Pac-12 Women’s Volleyball is right around the corner. With that said, it is time to take a look ahead to what we might be able to expect from the upcoming season.
In the end, Stanford capped off its dominance by winning 9 of 10 down the stretch, capturing the 2022 Pac-12 Volleyball Championship. It was their first championship since 2019, continuing their run of dominance. They have won 11 of the last 17 Pac-12 titles, and 20 overall going back to 1986.
Arizona
Jordan Wilson took a detour to USC but is back to improve the Wildcats attack. The team had a good 2022 and now gets a bolster with the former Arizona Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year.
Arizona State
It’ll look different in Tempe, but there is a lot of talent coming back. Arizona State was bad down the stretch in 2022 and will look to turn the page to something positive in 2023.
California
When your program goes 0-20 in conference play, there is nowhere to go but up. The Bears have an interim coach, but the team improved late last year. They have a couple of sophomores that could make noise as well.
Colorado
The Buffs have been trending up three years in a row. They made the NCAA Tournament last year for the first time since 2018.
The Buffs will be eying their first Sweet 16 since 2017, and maybe beyond. You can find more information about Colorado teams and sports here: clutchbuzz.clutchbet.com
Oregon
Just behind Stanford last year was Oregon, who reached the Elite Eight. With a ton of talent coming back, plus a few transfers, Oregon is not content with their success. They want to win it all.
Oregon State
Oregon State was awful last year, going 2-18. With six transfers joining the team, the hope is that the Beavers can get back to winning. They haven’t had a winning season since 2017.
Stanford
It’s national championship or bust. The Cardinal came so close, losing to San Diego in the Elite Eight last year. With the most talented roster in the conference and experience to boot, look for another major run from Stanford.
UCLA
The Bruins failed to make the playoffs a year ago, their first miss since 2018. They have gotten personnel boosts and should have one of the better defenses in the conference. But they’ll need to find a way to generate offense in 2023.
USC
Skylar Fields is back after a big 2022. That said, the team lost its three kill leaders after her, so they need a lot of help at hitter. If they can flesh things out early, they might not miss a beat. If not, it might be a rough start for the Trojans.
Utah
It was an off season for the Utes, who turned in their first sub-.500 performance since 2015. Without Dani Drews, that will happen. They might have their next star in KJ Burgess, which could lead to a bounce-back for Utah.
Washington
The Huskies are making a change at coach, with Keegan Cook gone and longtime assistant Leslie Gabriel stepping in. She’ll have a lot of work to do as one of the best graduation classes has just left. Consider it a clean slate in Seattle.
Washington State
WSU will be solid again this season, but the attention will be on Magda Jehlarova. In her fifth season, she’s looking to break as many as 9 records for the Cougars. If she can will the program to a Pac-12 title, it will be the perfect sendoff for this legend.
Conclusion
Once again, the Pac-12 Championship appears to be Stanford’s to lose. The run for their 12th title in the last 18 years will be fueled by a whopping six All-Pac-12 Team selections ahead of the season.
With that kind of firepower, coaches throughout the league unanimously picked them to repeat as champions for the 2023 season.
