KATT HARDING / SPORTS EDITOR

Decorated in the iconic white and blue, Reese Bates froze for a split second as the final point hit the floor and the gym erupted in celebration. Team USA jerseys flashed under the lights. After a week of unfamiliar gyms, loud crowds and new opponents, the University of San Diego women’s volleyball team closed out an international tournament — and grew closer in ways that don’t appear at home.

USD women’s volleyball celebrates their gold medal win in Peru. Photo courtesy of Reese Bates

USD volleyball represented Team USA at the 2026 International University Sports Federation (FISU) American Games in Lima. Over five matches, the Toreros stayed undefeated, going 5-0 and taking 15 of 17 sets. The FISU Games bring together collegiate athletes from across the world, featuring more than 20 nations across 14 sports. The Toreros found themselves competing on a global stage before returning to routine National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) play. The run also marked USD’s second straight year of international competition following their appearance at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Berlin, as reported by USD Athletics.

USD opened with a comeback win over Brazil, rallying for a 3-1 victory behind a consistent offense and serve-receive. They then beat Mexico and Argentina to advance to the semifinals, where they maintained control from start to finish. In the gold-medal match against Chile, USD captured the first two sets before Chile pushed the third to 28-26. The final point sealed the undefeated record and marked a performance USD Athletics described as one of the program’s strongest in recent years.

“When we won that gold medal, there was a feeling of, ‘Yeah, we accomplished our goal; we came here and did what we set out to do.’ It was a really satisfying moment,” senior libero Reese Bates said.

A seasoned returner out of Kansas, Bates saw the week differently than some. As one of the team’s most veteran players, she  noticed how quickly the group settled into  a rhythm despite unfamiliar opponents and  an  atmosphere far different from West Coast Conference (WCC) competition. 

For Bates, the week wasn’t just about the medal – it was about seeing how quickly the team adapted. The high-pressure environment forced them to work on their strategy and coordination, which will prove crucial for the upcoming NCAA fall season.

USD senior outside hitter Kierstyn Barton, a transfer from Washington, joined the Toreros in the  spring and made her official game debut in Lima. Unfamiliar   conditions  ultimately  challenged  the  squad’s resilience. Once the tournament was behind them, she reflected on what the trip revealed about the squad’s rhythm.

“It only sets the tone for the upcoming season,” Barton said with a smile.  “No one knows what we’re going to look like and we’re kind of the underdogs of the NCAA tournament, so it’s good for us to see how well we can play in those conditions when we come back to the U.S.”

Head Coach Jennifer Petrie, who led the roster in her dual role as head coach and Team USA’s representative, highlighted how the international setting introduced unfamiliar offensive systems, defensive tactics and language differences that shaped the week as much as the gameplay.

“International competition brings a different atmosphere, different styles of play, and different circumstances,” Petrie wrote. “Rather than letting a mistake or a difficult moment snowball, our players did a great job of coming together, communicating, and getting back to the next play.”

Petrie said the team maintained its identity in Peru. She  emphasized how the women stayed connected and composed through  unpredictable  moments, which  are  qualities she has long prioritized as a leader.  

The gold comes as USD eagerly prepares for the start of its 2026 season. The Toreros enter the year coming off an 18-0 sweep through WCC play and a conference title. USD Athletics wrote on their website that their NCAA Tournament run ended in a tight five-set loss to Kansas State. The FISU Games offered a chance to build  on  that momentum while testing players in an environment far different from the one in San Diego.

“The jersey was different, but the standard was the same,” Petrie wrote. “Representing Team USA was an incredible honor, but how we represent ourselves, with class, toughness, discipline, and connection, was just as important as what happened on the scoreboard.”

USD  opens its 2026 schedule on Aug. 28 against Baylor in Honolulu. The tournament is now behind them, giving the team space to shift fully into fall preparation. The split-second after that last point has  passed, and  the week in Lima remains a source of momentum heading into the season ahead.

Toreros huddle up during FISU World University Championship. Photo courtesy of @usdvolleyball/Instagram