UCLA Men’s Volleyball Begins Redemption Season with Weekend Showdown
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UCLA men’s volleyball enters a pivotal season, fueled by the desire to reclaim championship glory after falling short of a three-peat last spring. The No. 1 ranked Bruins will open their 2025 campaign with matches against No. 15 McKendree University on Friday and Concordia University, both hosted at Pauley Pavilion.
The team’s aspirations extend beyond simply starting strong; they aim to build momentum for a championship run culminating at the 2026 national championships, which will be held at their home court. A strong start against McKendree and Concordia will be crucial in establishing consistency and flow before the schedule intensifies.
Offseason Dedication Fuels Championship Pursuit
Despite past success, the coaching staff emphasizes the need for continued improvement. “I’m just super proud of the guys and how hard they work, but we need to work harder,” a senior official stated. “That’s something that, going from last year to this year, we’ve already dialed up. Our fall was fantastic, so I’m just excited about where we’re going.” This commitment to relentless effort has been a cornerstone of the program’s identity.
The Bruins will face a challenging opener against McKendree, a team they haven’t encountered since a 2019 victory. The Bearcats concluded their 2025 season with a 20-8 record in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association, bringing a wealth of experience and physicality to Los Angeles. Concordia, a more familiar opponent, fell to UCLA in two straight sets during their last meeting in 2024.
International Experience Bolsters Bruins’ Confidence
UCLA’s players have also been honing their skills on the international stage. Several Bruins – sophomore outside hitter Sean Kelly, sophomore setter Trent Taliaferro, and freshmen outside hitters Grayson Bradford and Marek Turner – participated in the men’s U21 World Championship in China this summer, where the United States squad, led by coach John Hawks, secured a third-place finish.
“We all worked really hard this summer,” Kelly explained. “It’s really going to help us in the long run. The more we learn, the better we all get. And I think the outcome could be different. We’re hungry for it.” This exposure to high-level competition has instilled a belief in the team’s potential.
Championship Mindset Remains Constant
The pursuit of a championship is not a new objective for the UCLA program. “The mindset has been the same all throughout,” said a veteran team member. “I came in, and we were looking for a championship, and every year, it doesn’t matter what’s going on if you have that common goal with the team of winning a championship. Being exposed to that as a freshman implanted that into my brain for the rest of my career.”
This unwavering focus, combined with the lessons learned from last season, has created a sense of urgency and determination. Hawks believes his team is capable of competing with the best in the world. “We can compete with anybody in the world,” he asserted. “I know that we compete with these guys internationally and nationally this year.”
UCLA will begin testing that belief this Friday at 7 p.m. against McKendree at Pauley Pavilion.
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