Bonded by Growth, Grief and Grit: Colorado volleyball's road to the NCAA Tournament

Colorado Buffaloes volleyball had an up-and-down end but still found historic success in 2025. (Photo by Jacob Hock/Sko Buffs Sports)

Colorado Buffaloes volleyball has had one of its best seasons in recent years, finishing the regular season 22-8 and 12-6 in Big 12 play. That record earned them a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, unveiled Sunday. 

The Buffs ended the season at No. 24 in the AVCA rankings. They took control of their seed with key wins against No. 14 BYU, No. 23 Utah, No. 18 Baylor and No. 16 TCU. At the same time, losses hurt against No. 8 ASU twice and No. 13 Kansas. The Buffs finished on a two-game losing streak and lost three of their last four.

This is coach Jesse Mahoney’s 10th year leading the Buffs, and it stands as his second-best campaign with the program.  It trails only 2017, when the team went 24-10 and advanced to the program’s only Sweet 16 under his tenure.

“[A deep run] would be huge. We’re not thinking beyond the first round match, that’s all that matters.” Mahoney said Monday. “But it’s been gratifying for this group to stay together after a rough season last year and rebound and grow. Hopefully, we finish strong, and that gives us momentum heading to the spring.”

Coach Mahoney has seen these players grow from freshmen to juniors, namely outside hitters Ana Burilović and Sydney Jordan, along with middle blocker Cayla Payne. 

Burilović has had arguably her best season at CU, finishing first in Big 12 kills at 537, service aces at 48 and points at 624.

Burilović’s emergence as one of the nation's most high-volume hitters reshaped how opponents prepared for the Buffs. Her presence alone forced teams to commit on defense earlier, which left Payne and Jordan with more one-on-one matchups. 

“I assume she’ll compete as hard as she normally does,” Mahoney said. “Of anyone on our team, she’s the most used to playing on big stages, especially with her time on the Croatian national team. I expect her to compete really well.” 

Payne and Jordan have also had their best seasons as Buffs, with Payne reaching 241 kills and 120 blocks and Jordan reaching 266 kills and 41 blocks.

“Honestly, just knowing that no matter what happens in the game, you can always rebound and get better,” Jordan said. “I have confidence in my teammates, too. We’re a great passing team, so I always know we can get the ball up. The confidence we play with as a group really helps me.” 

The players have a bond that the general public does not see, exemplified by bench celebrations, support after an error and celebrations when someone makes a good play.

“Our communication has improved. We support each other through mistakes and the learning process,” Payne said.

Most of Colorado’s growth has happened in ways that the box score does not capture. The Buffs have become steadier in longer rallies, more connected in defensive coverage and sharper on reads. The willingness to reset after a mistake has turned this group into one of the most tightly-bonded teams CU has put on the floor. 

For some, the tournament is another chance to compete on the national stage. But for others, it’s something more personal. 

For Jordan, the season has carried emotional weight. Her grandfather passed away in October, and every match since has felt like something larger than herself. 

“I’ve been playing for him this season,” Jordan said. “That’s been my motivation.”

The Big 12 prepared Colorado for the intensity they’ll face in Indiana. They’ve already had to manage elite offenses, long rallies, and momentum swings, and those reps are exactly how they’ll face the pressure now. CU enters the tournament not just as a talented team, but as a connected one, and connected groups tend to last longer in December.

The Buffaloes go to Bloomington, Indiana, to take on the American University Eagles (24-4, 15-1 Patriot League) in the first round. The game will take place on Thursday at 1 p.m. MT / 3 p.m. ET (ESPN+).