The LMU Volleyball Revolution: 5 Shocking Takeaways From The Lions' First WCC Title In 28 Years
The Loyola Marymount University (LMU) Lions Women's Volleyball program is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation, riding the high of a historic 2024 season that saw them clinch their first West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship since 1996. This monumental achievement, which culminated in a thrilling run to the NCAA Tournament, has completely reset expectations for the Lions, who are now positioned as a perennial contender in the WCC and on the national stage. As of late December 2025, the program is embracing a new era of leadership while celebrating the individual brilliance of a powerhouse roster that delivered a long-awaited title to Gersten Pavilion.
The success is not just limited to the indoor court; the LMU Beach Volleyball program has also maintained its elite status, cementing Loyola Marymount University as a true powerhouse in the sport. The recent coaching transition and the emergence of multiple All-Conference stars are the freshest storylines defining the LMU Lions' trajectory, signaling a bright, dominant future for the Los Angeles-based program.
LMU Volleyball's Core Entities: Coaches, Champions, and Legends
The LMU Volleyball program's success is built on the shoulders of dedicated coaches and exceptional athletes, both past and present. The program recently navigated a significant coaching change, which is a major talking point heading into the 2025 season.
- Kolby O'Donnell (Head Coach, Indoor): Named the eighth Head Coach of the LMU Women's Volleyball program in February 2025. O'Donnell was the Associate Head Coach under Trent Kersten during the historic 2024 WCC Championship run. His previous experience includes coaching roles at Miami and Appalachian State, bringing a wealth of elite experience to the Lions.
- Trent Kersten (Former Head Coach, Indoor): Led the Lions to the 2024 WCC Championship and was named the 2024 WCC Coach of the Year. He successfully resurrected the program, achieving its first conference title in 28 years.
- Sam Hastings (WCC Libero of the Year): The standout senior was named the 2024 WCC Libero of the Year, highlighting her defensive mastery. She was also a crucial member of the All-WCC First Team and the WCC All-Academic Team.
- Paige Flickinger (All-WCC First Team): A key offensive threat for the Lions, Flickinger earned a spot on the 2024 All-WCC First Team and received AVCA Honorable Mention recognition, solidifying her status as one of the nation's top outside hitters.
- Mia Schafer (All-WCC First Team): Recognized for her exceptional setting and court leadership, Schafer was named to the 2024 All-WCC First Team. She was also a WCC Preseason Team honoree.
- Sophia Meyers (All-WCC First Team): A formidable force on the court, Meyers completed the quartet of Lions named to the 2024 All-WCC First Team, demonstrating LMU's balanced attack. She was also named to the WCC Preseason Team.
- Jiana Lawson (All-Freshman Team): A rising star, Lawson earned a spot on the 2024 All-Freshman Team, indicating the program's strong pipeline of young talent.
- John Mayer (Head Coach, Beach Volleyball): Named the 2024 WCC Beach Volleyball Coach of the Year, leading the Lions' beach program to continued national prominence.
- Emily Day (Notable Alumni): A former LMU standout and Hall of Fame inductee who went on to have a decorated professional beach volleyball career.
The Historic 2024 Season: A WCC Championship and NCAA Tournament Run
The 2024 women's volleyball season will be etched in Loyola Marymount history as the year the program returned to the top of the West Coast Conference. The Lions' dominant performance throughout the year led to their first WCC Championship title since the 1996 season. This success was a testament to the team's depth, the tactical brilliance of the coaching staff, and the standout individual performances from its senior leaders.
The program’s dominance was underscored by a massive haul of individual awards. The Lions secured eight honors from the conference, a clear indication of their superiority. The most decorated awards included Trent Kersten’s WCC Coach of the Year honor and Sam Hastings’ WCC Libero of the Year award.
NCAA Tournament Thriller and WCC Dominance
The WCC title earned LMU an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Their opening-round match was an instant classic, featuring a grueling five-set thriller against the University of Washington. The Lions demonstrated incredible composure and resilience, ultimately prevailing to advance to the second round—a significant achievement for the program.
The tournament run concluded in the second round, where the Lions faced the formidable No. 2 seed Stanford Cardinal. While LMU was swept by the national powerhouse, the experience of competing at that level provided invaluable momentum and exposure for the program heading into the offseason. The 2024 campaign, with its conference title and NCAA victory, firmly established LMU as a force to be reckoned with.
The New Era: Kolby O'Donnell and the 2025 Outlook
The biggest news following the championship season was the coaching transition. In February 2025, Kolby O'Donnell was officially named the new Head Coach, taking the reins from Trent Kersten. O'Donnell’s promotion from Associate Head Coach ensures continuity, as he was deeply involved in the championship-winning strategy. This move is seen as a strategic decision to maintain the program's upward trajectory.
O'Donnell’s background and familiarity with the current roster—including the nine new additions the team welcomed for the 2024 season—will be critical in the 2025 campaign. The Lions are already being recognized for their sustained excellence, having been ranked third in the WCC Preseason Coaches Poll for the upcoming 2025 season. This ranking is a testament to the belief that LMU can compete for back-to-back conference titles.
Key Players Driving the 2025 Narrative
While the team will undoubtedly feature new faces, the foundation laid by the All-WCC players remains crucial. The return of key veterans and the integration of new talent will be essential. The success of players like Sam Hastings, Paige Flickinger, Mia Schafer, and Sophia Meyers in 2024 has set a high standard for the entire squad.
- Defensive Anchor: The defensive system, anchored by the WCC Libero of the Year Sam Hastings, will be the program's reliable backbone.
- Offensive Firepower: The ability of Flickinger and Meyers to deliver kills in high-pressure situations will dictate LMU's success in conference play and beyond.
- Setting Prowess: Mia Schafer's role as a primary setter and court orchestrator will be vital in running the complex offensive schemes favored by the new coaching staff.
The Dual-Court Dynasty: LMU's Beach Volleyball Excellence
Loyola Marymount University's athletic prowess in volleyball extends far beyond the indoor court. The LMU Beach Volleyball program has established itself as an elite national contender, consistently ranking among the best in the country. This dual-sport excellence adds significant topical authority to the university's athletic profile.
Under the leadership of Head Coach John Mayer, the beach Lions continued their winning ways in 2024. The program's dominance was highlighted by Mayer being named the 2024 WCC Coach of the Year for Beach Volleyball. Furthermore, the duo of Michelle Shaffer and Valma Prihti was recognized as the 2024 WCC Pair of the Year, showcasing the individual talent within the program. They also secured a massive 3-2 victory over powerhouse UCLA in the 2024 season. This consistent high performance on the sand makes LMU one of the few universities that can claim top-tier status in both indoor and beach volleyball.
The synergy between the two programs—sharing facilities, a dedicated fanbase, and a winning culture—is a unique advantage for LMU, attracting top recruits who are often skilled in both disciplines. As the indoor team builds on its 2024 championship, the beach team continues to set a national standard, ensuring that LMU volleyball remains a must-watch program for years to come.
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