The Cal Poly women’s volleyball team has captured national attention with its surprising run in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16 after a stunning victory over USC in Los Angeles. Despite entering the tournament as an unseeded team, the Mustangs have delivered thrilling performances that have resonated deeply with fans across the country.
Emme Bullis, a redshirt player for the Mustangs, expressed the team’s elation after their victory, stating, “Just pure happiness and joy for each other and how far we have made it because we weren’t expected to make it this far. It’s kind of cool because you feel like the Cinderella team in a way.” With her consistent game play, Bullis is also on the verge of becoming one of the all-time leaders in assists in NCAA history.
The attention toward Cal Poly’s program has surged, according to Head Coach Caroline Walters, who noted an impressive increase in their social media following. “It’s insane,” she remarked, highlighting a jump of 5,000 followers on Instagram alone in just one night. The excitement around the team is spilling over onto platforms like TikTok, where numerous videos are circulating about the Mustangs’ impressive journey through the tournament.
The impact of Cal Poly’s success is being felt strongly within the San Luis Obispo community, particularly among local high school volleyball players. Hazel Williams, a sophomore at SLO High School, believes that the Mustangs’ achievements could help raise the profile of both small and mid-major teams and inspire younger players. “I think it’ll just bring more popularity to not just the big teams, but even smaller programs and high school teams like us,” she said. Williams is part of a local club program run by Coach Walters and her team, 805 Elite.
This surge in interest comes at a pivotal time for women’s volleyball, which is experiencing a significant growth phase. USA Volleyball has reported a 40% increase in participation among girls aged 11–18 in club volleyball from 2013–14 to summer 2024. Senior Maddie Immoos from SLO High School noted, “Popularity has definitely increased a lot,” adding that the overall skill level in the sport is rising significantly, crediting Cal Poly for their inspiring performance.
Walters expressed immense pride in her players, emphasizing their hard work and dedication. “They feel important and they should. They’ve worked really, really hard for this moment,” she said. As the only unseeded team remaining in the Sweet 16 and one of just two mid-majors, the Mustangs are poised to make their mark in the tournament.
Cal Poly is set to face the top-seeded Kentucky Wildcats on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in Lexington, a match that will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, providing the Mustangs with an opportunity to showcase their talents on one of the biggest stages in collegiate sports.
