With the college season approaching, here is my preview of the women’s programs heading into the 2025 season.
UCR (NCAA D1)
UCR’s schedule includes their 6th Crosstown Rivalry with CBU. The Highlanders have a 1-1-3 record against the Lancers, with the last matchup at CBU ending in a 1-0 victory for the Lancers.
Coach
After the one-year interim service by Gerardo Hildado, UCR brings on Mike Dibbini from Kansas State. Gerardo will continue to serve as assistant coach.
In a survey I sent to all coaches, Mike Dibbini’s expectation for the season is to be competitive in the Big West conference.
Last Season
During Hildado’s brief stint, the Lady Highlanders saw a dip in performance compared to the 2023 season. UCR finished the 24-season with an overall record of 2-13-4 (0-6-4 conference). That record placed the higherlands last in the Big West.
Opinion
Now with a new and successful head coach, Mike Dibbini, one can hope that the Lady Highlanders can have a successful season. UCR W has not had a playoff appearance since 2017, so the curse must be lifted with this new coach. Given that the first year under new management typically doesn’t result in change, but placing higher than last place in the Big West must be a mandatory and relatively easy accomplishment.
Poll
I posted a poll on my Instagram asking my followers if they think each women’s program will see the postseason in 2025. My followers consist of former players and coaches, so their votes do carry some weight; however, this year there has been less voter turnout.
| Postseason | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 5 | 50% |
| No | 5 | 50% |
CBU (NCAA D1)
Schedule
CBU will again host the 6th Crosstown Rivalry against UCR and holds a 3-1-1 record in this matchup. While not in the same conference, local bragging rights support recruiting and program reputation in Riverside.
Coach
Kristen St. Clair will lead the Lady Lancers for her 18th season in charge, along with new assistant coach David Parker, who came in earlier in March. Coach St. Clair proves her leadership with CBU by winning 4 titles (3 PacWest and 1 WAC tournament), with last season being one of her most successful in NCAA D1.
Last Season
CBU had another strong season, finishing 10-7-3 (3-3-1 conference) and 4th in the WAC. They won the WAC tournament and reached the NCAA tournament, narrowly losing 2-1 in overtime to UCLA.
Opinion
Last season, Coach St. Clair and the Lancers proved their status as one of the most successful women’s universities in the IE, going head-to-head with UCLA and winning the WAC tournament. As the school gains notoriety following its promotion to Division 1, the program will compete in the Big West Conference in 2026 to further demonstrate its upward trajectory. Everyone should expect good things to come from this season.
Poll
| Postseason | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 8 | 89% |
| No | 1 | 11% |
CSUSB (NCAA D2)
Coach
This will be Coach Mark Peters’ 4th season leading the Coyotes. Since joining the team after the COVID-19 pandemic, he has yet to reach the postseason, typically placing one spot below the playoff seed.
Last Season
The Coyotes ended 2024 with a 5-6-6 (4-4-3 conference) record, placing 7th in the CCAA and missing playoffs by 2 points.
Opinion
A middle table type of team for a couple of years, CSUSB has not broken out of this series of performances. I don’t really have much to say other than that if they do reach the playoffs, it will be by a narrow margin. Also, they have to face the national champions Cal Poly Pomona, which seems harsh to do.
Poll
| Postseason | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 5 | 50% |
| No | 5 | 50% |
University of Redlands (NCAA D3)
Coach
Coach Suzette Soboti will lead the Bulldogs in her 27th season, one of the longest-serving women’s coaches in the IE. She has won three SCIAC titles in 2008, 2010, and 2014.
Last Season
The Lady Bulldogs finished the 2024 season with an 8-10-1 (4-8 conference) record, placing seventh in the SCIAC, with one of those losses being an 8-1 defeat at the hands of Claremont.
Opinion
The University of R has been struggling since the 2022 season, which was the last time they appeared in the playoffs. At least the 2024 season saw an improvement over 2023, when they won only 2 games the whole year. If they continue improving, aiming for the last playoff seed should be the goal.
Poll
| Postseason | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 4 | 44% |
| No | 5 | 56% |
La Sierra University (NAIA)
Schedule
Notable differences from last season include the change in conference names from Cal Pac to GSAC, which retained some Cal Pac schools and added new ones. UC Merced, Westcliff, Simpson, Pacific Union, Providence Christian, and Cal Maritime left. Arizona Christian, Life Pacific, Ottawa University AZ, and The Master’s were added. LSU will now play two more opponents this season compared to last year.
Coach
Carlos Trevino will be the head coach after serving as an assistant for the men’s and women’s programs to long-time coach and relative David Trevino. Along with the head coach, LSU announced GK coach Rudo, Xolos de Tijuana fandom fame.
Last Season
The Eagles finished the 2024 season 5th in the Cal Pac conference with a 4-7-4 (2-3-2 conference) record, 3 points shy of the playoff spot.
Opinion
LSU is another mid-table type of team. They are in a limbo state, where they can take care of weaker opponents but struggle against higher-ranked teams. With the new conference changes and schools leaving, LSU’s expectations can change with unfamiliar opponents.
Poll
| Postseason | Votes | Percent |
| Yes | 4 | 50% |
| No | 4 | 50% |
So, what do you think? Is there a possibility that these women’s programs will see postseason play? Can CBU follow through on their historic run? Can the other programs break the postseason drought?