LA VERNE, CA - The 2025 University of La Verne women's volleyball team delivered a season for the record books – a year defined by dominant play, breakthrough achievements, and the rekindling of a championship-caliber tradition. Finishing 30-3 overall and 15-1 in SCIAC, the Leopards rose to national prominence with confidence, depth, and a relentless competitive spirit that carried them all the way to the NCAA National Championship match.
A Season of Ascension
From the opening weekend, it was clear this group was different. La Verne stormed through non-conference play, piecing together the best start in program history and quickly climbing to the top of the national rankings. By midseason, the Leopards seized the No. 1 spot in NCAA Division III, holding it for seven consecutive weeks and never leaving the Top 10 throughout the entire campaign.
Their dominance continued into conference action, where the Leopards finished 15-1 and claimed the title of 2025 SCIAC Regular Season Champions. With consistency across every rotation and a noticeable edge in pressure moments, La Verne established itself as the team to beat – and as one of the most balanced, disciplined, and explosive squads in the nation.
This success was guided by a coaching staff operating at an elite level. Head Coach Jeff Hendershot, who surpassed 100 career wins this fall, and his assistants were honored as the 2025 SCIAC Coaching Staff of the Year, recognizing their strategic leadership and the culture they've built.
Reflecting on the journey, Hendershot shared a perspective that defined the heart of this team:
"I think it's really easy to feel disappointed after losing a national championship. But the more I reflect and think about this season, the more I'm filled with pride and thankfulness for everything we were able to accomplish and all the hard work that every single member of this team put in this season. To get 30 wins, be ranked the number one team in the country, win a regional championship, win an elite eight match, win a national semifinal and make it to the championship – I think if anybody asked you if that season would be good enough on day one, everyone would answer with a resounding yes."
His words capture not just the accomplishments, but the character and unity that defined this group from day one.
Breakout Performances & Award Season Sweep
National and Regional Honors:
SCIAC Honors
These recognitions highlighted a roster rich with leadership, versatility, and high-level experience - all contributing to the team's deep postseason run.
A Record Book Rewrite
Multiple Leopards cemented their legacy with major career and single-season milestones:
- Senior OH Mya Ray became the first Leopard in program history to surpass 2,000 career kills, ending with 2,002 and obliterating the previous record of 1,487 set in 2015
- She also broke the single-season kills record, finishing with 629, surpassing the prior record of 604 set in 2009
- Middle blocker Zacky Coaston, just a junior, now holds the ULV all-time blocks record with 423, showcasing unmatched presence at the net
- Junior, Lauren Gott recorded her 1,029th career dig, anchoring the defense with reliability and poise
- Setter Malia Capistrano, also a junior, eclipsed 2,133 career assists, orchestrating one of the most efficient offenses in the nation
These milestones underscored not only individual excellence but a program experiencing widespread growth and elevation.
Postseason Breakthrough - From Regionals to the National Final
As the postseason began, La Verne only sharpened its edge. The Leopards surged through the NCAA bracket, earning the title of 2025 Regional Champions before advancing to the Elite Eight and then the Final Four.
Their run culminated in a return to the National Championship match, the program's fifth appearance overall and first appearance in the title game since 2008. Surrounded by supporters in the arena and many more cheering from home, the Leopards battled on the biggest stage and finished as the 2025 NCAA National Runner-Up - a defining achievement in one of the most competitive seasons in Division III history.
A Season That Reshaped the Program's Future
The 2025 Leopards didn't simply succeed – they redefined the standards of La Verne Volleyball.
They brought national attention back to the program, broke long-standing records, earned major accolades, and created a postseason run that inspired an entire community.
Behind a nationally recognized coaching staff, a roster filled with award winners and record breakers, and a unified belief that elevated them in every competitive moment, the Leopards solidified themselves as one of the premier programs in the nation.
Thirty wins.
Seven consecutive weeks at No. 1.
Regular Season Champions.
Regional Champions.
National Finalists.
A legacy secured – and a new era officially underway.
