Leopards Ranked No. 7 in AVCA Preseason Poll Following Elite 8 Run

LA VERNE, CA - The University of La Verne women's volleyball team will begin the 2025 season ranked No. 7 in the nation, as announced today in the AVCA Division III Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Leopards enter the year riding the momentum of a historic 2024 campaign that saw the program return to the national stage. La Verne advanced to the NCAA Division III Championship Quarterfinals (Elite 8), marking its deepest postseason run since 2009. The Leopards finished the season 26-6 overall, capturing their first-ever SCIAC Tournament Championship and an NCAA Regional Championship along the way.

The 2024 squad's success was built on both depth and star power. La Verne produced two AVCA All-Americans, three All-Region honorees, and four All-SCIAC selections. The team's 26 wins also marked the 10th time in program history that La Verne has reached the 25-win plateau.

The Leopards' postseason run included snapping Juniata's 76-set winning streak in the NCAA Championship, a statement victory that underscored La Verne's ability to compete with the best in the country. Their upset set win against the two-time defending national champions showcased the program's grit, determination, and upward trajectory.

With the preseason No. 7 ranking, La Verne stands among the nation's elite entering 2025, behind perennial powerhouses Juniata, Wisconsin–Whitewater, Hope, Johns Hopkins, Emory, and Wisconsin–Oshkosh. The recognition signals both the respect earned by last season's accomplishments and the expectations ahead for a talented group eager to build on its success.

The Leopards open their 2025 season later this month with high aspirations of continuing their climb on the national stage, aiming for another deep postseason run and the pursuit of adding another appearance at the NCAA championships.

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