NC State volleyball looks to repeat 2023 success with style

With students returning to Raleigh and the energy across the city growing, one constant on the brick-covered campus is the return of NC State volleyball to Reynolds Coliseum.

NC State exceeded expectations during 2023, finishing its season 22-7 overall and 12-6 in conference play for its first 20-win season since 2017. With the addition of three schools to the ACC and the volleyball powerhouses that have been in the conference for years, let’s take a look at how the Pack stacks up in 2024.

Roster

After last year’s success, expectations for 2024 are higher than ever. Fifteen players are returning to the roster, allowing head coach Luka Slabe to put almost a direct replica of last year’s team on the court.

Junior outside hitter Ava Brizard has been an impact player since becoming a member of the Wolfpack in 2022. Constantly raising the bar, Brizard appeared in all 29 matches and led the team with 385 kills on the season to average 3.53 per set. She also ranked top 10 in the ACC for kills and points. Now an upperclassman, Brizard will be relied on more than ever as a leader and player.

Senior opposite hitter Amanda Rice had a breakout year in 2023, adding a few accolades to her resume. Rice recorded three consecutive 20-plus kill matches, becoming the first player in program history to do so and reached 694 career kills. With 75 block assists and five solo blocks, Rice proved herself both offensively and defensively on the court. She returns to the Pack as one of the team’s most versatile players.

Other returning faces include senior middle blocker Jada Allen, who led the team last season with 111 total blocks to average 1.02 per set. Senior outside hitter Martyna Leoniak and graduate defensive specialist Skye Stokes are also among the key returners.

While the roster leans on its veteran players, some young guns are looking to break out on the court and claim a spot in the lineup. Sophomore outside hitter Clara Vondran totaled 73 kills, nine service aces and seven blocks throughout the 2023 season and could become a good pairing with Brizard on the court.

Sophomore opposite hitter Mary Healy did not play her freshman year, but she kept her skills sharp while playing for Team Canada at the U19 World Championship.

Opponents

The ACC has grown into a volleyball conference over the years with schools like Pitt and Louisville leading the charge. With the addition of Stanford, the ACC gained a historic powerhouse with nine NCAA Championships and 24 regular season conference titles.

Last season, NC State showed it can compete with the best. Louisville was ranked No. 5 when it came to Raleigh in October 2023, but NC State didn’t care about the rankings. With a 3-1 win, the Wolfpack earned its first top-five win in program history, the first win over a ranked opponent in Reynolds Coliseum and only the second win over a nationally ranked opponent in the program's 47 years.

NC State kicks off its ACC campaign against Virginia Tech on Sept. 20 and plays Stanford two games later. There is no room for rest this year, and every game counts if the Pack wants to make the NCAA Tournament.