Volleyball program reaches best season start under head coach Jeremiah Tiffin as team culture shift continues to pay dividends
Portland, Oregon – The Schreiner University volleyball team delivered a statement performance this weekend, completing a perfect 3-0 sweep at the Lewis & Clark Invitational in Portland, Oregon. The Mountaineers’ dominant showing pushes their early season record to an impressive 5-1, marking the program’s strongest start since head coach Jeremiah Tiffin arrived in 2022.
Tournament Dominance Showcases Program Growth
Schreiner’s weekend began with authority as they dismantled Macalester College 3-0 (25-12, 26-24, 25-20). The Mountaineers’ balanced attack was spearheaded by Giana Hilliard, who delivered 11 kills, while Ryleigh Jones provided additional firepower at the net. Defensively, Jenna Palomarez anchored the back row with 16 digs, demonstrating the team’s commitment to all-around excellence.
The sweep continued against host Lewis & Clark College, with Schreiner posting another convincing 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-14, 25-20). Hilliard maintained her stellar play with 9 kills on .500 hitting efficiency, while Maeve Chamberlain contributed 7 kills at a .333 clip. The team’s offensive precision was on full display as they hit .322 collectively and racked up 41 total kills. Palomarez once again led the defensive effort with 14 digs.
The tournament’s most dramatic moment came in a thrilling five-set battle against Willamette University. After trading sets in a back-and-forth affair, Schreiner demonstrated the mental toughness that has defined their early season success, edging the Bearcats 15-13 in the decisive fifth set (20-25, 25-18, 25-18, 18-25, 15-13). The victory showcased the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure – qualities that will serve them well in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) play.
Building on a Foundation of Excellence
The tournament sweep represents more than just three victories; it symbolizes the continued transformation of a program that has embraced a new identity under Tiffin’s leadership. In his first season (2022), Tiffin guided the Mountaineers to an 11-19 record, nearly tripling the previous year’s win total and achieving the program’s highest victory count since 2015.
“Overall we’re happy getting three wins this weekend,” said Tiffin following the tournament. “There were times where we played great and times we didn’t, but this team is showing that they can battle and that’s going to help us this season. This is the best start we’ve had to a season since I’ve been here and it’s a credit to the team and how bought in they are.”
Star Power Leading the Charge
Hilliard’s emergence as a premier player in the SCAC continues to be a driving force for the Mountaineers. The standout performer, who was named SCAC Freshman of the Year in 2023 and earned All-SCAC Second Team honors alongside teammate Brooke Byer, currently leads Schreiner in kills this season. Her consistent production and leadership have been instrumental in the team’s early success.
Recent recognition from the SCAC further validates the program’s upward trajectory. In January 2025, Hilliard was named a SCAC Character & Community award recipient, highlighting not only her on-court excellence but also her commitment to representing Schreiner’s values.
Strategic Excellence and Coaching Pedigree
Tiffin brings an impressive coaching resume to Kerrville, with an overall head coaching record of 153-126 and experience that includes three NAIA Championship appearances, two AVCA South Central Region Coach of the Year Awards, and four conference championships. His previous success at Our Lady of the Lake University, where he claimed Red River Athletic Conference titles in each of his four seasons, demonstrates his ability to build championship-caliber programs.
The Winnipeg, Manitoba native’s coaching philosophy emphasizes both competitive excellence and academic achievement. During his tenure at the University of North Dakota, his teams earned AVCA/USMC Team Academic Awards each year, with 14 student-athletes earning Summit League Academic Honor Roll recognition.
Conference Context and Future Outlook
The Mountaineers compete in the highly competitive SCAC, a Division III conference known for its academic excellence and athletic competitiveness. Almost all SCAC member schools sport Phi Beta Kappa chapters and are prominently featured in annual “Best College” rankings with highly selective admissions. The conference includes traditional powerhouses like Trinity University, which “is always a contender for the national championship” according to Tiffin.
Colorado College enters the 2025 season as the preseason favorite in SCAC volleyball, adding additional context to the competitive landscape Schreiner will navigate as conference play approaches.
Road Ahead
The Mountaineers will look to maintain their momentum as they head to Belton next weekend for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) tournament. The upcoming matches will provide another opportunity for Schreiner to test themselves against quality competition before diving into the heart of SCAC conference play.
Tiffin’s emphasis on scheduling challenging non-conference opponents reflects his belief in preparing his team for the rigors of conference competition. “I like getting out of our comfort zone and seeing how we respond when things aren’t normal. This will be a good test for us early against four solid opponents,” Tiffin noted about the value of tournaments like the Lewis & Clark Invitational.
Program Transformation Continues
The 5-1 start represents more than statistical success; it embodies the cultural transformation Tiffin has instilled since arriving at Schreiner. The team’s ability to “battle,” as their coach describes it, was evident in the five-set thriller against Willamette and reflects a program that has embraced a winning mentality.
With a strong nucleus led by Hilliard and supported by consistent contributors like Palomarez and Jones, the Mountaineers appear positioned to make significant noise in SCAC play. The early season success provides momentum and confidence as they prepare for the conference challenges ahead.
For a program that has experienced significant growth under Tiffin’s guidance, the Lewis & Clark Invitational sweep serves as both validation of progress made and a promising preview of what the 2025 season might hold.
The Schreiner Mountaineers will return to action next weekend at the UMHB tournament in Belton, Texas, as they continue preparation for SCAC conference play.
