The 2024 NCAA Championship is in full swing, and the action has been relentless. With the first and second rounds complete, the Sweet 16 bracket has been revealed. Among the teams, the Nebraska Huskers look especially formidable. Following two consecutive clean sweeps in their opening matches, the Huskers are now set to host Dayton Volleyball at the Devaney Center on December 13.

So before the semifinal visitors come stomping to Lincoln, let’s take a look at their stacked history to better appreciate the upcoming game.

Home of the Dayton Flyers

The Thomas J. Frericks Athletic and Convocation Center is nearly synonymous with Dayton Volleyball. With a seating capacity of 5,000, it narrowly misses ranking among the top nine largest volleyball arenas in the country. However, its reputation rivals that of the nation’s biggest programs with ease. Built in 1950 on the university campus, the center has become a true landmark for the Flyers.

Named after Dayton’s former athletic director, Thomas Frericks, the center serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy. It is recognized as one of the premier volleyball venues in the collegiate circuit, reflecting the university’s dedication to excellence in the sport. In addition to being home to the Dayton volleyball team, the Frericks Center provides a state-of-the-art experience that distinguishes it from many other collegiate facilities.

The Frericks Center features a multilayered surface designed to enhance the high-velocity movements of volleyball, making it an ideal venue for thrilling women’s volleyball action. Its intimate and electric atmosphere challenges visiting teams while energizing the home crowd. Frequent renovations ensure an ever-improving experience for players and fans alike. With modern locker rooms and upgraded training facilities, the center supports athletes in honing their skills—and the results speak for themselves.

Records and achievements

Over the years, the Flyers have established themselves as a formidable force in collegiate volleyball. Dayton has made 18 appearances in the NCAA Championship and boasts an impressive track record. Dominating the A-10 Conference, the program has claimed an incredible 17 conference titles since joining in 1995—a truly spectacular achievement! Under the skilled leadership of head coach Tim Horsmon, Dayton continues to grow stronger than ever.

This year, the Flyers finished the regular season with an emphatic 31-2 overall record (18-0 conference), making it clear about the team’s intentions. Thanks to the titular statistics, Coch Horsmon was awarded the 2024 A-10 Coag Of The Year, while standout athlete Lexie Almodovar bagged the Player Of The Year trophy for the second time in a row. Her teammate Maelia Moore was also nominated for the award, but ultimately couldn’t make the final cut.

Flyers’ coaches and players

However, even apart from Almodovar and Moore, the Flyers boast a stacked roster, who are all incredible athletes. From senior Alyssa Miller to freshman Corrie Anderson, the players have all been able to execute their tasks with able hands this season to take Dayton into the Sweet 16 like true champs! In the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament, Horsmon’s girls have taken out powerhouses South Carolina (3-1) and Baylor (3-2), respectively.

The athletes are backed and guided by an incredible team of coaches and staff. Among them, HC Horsmon certainly enjoys the most coveted status. He was the head coach of the program when Dayton first made it to the NCAA tournament. The seasoned head coach is also supported by an able crew of volleyball experts including assistant coaches and athletic trainers.