, head coach of the Utes, exuded optimistic vibes about the prospects of her squad, notably underscoring the wealth of talent at her disposal. According to UtahUtes.com, Launiere stated, "I think it is an exciting season to go into," and pointed out the need to develop some of the less experienced players. "We have a lot of decisions to make to put this team together, but we certainly have the pieces. It's a good place to be. There are endless possibilities."
In their debut season in the Big 12, playing and winning, the Utes managed a remarkable 25-6 overall and 14-4 in conference play, securing a third-place finish. Their effort culminated in a No. 23 ranking in the AVCA Coaches' Poll and five athletes earning All-Big 12 Team honors. Earning an honorable mention among the 24th AVCA All-America recognition, Outside hitter Kamryn Gibadlo has already caught eyes as a preseason candidate for AVCA Division I Player of the Year, according to UtahUtes.com.
It wasn't just about rest in the offseason for several Utes. They took to courts both home and abroad, honing their skills under the watchful eyes of prestigious volleyball stages. Freshman Devyn Wiest and associate head coach Alyssa D'Errico returned from the summer bearing silver as part of the USA Volleyball U19 National Team in the World Championship in Croatia. Meanwhile, Gibadlo snagged gold with the USA Volleyball U21 National Team at the Pan America Cup in Costa Rica, as detailed by UtahUtes.com.
The 2025 slate for Utah Volleyball boasts a gauntlet of high-caliber clashes. Starting the season preparing, Texas will host the Utes for an exhibition match on August 15, setting the tone for a schedule peppered with daunting matchups such as Dayton, Texas A&M, Utah State, Nebraska, Arizona State, TCU, and BYU. As per the report by UtahUtes.com, eager supporters can snap up tickets for the upcoming season and can keep abreast with the team's progress on social media or by downloading the official mobile app, UTAH 360.
