UIW volleyball, under first-year head coach Gabryel Ording, achieved one of its best seasons in program history, finishing at 15-16 and posting a regular season best at .500 since turning Division I in 2013. The team's upward trajectory throughout the season, marked by a hot 5-0 start and strong tournament performances, sets the stage for continued excitement in the coming years.

By the Numbers
  • Team total of 1,434 kills, the second-highest number since 2013
  • Senior Allison Palmi led the team with 352 kills, contributing to a total attack percentage of .222
  • Junior Natalie Kimmel tallied 698 assists with a 6.12 assists per set ratio, ranking second in the conference
  • Junior Kimmel also led the SLC for service aces, finishing with a career-high of 48
  • Los Angeles native Annamarie Alvarez came third on the team's kill list but led the SLC with a .404 attack percentage
State of Play
  • UIW volleyball finished fifth in the Southland Conference, with two student-athletes named SLC Player of the Week and one named to an All-Conference Team
  • Despite lineup changes due to injuries, the team showcased a consistent performance, leaning on both upperclassmen and younger players
  • With Coach Ording and more than half of the team returning next year, the program aims to sustain its upward trend
Bottom Line

Under the leadership of Coach Ording, UIW volleyball's 2023 season signifies a positive shift in the program's performance, laying the foundation for future success with a talented roster and promising trajectory.