LA JOLLA, Calif. - In anticipation of competing in its first season as an NCAA Division I member of the Big West Conference, the University of California San Diego women's volleyball program recently wrapped up a productive fall practice season on campus in La Jolla.

On July 29, the Big West postponed the 2020 competition schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There was talk of possibly playing in the spring of 2021, so practices began and continued throughout the fall. Unfortunately on December 10, the conference announced that it would not conduct competition for fall sports in the spring. 

We spoke with 11th-year head coach Ricci Luyties to get his thoughts on how the fall went with plenty of practice but no non-conference or Big West competition.

Let's start with the latest news. What did you tell the team after learning that the season would not be played in the spring?
We immediately held a Zoom meeting to talk about the bad news. We gave the scholar-athletes all the information that was available. We tried to instill some hope of competition in the spring with our four dates in the non-championship segment. The players were of course disappointed, but I get the sense that they're getting numb to these things and it was just more bad news in a crazy year. I think it's going to be difficult if they're seeing other teams playing when we get to March and April.

What were your main goals for practice?
First, we wanted to get players back in the gym. Secondly, we wanted to make it through the fall. With the uncertainty of everything coming in, we were hoping not to be shut down on a daily basis. The emphasis during training was to get the players into some sort of playing shape as well as avoid injuries after such a long layoff. It allowed us to work on some skill techniques we normally don't get to break down while we're competing.

What are the top things you learned about the team this fall?
We have a large roster and a lot of depth. It's the most players we've ever had on the roster. Each position has players pushing each other to be better. If we had played our normal season, it would have been really difficult figuring out who would be the starters. Also, everyone hits well when there's no block! Since they can't be at the net against each other, we did a lot of hitting with no block ... not a good way to practice volleyball. We'll see what they got when we finally get to play a little six-on-six.
 
What really stood out to you in a positive way?
I saw great effort from everyone in everything we gave them to do. That's something that all coaches look for, so I feel like if we see that same energy during spring practices, this team could be really good.
 
What specific aspects of the game does the team need to work more on?
It's going to be on everyone to work on their conditioning and vertical moving forward. I feel like some took the COVID break off and some kept up with their strength and conditioning. I'd like to see everybody ready to go when we get the opportunity to practice together again.
 
How did the newcomers look? Did they seem to gel with the returning players?
I'm really happy so far with the new players. They all looked good in the limited things we could do, but also had good attitudes and were a pleasure to coach. It's tough to judge the chemistry of the team at this point. We've only been together for limited amounts of time plus we're distanced, so it's hard to see what they're like when they're with each other for a few days at a time or facing a difficult situation to overcome.
 
Did any player(s) really step up into a leadership role?
We have three captains this year - Cindy Tran, Emily Hubbard, and Susanna Limb. They have a tough job with the circumstances this year and they're dealing with all of the problems coming at them really well. Keeping the spirits up of their teammates and doing what they need to do individually is a difficult job, but I feel like all three have done an excellent job so far.
 
What were some of the biggest challenges during practice due to the pandemic?
The masks haven't been as bad as I thought they'd be. Coaching-wise, we were challenged because we were so limited in the drills we could do because of the social distancing aspect. I was trying to make the practices as interesting as I can but I won't lie, it's difficult.
 
How strange was it to have a fall with no matches?
Just being at home on weekends now is completely different as a volleyball coach. I found myself continually thinking about what and where we should be during the fall and always feeling like I'm supposed to be somewhere. We're all in this because we like to compete, so we can't wait until we get that opportunity again.
 
What tactics did you use to keep the team's attitude positive?
To the credit of our players, they stayed positive the entire fall. I think it was because they were all happy to be back in the gym, seeing each other, and getting the chance to play again.
 
In what ways did our practices change from the past since we are Division I now?
We've always tried to practice and compete like we are a Division I team, so nothing has changed except the social distancing during practices.
 
What did you tell the team after our last practice?
Our last practice was the day before Thanksgiving. We were expecting to come back to play a season in the spring, so there was still some excitement and enthusiasm. We talked about staying safe and trying to stay in shape with another long break over the holidays.





Outside of practice this fall, the Tritons saw two high school standouts sign National Letters of Intent to join the team in the fall of 2021. Middle blocker Emily McDaniel is out of Anaheim, Calif., and Canyon High School, while setter Isabella Santa Cruz hails from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and Los Osos High School.

In 2019, UC San Diego's final season as an NCAA Division II program, the Tritons finished with an 18-9 overall record and went 12-5 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). They advanced to the NCAA Regionals for the 15th time since 2000.

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About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program begins a new era in 2020 as a member of the Big West Conference in NCAA Division I. The 23-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide more than 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. In addition, 83 Tritons have been named Academic All-Americans, while 37 have earned prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 91 percent, one of the highest rates among institutions at all divisions. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.