Walnut, Calif. – Over the past six weeks, the Mt. SAC Women's Volleyball Team has been preparing for the 2025 season, and Head Coach Samantha Neely can't help but express her excitement for the group that's come together in the gym this summer. With a balanced roster of returning sophomores and a talented group of freshmen, the Mounties are poised for a season filled with promise, competition, and ambition.
"We have a pretty even split between sophomores and freshmen," Neely said. "The sophomores stepped into the gym on day one and immediately became leaders on the court. That's been really important in setting our standard and showing the freshmen what our team culture looks like."
That leadership has translated into a spirited atmosphere where everyone pushes each other to improve every day. "Not only have the sophomores been pushing the freshmen, but the freshmen have been pushing back in a way that creates an incredibly competitive environment," she added.
After six weeks of summer training, the chemistry on the court is already at an impressive level. "This past week in the gym has been wild," Neely commented. "The energy is high, the communication is loud, and the rallies are long. Our setters and hitters are making connections, so it's really exciting to see everything coming together."
What makes this year's team particularly unique, Neely emphasized, is how connected they are. "They're operating as a unit. It's not just one or two standout players making things happen – it's all 16. That's something we haven't had in previous years, and it's a sign of a very strong team."
Coming off back-to-back trips to the regional finals, Mt. SAC has made it clear: they're aiming higher this season. "Last year, we were South Coast Conference North co-champions, and we've made it to the regional finals the past two seasons," Neely said. "We're done ending the season there. That was one of the first things I talked about with our new recruits. I asked if they wanted to be part of what we're building and if they were ready to put in the work, because our goal is to reach the state championship."
With an experienced and driven squad, Neely believes the team has what it takes: "We have all the pieces, both talent-wise and personality-wise, to really get there."
But the Mounties are keeping their focus grounded in daily improvement. "I've been emphasizing that we're not just focused on results – it's about the process," Neely explained. "A good team chooses each other every single day. Volleyball is such a team sport – it's not about whether your touch was good or bad, but what you did to help the next girl make the play, to get the point, to win the game."
Mt. SAC's preseason training has been intense and comprehensive – three hours a day in the gym, strength training, and additional sessions on nutrition and team bonding. "We've been focusing on the details and building a strong foundation," Neely said. "When those big moments come, they'll be able to fall back on their preparation, knowing they're ready because of all the little things they took care of each day."
That preparation will be tested early in a stacked preseason schedule, including a highly anticipated tournament on September 26 featuring powerhouse opponents Fresno City College and San Diego Mesa. "Fresno was the state championship runner-up last year, and San Diego Mesa has knocked us out of regionals the past two seasons," Neely noted. "We always have a really good rivalry with San Diego Mesa, so it's going to be a very competitive day."
On the court, the Mounties return three key starters from last season: libero Mayah Tiscareno, outside hitter Emma Carson, and the versatile player Eva Fisher, who has trained at all three front-row positions. "She's flourished wherever she's been," Neely said. "She's really adding depth to our team." Also returning are Kacey Worcester, Bella Ross, and Jeanie Rhodes – upperclassmen who have stepped up to lead the way.
Newcomer Sidney Valentine, a Division I transfer from Alcorn State University, is expected to make an immediate impact. "She's one to watch," Neely said. "She's competitive, with a strong arm and a hard swing. Sidney will be a key piece of our offense this year."
The freshman class is already proving itself to be a hardworking and skilled group. "You'll see a lot of them making an impact right away," Neely emphasized. "There's not a big gap between our starters and our bench. We're going to have a lot of different tools to use depending on what we need in each game."
Setting the pace for the Mounties are setters Morgan Wilson and Bella Ross. "Bella has really stepped up," Neely shared. "Our freshman setter, Morgan, is confident and runs a fast offense. Both have been making our hitters look really good."
With a deep and competitive roster, the Mt. SAC Women's Volleyball Team looks ready to build on past success and push toward the program's first-ever state championship appearance. Fans won't have to wait long to see them in action – the Mounties open their season at home on Friday, August 22, at 5:00 PM against Glendale College.
"Come out to a home game to support the team," Neely said. "It is always fun, and we love the atmosphere when the gym is full of fans cheering on the girls."
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow Mt. SAC Women's Volleyball on Twitter @MtSAC_WVB or Instagram /mtsacvolleyball/
Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on Twitter @MtSAC_athletics Instagram /mtsac_athletics/ or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics
For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.