The CSU Stanislaus Volleyball team has just concluded their 2024 season breaking numerous records, and most importantly, has become the most winning volleyball team at Stan State.
From only winning 9 matches in the 2023 season, the Warriors finished 22-8 and captured the title of CCAA Tournament Champions in the process. This was the first time the Stan State program claimed this title.
The Warriors headed into the tournament being ranked 24th nationally which is also a first time achievement. It doesn’t end there, though, as their Championship win gave them an automatic bid to the National Championship for the first time in history. Six Warriors received All-Conference honors and five were selected to the All-Tournament Team.
It has been a long season for the team starting earlier than usual as they made an international trip to Costa Rica in July. This year’s team had 8 seniors, including Alex Byrd (senior, Creative Media) who is grateful for the way her career has concluded.
“It feels amazing and I’m so happy that this team got to experience this together. We never thought our season would go this way, and especially being a senior, I’m glad we ended off strong,” she says.
Byrd received many awards this year including All-CCAA second team and All-Tournament. She is also the all time blocks leader for the program with 357.
Her favorite memories of the season include beating ranked opponents on the road like Cal State LA and Cal State San Bernardino. She hopes that the returning players take advantage of their non-competition season in the spring to sharpen up their skills and continue to build team chemistry.
Two returners from this past season, Leah Mendoza (sophomore, Child Development) and Christallynn Tate (junior, Psychology), are hoping to keep the success of the volleyball program going as they continue on their journey as Warriors.
“My goals for next season are to keep the same fight and determination that this team had by working for everything and not expecting anything to be given to us,” says Mendoza.
This was her first year as a member of the program as she recently transferred from the University of Nevada. She has many highlights of her experience, including Costa Rica. Her favorite thing about the program are the girls and coaches. She mentions that this particular group of women helped her find her love for volleyball again.
Tate also experienced her first year as a Warrior, transferring from North Central Texas College. She is ready to build on the foundation this team has built.
“Next season, I am focused on building stronger connections with my teammates and continuing to grow in my leadership role. As a team, I would love to see us repeat this year’s CCAA Championship and carry on the hard work and dedication of the players who came before us. Their foundation has laid the groundwork for our success, and it’s up to us to keep pushing forward and make them proud by building on that legacy,” she says.
One of Tate’s highlights was also Costa Rica, but she will always remember those special moments shared with her teammates that made her entire season memorable. She mentions that volleyball is more than a game. She believes that building a team dynamic that is supportive and encouraging is more important than any win or lose.
She will always be thankful for the seniors she met this year and will use what they taught her to hopefully continue to make an impact.
“It’s an honor to contribute to a legacy that will hopefully inspire future athletes at this school. This accomplishment pushes me to keep working hard, so I can represent our team and school to the best of my ability, both on and off the court,” says Tate.
The Warrior Volleyball team has a lot to be proud of. All of their hard work contributed to a record breaking performance. They will compete in their non-competition season in the Spring, hoping to regain momentum to continue on the legacy they’ve built.
