Dead Brother’s Words Help Arizona Coach Grab the Biggest Volleyball Achievement

Have you ever had someone’s words stick with you, pushing you to be your best even when they’re not around anymore? That’s exactly what happened to Rita Stubbs, the Head Coach whose brother’s influence was a key factor behind Arizona’s big win. The Wildcats just made history by winning the 2024 National Invitational Volleyball Championship. But here’s the twist: while Stubbs was there leading the charge, it was her late brother’s advice that still echoed through the team. As they say, ‘You can’t put a price on good advice.’ Sometimes, it’s the wisdom passed down that carries you through when it counts the most.

So here’s the rundown: on December 17, the University of Arizona volleyball team pulled off a 3-2 victory over Bowling Green State. Thus grabbing their NIVC Championship victory. Down 2-1 in sets, they didn’t back down; they dug deep and turned the game around. Finishing with a 24-9 record, the team showed what it means to push through adversity. And let’s not forget: none of this would’ve been possible without Rita Stubbs’ leadership, guided by the lasting advice from her brother, who is no longer be with us!

Rita Stubbs, Arizona’s head coach since January 2023, shared something really personal about how her brother, Charles Johnson, played a huge part in her success. Rita, who’s had a long career at Arizona both as a player from 1990-1994 and as a coach opened up about how Charles who passed away in May 2024, “My brother passed away in May,…And he left me with some choice words for this particular season,” she said, recalling how her brother always told her to stay true to herself.

Stubbs’ brother’s advice was simple but powerful: “Rita, you have to show them who you are. Be you. Don’t change no matter what happens. You just have to be that person that people want to listen to and talk to,’ with a lot of other choice words. ‘You don’t get to do this again. This is it. You got to go out there and show them what you’re made of..” 

Stubbs’ relationship with Charles went deeper than just advice. When she left Arizona for France to play professionally, he handed her a Bible. She, at the time, was not a very religious woman, and so she left it untouched for several months. But when she finally did, there was $200 in it, and this small act of faith was something that made her aware of the fact that he believed in her so much. It just goes to show that often, the very people we hold dear are capable of leaving a real impact even if they are no longer around. And that advice, that belief, created Arizona’s unforgettable volleyball championship match.

This Arizona volleyball team just pulled off the craziest championship win ever

The Arizona Wildcats just completed one of the most memorable comeback seasons and they are now the National Invitational Volleyball Champions. Alright, let us break down the match because it was from all prospects a roller coaster ride. Arizona got off to a good start in the first set with a lead 10-5, but Bowling Green gradually increased their scores and took the first set 29-27. Jaelyn Hodge came on strong and had 6 kills but that was not enough to seal the victory yet. But as far as set two was concerned, all Wildcats were present as they recovered their lost ground and clinched a 25-23 victory; Hodge fired 8 kills while Wilson made 5. Bowling Green retaliated in set three as they regained the lead with victory 25-18. But Arizona was not going to let that happen to them.

In set four, they began to counterattack and hit .533 percent, winning the set 25-17. The final set was the clincher, Arizona led 5-0 and never trailed again in the match. They won 15-9, with Hodge adding 4 kills, 2 blocks, and one ace to their portfolio thus ending the splendid career. Wilson and Tucker performed extremely well in the final laps as well. Admittedly, they had a 24-9 season record, including 9-9 in the Big 12. But one has to applaud the efforts of some sure, like Jaelyn Hodge, for leaving her mark in her last match as one of the Wildcats. She reflected all her energy on it and this is evident by her performances; 25 kills, 7 digs, and 4 blocks.

Oh, but we also have Jordan Wilson who produced 18 kills and 8 digs. Then there is Journey Tucker who led in the defense with 8 blocks and Alayna Johnson who made 5 blocks. The Wildcats got their championship win, and based on this show, things will only get better for this team. What a way to end the season, this volleyball win is one they surely are not going to forget anytime soon.