Heading into Matt Jones’ first season as the Gaucho head coach, UC Santa Barbara Women’s Volleyball was selected to finish second in the Big West in the conference’s annual Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
Coming off a second-place finish in 2022, the Gauchos were predicted to finish behind Hawai’i, who ended in first place last year.
On an individual level, senior outside hitter Michelle Ohwobete and senior libero Macall Peed were named to the All-Big West Preseason Coaches’ Team.
Ohwobete was a member of the All-Big West First Team last year while Peed was the Big West Libero of the Year.
There are five seniors on this year’s UCSB team, but there is also plenty of youth in the form of seven true freshmen.
The Gauchos, who were 20-10 last season, will begin their season on Friday, Aug. 25 by hosting the weekend-long Thunderdome Classic. Their first matchup is against New Mexico State on Friday at 7 p.m.
