ANDERSON, SC – The Anderson University volleyball team is coming into the 2024 season riding the momentum of a historic run in 2023. The Trojans' season ended in the NCAA Quarterfinals after finishing second in the South Atlantic Conference in the regular season and battling to the conference semifinals in the postseason. The Trojans finished the 2023 season with an overall record of 28-6, a SAC record of 16-2 and a perfect 10-0 finish at home.
This year's team will look entirely different with just three starters returning, but head coach
Todd Hay believes their standards have never been higher.
"Now that we [went to the Elite 8], I believe it opens a whole new way of thinking and believing amongst the players and staff," Hay said. "We see what can be achieved and it inspires us to work harder. It is no longer an unattainable dream. We lived it. If that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will."
Statistically, the Trojans had a dominant season with the following additions to the record book:
- Highest kill percentage in program history - .245
- 4th most kills in a season in program history – 1,702
- Most kills per set in program history – 14.2
- 2nd most assists per set in program history - 12.9
Three returning starters will carry a lot of responsibility to lead this young team to success this season.
Senior
Hannah Neff has been solid for the Trojans on offense and defense. In 2023, Neff came up with 275 digs and 2.62 digs per set.
Service ace specialist
Katy Smith is also returning for the Trojans and will be another asset on defense. The junior led last year's team in aces with 38.
Redshirt junior
Brantley Chipley will be critical at the net after leading the Trojans in blocks last season with 106. She also had the team's third-highest hitting percentage of .345.
These three Trojans will look to take what the team learned through their success last season and instill that into this year's younger roster.
"I would say that last year taught us three key things: team unity, working hard, and dreaming big," Hay said. "Without dreams and hard work, the team will wither."
"We have a very athletic and talented team, but depth in the experience department will be a concern. However, I know these players will push each other so we can build the best team possible."
The 2024 season kicks off with an exhibition tri-match in the Abney Athletic Center against Belmont Abbey College and Lander University. The team's first regular season match takes place on the road at Quincy University on Sept. 6. SAC play opens on Sept. 10 at Newberry.
The Trojans' home regular season opener is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. when they host Limestone University.
"We have a very challenging schedule ahead of us and a young squad eager to get started," Hay said. "I'm looking forward to watching our team grown and learn over the course of 27 matches. The trip to San Antonio will be a lot of fun with great competition and team bonding. And, as always, we love playing at home in front of the best fans in our region."
