There is a new energy surrounding The University of Texas Permian Basin Volleyball team as Head Coach Melissa Avila begins her first season at the helm of the program.

For Coach Avila, that excitement starts with the potential she sees inside the gym.

With the Falcons coming up just short of the conference tournament over the last two seasons, the determination within the team is at an all-time high. That determination, combined with the talent already in the program, gives UTPB a high ceiling heading into the 2026 season.

"The potential in the gym and having such a high ceiling," Coach Avila said of what excites her most about taking over the program. "The group is determined to make the conference tournament with coming so close the last two years, so their determination is on a different level."

That determination has been evident throughout preseason, as the Falcons have worked to establish the foundation for what Coach Avila wants the program to become.

For Coach Avila, preseason is about more than preparing for the first match. It is about building relationships, establishing a culture and creating a team that can handle the highs and lows that come with a competitive volleyball season.

"Our goal is to develop a strong foundation of what we want our culture to be and build relationships that can withstand good and bad days and the duration of a high level and competitive volleyball season," Coach Avila said.

That culture centers around competing every day and holding one another to a high standard.

The Falcons want to see each other succeed both on and off the court, and Coach Avila has challenged the team to bring that mentality into everything it does.

"We are going to compete to the best of our ability every day," Coach Avila said. "They are invested in each other daily and have a common goal. We want to see each other succeed both on and off the court and we are going to hold ourselves to a high standard."

On the court, the Falcons have placed an emphasis on three key areas during camp: the connection between hitters and setters, disciplined defense and becoming a strong serving team.

Those areas are designed to help UTPB establish the identity it wants to have when the season begins.

Coach Avila wants opponents to know they are in for a battle every time they step on the court against the Falcons.

"This team works really hard and are disciplined," Coach Avila said. "They are strong defensively and make it hard to score."

That identity starts with the work being put in during preseason.

The Falcons have continued to push one another, with communication and accountability standing out as two of the group's biggest strengths.

"They are determined to find success," Coach Avila said. "They work well together, have a lot of communication, and push each other to be better both on and off the court."

That leadership has also started to emerge from within the team. Returning players Kyndall Torres, Nickilah Whatley, Kierra Freeman and Precious Johnson have taken on leadership roles as the Falcons work toward a common goal.

While Coach Avila wants to push the team to reach its ceiling, she also understands the importance of making sure the players are prepared physically and mentally for the long season ahead.

That balance comes through open communication, carefully structured practices and finding the right mix of demanding days and lower-impact skill work.

"We are having a lot of open and honest conversations to see how we are doing both physically and mentally," Coach Avila said. "Making sure we are scaling our practices with weights. Having hard days and then balancing them with more skill-based and low-impact days."

That approach is a reflection of Coach Avila's coaching philosophy.

She wants to build relationships and trust with her players while helping them develop beyond the volleyball court.

"I want to build relationships and trust with my players," Coach Avila said. "I want them to know that we are not only going to develop as volleyball players, but as young women. I am invested and high energy and want my passion to show through."

That passion is also tied to Coach Avila's vision for the program's place within the UTPB and Odessa communities.

From the first day, the Falcons have been challenged to work hard, hustle, be loud and continue pushing their ceiling. They are also expected to be active members on the campus and in the Odessa communities.

"Every day we walk in the gym is an opportunity to get better and to put ourselves in the best situations possible," Coach Avila said.

As the regular season approaches, the excitement continues to build.

For Coach Avila, there is nothing better than seeing the work put in during preseason translate into competition.

She is looking forward to seeing the Falcons compete, celebrate their successes and respond when things do not go their way.

"Watching our girls compete against other teams," Coach Avila said on what she is looking forward to. "I'm also looking forward to watching all of the hard work we have been putting in during preseason come to life. Seeing the excitement of this group when things are going well and the determination they have if things are not falling in our direction."

There will naturally be challenges along the way, especially with Coach Avila taking over a new program and working to make sure everyone is on the same page.

But that is exactly why the foundation being built during preseason has been so important.

The goal is to take everything the Falcons have worked on and put themselves in the best possible position to succeed once the season begins.

For Coach Avila, success in her first season will ultimately be measured by more than wins and losses. Making the conference tournament is one of the biggest goals for the Falcons, but continuing to improve every day is just as important.

"I think one of the best indicators is making the conference tournament," Coach Avila said. "I also believe that if we improve daily and become our best self, we will be able to walk out of this season on a positive note knowing that we got better every day."

With a determined group, returning leadership and a new coach bringing a high-energy approach to the program, the Falcons are ready to see what their new chapter can become.

The Falcons will be on the road when they open up the season on Friday (Aug. 28), taking on Fort Lewis College (9:30 a.m.) and Minnesota State Morehead (2 PM) on day one of the Kathleen Brasfield Invitational.