The NYU women's volleyball team kicked off its 2015 preseason at the Coles Sports Center on August 20. With two-a-day practices, and even a few three-a-days, the Violets have been hard at work in preparation for their upcoming season.
In 2014, the Violets achieved their fourth consecutive 20-win season, finishing with a 20-18 record.
With the graduation of
Katie Robinson,
Sonya Bray and
Allie Williams, middle blocker
Nicole Frias remains the team's only senior. Last season, she was named Honorable Mention All-University Athletic Association (UAA) and ended the campaign tied for fifth on NYU's all-time list in assisted blocks (188) and total blocks (225).
The team's only junior, middle blocker
Alexandra Nagle, returns after missing the entire 2014 season due to injury.
Sophomores
Rayne Ellis (middle blocker),
Brooke Tannahill (defensive specialist),
Celine Das (setter),
Elissa Davila-Shiau (setter), and
Alexis Jackson (outside hitter) return to this year's squad as well.
Despite the loss of many upperclassmen, Head Coach
Jolie Ward is excited with the performances of the freshmen thus far in preseason and is optimistic about what the new players can bring to the team.
"The freshmen have done a really good job stepping into the pace of the game, as well as understanding what the expectations are," Ward said.
The incoming freshmen include opposites
Olivia Giddens and
Regina Wright, outside hitters
Shelby King and
Annie Singh, defensive specialist
Stephanie Mao, setter
Daryl Mitchell, and middle blocker
Patricia Stirb.
"Obviously, every season we want to make it to the NCAA Tournament as well as be competitive every time we step into the gym," Ward said. "Hopefully, the intensity of our practices is preparing our team for the level of competition we will be facing throughout the season."
The Violets open their schedule at Hunter College on Wednesday, September 2, at 6:00 pm. NYU hosts UAA Round Robin #1 at the Coles Sports Center, Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4.
