High expectations follow breakout season
After a 23-9 season that tied the fourth-highest win total in program history, the Colorado volleyball team enters 2026 with a new burden: expectation. The Buffaloes finished 12-6 in the Big 12, good for fourth place, and went 4-4 against ranked opponents. They reached the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in 10 seasons under head coach Jesse Mahoney, beating American University in the opening round before falling in four sets to No. 15 Indiana in the second round.
Those accomplishments, though, are exactly what the team says it is trying to set aside as it prepares for Friday's season opener at home against CSUN (6 p.m., ESPN+).
"I think something that we've talked about and are realizing is that we haven't done anything yet," fourth-year pin attacker Sydney Jordan said. "We still have such high goals for ourselves. Even though last season was good, we're still going to have to work tenfold to be better this season than we were last year. I think that's what we've talked about is to not be satisfied. Kind of take it one point at a time, one game at a time, and not get ahead of ourselves."
Mahoney echoed that sentiment, saying the team did not feel satisfied with how last season ended and expects growth.
Veteran core returns
The Buffaloes welcome back most of the lineup that produced last year's banner campaign. Jordan and Lily Dwinell are four-year players who give CU dependable attacking options. Cayla Payne, another member of the four-year class that has stuck together, combines with second-year players to give Colorado a wealth of experience.
The most notable returner is Ana Burilovic, a fourth-year pin attacker who earned third-team AVCA All-America recognition last year and is among the Big 12's top players. But the Buffs are not a one-player offense, and their balance outside Burilovic is a reason for confidence.
A new playmaker
One notable change: CU will have a new starting setter this season.
In the backcourt, Avery Bolles was the starting defensive specialist/libero early in 2025 until an injury ended her season after seven matches. Peyton Neal took over the role for the rest of the year. Both players return.
Expectations vs. Reality
Colorado enters the season ranked No. 23 in the AVCA Top 25 and was picked fifth in the Big 12's preseason coaches' poll. The team's performance in road games at BYU and Utah to open Big 12 play last year showed they can beat conference foes handle tough environments, but it also means no one takes them for granted anymore.
"We haven't done anything yet," Jordan said. "We will have to work tenfold to be better this season than we were last year."
The season begins Friday.