The University of Tulsa volleyball team, also known as the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, has been a force to be reckoned with in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). With a rich history of producing talented players and competing at a high level, the team has garnered a loyal following among fans and alumni alike.
Team History and Achievements
The University of Tulsa volleyball team was established in 1976 and has since become a staple of the university's athletic program. Over the years, the team has experienced its fair share of successes, including winning several conference championships and making appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
In 2006, the Golden Hurricane won the Conference USA (C-USA) Championship, defeating the University of Houston in the championship match. The team went on to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance that same year, where they ultimately fell to the University of Oklahoma.
More recently, the team has experienced a resurgence in success, winning the AAC Championship in 2018 and making a return to the NCAA Tournament. The Golden Hurricane's 2018 season was marked by a 22-8 overall record and a 13-5 record in conference play.
Notable Players and Coaches
The University of Tulsa volleyball team has produced several notable players throughout its history. One of the most successful players to come out of the program is Jordan Clampitt, who played for the Golden Hurricane from 2013 to 2016. Clampitt was a three-time First Team All-C-USA selection and holds the program record for most kills in a single season (484).
Another notable player is Rachel Hirschl, who played for the team from 2015 to 2018. Hirschl was a two-time First Team All-AAC selection and was named the AAC Player of the Year in 2017.
As for coaches, the Golden Hurricane has had several successful leaders throughout its history. One of the most notable coaches is Steve Walton, who served as the team's head coach from 1997 to 2008. Walton led the team to two C-USA Championship appearances and was named the C-USA Coach of the Year in 2006.
Current Team and Season Updates
The University of Tulsa volleyball team is currently led by head coach Ryan Theis, who is in his third season at the helm. Theis has a proven track record of success, having led the team to a 20-10 overall record and a 12-6 record in conference play in his first season.
As for the current season, the Golden Hurricane has been off to a strong start, with a 10-4 overall record and a 5-1 record in conference play. The team has been led by senior outside hitter Rachael Anderson, who has been averaging 3.5 kills per set and 2.5 digs per set.
Home Court and Facilities
The University of Tulsa volleyball team plays its home matches at the Reynolds Center, a 8,355-seat arena located on the university's campus. The Reynolds Center has been the home of the Golden Hurricane since 1998 and has hosted several conference championships and NCAA Tournament matches.
In addition to the Reynolds Center, the team also practices and trains at the Donald W. Reynolds Center Volleyball Practice Facility. The facility features three volleyball courts and state-of-the-art training equipment, providing the team with a top-notch environment to develop their skills.
Fans and Community Engagement
The University of Tulsa volleyball team has a loyal following among fans and alumni. The team's matches are often well-attended, with fans showing their support by wearing gold and cheering loudly throughout the match.
In addition to attending matches, fans can also show their support by following the team on social media. The Golden Hurricane has a strong presence on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where fans can stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates.
The team also engages with the local community through various outreach programs and events. One of the most popular events is the annual "Volleyball Festa", which brings together fans, alumni, and community members for a fun-filled day of volleyball, food, and activities.
Camps and Clinics
The University of Tulsa volleyball team offers several camps and clinics throughout the year for players of all ages and skill levels. The camps and clinics are led by the team's coaching staff and players, providing participants with expert instruction and guidance.
One of the most popular camps is the "Golden Hurricane Volleyball Camp", which is held annually during the summer. The camp is designed for players aged 8-18 and features instruction on various aspects of the game, including hitting, setting, and blocking.
In addition to the summer camp, the team also offers several clinics throughout the year, including the "Volleyball Development Clinic" and the "Setting and Blocking Clinic". These clinics are designed for players of all ages and skill levels and provide expert instruction on specific aspects of the game.
Recruiting and Scholarships
The University of Tulsa volleyball team offers several scholarships to qualified student-athletes. The scholarships are awarded based on a player's athletic ability, academic performance, and other factors.
In addition to scholarships, the team also offers several other forms of financial aid, including grants and loans. Players who are interested in joining the team should contact the coaching staff to inquire about available scholarships and financial aid.
The team's recruiting process typically begins during a player's junior year of high school. Coaches will often attend high school matches and tournaments to evaluate potential recruits. Players who are interested in joining the team should also submit their athletic and academic information to the coaching staff for consideration.
Alumni and Professional Players
The University of Tulsa volleyball team has produced several professional players and alumni who have gone on to successful careers in the sport. One of the most notable alumni is Jordan Clampitt, who played for the Golden Hurricane from 2013 to 2016. Clampitt went on to play professionally in Europe and has also represented the United States in international competitions.
Another notable alumnus is Rachel Hirschl, who played for the team from 2015 to 2018. Hirschl has played professionally in the United States and has also worked as a coach and instructor at several volleyball camps and clinics.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The University of Tulsa volleyball team has a rich history of producing talented players and competing at a high level. With a strong coaching staff and a loyal fan base, the team is well-positioned for success in the future.
Whether you're a fan, alumni, or simply a volleyball enthusiast, there's never been a better time to get involved with the Golden Hurricane. From attending matches to participating in camps and clinics, there are many ways to show your support for the team.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the University of Tulsa volleyball team. We'll be back with more updates and news from the world of volleyball.
What is the University of Tulsa volleyball team's schedule like?
+The University of Tulsa volleyball team's schedule typically includes matches against other NCAA Division I teams, as well as conference opponents. The team's schedule can be found on the university's athletic website.
How can I get involved with the University of Tulsa volleyball team?
+There are several ways to get involved with the University of Tulsa volleyball team, including attending matches, participating in camps and clinics, and joining the team's booster club.
What are the requirements for joining the University of Tulsa volleyball team?
+The requirements for joining the University of Tulsa volleyball team include meeting the NCAA's eligibility requirements, having a strong athletic and academic record, and being selected by the team's coaching staff.