West Virginia volleyball is looking to rebound under ninth-year head coach Reed Sunahara in an expanded Big 12 in 2023 after a rough showing in the 2022 season.
West Virginia went 7-22 a season ago, losing 10 straight games to close out the season and going 0-16 in conference play. The Mountaineers had a young starting lineup, with four freshmen starting at least 21 matches.
In July, the Big 12 preseason poll was released, and West Virginia was picked last among a 13-team conference. Oklahoma State is the only Big 12 school that does not have a volleyball team.
Outside hitter Adrian Ell and defensive specialist Natalie Winter have moved on after exhausting their eligibility.
Libero Skye Stokes has transferred to NC State, middle blocker Madison Page has transferred to UAB, outside hitter Brenna Tietz has transferred to North Alabama, setter Kamiah Gibson has transferred to Ohio State, defensive specialist/libero Jordan Schilling has transferred to High Point, and setter Jessica Dunn has transferred to Mercer.
Middle blocker/outside hitter Tierney Jackson and outside hitter Bailey Miller, both sophomores, are back after starting every match a season ago. Outside hitter Quincey Coyle and opposite Melanie McGann, also sophomores, are also back after starting 26 and 21 games last season respectively.
West Virginia picked up via the transfer portal opposite Lauren Bailey from Iowa Western Community College, outside hitter Hailey Green from Denver, setter Lauren DeLo from Rutgers, and defensive specialist/libero Camilla Covas from South Carolina.
This year’s freshman class consists of setter Katie Kolar, outside hitter Sarah Gooch, middle blockers Emma Beretich, Nele Broszat, and Maddy McGath, right side/defensive specialist Emma Winter, and libero/defensive specialist Danilyn Neil.
West Virginia opens up with a home exhibition match today against Virginia Tech at 5 p.m. The season opener is at the College of Charleston Tournament against Le Moine.
The Mountaineers are on the road for two more tournaments before hosting one of their own September 14-15. Big 12 play begins on September 21 with a match against Iowa State at home.
West Virginia plays all 12 of the other Big 12 opponents at least once throughout the season, which includes the reigning national champion Texas. The regular season closes out with a road match against Oklahoma, then the NCAA Volleyball Tournament takes place in December if the Mountaineers were to qualify.
