Colorado State University Athletics
Find the Rhythm at the Right Time
9/22/2025 4:22:00 PM | Volleyball
The Rams are leaning on steadiness as they open the conference slate
Consistency is key while gearing up for conference.
When all teams are familiar and the stage remains ever-changing, consistent pieces on the court are vital to how a team enters the most competitive stretch of the season. For Colorado State volleyball, they've finally found some steadiness in the past couple of weeks, and it has shown.
After a disappointing loss to Notre Dame, the Rams bounced back with a dominant 3-0 sweep of in-state rival Colorado. Pre-conference, the Rams stand 6-4. This time last year, they were 4-6 with a much more experienced team, and that contrast sends a message.
"We always have the target on our backs," coach Emily Kohan said. "I think this is another year where, even after our non-conference and especially after last week that the Mountain West is like, 'Oh man, I know CSU graduated six of seven starters, but they're back. They're ready to contest for another championship'."
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It would have been easy to label this as a building year or transition period, but the talent speaks for itself.
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Kekua Richards earning her second Defensive Player of the Week or Erin Diebec and Halle Jameson, both true freshmen making huge impacts on the court are all indicators of what this team can put out in the coming weeks.
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"I would say, personally, not being named number one in the preseason it just pushes us to work together," Richards said. "Utah State is a super awesome team too but for us to able to come from not being named number one to work our way up is awesome."
That drive is fueled by the steadiness players strive to bring every day. Whether it's Richards' energy at the net or the calm presence of the team's youngest contributors, CSU is leaning on consistency as a foundation.
Diebec, for example, has emerged as a calming force on the floor when things get hectic, something especially valuable on a roster full of strong personalities.
"She's one of the most consistent personalities in the way she shows up every single day," Kohan said. "Kekua is pretty demonstrative with her blocks and celebrations afterwards, but you could take film of Erin and she's looking the same in the whole thing. It's awesome. She's incredible mature to be able to show up consistently every single day."
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That kind of reliability will be tested quickly because the Mountain West doesn't ease them in – Utah State, this year's preseason favorite and perennial contenders like Wyoming and UNLV are all looming.Â
Â
In this case, consistency may be the difference between simply competing in the Mountain West and contending for another championship.
When all teams are familiar and the stage remains ever-changing, consistent pieces on the court are vital to how a team enters the most competitive stretch of the season. For Colorado State volleyball, they've finally found some steadiness in the past couple of weeks, and it has shown.
After a disappointing loss to Notre Dame, the Rams bounced back with a dominant 3-0 sweep of in-state rival Colorado. Pre-conference, the Rams stand 6-4. This time last year, they were 4-6 with a much more experienced team, and that contrast sends a message.
"We always have the target on our backs," coach Emily Kohan said. "I think this is another year where, even after our non-conference and especially after last week that the Mountain West is like, 'Oh man, I know CSU graduated six of seven starters, but they're back. They're ready to contest for another championship'."
Â
It would have been easy to label this as a building year or transition period, but the talent speaks for itself.
Â
Kekua Richards earning her second Defensive Player of the Week or Erin Diebec and Halle Jameson, both true freshmen making huge impacts on the court are all indicators of what this team can put out in the coming weeks.
Â
"I would say, personally, not being named number one in the preseason it just pushes us to work together," Richards said. "Utah State is a super awesome team too but for us to able to come from not being named number one to work our way up is awesome."
That drive is fueled by the steadiness players strive to bring every day. Whether it's Richards' energy at the net or the calm presence of the team's youngest contributors, CSU is leaning on consistency as a foundation.
Diebec, for example, has emerged as a calming force on the floor when things get hectic, something especially valuable on a roster full of strong personalities.
"She's one of the most consistent personalities in the way she shows up every single day," Kohan said. "Kekua is pretty demonstrative with her blocks and celebrations afterwards, but you could take film of Erin and she's looking the same in the whole thing. It's awesome. She's incredible mature to be able to show up consistently every single day."
Â
That kind of reliability will be tested quickly because the Mountain West doesn't ease them in – Utah State, this year's preseason favorite and perennial contenders like Wyoming and UNLV are all looming.Â
Â
In this case, consistency may be the difference between simply competing in the Mountain West and contending for another championship.
Players Mentioned
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/ Volleyball
MB
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