BYU women’s volleyball debuts under new coaching staff against UVU

Energy built with every point from the BYU women volleyball team as the Cougars opened their spring season with a four-set sweep of Utah Valley University at the Smith Fieldhouse (25-17, 20-18, 25-17, 25-23).

It marked BYU's first game under the new coaching staff, led by head coach Rob Neilson.

The Cougars established control early, using aggressive serving and disciplined net play to create separation in the opening set. Though UVU kept the match competitive, BYU responded with timely blocks and balanced offensive production to close each set.

Several returners picked up right where they left off last season. Opposite hitter Anna Blamires delivered a standout performance, contributing on both sides of the ball with kills and blocks. Last season Blamires recorded 22 kills and four blocks across 25 sets, and she carried that same efficiency into Friday’s scrimmage.

Playing in their final season, seniors Brielle Kemavor, Claire Little Chambers and Sophia Callahan set the tone. Kemavor, fresh off competing in the USA Women’s National Team Collegiate Training Program, carried that experience into a high number of kills.

Chambers and Callahan added offensive production of their own while anchoring the defense with key blocks that halted UVU runs.

Setters Alex Bowers and Grace Fredrick kept the offense alive, distributing the ball effectively and allowing the Cougars to attack from multiple positions.

With contributions across the roster, Chambers said the team’s confidence and clarity in roles made the difference.

“We were out there playing super confident,” she said. “Everyone just really knows their own skills. I think it’s amazing for volleyball teams for everyone to have their own accountability over their skills. And today we really got to see everyone just own their own skills.”

The scrimmage marked the first public glimpse of BYU's team under Neilson and his staff. Though the group has been together for just three months, Neilson said the team's focus and drive has been consistent.

“Our group has been really dialed in and has worked hard to get better each day,” he said.

Neilson, hired Dec. 23 as the program’s seventh head coach, returns to Provo as a BYU alumni and former men’s volleyball setter from 2003–06. After six seasons at Utah State — where he posted a 112-59 record and led the Aggies to a Mountain West Tournament title in 2023 — he said the opportunity to compete in the Big 12 drew him back.

Photo by Christi Norris/BYU Photo

“It’s a chance to compete in the Big 12, one of the best volleyball conferences in the country,” Neilson said. “There’s not very many places I would have left Logan for, and this turns out to be one of them.”

He also emphasized the significance of the venue.

“This is a special spot,” Neilson said. “I think the Smith Fieldhouse is the greatest venue to play volleyball in.”

Neilson also brought in two new assistant coaches — Chole Hirst and Torre Glasker — to lead the team.

“We’ve only had [the coaching staff] for a short amount of time and then at the level of play that we are playing at with these girls and just seeing how they are performing is just amazing,” Chambers said. “Learning new systems and new ways to play BYU volleyball has been cool because teams kind of don’t know what to expect right now.”

With a new coaching staff, fresh systems and a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the Cougars used Friday’s scrimmage as an opportunity to grow, refine roles and build unity.

BYU will continue spring play March 7 against UNLV at Burns Arena in St. George. The match is scheduled for 2 p.m. MST.