Union volleyball 2024 season preview
Barbourville, Ky. - The Union Commonwealth University volleyball team kicks off its 2024 season on Friday, Aug. 23, with neutral-site matchups against Rio Grande and Cumberlands respectively.
To preview the upcoming season, here is a Q&A session with head coach Jeremy Wise.
What are your expectations for this season?
We have high expectations for this season as we have had a good preseason camp. Lots of quality play with better depth and consistency from top to bottom of our roster.
What goals have you set for your team?
The goals we have set with our team are to bring the intensity and support of each other every day. This should allow us with our athletic potential to get back to the top couple programs in the conference again.
We are striving to go from good to great and not just have average performances nor an average season. We want to get a bid to nationals through winning the conference or conference tournament.
Were there specific skills or areas of the game you focused on improving during the preseason?
An area we went out to improve and set a solid base for during our preseason was consistency. We wanted a focus on our serve reception and defensive intensity, especially on busted plays and out of system rallies. We also wanted an improvement on keeping our shots in play and to put more pressure on our opponents.
What strengths do you see in your team this year?
Strengths we see in our team this year are adding a few more hitters with some height so our blocking should improve as well as our ability to see the court and place shots better.
Which returning players are you most excited about?
Returning players we are happy to have back for our offense and skills includes Raquel Kessler, who is a returning back-to-back First-Team All-AAC selection that was towards the top statistically last year. We also like the hitting ability of Emily Shumaker. Her overall ball control and court vision has improved.
On the defensive side of the game, we are excited to have two returners that bring great digging ability in Nicole Almestica and Maddie McGaughey. Nicole can help in a pinch on offense as well. Maddie can also play both ways as a setter and defensive specialist.
Are there any newcomers or transfers who you believe could make a significant impact this season?
Our new Bulldogs this year that can make an impact right away would be Berkli Benefield, who brings height and a quick accurate arm swing to the net as a hitter we will rely on. Katherine Acosta is another hitter who will be relied on, and she has a nice shot selection to use.
Yanelis Turbi and Sloan Coursey should also add great setting to our team this fall with their soft and bettering the ball ability on set locations. Along with great sets, they both serve aggressively and very well.