The Pacific volleyball team has put in the work.

"I'm really happy with how they showed up," said first-year head coach Rachel Renville. "They put in a lot of effort this offseason to come in in better shape than they left, which is huge for us. 
 
"We had our first full lifting program in a while and they loved it. There was no gap with fitness, so we got to just jump right into skill work. I think we came in in a really good spot this season."
 
The Boxers team chemistry has also been strong.
 
"They're having fun playing together," Renville said. "They're actually enjoying playing together."
 
Junior Emma Velchek, who was second on the team with 292 kills last season, returns to lead the Pacific attack. 
 
"I would like us to spread our offense more," Renville said. "That is a really big emphasis for us. We're really pushing our middles to be a lot more involved. We're trying to be quicker and more dynamic."
 
Senior Anneke Hanson is back in the middle after leading the Boxers with 39 blocks last season. 
 
Junior Rorie Frias, who recorded a team-leading 289 assists last season, and sophomore Kayla-Jane Padayao return at setter. 
 
Senior Alyssa Cargill takes over at libero. Seniors Logan Smith and Jenna Hickman are back in the gym after sitting out last season.
 
Pacific opens the 2025 season Saturday at home against Warner Pacific. 
 
After posting a 5-11 record in the Northwest Conference a year ago, the Boxers were picked to finish sixth in the 2025 preseason coaches poll.

Renville takes over the program after serving as assistant coach last season. 
 
"We've talked about how a new coaching staff doesn't mean you're going to be better," Renville said. "I told them I've given them all the tools. [Assistant coaches] Sara [Parker], Emma [Wickett] and I are 100 percent bought in, but it's still, at the end of the day, up to them to pick them up and use them. 
 
"It's a choice. We're lifting this season. We're staying ahead of injury prevention. We're working on a lot more skills. We want more people involved. But you have to do the work every day. And that doesn't just include the two hours of practice. It has to be hydrating, sleeping, eating, watching film. If I'm asking you to reflect on things and critically think about your play, are you doing those things? So we'll see what happens. It's up to them, and I'm going to support them the whole way, so whatever they want, I'm here. I'll guide them wherever they want to go."