The Final Stretch: Utah’s Quest for Glory
The hum of the crowd echoed in the Huntsman Center, an arena steeped in history but now pulsing with the high-octane energy of a team on the cusp of greatness. With a record of 18-10 heading into the final regular season weekend, the University of Utah women’s volleyball team was on the precipice of something special. Only two victories stood between them and the ultimate breakthrough: setting a program record for wins in a season. A feat that, if achieved, would not just solidify their place in the annals of the school’s athletic history, but also potentially surpass the 2024 beach volleyball team’s remarkable achievements—a goal that had been quietly whispered about all season long.
In the team’s locker room, Coach Taylor Anderson stood in front of the whiteboard, her sharp blue eyes scanning the room as the players gathered around, ready for her words. The air was thick with anticipation, and her tone reflected the moment’s significance.
“You’ve earned this moment,” Coach Anderson began, her voice steady but filled with purpose. “We’ve worked for it all season long, and now, we’re two matches away from something historic. But make no mistake—this isn’t just about the record. This is about establishing who we are. We want to be a team that sets the standard, not just in this conference, but in this sport. Two wins. That’s it. And then we go out and make the noise we’ve been waiting for.”
The team’s captain, senior outside hitter Emma Hayes, stood at the front, her posture tall and commanding, the weight of leadership hanging on her shoulders. She had been with the program for four years, and though she’d been part of some strong squads, this season felt different. This was the one they’d all been building toward. Every grueling practice, every road trip, every long bus ride—it all had led to this.
“It’s not just about breaking the record for us,” Emma said, her voice calm but carrying a quiet intensity. “It’s about showing everyone who we are. Utah volleyball has arrived. And we’re not going anywhere.”
As the team gathered their gear and headed to the court, the air inside the arena was electric. The opponent for the weekend—University of Colorado—was formidable, but Utah had faced tougher challenges this season. What they had learned from those matches would be the key to their success in this final push. The team was well-prepared. They had studied their opponents’ tendencies, they knew what they had to do. But beyond tactics, it was the fire within them that would drive the victory.
The opening match on Friday night began with a surge of energy, the crowd’s cheers roaring with every point won. The Utes were locked in, their powerful serves cutting through the air like missiles, their defense impenetrable. The connection between setter Lily Montgomery and her hitters—particularly Emma Hayes and sophomore standout Mia Wilson—was flawless. They had built a rhythm all season, a flow that seemed unstoppable. When they took the first set 25-17, it was clear: this was not just another game.
But Colorado wasn’t going to go down quietly. The Buffaloes came out swinging in the second set, using their size at the net to block some of Utah’s more powerful attacks. The match became a back-and-forth battle of wills, each team refusing to relinquish the momentum.
The Utes faltered briefly, dropping the second set 23-25. But it was in moments like these—when adversity reared its ugly head—that the character of a team was truly revealed.
Coach Anderson called a quick timeout, her face unreadable as she addressed her players.
“Remember who you are. You’ve faced harder situations than this. Get back to what works. Fight for every point.”
It wasn’t just the strategy that was key, it was the mental toughness. This was the test of their season. Emma, as always, led by example, her determination etched into every powerful swing of the ball. Mia Wilson, with her youthful confidence, delivered a block that sent the crowd into a frenzy. And in the final moments of the third set, when the scoreline had teetered on the edge, it was Lily Montgomery’s precise set to Emma that ended in a perfect kill—one that sealed a 26-24 win.
The Utes closed out the match 3-1, and the victory was sweet, but they weren’t done yet. With the win, they were one step closer to their ultimate goal: two more victories, and the record would be theirs.
As they left the court that night, the realization hit them: they had broken through. They had won their 19th match, surpassing the previous program record. But that wasn’t enough. Not yet. Not when they had the chance to define a legacy.
—
Saturday afternoon, before the final match of the weekend, the team gathered in their pre-match huddle. This time, the energy in the room was different. It wasn’t the nervous energy of a team unsure of itself—it was the quiet confidence of a squad that knew it was ready.
But across town, at Utah State University, another story was unfolding. The USU women’s volleyball team, preparing for their own season ahead, had just revealed their 2025 Mountain West schedule, which included a few key matchups that could change the trajectory of their program. Though the focus was on their future, the announcement wasn’t without some immediate intrigue, especially with the addition of a new coaching staff member. Kennedi Hansen, a former star player for the Aggies, was returning to the program, this time as an assistant coach.
Kennedi’s return to Logan was met with excitement, as she had been a standout player during her college career. Her fiery competitiveness and leadership had made her a fan favorite, and now she was set to bring those same qualities to the coaching staff.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kennedi back to Aggie volleyball,” said Head Coach Amber Wilson. “She knows what it takes to succeed at this level. Her experience as both a player and a coach will be invaluable to us as we continue to push forward and build a championship-contending team.”
Kennedi’s presence was expected to have an immediate impact, especially in the areas of team defense and mental resilience. Her expertise at the net, as both an attacker and blocker, would be crucial in helping the Aggies compete against the growing strength of their Mountain West rivals.
But as the Utah State volleyball team looked forward to the future, the Utes were focused on the present. This final match against Colorado would not only decide if they could set a new program record, but it would also be the exclamation point on a season of transformation.
Back in the Huntsman Center, the Utes were locked in for the final match of the weekend. The game was intense from the start. Both teams fought tooth and nail, but it was clear that the Utes were determined to finish what they had started.
In the fourth set, with the score tied and the pressure mounting, it was Mia Wilson’s ace serve that gave Utah the upper hand. A few points later, Emma Hayes delivered a powerful kill to seal the match and the victory: 3-1.
The team had done it. They had not only surpassed the program’s win record, but they had cemented their place in history. The crowd erupted, the players hugged and cried, the emotions of the season pouring out in that one moment.
But even as they celebrated, they knew this was just the beginning. Their legacy had been established, but now the real work began. With the new record in hand, they were ready to chase even bigger goals, to push the boundaries of what was possible.
As the final whistle blew, Coach Anderson looked at her team, proud b
ut focused.
“We’re just getting started,” she said.