UC santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball Welcomes Six New Players for 2025 Season
Table of Contents
- UC santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball Welcomes Six New Players for 2025 Season
- Incoming Talent Bolsters Gauchos’ Roster
- Season Outlook
- The evolution of College Volleyball Recruiting
- frequently Asked Questions About College Volleyball Recruiting
- What are the key factors that college volleyball coaches look for in recruits?
- How can high school volleyball players improve their chances of getting recruited?
- What is the role of club volleyball in the recruiting process?
- How critically important are academics in college volleyball recruiting?
- what are the different types of volleyball scholarships available?
Women's Volleyball team adds six new players for 2025, boosting their roster with talent from across the US and Serbia.">
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-The UC Santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball team is set to enhance its roster with six new players for the 2025 season, signaling a promising future for the programme. Head Coach Matt Jones is enthusiastic about the diverse skills and backgrounds the new recruits bring to the team.
Incoming Talent Bolsters Gauchos’ Roster
Five freshmen and one transfer student will join the Gauchos, adding depth and versatility to the squad. The new additions include Avery Gibbs,Jordyn Johnson,Gabriella Martinez,Ayva ostovar,Ema Petkovic,and Kiersten Schmitt. According to a 2023 report by the NCAA,successful recruiting is a key factor in a team’s ability to compete at the highest level NCAA.org.
Avery Gibbs: Right Side Hitter from Colorado
Avery Gibbs,a right side hitter from Loveland,Colorado,joins UC santa Barbara after a successful high school career at Thompson Valley High School. A three-time state champion, Gibbs was featured on PrepVolleyball.com’s 2023 Club Watchlist for the 16s Division. She earned All-Conference and All-State honors twice and was named Townsquare Media High School MVP during the 2021-22 season. Gibbs recorded impressive stats with 987 kills, 664 aces, 457 digs, and 217 total blocks. She chose UC Santa Barbara over Cal Poly.
Jordyn Johnson: Middle Blocker from Minnesota
jordyn Johnson,a middle blocker from Saint Paul,Minnesota,had a remarkable career at DeLaSalle High School. She was a three-time all-conference selection in both volleyball and basketball and holds five school records,including blocks in a game (12),career blocks,kills in a game (25),and career kills. Johnson also holds a single-game record in basketball with 18 rebounds. She helped her team reach the state tournament twice. Johnson selected UC Santa barbara over Cornell, Xavier University in Louisiana, Savannah State, and UConn.
Gabriella Martinez: Outside Hitter from texas
Gabriella Martinez, an outside hitter from Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, led her team to a runner-up finish in the State Championships in 2023. She was named District Co-MVP and First Team All-District, also leading the district in scoring. Martinez was named to the AVCA Phenom List and Offensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons.The Houston Chronicle recognized her as Athlete of the Week. In her final season, she earned a spot on the All-American Watch List and secured her third consecutive Offensive Player of the year award. She chose Santa Barbara over UC San Diego and High Point.
Ayva Ostovar: Setter from California
Ayva Ostovar,a setter from san Clemente,California,is the sole Californian in the incoming class. Ostovar is a two-time CIF-SS D1 Champion and a 2023 maxpreps High School National Champion. During her three years on varsity, she recorded 765 service aces and maintained a 94.5% service percentage. She also tallied 341 digs and 1,000 assists. Ostovar, a student at Mater Dei High School, picked the Gauchos over Villanova, UC Davis, utah State, and UC Irvine.
Ema Petkovic: Outside Hitter from Serbia
ema Petkovic,an outside hitter from Novi Sad,Serbia,brings international experience to the team. Petkovic has competed in the 2nd tier of the Serbian Adult League, where her team finished second, narrowly missing promotion to the 1st tier. As the leading scorer for her team, her left-handed attacks make her a standout player. Coming from a volleyball family, ema continues the legacy of her father, Veljko, and uncle, Vlado, both former players for the Serbian national team. She has been invited to practice with the youth national team multiple times.
Kiersten Schmitt: Transfer from iowa State
Kiersten Schmitt transferred to UC Santa Barbara from Iowa State and has been practicing with the team since the beginning of the spring quarter. Her addition provides immediate experience and depth to the roster.
Did You Know? The average NCAA Division I women’s volleyball team has 14-16 players on its roster, creating a competitive environment for playing time.
Season Outlook
The UC Santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball team’s 2025 season schedule and season tickets will be released in the coming weeks. Fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to see the new-look Gauchos in action.
Pro Tip: Following the team’s social media channels is the best way to stay updated on schedule releases and team news.
The addition of these six players is expected to significantly impact the team’s performance and competitiveness in the upcoming season. The blend of local and international talent, combined with the experience of the transfer student, positions UC Santa Barbara for a strong showing in the Big West Conference.
Here’s a summary of the new recruits:
| Player Name | Position | Hometown | High School/Previous Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avery gibbs | Right Side | Loveland, CO | Thompson Valley High School |
| Jordyn Johnson | Middle Blocker | Saint Paul, MN | DeLaSalle High School |
| gabriella Martinez | Outside Hitter | Katy, TX | Cinco Ranch High School |
| Ayva Ostovar | Setter | San Clemente, CA | Mater Dei High School |
| Ema petkovic | Outside Hitter | Novi Sad, Serbia | Serbian Adult League |
| Kiersten Schmitt | N/A | N/A | Iowa state |
What are yoru expectations for the UC Santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball team in the 2025 season? Which new player are you most excited to watch?
The evolution of College Volleyball Recruiting
College volleyball recruiting has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Once reliant on local talent and word-of-mouth, programs now cast a wide net, both nationally and internationally, to identify and secure top players. the rise of club volleyball and showcase tournaments has provided platforms for athletes to gain exposure, while social media and online recruiting services have streamlined the process for coaches and players alike. As of 2022, over 340 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball programs compete for top talent NCSASports.org.
The increasing competitiveness of college volleyball has also led to earlier recruiting timelines, with some players receiving offers as early as their freshman year of high school. This trend has raised concerns about the pressure on young athletes and the potential for burnout, prompting discussions about regulating the recruiting process to prioritize student-athlete well-being.
frequently Asked Questions About College Volleyball Recruiting
What are the key factors that college volleyball coaches look for in recruits?
College volleyball coaches evaluate recruits based on a combination of factors, including athletic ability, technical skills, academic performance, and character. They also consider a player’s position, experience, and potential for growth. Coaches often attend club tournaments and showcases to assess players in a competitive environment.
How can high school volleyball players improve their chances of getting recruited?
High school volleyball players can improve their chances of getting recruited by excelling in both academics and athletics. They should focus on developing their skills, maintaining a high GPA, and actively participating in club volleyball. Creating a highlight video and reaching out to college coaches are also important steps.
What is the role of club volleyball in the recruiting process?
Club volleyball plays a significant role in the recruiting process, as it provides players with opportunities to compete against top talent and gain exposure to college coaches. Many college coaches attend club tournaments and showcases to evaluate potential recruits. playing for a reputable club can significantly increase a player’s visibility.
How critically important are academics in college volleyball recruiting?
Academics are very important in college volleyball recruiting. College coaches prioritize recruits who demonstrate strong academic performance, as they are more likely to succeed in the classroom and contribute to the team’s overall GPA. Meeting NCAA eligibility requirements is also essential for receiving a scholarship and competing at the Division I level.
what are the different types of volleyball scholarships available?
There are two main types of volleyball scholarships: full scholarships and partial scholarships. Full scholarships cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and othre expenses, while partial scholarships cover a portion of these costs. The amount of scholarship money awarded depends on the player’s talent, the team’s needs, and the coach’s discretion.
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