The Santa Clara University women's volleyball team has three players recognized on the WCC Preseason Team, with the Broncos projected to finish fourth in the conference. Junior setter Macy Hinshaw and redshirt junior outside hitter Cate Shanahan, both all-WCC first-team members in 2025, join senior libero Lexi Trapani, who earned second-team honors last year. SCU tied for the second-most preseason selections, trailing only San Diego, which had four. The Broncos amassed 55 points in the preseason coaches' poll, just shy of LMU's 59 points for third place.

By the Numbers
  • Macy Hinshaw led the WCC with 10.03 assists per set and 1,154 total assists in 2025.
  • Lexi Trapani topped the WCC with 450 total digs and an average of 3.91 digs per set last season.
Yes, But

The Broncos face tough competition in the WCC, notably from defending champion San Diego, which received all first-place votes, indicating a significant challenge to improve upon current standings.

State of Play
  • Santa Clara tied with LMU and Pepperdine in preseason accolades, with four players recognized between them.
  • The team finished with a 17-12 record and 12-6 in WCC play last season, signaling potential improvement opportunities.
What's Next

As the season kicks off on August 28 in Dayton, Ohio, the Broncos aim to leverage their preseason recognition to enhance performance against established rivals and potentially improve their conference standing.

Bottom Line

The recognition received by the Santa Clara players reflects their potential impact on the upcoming season, but they must capitalize on this momentum to contend with stronger teams in the WCC.