Title: “BYU Picked to Rule the Court: Cougars Named Big 12 Volleyball Favorites in 2025 Preseason Poll”
A Deep Dive into BYU’s Rise to Big 12 Volleyball Dominance
PROVO, Utah — The Big 12 Conference has spoken—and it’s official: BYU Volleyball is the team to beat in 2025. In a highly anticipated release, the conference named Brigham Young University as the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 volleyball title, signaling a shift in the league’s power structure and further solidifying BYU’s emergence as a national volleyball powerhouse.
Coming off a 2024 campaign in which the Cougars finished 27–4 overall and reached the NCAA Elite Eight, head coach Heather Olmstead’s squad has reloaded, refined, and re-energized for a title run that many believe is not just possible—but probable.
Dominating the Polls and the Awards
In the official Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll, BYU received 9 of 12 first-place votes, edging out perennial contenders Texas and Baylor, both of whom have dominated recent seasons. This marks the first time since joining the conference in 2023 that BYU has been ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll.
But the honors didn’t stop there.
Preseason Player of the Year went to Kennedy Esplin (fictional), BYU’s electrifying outside hitter who notched 4.2 kills per set and earned AVCA First-Team All-American honors last season. Known for her powerful cross-court attack and leadership presence, Esplin is being touted as one of the best all-around players in the country.
Joining her on the All-Big 12 Preseason Team are libero Malia Kaufusi (fictional), who led the conference in digs in 2024, and rising sophomore middle blocker Riley Taggart, who was a breakout star during last year’s NCAA Tournament.
The Heather Olmstead Effect
BYU’s rapid ascent in the Big 12 is no accident. Under the direction of head coach Heather Olmstead, the Cougars have maintained a national top-10 presence, even after making the jump from the West Coast Conference. Known for her player development, scouting precision, and culture-first approach, Olmstead has established a program that rivals the best in the nation.
“She’s built something here that’s sustainable,” said Big 12 analyst and former coach Kara Henderson (fictional). “BYU doesn’t rebuild—they reload. And they’ve got the balance, talent, and mentality to run the table.”
Schedule, Spotlight, and Statement Games
The Cougars’ 2025 schedule is loaded with opportunity and danger. Key matchups include:
Sept. 20 at Texas – A rematch of last year’s five-set thriller that ended BYU’s Final Four bid.
Oct. 5 vs. Kansas – A clash against the conference’s best defensive team.
Nov. 15 vs. Baylor – Potential Big 12 title decider in front of a sold-out Smith Fieldhouse.
Expect packed arenas, national broadcasts, and an NCAA spotlight as BYU enters the season with top-five national rankings in every major poll.
Culture + Chemistry = Championship?
Beyond stats and rankings, the Cougars have something harder to quantify—chemistry. The team returns 10 of 12 rotational players and boasts one of the most experienced benches in the nation. Leadership flows from every position, and their offseason team-building work, which included a humanitarian trip to Ecuador, has only strengthened their bond.
“We’re not chasing rankings,” Esplin told reporters during media day. “We’re chasing each other’s best. Every day.”
The Final Word
The Big 12 now runs through Provo, and the rest of the conference knows it. With unmatched momentum, elite talent, and one of the sport’s best coaches at the helm, BYU isn’t just aiming for a conference title—they’ve got national championship dreams in full view.
For Cougar fans, 2025 could be the year dreams meet destiny.
This article is a work of factual fiction based on real institutions and imagined scenarios, written for creative and entertainment purposes.
