SBVC's women's volleyball team cheering

 

The SBVC women’s volleyball team made history in 2024, securing its second consecutive Inland Empire Athletic Conference (IEAC) co-championship alongside Mt. San Jacinto. The back-to-back co-championships came after the Wolverines had not posted a winning season since 2005, or won a conference title since 2006. This season also brought significant milestones not seen in decades, cementing the Wolverines’ return to prominence.

In 2023, the team’s conference championship and playoff appearance were their first since 2006. Building on that momentum, the Wolverines hosted a postseason game for the first time since 2002 this year, clinching their first postseason victory in the same span. The moment carried extra significance for current Athletic Director David Rubio, who was SBVC’s head volleyball coach during that 2002 playoff run.

The team’s postseason journey culminated in reaching one of the four Southern California Regional Final games, where they fell to Cerritos College in three hard-fought sets. Despite the loss, the Wolverines’ season was one for the history books.
“There will never be another group like this,” Coach Robert Vansant said after the loss to Cerritos. “I told them that during our meeting after the game.” As far as the future, he added, “But, yes, if I can get something close to this group and get good kids that work hard in the classroom and on the court, and have that level of trust that these guys had in me, they’ll do OK.”

The Wolverines’ achievements this season have energized the SBVC community and set a high standard for the program. With a strong foundation built by this exceptional group of athletes, the future of SBVC volleyball looks brighter than ever.