7 Shocking Ways University Of Houston Volleyball Reached New Heights In The Big 12 Era

The University of Houston Volleyball program has officially entered a golden era, shattering old records and cementing its place as a formidable force in the competitive Big 12 Conference. Following a historic 2022 campaign that saw the team reach heights not seen in over 25 years, the Cougars successfully navigated their highly anticipated move to a Power Five conference, demonstrating that their success was not a fluke but a testament to a revitalized program structure. This article, updated for the current season on December 17, 2025, dives into the key factors, star players, and coaching brilliance that have propelled UH Volleyball into the national spotlight.

Under the transformative leadership of Head Coach David Rehr, the Cougars have consistently delivered high-impact performances, marked by a 30-4 record in 2022 and significant wins in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The team's entry into the Big 12 immediately produced postseason accolades, showcasing the caliber of talent and the effectiveness of the coaching staff. From All-Conference selections to groundbreaking facility victories, the University of Houston is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting programs to watch in NCAA Division I volleyball.

The Architects of Success: Houston Volleyball's Complete Roster and Coaching Staff (2025)

The foundation of the Houston Cougars' recent success is a blend of veteran leadership and promising new talent, all guided by a stable and highly respected coaching staff. Head Coach David Rehr, who took the helm on March 27, 2019, has been credited with rejuvenating the program, leading it to historic achievements.

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Coaching Staff Profile

• Head Coach: David Rehr (7th season)
• Associate Head Coach: Caitlin Nolan-Ayeni
• Assistant Coach: Caitlin Genovy

Key Players on the 2025 Roster

The 2025 roster features a mix of returning All-Conference honorees and new faces ready to make an impact in the Big 12.

• Alana Torres-Rivera
• Lily Barron
• Avery Shimaitis
• Alyssa Gonzales
• Aubrey Sears
• Tenesyn Frye
• Olivia Klimis
• Aidan Conner

Notable players from the recent 2024 season who contributed to the Big 12 transition included Angela Grieve, Coley Shiflet, Ella Busey, Julianna Dalton, and Rebecca Rocassin.

7 Ways the Cougars Have Redefined Program Excellence

The University of Houston's move to the Big 12 Conference was not just a change of scenery; it was a catalyst for a new level of performance and national recognition. These seven points highlight the most significant ways the Cougars have elevated their program.

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1. The Big 12 Libero of the Year: Kate Georgiades' Dominance

In the team's inaugural season in the Big 12, graduate libero Kate Georgiades became a cornerstone of the team’s defense and a national standout. She was named the Big 12 Conference Libero of the Year, a monumental achievement for the program’s first year in the league. Her consistent excellence also earned her a unanimous selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 Conference Team and multiple Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. Georgiades’ defensive prowess has placed her fifth on Houston's career digs list, solidifying her legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.

2. Historic 30-Win Season: The 2022 Benchmark

Before the Big 12 transition, the 2022 season set a new standard for the program. The Cougars finished with a stunning 30-4 record, reaching heights not seen in over 25 years of Houston Volleyball history. This season was the ultimate proof that the program was ready to compete at the highest level of NCAA Division I volleyball and provided the momentum needed for a successful conference move.

3. Inaugural Big 12 Postseason Honors for Multiple Athletes

The success in the Big 12 was a team effort, recognized by the league's postseason awards. In addition to Kate Georgiades' Libero of the Year honor, outside hitter Angela Grieve also received All-Big 12 recognition. Having three student-athletes earn league postseason awards in the very first Big 12 season is a powerful statement about the depth and quality of the Houston roster.

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4. Record-Breaking Victories at the Fertitta Center

The Cougars have made the Fertitta Center a fortress, marked by a historic win in 2023. The team defeated #22 USC, marking the first time a ranked volleyball match was played—and won—in the history of the Fertitta Center. This victory not only energized the fan base but also signaled to the nation that Houston could defeat top-tier, ranked opponents.

5. David Rehr's Program Rejuvenation

Head Coach David Rehr’s impact cannot be overstated. Since his arrival, he has successfully revitalized the program, implementing a coaching style and training methods that have led to unprecedented success. His ability to recruit and develop talent, coupled with a philosophy focused on consistent improvement, has been the driving force behind the Cougars’ rise to Big 12 prominence.

6. Securing the Future with the 2026 Signing Class

The program’s future remains bright with the signing of the 2026 recruiting class. This class includes highly anticipated additions such as Leah Robinson, Shannon Dworaczyk, Cali Reece, and Ava Wilkerson. The continuous recruitment of high-caliber athletes ensures that the Cougars will maintain their competitive edge and topical authority within the Big 12 for years to come.

7. Dominating Non-Conference Play with Sweeps

The Cougars frequently demonstrate their readiness for conference play by dominating early-season tournaments. A notable achievement includes making program history by securing three season-opening sweeps in a single tournament, showcasing their ability to start strong and execute at a high level against non-conference opponents.

The Competitive Landscape: Houston in the Big 12

The move to the Big 12 Conference has placed the Houston Cougars in direct competition with some of the strongest volleyball programs in the nation. The 2024-2025 schedule has included challenging matchups, such as an early-season tournament in Durham, N.C., and tough Big 12 opponents like Colorado. Despite the higher level of competition, the Cougars have shown they belong, with key players like Kate Georgiades being recognized alongside the league's best, including Melanie Parra from TCU and Argentina Ung from Arizona State.

The team’s ability to secure a 3-0 win against Lamar in a recent match from the 2024-2025 season shows their consistent performance outside of Big 12 play. As the Cougars continue to establish themselves, fans and analysts are eagerly anticipating their full potential as a perennial Big 12 contender. The focus remains on building on the momentum of their inaugural Big 12 success, developing the young talent from the 2025 roster, and integrating the highly touted 2026 signees to maintain their upward trajectory.