The 2025-2026 volleyball season has begun at Fresno City College. Head Coach Kieran Roblee of the women’s volleyball team said this season should be full of competent and competitive matches against rival teams.
“It will be a battle for sure,” Roblee said.
The Rams will play against teams from Mt. San Antonio College and San Diego Mesa College. San Diego Mesa is currently ranked number two in the state.
Feather River, a community college located in Quincy, California, currently ranks at one.
Preseason has been a repeat of the 2024 State Championship where Feather River won two games against Fresno City College.
“We have a deep connection in terms of competent, competitive matches,” Roblee said.
This season, the conference which began on Oct. 1 has changed for the Central Valley. The teams have been split into Central Valley North and Central Valley South.
The Rams had four overnight trips so far this season and are looking forward to not having to travel as much.
“We’ve been able to play some really good teams so it’s been worth it for sure,” Roblee said.
Roblee said that part of the love of the job comes from helping the players face challenges that create rewards. It acts as a means of self-discovery which leads to self-improvement.
“Finding out everybody’s strengths, gifts and talents and getting the most out of those and then helping our players get better in the areas that they’re challenged with,” Roblee said. “The growth and gains from improvement to me are the wins.”
Karina Rodriguez, an outside hitter for the Rams, has been playing volleyball since elementary school and began playing competitively in middle school and throughout high school. She looks forward to meeting the challenges this season will bring.
“I think with the level that we’re playing at right now and the chemistry we have, I’m excited to see how far we can go,” Rodriguez said.
This chemistry creates a sisterhood. They spend time together outside of practices and games running errands like grabbing food or even attending retreats.
“Playing together is just kind of like almost a side thing at this point. We’re family,” Rodriguez said.
While the game itself may seem simple, the Rams play it at a high level of intensity and sophistication.
Earned points and unforced errors are examined collectively by Roblee and the team. They strategize how the other team may be earning their points and where The Rams may be giving them unintended opportunities to do so.
“We’re a barrier sport. The net creates a whole different dynamic to the game,” Roblee said.
The Rams are balanced. There is no go-to player, as they are all capable of picking up where another player may drop the ball.
“One thing that has worked well for us is that we rely on a lot of people to make us successful,” Roblee said.
Learning from challenges and mistakes are what help the Rams build on their success.
“Mistakes are really about figuring out in the moment what we can do to get out of that situation.” Roblee said. “It’s going to also be different based on the scenario.”
Anika Ramirez, defensive strategist for The Rams, said there is a lot of preparation that occurs before each game. For thirty minutes, they discuss strategies against opposing teams, and review recordings of how their opponents play to familiarize themselves with the opponent’s play style.
“We’ll emulate how the other team plays in practice. Our assistant coaches play with us too so that all helps.” Ramirez said.
The Rams would be happy to see all students attend their games. To date, they have played fourteen matches and just recently had their first two home games.
Roblee said Feather River has been their nemesis for years but the opportunity for challenge is open.
“We’re always just here to play everybody. Doesn’t matter who it is, just give us somebody with some jerseys and we’re ready to play,” Roblee said.
