The Pittsburgh Panthers are one of the most recognizable volleyball squads in the USA. Since the introduction of the program in 1974, the team has participated in 19 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships and has a 22-18 overall record. This year, the Panthers are going 13-0, and will surely hope to do better at the national championship.

As the 2024-25 season kicks off, there will be some time in the Panthers’ hands to make sure they keep at it. However, while our eyes stay glued to the progress of the ongoing season, let’s a gander back at the Pittsburgh team’s lineage to better appreciate their triumphs in the future.

A flamboyant home venue

Like some of the top women’s volleyball programs in the country, the Panthers also host their opponents at a state-of-the-art indoor stadium that can house 4,122 attendees. The Fitzgerald Field House opened its gates in 1951 and served as the home of the Pittsburgh Men’s Basketball team for well over 50 years. Along with volleyball, the college uses the location for an array of other sports including gymnastics, track and field, and wrestling. It is also where the coaches of several programs sit in their respective offices. The now iconic arena is named after a former chancellor of Pittsburg, Rufus Fitzgerald.

In 1999, the arena underwent heavy reconstruction to keep up with the changing conditions of collegiate sports in the US. In another bout of renovation in 2008, the volleyball court was finally added to the Field House. Since then, the arena has remained a crucial part of the Panther’s stellar journey.

Records and achievements

The Pittsburgh Panthers’ national dominance is no accident—it’s the product of relentless effort and unmatched talent. Last year, they clinched yet another ACC title, adding another gleaming trophy to their growing collection. And this season, they’re keeping the momentum alive. Earlier today, the Panthers delivered a commanding victory over Boston College in the ACC tournament, closing the match in four sets as their opponents crumbled under the pressure.

The Panthers’ grit and determination haven’t gone unnoticed, and neither have they gone unsupported. The loyal Pittsburgh fans have shown up in droves, ensuring their team never plays alone. In fact, the 2024-25 season has already seen record season ticket sales—a testament to the electric atmosphere surrounding Panthers volleyball. With a thrilling lineup of home games this season, the fans are ready to bring their voices to every match, offering their beloved team the morale boost they need to soar.

With this unwavering fan support, the Panthers’ volleyball stars have shined on the court, racking up numerous ACC, AVCA, and NCAA accolades over the past year. Reflecting on their success, head coach Dan Fisher remarked, “It was a year that moved our program forward. We were able to solidify ourselves as one of the best teams in the country, year in and year out. We’ve done it four years in a row, making deep runs in the tournament. It’s really hard, so I’m proud of our consistency. It was a hugely successful season in the eyes of the coaches.”

Pittsburgh Panthers volleyball players and coach

To guide the players, Fisher is marking his 11th season with the Panthers. Under his able leadership, the Pittsburgh team has won seven ACC titles and has gone as far as the Final Four in three consecutive NCAA D1 Championship. Fisher has also sent ripples across the USA’s collegiate volleyball scene with a staggering .811 winning percentage as the head coach of the Panthers. “Fisher knows how to win,” the official website nods its head to the HC. Fisher’s highly experienced team coaching staff includes associate head coach Kellen Petrone, and assistant coaches Kamalani Akeo, and Shaun Ermi.

Star players including Olivia Babcock, Torrey Stafford, and Rachel Fairbanks will return this year, and fans will hope for nail-biters every week. Many among their teammates boast All-American honors under their belts and are ready to display their skills in all their glory in the 2024-25 season as well.

Meet the biggest rivals of the Panthers

The Pittsburgh Panthers have evolved into a powerhouse, taking on some of the fiercest teams in collegiate volleyball. Their record against formidable opponents like Boston College, Clemson University, and Georgia Tech speaks volumes about their prowess. But among all these rivalries, none match the intensity of their face-offs with West Virginia.

The Backyard Brawl has become legendary among college volleyball fans, a showdown always brimming with emotion and high-stakes drama. Whenever the Panthers clash with the Mountaineers, it’s an adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Pittsburgh delivered one of the most unforgettable blows back in 2007 when they traveled to Morgantown and toppled the then-No. 2 Mountaineers, crushing West Virginia’s first shot at a national championship with a 13-9 triumph.

The banter between the fans of both sides is equally epic—both Panther and Mountaineer fans belt out Sweet Caroline, but it’s fair to say West Virginia brings a bit more edge to the rivalry. With all the fiery chants, cheers, and unforgettable moments, the Backyard Brawl is a storied chapter in collegiate volleyball history. So, what’s your favorite memory from this iconic rivalry? Share your top Panthers moment in the comments below!