The Seattle University volleyball team, also known as the Seattle University Redhawks, is a collegiate volleyball team that competes in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The team has a rich history of competitiveness and has produced several talented players who have gone on to succeed at the professional and international levels.
Team History
The Seattle University volleyball team was established in 1969 and has been a member of the NCAA since 1970. The team has competed in several conferences over the years, including the NorPac Conference, the Pacific West Conference, and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). In 2012, the team joined the WAC, where it currently competes against other top programs from around the country.
Coaching Staff
The Seattle University volleyball team is led by head coach James Finley, who has been at the helm of the program since 2014. Finley has a proven track record of success, leading the team to several conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. He is assisted by a talented coaching staff, including associate head coach Laura Cisneros and assistant coaches Matt Sonksen and Michaela Bober.
Notable Players
Over the years, the Seattle University volleyball team has produced several talented players who have gone on to succeed at the professional and international levels. Some notable players include:
- Martina Samadan, a middle blocker who played for the team from 2013 to 2016 and went on to play professionally in Europe.
- Maja Gacic, a right-side hitter who played for the team from 2014 to 2017 and represented her native country of Serbia at the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Alyssa Schultz, a libero who played for the team from 2015 to 2018 and was named the WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.
Season Highlights
The Seattle University volleyball team has had several notable seasons over the years, including:
- 2015: The team finished the season with a 20-10 overall record and won the WAC Tournament championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
- 2017: The team finished the season with a 22-8 overall record and won the WAC regular-season championship, earning a bid to the NCAA tournament.
- 2019: The team finished the season with a 20-10 overall record and won the WAC Tournament championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Facilities
The Seattle University volleyball team plays its home games at the Connolly Center, a state-of-the-art facility that seats over 1,000 fans. The center features a competition-sized volleyball court, a training room, and a locker room.
Community Engagement
The Seattle University volleyball team is committed to community engagement and outreach. The team participates in several community service projects throughout the year, including:
- Volleyball clinics: The team offers free volleyball clinics to local youth, teaching them the fundamentals of the game and promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Charity events: The team participates in several charity events throughout the year, including fundraising tournaments and auctions.
- Youth camps: The team offers summer camps for local youth, providing them with the opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and players.
Recruiting
The Seattle University volleyball team recruits talented players from around the country and the world. The team's coaching staff attends several recruiting events throughout the year, including:
- USA Volleyball national championships: The team's coaching staff attends the USA Volleyball national championships, scouting top talent from around the country.
- College showcase events: The team's coaching staff attends college showcase events, evaluating top players from around the region.
- International tournaments: The team's coaching staff attends international tournaments, scouting top talent from around the world.
Academics
The Seattle University volleyball team prioritizes academic success, recognizing that student-athletes are first and foremost students. The team's players are expected to maintain a high level of academic achievement, and the team's coaching staff provides support and resources to help them succeed.
- Academic support: The team's coaching staff provides academic support to players, including tutoring and study hall sessions.
- Degree programs: The team's players can choose from a wide range of degree programs, including business, engineering, and the arts.
- Graduation rates: The team's graduation rates are among the highest in the WAC, with over 90% of players graduating within six years.
Conclusion
The Seattle University volleyball team is a competitive and talented program that has produced several notable players and achieved significant success over the years. With a strong coaching staff, excellent facilities, and a commitment to community engagement and academic success, the team is well-positioned for continued success in the future.
Gallery of Seattle University Volleyball Team
