It can be difficult for Bronco beach volleyball to establish its identity in a conference with national powerhouse Loyola Marymount dominating the headlines. A final record of 13-19 can make it hard to motivate players during the season while looking toward the future of the program. But players in the program are confident in the direction that the team is heading.

“Our record doesn't reflect the amount of work that we put into bettering that skill,” said Senior Jordan Bennett. “It's not an easy skill, learning to close out the game, and I hope that the work that we put in this year continues in a positive direction for the years to come. I would like to hope that the upperclassmen this year did a good job leading through our actions. Not necessarily words, but our actions guiding our underclassmen will assist in shaping next year with eight incoming freshmen.”

This year’s team had four first-years and will have the aforementioned eight coming in next year to fill the spots of the seniors leaving the program. Much of the focus for this group of upperclassmen was instituting a strong culture that would remain after they left.

“We're really looking forward to building off of what the upperclassmen this year showed us,” said first-year Alexandra Urbina. “We've learned so much from such amazing upperclassmen, like Jordan. I looked up to her so much throughout the season. What she's done, like always checking in on all of us and making sure our team culture continues to make our team strong.”

Despite the strong culture, the team’s biggest challenge is playing No. 8 program LMU year after year.

“I would say the first time I played Loyola Marymount I was like, peeing my pants,” said Bennett. “I was like, oh my gosh, they're so solid in all five pairs so it's hard to exploit a weakness.”

Bennett noted that she had to change her mindset over the years in adapting to playing Loyola Marymount.

“The underdog mentality is that they're gonna make good plays and they're gonna win points,” said Bennett. “But what do you have to lose? Trying your best and knowing the work that you put in at practice, if you can actually execute your game plan. Then, you are going to get points too.”

Bennett also pointed out that playing ranked teams like Loyola Marymount, Stetson or Cal Poly helps make the team and the program better.

“I just started taking parts of their game,” said Bennett. “You remember like, oh, that really worked for them, What did they do? How did they accomplish that? And then try to emulate it on your own.”

The season may not have been what the Broncos had hoped for, but the building blocks will pay off in the years to come.