by Taylor Cotie

The Greensboro College Women’s Volleyball team had a strong fall 2022 season, achieving an impressive third place ranking in the NCAA D3 USA South conference.

The Pride finished with a 13-5 conference record and 20-13 overall. During the conference playoffs, the determined squad made it to the semi-finals but was unable to secure the win against William Peace University after a grueling five-set match.

The GC volleyball team is getting ready for their spring games and preparing themselves for the 2023 fall season, which is quickly approaching. These athletes have been fully committed to improving their game, both as a team and individually. Preparation is in full force, lifting at Reynolds and practicing several times a week at Hanes Gymnasium. These ladies are hoping to exceed their performance from last season and make a strong comeback.

“Currently we are participating in our spring season which lasts about five weeks,” said Head Coach Kevin Troup when asked how his team had been preparing for their fall 2023 season. “We are fortunate to schedule one spring play date against two NCAA D1 programs, NC A&T and NC Central, along with NCAA DII Lenoir-Rhyne. We are hopeful that going against these will create an excitement headed into the fall.”

Troup hopes to accomplish many things during the upcoming season after having a successful fall ’22 season. “In 2022, we were young and a very talented group,” he said.

“The coaching staff hopes another year to mature and work together as a program will help us get over the hump of winning a conference title. Last season, we were literally 5 points away from the USA South Conference Tournament Title match. That loss was tough to overcome but at the same time is fueling us going forward. To know we were so close, and we have all the pieces coming back to make another run.

“Our players have worked really hard in the off season to get stronger physically in the weight room. They have also elevated the energy and their practice play in our practice sessions. We start 2023 on the road at Emory University, which is consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally. It is a great opportunity to compete against a very high-level program.”

As Greensboro College Volleyball closes out their 2023 spring season, they are excited for the fall and what is to come. The summer will be filled with individual work as they physically prepare themselves for a full fall schedule. This group of athletes, and their coaching staff, know what they are capable of on the court and are hungry for a championship. They will be ready for their comeback season.