Volleyball
Volleyball funding goal for the 2026-27 academic year: $15,000
The 2026 season has been an exciting and historic one for Poet Volleyball—a season filled with firsts and accomplishments that reflect just how far this program has come and where we are headed. For the first time in program history, we have reached the 20-win mark, earned the #1 ranking in our region, defeated every team in our conference at least once, entered the final match of the regular season in contention for a conference championship, hosted a SCIAC postseason match, and climbed as high as #20 nationally in the NCAA Power Index (NPI). These milestones are more than just accomplishments; they are evidence that Volleyball is building something special and establishing itself as a program capable of competing on the national stage.
But we aren't satisfied with what we've accomplished—we are focused on what comes next. Our vision is to transform Poet Volleyball into a national powerhouse, a program that competes for a National Championship year after year. To make that vision a reality, we need to continue challenging ourselves against the best competition in the country.
We are launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of $15,000, which will directly support our ability to travel out of state and compete in high-level tournaments. These opportunities are critical to our continued growth, providing our student-athletes with the competition and experience necessary to elevate our national standing, strengthen our NCAA postseason résumé, and position ourselves to earn a bid to the NCAA National Tournament.
We have proven that we can compete, and now we need the resources to take the next step. Reaching our $15,000 goal will be an investment not only in this season, but in the future of Whittier College Volleyball and the championship culture we are working so hard to build. Every donation, regardless of size, brings us one step closer to that goal. Your generosity gives our student-athletes opportunities they might not otherwise have and helps turn our vision of competing for national championships into a reality.
Thank you for believing in our program, supporting our student-athletes, and being part of something special. The future of Poet Volleyball is bright, and together, we can take it to the next level!
Chris Duarte-McDermott, Head Coach
