Travis Named Preseason All-Big West, Gauchos Picked Fourth

IRVINE, Calif. – The Big West announced its Women’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll and Team on Thursday afternoon. Redshirt Sophomore Eva Travis was tabbed as one of seven Preseason All-Big West selections, while the Gauchos were picked to finish fourth and received one first-place vote.
 
The Gauchos are coming off a campaign that saw them go 14-16 overall and 10-8 in The Big West, narrowly missing out on The Big West Championships. With a solid core returning and an exciting group of newcomers the Gauchos look to make some noise in 2025.
 
2024 Freshman of the Year Eva Travis headlines a group of returners including Sophie Reavis, Emma McDermott, Layanna Green and Grace Wuischpard. Santa Barbara will continue to play an up-tempo offensive attack as they look to earn an NCAA Tournament bid for the second time under head coach Matt Jones.
 
UC Santa Barbara will open the season on Friday, August 29 at San Jose State. The Gauchos and Spartans will play twice with the second game on Saturday, August 30. Fans can get their first look at the 2025 Women’s Volleyball team on Thursday, September 11, as they take on Kansas State in game one of the 2025 Thunderdome Classic. Season tickets are available and can be purchased online, in person or by phone at (805) 893-UCSB (8272).
 
2025 Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Hawai’i — 94 (5)
2. Cal Poly — 92 (5)
3. UC Davis — 75 (1)
4. UC Santa Barbara — 73 (1)
5. Long Beach State – 68
6. UC Irvine — 53
7. UC San Diego — 50
8. CSUN — 42
9. Cal State Bakersfield — 23
10. Cal State Fullerton — 21
11. UC Riverside — 14
**Parentheses denote first place votes.
 
2025 Preseason Coaches Team
Emme Bullis – Cal Poly
Ally Chandler – UC Davis
Bri Gunderson – Hawai’i
Campbell Jensen – UC Irvine
Jade Light — UC Davis
Eva Travis – UC Santa Barbara