Cal Bears Beach Volleyball Ready for Inaugural MPSF Season

The No. 9 California Golden Bears beach volleyball team, led by head coach Meagan Owusu, is poised to begin its inaugural season in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF). The MPSF, which added beach volleyball this year, boasts seven programs that have collectively won all eight NCAA Championship titles, making it an incredibly competitive conference.

We are excited to embark on our inaugural MPSF season, Owusu said. We are grateful that we get to play in such a competitive conference and compete against many of the same schools that we have played against historically.

The conference’s prestige is set to increase further, with LSU, Florida State, South Carolina, and Texas joining the MPSF next year, solidifying its position as a “super conference.” Cal enters this new chapter with considerable momentum, having made three consecutive appearances at the NCAA Championship—a first in the program’s 12-year history. The Bears have consistently performed well, achieving a seventh-place finish in each of the last two seasons, their best program result to date. Their 2024 season saw a 22-14 overall record, including 12 wins against ranked opponents, and a peak ranking of no. 6.

Owusu attributes this success to the team’s commitment to holistic progress. We continue to focus on getting better in all areas each year, she explained. That can mean many things and we are blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing individuals and support staff dedicated to the betterment and experience of this team.

The 2025 roster boasts a blend of experience and fresh talent,with 13 returning players,two graduate student transfers,and five freshmen. Owusu anticipates the 12 upperclassmen will provide crucial leadership. This year we have strong veteran leadership, Owusu noted. Not only are they talented volleyball players but they have done an outstanding job bringing the underclassmen up to speed with our standards and values.

Among the key returning players are graduate student and two-time AVCA All-American Sierra Caffo, who will play her third and final season, and senior Alexandria Young-Gomez, an AVCA All-American with a 23-13 record last year and currently 10th on Cal’s all-time wins list with 60. Senior Ella Dreibholz, with 78 career victories, is on the verge of becoming the program’s all-time wins leader, needing only six more wins to surpass Grace Campbell’s record of 83. Junior Portia Sherman holds the program’s win percentage record at .828,having posted a 26-7 record as a sophomore.

the team also welcomes graduate transfers Christine DeRoos, a 2024 All-Big West Honorable Mention and AVCA Top Flight Award Recipient from Long Beach State, and Maile somera, the 2024 Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year from Yale, who is making her beach volleyball debut. Sophomore Emma Donley,who had a remarkable freshman year with a 21-14 record,including Pac-12 and NCAA Championship wins,adds to the team’s strength. The five freshmen—Bella Adishian, carly Hixson, Kae Morely, and twin sisters Giselle and Savanna Lau—have already impressed Owusu with their dedication and contributions.

While we have a strong veteran presence, I have also been impressed by our freshmen this Fall and preseason, Owusu said. They have expectations for effort and have made our team better in a short period of time.

The bears’ 2025 season kicks off this weekend at the Pepperdine Challenge in Malibu. They will face Vanguard and CSU Bakersfield on Friday, followed by matches against Pepperdine and Long Beach State on Saturday.

Headline:

Cal Bears Embrace the Challenge: Navigating the Inaugural MPSF beach Volleyball Season with Passion and Precision

Introduction:

As the Cal Golden Bears dive headfirst into their first season within the esteemed Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), what lessons can thay harness from history, and how can this pioneering journey redefine beach volleyball’s future?

Editor’s Questions & Expert’s Answers:

Q1: What makes the cal Golden Bears’ move to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) so significant in the landscape of college beach volleyball?

A1:

The cal Golden Bears’ inclusion in the MPSF is monumental as it marks the entrance of a historically competitive team into what is rapidly becoming the “super conference” of beach volleyball. The Mountain Pacific Sports federation, renowned for its storied legacy—as all eight NCAA Championship titles in beach volleyball have been secured by its seven member teams—brings together elite competition that elevates the standard of play. For Cal, joining such a prestigious conference not only challenges them to step up their game but also aligns them with the sport’s top-tier programs. this move signifies a broader trend of collegiate teams striving for excellence by joining competitive leagues that promise growth, exposure, and ancient achievement.

Q2: How crucial is the role of leadership and team dynamics in preparing the Golden Bears for this competitive debut?

A2:

leadership is the backbone of any successful athletic team, and for the Cal Golden Bears, it’s pivotal. Head coach Meagan Owusu emphasizes a focus on holistic progress, underscoring the importance of all-around growth—physically, mentally, and emotionally. With 12 upperclassmen leading by example, including standout performers like senior Alexandria Young-Gomez and graduate student Sierra Caffo, their experience serves as a cornerstone for mentoring the younger players. Such strong veteran presence ensures the seamless integration of new talent and instills a culture of excellence and resilience.These dynamics are crucial as they navigate their inaugural MPSF season,demanding not only individual skill but also robust team cohesion and strategic synergy.

Q3: In what ways can the accomplishments and future prospects of key players like Ella Dreibholz and Portia Sherman influence the team’s trajectory in the MPSF?

A3:

Key players such as Ella Dreibholz and Portia Sherman are instrumental to Cal’s success in their inaugural MPSF season.Dreibholz, with her proximity to breaking Grace Campbell’s all-time wins record for the program, brings not just talent but also a storied legacy of achievement. Sherman,holding the program’s win percentage record,exemplifies consistent excellence. Their leadership and performance on the court serve as a catalyst for the team’s enterprising goals. When veterans with such illustrious records demonstrate commitment and skill, they uplift the entire team, inspiring confidence and a winning mentality. Their individual and collective progress will undoubtedly be a driving force in shaping Cal’s future prospects within this competitive conference.

Q4: how might the addition of graduate transfers and talented freshmen transform the team’s dynamic and potential in the coming seasons?

A4:

The strategic addition of graduate transfers and talented freshmen is a transformative move for the Cal Golden Bears, promising a blend of experience and fresh energy. Graduate transfers like Christine DeRoos and Maile Somera bring seasoned expertise and accolades, such as DeRoos’s All-Big West Honorable Mention and Somera’s Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year title.These players not only elevate the team’s competitive edge but also serve as mentors to the incoming freshmen. Meanwhile,newcomers like Bella Adishian and the twins Giselle and Savanna Lau inject youthful vigor and determination. This dynamic mix fosters a culture of constant evolution and adaptability, essential for long-term success in the ever-competitive Landscape of beach volleyball.

Conclusion:

The Cal Golden Bears’ venture into the MPSF is a testament to their commitment to excellence, leveraging a strong foundation of leadership, strategic additions, and a forward-thinking ethos. As they embark on this journey, the lessons learned and milestones achieved will undoubtedly resonate within the fabric of college beach volleyball, inspiring future generations of players and teams to strive for greatness. Do you think this move sets a precedent for other programs aiming to elevate their competitive game? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on how the Golden Bears are rewriting the playbook in beach volleyball!