Pittsburgh is buzzing with excitement as the Pitt Panthers volleyball team gears up for the 2024 season. Coach Dan Fisher, who has led the program to the last three NCAA national semifinals, expressed his surprise at how far the team has come since he took over 12 years ago. Fisher said, “It’s probably more than I envisioned. I was just trying to make playoffs and not get fired.” With the new season approaching, expectations for the Panthers are sky-high.
Last year’s champions of the ACC are not only looking to defend their title but also aiming for their first national championship. The team has a solid core returning, including Valeria Vazquez Gomez, a sixth-year outside hitter, who has a wealth of experience and skills that helped her earn second-team All-ACC honors last season. Other prominent players are Cat Flood, a grad student who returned to continue contributing, and Rachel Fairbanks, the 2023 ACC Setter of the Year.
Along with these standout seniors, the Panthers can count on an impressive group of sophomores who made waves last season. Players like Olivia Babcock, who had a remarkable freshman year, and Torrey Stafford, an All-ACC honoree, are expected to shine. These athletes have gained experience on the national stage, training with the USA Volleyball team, and their confidence shows as they anticipate the upcoming matches.
Despite their success, Coach Fisher points out a challenging gap in their lineup at the middle blocker position. With rising junior Rachel Jepsen taking a break for a mission trip, fresh talent from high school will need to step in. Bianca Garibaldi, Dalia Virlan, and Ryla Jones will vie for those crucial spots. Fisher has noted that Jones has stood out during pre-season practices.
Pitt, which was picked to finish first in the ACC preseason poll, knows the competition will be tough with the addition of teams like Stanford and SMU to the conference. Expectations and pressure are high, but Stafford believes their training prepares them. She said, “We talk about pressure being a privilege,” highlighting the team’s mindset going into big moments.
As the Panthers prepare for their season opener, Fisher is optimistic about his team’s potential. He knows that with experienced players who’ve battled through intense moments, they can aim for higher achievements. Fairbanks reflects on their journey, stating, “We haven’t won the natty yet, so we’re still an underdog.” The Panthers are not only aiming to extend their impressive streak but also to make history by capturing that elusive national title.
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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