With less than 50 days until the start of the 2025 volleyball season, anticipation is rising around The University of Texas Permian Basin volleyball program. Second-year Head Coach CJ Allard is preparing to lead a retooled and reenergized Falcons team into a new chapter, and excitement is already in the air. 

"The eve of another season is always exciting, especially this Fall given how new this team will be," spoke Coach Allard. "There are a lot of talented young ladies that West Texas and UTPB will get to know soon." 

The offseason saw major roster turnover, but the Spring provided a strong foundation for what's to come. UTPB welcomed new faces during the Spring season, like Nickilah Whatley, Amyah Collins and Isabel Rodriguez, to go along with returning leaders such as Canyen Rodriguez, Kierra Freeman, Ashlee Macias and Lauren Demuth.  

"We had a great Spring," Coach Allard said. "We were able to attack some specific training goals which led to us performing very well in our Spring competition in April.  That strong end to our Spring springboarded the group into attacking their summer goals. 

The team reports to campus on August 18 for the start of preseason camp, which will begin with two-a-day sessions.  

"I'm excited to see how quickly this new team comes together before we head to Angelo State for our opening tournament of the Fall," said Coach Allard. 

As always, expectations remain high within the program—regardless of how many new players are wearing orange and black. 

"Fortunately, my expectations match the players'," said Coach Allard. "We will all work to add maximum value to each situation and teammate this preseason. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we'll try to flood the harbor." 

When the Fall season kicks off in September, the Falcons will have a completely different team from last season. However, the expectations for the team are simple — win each practice and each rep. 

"Our expectations never waiver, regardless of what our roster looks like," said Coach Allard. "We want to win each and every day this Fall and that will give us the highest probability of success come Friday nights and Saturday afternoons." 

While Falcon fans are not as familiar with the new players on the team, Coach Allard believes fans will quickly fall in love with this team's spirit and work ethic. 

"West Texas will enjoy getting to know this team," concluded Coach Allard. "A big part of our incoming classes' "why" is to leave a legacy in a community that thrives on hard work and high character. Come check this squad out early and often as we continue making the Falcon Dome one of the hardest venues to play at in the Lone Star Conference." 

The Falcons return to the court on Friday, September 5, taking on Angelo State University in match one of the Kathleen Brasfield Invitational Tournament at 9 a.m. The tournament will consist of four matches, each taking place in the Junell Center - Stephens Arena, in San Angelo, Texas.