University of Northern Colorado Athletics
PREVIEW: Bears Prepare to Open 2025 Season at Home
8/27/2025 12:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Greeley, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado volleyball team opens its 2025 season at home at the Bank of Colorado Arena with two exciting match ups. The Bears host Washington on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. MT, followed by a contest against Colgate on Aug. 30, also at 6 p.m. MT. Both matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Head Coach Lyndsey Oates returns for her 21st season, continuing a remarkable run of success that has made UNC a force in the Big Sky Conference. Since taking over, Oates has led the program to national prominence at the Division I level. Her resume includes 13 Big Sky Championships—regular season and tournament titles combined—and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. Oates is a five-time Big Sky Coach of the Year (2009, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2024).
Last season, the Bears went 28-8 overall and 14-2 in conference play, winning the Big Sky regular season title. They earned hard-fought postseason victories over Montana State and Weber State before narrowly falling to Sacramento State in the championship match. With a strong returning core and six newcomers, UNC is eager to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022. The Bears were picked to finish second in the Big Sky preseason poll.
Scouting Washington
The Washington Huskies finished 2024 with a 19-12 record, including a 9-11 mark in the Big Ten. They earned an NCAA Tournament berth, ultimately falling in a five-set battle to Loyola Marymount in the opening round. Washington brings that experience and energy into Greeley, looking to start their 2025 campaign strong.
Scouting Colgate
The Colgate Raiders are coming off a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 19-11 overall record and a dominant 14-2 mark in Patriot League play. Their only conference losses came against Army (1-3) and American (2-3). Colgate captured its fourth straight Patriot League title, securing another NCAA Tournament berth. The Raiders faced off against No. 12 Kansas in the opening round but fell in straight sets
Tickets
Tickets for Friday and Saturday's game are available at UNCBears.com/Tickets.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB).
Head Coach Lyndsey Oates returns for her 21st season, continuing a remarkable run of success that has made UNC a force in the Big Sky Conference. Since taking over, Oates has led the program to national prominence at the Division I level. Her resume includes 13 Big Sky Championships—regular season and tournament titles combined—and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. Oates is a five-time Big Sky Coach of the Year (2009, 2011, 2014, 2018, 2024).
Last season, the Bears went 28-8 overall and 14-2 in conference play, winning the Big Sky regular season title. They earned hard-fought postseason victories over Montana State and Weber State before narrowly falling to Sacramento State in the championship match. With a strong returning core and six newcomers, UNC is eager to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022. The Bears were picked to finish second in the Big Sky preseason poll.
Scouting Washington
The Washington Huskies finished 2024 with a 19-12 record, including a 9-11 mark in the Big Ten. They earned an NCAA Tournament berth, ultimately falling in a five-set battle to Loyola Marymount in the opening round. Washington brings that experience and energy into Greeley, looking to start their 2025 campaign strong.
Scouting Colgate
The Colgate Raiders are coming off a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 19-11 overall record and a dominant 14-2 mark in Patriot League play. Their only conference losses came against Army (1-3) and American (2-3). Colgate captured its fourth straight Patriot League title, securing another NCAA Tournament berth. The Raiders faced off against No. 12 Kansas in the opening round but fell in straight sets
Tickets
Tickets for Friday and Saturday's game are available at UNCBears.com/Tickets.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
Fans can follow and stay up to date on all the Bear action online and on social media. Follow the Bears on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsVB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsVB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsVB).
Women's Walk Recap 2025
Wednesday, July 30
VB vs. Portland State
Thursday, November 15
VB vs. Idaho State
Saturday, November 03
VB vs. Weber State
Thursday, November 01
