UNCA Volleyball in swing for spring

As students and student-athletes return to campus for the spring semester, the UNC Asheville volleyball team has already jumped back into action. Coming off a strong season which ended with a tough loss to High Point University in the Big South Championship match, the team returned in January focused, motivated and eager to build on last year’s success.

Fans around campus will recognize familiar faces, including an All–Big South Conference Tournament Team setter and an All-Conference honorable mention right-side hitter. Alongside them are four new players in Bulldog gear, bringing fresh energy and depth to the roster as the team prepares for spring competition.

Head Coach Danielle Marante says the team is excited to begin the spring season and continue developing both on and off the court.

“This is a great group of athletes, added some new faces, and they are a really amazing squad of just good people. The team is focused and looking forward to making a big impact on the court. I hope everyone will come out this spring to cheer them on at our home matches.”

The Bulldogs are hoping to bring the excitement back to the stands at the Justice Center this spring. Senior Middle Hitter Lydia Pate emphasizes the team’s close-knit culture and shares goals heading into the season.

“I am so excited to be back in the gym. This is truly the best family and I look forward to getting faster and stronger together this spring to prepare for the run we’re about to make in the fall,”Pate said.

Throughout the spring semester, the team will place an emphasis on strength and conditioning, aiming to ensure they are among the hardest-working teams in the conference by the time fall arrives. Support from other athletic programs has also remained strong.

“We love watching their games, it’s so much fun. We have a great time, you know, getting hype, cheering for our team, trying to get in the other team’s head. It’s super cool having this kind of connection within different teams, and we know volleyball supports us, so much so we will definitely be at their spring matches getting hype and cheering them on,” Preston Core, senior track and field athlete, said.

With a determined mindset, new talent and a strong sense of team unity, the UNCA  volleyball program is poised for an exciting spring season as they prepare for another competitive run in the fall.