Junior outside hitter Chloe Pravednikov helps assist the dual block for the Waves against Santa Clara with sophomore setter Tristen Raymond ready to support the dig behind her at Firestone Fieldhouse on Nov. 15. Raymond led the team with 30 assists in the match. Photos by Amelie Sears
The Pepperdine Women’s Indoor Volleyball team returned to Firestone Fieldhouse on July 30 for preseason training, officially beginning preparations for the 2026 season. While the Waves welcome a new roster and fresh faces, last season’s outcome continues to shape the team’s mindset.
For the past two seasons, the Waves finished second in the West Coast Conference (WCC), including a tie with the University of San Diego in 2024, and continue to rank second in the WCC 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll. With these consecutive outcomes, the team is entering preseason focused on turning resilience into results and preparing to thrive in every challenge they face, Head Coach Scott Wong said.
“We’re hungry,” Wong said. “We’ve done the work over the summer, we’ve done the work over the spring and now we’re ready to grow in our ability from being good to becoming elite.”
To help reach that goal, the Waves welcomed seven freshmen — the largest recruiting class brought in by the coaching staff, Wong said.
As preseason training continues, the freshman class has quickly embraced the opportunity to fill the roles left behind by several key playmakers from the previous season. Their willingness to learn and compete is already making an impact on the court, junior outside hitter Chloe Pravednikov said.
“There are many roles that need to be filled,” Pravednikov said. “But the freshmen came in wanting to work and were willing to adapt. They’ve been very coachable, and this preseason we have been focused on bonding and getting closer together, so it’s already reflecting on the court.”
As the newcomers settle into the program, returning players are embracing expanded responsibilities to become mentors that the new class can rely on. Pravednikov and sophomore setter Tristen Raymond are key players stepping into those leadership roles, with their names listed on the WCC 2026 Preseason Team and having standout 2025 seasons.
Pravednikov enters her junior year after leading the Waves with 339 kills while starting all 29 matches and playing every set. She earned All-WCC First Team and WCC All-Academic Team honors, establishing herself as one of the Waves’ top performers both on and off the court, according to Pepperdine Athletics.
“Being a junior, I realize how important it is to have upperclassmen guiding you and setting examples and standards on and off the court,” Pravednikov said. “So, I want to be that person that sets a good example and brings the team together.”
Wong said Pravednikov has been one of the team’s most focused and unstoppable players since returning for preseason.
“I don’t know if there’s somebody that’s returning to our conference that can impact it more than she can,” Wong said. “She has all the tools and a great mindset, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow in pursuit of excellence.”
Junior outside hitter Chloe Pravednikov (No. 3) walks away from the play to regroup with her teammates against Santa Clara on Nov. 15 at Firestone Fieldhouse. Pravednikov led the team with 13 kills in the match.
Like Pravednikov, Raymond set a large example in her first year with the team during the 2025 season. The setter started every match and set, recording a team-high 753 assists while earning WCC Freshman of the Week, All-WCC First Team, WCC All-Freshman Team and a pair of WCC Setter of the Week honors throughout the season, according to Pepperdine Athletics.
Now entering her sophomore year, Wong said Raymond is expected to take on an even greater leadership role, with hopes that she will run the Waves’ offense and lead the charge.
Raymond said she is ready and willing to do just that.
“This season, I’m hoping to be the best person I can be as a teammate and a leader,” Raymond said.
With experienced leaders returning and a talented freshman class joining the program, the Waves have their sights set on winning the conference and qualifying for the NCAA tournament, aiming to advance further than in previous years. But, those goals begin with the work the team puts in during preseason.
“Having such a strong preseason will show us how to be tough and work through challenges because no match goes super smoothly,” Pravednikov said. “Being able to fight back from close scores or coming back after being down will really help us in season to be a stronger, grittier team.”
As the Waves enter their second week of preseason, the team’s focus remains on daily improvement and taking each match one at a time with a winning mindset. While the schedule ahead is demanding, Wong said that’s exactly how the coaching staff designed it.
“We have a tough schedule because we want to be tested and tugged on to see where our weaknesses are, but also to see the level of our girls rising to the occasion and being resilient,” Wong said. “It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be tough and challenging, but we’re excited about the road ahead.”
Before officially opening the 2026 season against Villanova University on Aug. 28 at Firestone Fieldhouse, the Waves hosted the University of California, Los Angeles on Aug. 15 in their first exhibition match, securing a 3-2 win.
The Waves defeated the Bruins 3-1 in last year’s battle, but both teams enter this season with new rosters and a fresh slate. For the Waves, the exhibition was less about the opponent and more about putting months of work from the spring and summer into action.
Wong said the match served as the first opportunity to establish the identity and culture the team hopes will define the rest of the season.
“As long as we go in with our game, we’re not worried about who’s on the other side of the net,” Raymond said.
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Contact Genevieve Cantu via email: genevieve.cantu@pepperdine.edu