As the year wraps up, the sports world is buzzing with excitement! The NCAA Volleyball Big Ten Conference is back in action, promising a thrilling mix of nail-biting matches and some that might lean a bit one-sided. After nearly a month packed with intense non-conference games and tournaments, the 18 teams in the NCAA’s Big Ten Women’s Volleyball division have geared up for conference play, all aiming for a shot at the coveted National Championship. One standout team to watch? The top-seeded Washington Huskies!

They’re riding high with a flawless record, heading into conference play for the first time since 2016. So buckle up, because the 2024 season is officially underway, and there’s so much more to discover about the powerhouse Huskies!

History of Washington Huskies Women’s volleyball team

Curious how the Washington Huskies volleyball team became a powerhouse? Well, it all started with none other than Jim McLaughlin, the 2004 NCAA National Coach of the Year who also snagged Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2013. The volleyball world knows exactly what McLaughlin built at Washington—three Final Four appearances and six trips to the Elite Eight. He’s also coached two national players of the year and helped twelve players rack up an impressive 27 AVCA All-America awards. But wait, there’s more!

According to the University of Washington Athletics, under McLaughlin’s leadership, in his 13-year run, McLaughlin turned Washington volleyball into a championship-caliber team, making the NCAA Tournament every year except his rookie season in 2001, boasting a killer .789 winning percentage. Oh, and since McLaughlin came on board, a whopping 51 players earned All-Conference honors, 50 made the Academic All-Conference list, 31 became All-Americans, and 8 earned Academic All-America honors.

All about the Washington Huskies Volleyball Women’s team’s home venue, records, and achievements

The Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion is where the Washington Huskies create their unforgettable volleyball moments. This iconic venue, built in 1927, can hold up to 9,268 fans, making it a lively spot for not just volleyball but also basketball and gymnastics! With the Huskies rocking one of the finest home court advantages on the West Coast, the atmosphere is electric every time they hit the floor.

On September 27, the Washington Huskies kicked off their Big Ten journey in epic style, sweeping Indiana in their first conference match. They showed off their skills with a hitting efficiency of .337 and a solid 10 blocks, delighting the crowd of 2,996 fans. The team celebrated their victory, moving to 1-0 in Big Ten play and 11-0 in the season. Classic Husky Volleyball is alive and well! So, who are these Huskies, and who’s the mind behind their killer game plan?

Current team and coach of the Washington Huskies Volleyball

15 powerhouse women make up the current Washington Huskies volleyball squad. From the dynamic Kierstyn Barton to the fierce Julia Hunt, each player brings their own unique spark. In their recent triumph over Indiana, freshman Hunt held down the net with five blocks, while Emoni Bush added four crucial rejections. Molly Wilson orchestrated the offense flawlessly, tallying 25 assists.

With Bush, Audra Wilmes, and Madi Endsley all hitting over .300, the Dawgs put on a show that lit up Alaska Airlines Arena. And who’s the mastermind behind this powerhouse squad now? Say hello to Leslie Gabriel, the ultimate volleyball guru. She’s been with the Huskies for over 20 years, molding this team into the top-tier contenders they are today. Gabriel officially took the reins as head coach in 2022, but she’s no stranger to the program—she’s been shaping it since her own playing days back in the ’90s! Fun fact: she’s the fourth female head coach for UW volleyball but the first since Debbie Buse in 1991.

From helping guide them to five Final Fours to coaching 27 All-Americans, Leslie’s been there for all the big moments. Even with a tough season and injuries, Gabriel led the team to a winning record in 2023, proving that the Washington Huskies’ volleyball spirit is unstoppable no matter what comes their way!