The Lady Lions have officially begun their journey to the 2024 Atlantic Sun Conference Championship. Welcoming a total of nine new players, eight freshman and one transfer, the Lions show grit and a high level of competition that can take them all the way.
Returning with seven players from the previous season, the team has ample amount of strength in the offensive aspect of the game. Senior Katy Floyd and Brenna Tietz look to hold down attacks for the Lions after serious contributions in the category from previous seasons.
Senior setter Elif Ozsoy has proven to be the player for the job after proving time after time she knows exactly which player can put the ball away.
Specifically, Floyd showed great contribution from the previous season. Head Coach Johnson gave accolades to Floyd for both her toughness and stepping into a greater leadership role during the ASUN tournament. She is excited to help lead the team again this season.
In terms of new faces, graduate transfer Jasmine Brooks looks to add experience, leadership and power to UNA’s offense. She is the highest rated recruit in the history of UNA volleyball.
Additionally, the team was ranked 4th overall in the ASUN Conference 2024 Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll. The league’s 12 head coaches decide on this number together, and this number is particularly impressive as it is the highest UNA volleyball has been ranked since moving to Division I in 2018.
Volleyball transitioned back into preseason training in July, working endlessly to bring all aspects of the game, such as speed, agility and endurance, to a level never before seen. According to Katy Floyd and transfer Jasmine Brooks, this is just one of the many attributes that sets them apart from other teams in the conference.
The team was able to get back in the arena early in August to officially begin practice. “We love to get after it,” said Floyd. “It’s so fun being able to dive all over the place.” Just the other day, the team split into two to scrimmage. The first set ended 32-34, proving just how much these women love to compete.
Compared to other teams, Brooks noted how determined the team is through their work ethic. “Everybody is so willing to learn and push each other to be better.” This is something else that sets the team apart– pure heart and support for one another that shine through in matches.
Reflecting on past years, the team earned their highest number of conference wins in their 2023 season, setting a record of 17. Under head coach Tristan Johnson, the team continues to progress each year, hoping to break that record again this year.
Furthermore, the biggest team goal is to push for victory and earn the 2024 ASUN Championship title. Coach Johnson said, “Our goal is to win and be better prepared for the ASUN championship.”
The team took on Ole Miss at their exhibition game on Saturday, August 24. Senior Katy Floyd is particularly excited for this year’s preseason schedule, as it is the strongest she has seen since she was at UNA.
Volleyball will next travel to the Auburn Invitational to compete against Auburn, Georgia Southern and Wofford.
