The Virginia Tech volleyball team, also known as the Hokies, is a collegiate volleyball team that represents Virginia Tech in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). With a rich history spanning over four decades, the team has established itself as a competitive force in the world of college volleyball.
Early Years and Notable Seasons
The Virginia Tech volleyball team was established in 1979, and it quickly made a name for itself in the college volleyball scene. In its early years, the team competed in the Metro Conference, where it won several championships. One of the most notable seasons in the team's history was in 1998, when the Hokies finished with a 25-7 overall record and a 12-2 record in the Metro Conference. This impressive performance earned them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they ultimately fell to the University of Wisconsin in the second round.
In 2004, the Hokies joined the ACC, which marked a new era for the team. Despite facing stiff competition from other top-ranked teams in the conference, Virginia Tech has consistently held its own, finishing in the top half of the conference standings in several seasons.
Notable Players and Coaches
Throughout its history, the Virginia Tech volleyball team has been led by several notable coaches, including Chris Riley, who served as the team's head coach from 1993 to 2003. Under Riley's leadership, the Hokies won several conference championships and appeared in the NCAA Tournament multiple times.
One of the most notable players in Virginia Tech volleyball history is Marybeth Freeman, who played for the team from 1994 to 1997. Freeman was a dominant force on the court, earning All-American honors in 1996 and setting several school records for kills and blocks.
Facilities and Fan Support
The Virginia Tech volleyball team plays its home games at Cassell Coliseum, a 10,000-seat arena located on the university's campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. Cassell Coliseum is known for its electric atmosphere, with Hokie fans packing the stands to cheer on their team.
The team's facilities also include a state-of-the-art volleyball training center, which features three practice courts, a strength and conditioning area, and a sports medicine center. This training center provides the team with the resources it needs to compete at the highest level.
Conference and NCAA Tournament Performance
Throughout its history, the Virginia Tech volleyball team has experienced success in both the ACC and the NCAA Tournament. In 2015, the Hokies finished second in the ACC Coastal Division, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they ultimately fell to the University of Nebraska in the second round.
In 2018, the team had one of its most successful seasons in recent history, finishing with a 22-9 overall record and a 12-8 record in the ACC. This performance earned them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they ultimately fell to the University of Michigan in the first round.
Current Team and Future Prospects
The current Virginia Tech volleyball team is led by head coach Marci Byington, who has been at the helm of the program since 2014. Under Byington's leadership, the team has shown significant improvement, finishing in the top half of the ACC standings in several seasons.
The team's roster features a talented mix of veteran players and newcomers, including several players who have earned All-ACC honors. With a strong recruiting class and a commitment to excellence, the future looks bright for the Virginia Tech volleyball team.
Community Involvement and Outreach
The Virginia Tech volleyball team is committed to giving back to the local community. The team regularly participates in outreach events, including youth volleyball clinics and charity matches.
In 2019, the team hosted a charity match against the University of North Carolina, with proceeds benefiting the local food bank. This event was a huge success, raising over $1,000 for the local community.