WOU Volleyball 2025: 7 Key Players And Coach Nahale-a's Plan To Climb The GNAC Standings
The Western Oregon University (WOU) Volleyball program is entering a pivotal phase under Head Coach Kaiao Nahale-a, with the team focused on turning a corner and making a significant impact in the competitive Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) for the 2025 season. As of the current date, December 26, 2025, the Wolves are building on a foundational period of incremental improvement, aiming to translate their hard work into a winning conference record and a spot in the GNAC Tournament. The anticipation for the 2025 campaign centers on the continued development of a young, talented roster and the strategic leadership of Nahale-a, who is now in his fourth year at the helm.
This deep-dive article provides the most up-to-date look at the WOU Wolves volleyball team, detailing the coaching staff, the full biographical profile of the head coach, the key players expected to lead the charge, and the overall outlook as they prepare to face tough regional rivals in the Pacific Northwest.
Head Coach Kaiao Nahale-a and the 2025 WOU Volleyball Roster
The foundation of the Western Oregon University volleyball program rests on the shoulders of its coaching staff and the promising talent of its student-athletes. The 2025 roster is a mix of established returners and fresh faces, all unified under the "Live Aloha" philosophy promoted by the head coach.
Head Coach Biography: Kaiao Nahale-a
- Full Name: Kaiao Nahale-a
- Current Role: Head Volleyball Coach, Western Oregon University (WOU)
- Year at WOU: Entering his fourth season (2025)
- Coaching Philosophy: Known for instilling a culture of "Live Aloha... Always and All Ways!"
- WOU Tenure Highlights: Has guided the Wolves to show incremental improvement in his first two seasons, moving from a 9-17 record in 2022 to a 10-16 record in 2023.
- Previous Experience: Prior to WOU, Nahale-a served as the Interim Head Coach for Women's Volleyball at Lewis & Clark College. He also has experience as a Head Coach and Club Director at Athena Volleyball Academy.
- Hometown/Background: Has a strong background in volleyball, often emphasizing a positive, team-first approach.
2025 Western Oregon University Volleyball Coaching Staff
Coach Nahale-a is supported by a dedicated staff focused on player development and strategic execution:
- Associate Head Coach: Kellen Takatsuka
- Assistant Coach: Margie Rakestraw
Key Entities & Core Players for the 2025 Season
The 2025 roster features several key returners who are expected to provide leadership and high-level play. These athletes represent the core of the Wolves' strategy to improve their GNAC standing.
- Sidney Friesen (DS/L): A key defensive specialist/libero, Friesen enters the 2025 season as a Sophomore. She is a local talent from Salem, Oregon, and is an alumna of Sprague High School, where she also played Outside Hitter. Her club experience was with the North Pacific Juniors Volleyball Academy.
- Kaelyn Flores (MB): A Middle Blocker who is expected to be a major presence at the net.
- Ali Millspaugh (OPP): An Opposite Hitter whose offensive production will be crucial for the Wolves' attack.
- Ava Ainsworth: Listed on the 2025 roster, she is expected to contribute to the team's depth.
- Maela Honma: Another key athlete on the 2025 roster, providing options for the coaching staff.
- Madi Noel: A player who will be looking to make a significant impact in the new season.
- Taya Blankenship: Expected to be a contributing member of the Wolves squad.
The Drive for Improvement: Analyzing Recent Performance and the 2025 Outlook
The Western Oregon Wolves compete in the highly competitive NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC), a conference known for its strong regional rivals. The team's performance in the most recently completed season (likely 2024) saw a challenging overall record of 3-23, with a 2-16 mark in conference play, placing them near the bottom of the GNAC standings.
Despite the recent win-loss record, the program has been focused on a long-term strategy of consistent growth under Coach Nahale-a. The significant improvement from a 9-17 record in 2022 to a 10-16 record in 2023 demonstrates the team’s upward trajectory and the effectiveness of the coaching staff’s development plan. The 2025 season is viewed as the next critical step in this continuous improvement process.
Key Themes for the 2025 Season
The 2025 campaign will be defined by several key themes as the Wolves look to compete with the top teams in the GNAC:
- Defensive Fortitude: With Sidney Friesen anchoring the back row as a Defensive Specialist/Libero, the team will prioritize a strong, consistent defense to extend rallies and create transition opportunities.
- Offensive Consistency: The development of hitters like Kaelyn Flores and Ali Millspaugh will be essential. Nahale-a's system relies on balanced offense that can attack from multiple positions, putting pressure on opponents' blocks.
- GNAC Competition: The Wolves will face a gauntlet of tough conference opponents, including Saint Martin's, Seattle Pacific, and Northwest Nazarene. Improving the conference record from 2-16 will be the primary measure of success.
- Road Warrior Mentality: The 2024 season saw the Wolves struggle on the road (1-11 away record), making the ability to secure wins in hostile environments a major focus for the 2025 schedule.
The Path Forward: Building a GNAC Contender in Monmouth, OR
The Western Oregon University Wolves are based in Monmouth, Oregon, and represent the university's commitment to NCAA Division II athletics. The volleyball program is a vital part of the WOU Athletics department, fostering community engagement and school spirit.
The 2025 season schedule kicks off with an exciting start, including a match against the Vikings on Sunday, August 24th, at Hillsboro. These early non-conference matches are vital for the team to build chemistry, test new rotations, and gain confidence before the demanding GNAC schedule begins.
The overall objective for Coach Nahale-a and the 2025 squad is clear: to continue the upward trend of the program and secure a berth in the GNAC postseason tournament. By focusing on player development, fostering a strong team culture with the "Live Aloha" philosophy, and leveraging the talent of key returners like Sidney Friesen, Kaelyn Flores, and Ali Millspaugh, the Western Oregon Wolves are poised to take the next step and become a formidable competitor in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
The Wolves' journey is a compelling narrative of a program dedicated to growth, and fans are eagerly anticipating a breakthrough season that showcases the team’s potential in the highly competitive Division II landscape.
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