2025 Season in Review - COD Women’s Volleyball

Under the guidance of 9th-year head coach Detlev Rothe, the College of the Desert women's volleyball team delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history. The Roadrunners finished the regular season with a 21–7 overall record and a dominant 9–1 mark in conference play, capturing their ninth Inland Empire Athletic Conference (IEAC) Championship.

The complete list of All-Inland Empire Athletic Conference honorees can be found HERE.

Women's Volleyball rewrote the record books in 2025, setting new program standards while making a historic playoff run. COD secured the highest 3C2A Regional Playoff seed ever earned by an IEAC program, advanced to the second round after earning a first-round bye, and claimed the conference title behind a program-record 21 wins. The Roadrunners also established new marks with 15 sweeps, a 13-match winning streak, and program-first victories over El Camino, College of the Canyons, and Moorpark, while also earning their first win over Citrus since 1991.

In recognition of the team's success, head coach Detlev Rothe celebrated his ninth season at the helm by earning his second IEAC Coach of the Year award, and his first since 2022.

Sophomore outside hitter Clairie Thomas (La Quinta H.S.) put together the most decorated individual season in program history. Thomas was named IEAC Player of the Year, earned 3CWVCA All-State honors, and was selected to the AVCA Women's Two-Year College First Team All-America. After being an honorable mention All-Conference selection as a freshman, Thomas' rise to All-American status marked a rare and remarkable leap at the California Community College level.

Statistically, Thomas was among the state's elite throughout the season. She finished first in the state in points per set (6.6) and kills per set (5.69), led all players in total attacks (1,289), ranked third in total kills (480), and fourth in total points (552.5). In conference play, she ranked in the top three in nearly every major category, including kills per set (1st – 5.22), total kills (1st – 480), hitting percentage (2nd – .268), total digs (2nd – 369), digs per set (3rd – 4.01), and service aces per set (4th – 0.51). Thomas recorded five matches with 25 or more points, highlighted by a standout performance on October 8 at Mt. San Jacinto, where she posted 25 kills and 16 digs in a five-set thriller.

Freshman setter Juliette Rothe (Palm Desert Xavier College Preparatory) earned First Team All-IEAC honors after a dominant debut season. Rothe led the conference in assists (750), assists per set (9.23), service aces (65), and service aces per set (0.78). On the state level, she finished 16th in assists, 12th in assists per set, 12th in service aces, and fourth in service aces per set.

Sophomore middle blocker Madyson Duran (Rancho Mirage H.S.) also earned First Team All-IEAC recognition for her impact at the net. Duran ranked among the conference's top three defenders, finishing second in blocks per set (0.94) and total blocks (86), and third in both block assists (60) and solo blocks (26). She also placed in the top 25 statewide in each of those categories. Duran recorded three double-digit point performances during the season, with her best outing coming on November 10 at Ventura, where she tallied 10 kills and four assisted blocks in a five-set road victory.

Freshman middle blocker Jackie Leon (La Quinta H.S.) earned Second Team All-Inland Empire Athletic Conference honors after a solid debut season in the middle. Leon finished tied for second on the team in solo blocks (11), ranked fourth in assisted blocks (28), and placed among the team leaders in both kills (59) and kills per set (0.91).

Fellow freshman middle blocker Leslie Delgado (Thermal Coachella Valley) was also named Second Team All-IEAC following an impactful first season. Delgado finished second on the team in kills with 182 and recorded eight double-digit point performances. Her top performance came on August 23 at LA Mission, where she posted 20 kills and 14 digs in a five-set thriller.

Freshman outside hitter Sara Hanley (Palm Desert Xavier College Preparatory) and freshman libero Meriah Escobedo (Palm Desert Xavier College Preparatory) rounded out the honorees, each earning Honorable Mention All-IEAC recognition for their contributions during the 2025 season.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photo & Story provided by COD Sports Information.