The UNC Asheville volleyball team will close out its spring season with a final exhibition match against Clemson this Sunday. The match marks the culmination of weeks of training and competition, providing the Bulldogs with one last opportunity to apply lessons learned throughout the spring.
Spring seasons in collegiate volleyball are primarily developmental, allowing teams to experiment with lineups, refine strategies and build team chemistry outside the pressures of the regular season. UNC Asheville embraced this period fully, facing a competitive slate of opponents that included Wofford, Montreat and Furman. Each of these matchups offered unique challenges and served as valuable benchmarks for the team’s progress.
Head Coach Danielle Marante emphasized the importance of the spring season as a building block for long-term success.
“Spring is a great time to really hone in on the details and refocus our goals for the next season. I like to use the spring as the foundation for our preparation for our fall,” Marante said. “It does not just start when we come back from summer break. I have seen a lot of growth from individuals as well as the team on their approach to training. The everyday details, growth, preparation and goals they have set for themselves get me excited for what is to come fall 2026.”
Freshman transfer setter Olivia Callipo said, “I have really loved how challenging this spring season has been. We have worked extremely hard and I feel like I have learned more in this short period than I did during my entire time at my previous school. I truly appreciate how devoted, honest, and invested Coach Danielle and Coach Jason are in our development. It has pushed me to grow a lot as both a player and a person. I am really looking forward to carrying this momentum into the fall and competing for a conference championship.”
Throughout these matches, growth has been a recurring theme. Players have gained experience in new roles, and the team as a whole has shown improvement in communication and execution. Coaches have emphasized development over results, focusing on building a foundation which will carry into the upcoming fall season.
“I think spring season has been tough but all worth it. Our team has grown so much together considering how many seniors we lost last year. All our hard work is paying off. I am excited for the fall to see how our young team grows and shows everyone that Asheville is on top,” said returning defensive specialist, Avery Schwieger.
The final match against Clemson represents more than just the end of the spring schedule. It offers a chance for UNC Asheville to measure its progress against a strong opponent and to solidify the identity it has been developing. Competing against a program with a high level of athleticism and depth will challenge the Bulldogs to elevate their performance and maintain composure under pressure.
The match also serves as an important moment for team cohesion. Closing the spring season on a competitive note can build momentum and confidence, reinforcing the work completed over the past several weeks. It also provides a clear sense of direction as the team transitions into summer training and preparation for the fall season.
UNC Asheville’s spring volleyball season has been defined by hard work, adaptability and steady improvement. With matches against Wofford, Montreat and Furman offering valuable experience, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to Clemson for one final test. Regardless of the outcome, the match will serve as a meaningful conclusion to a productive spring and a stepping stone toward future success.
