The Pittsburgh Volleyball team has been making serious waves since the Big Ten conference kicked off. From topping charts to scoring nonstop wins, the Panthers have been unstoppable. Just recently, the AVCA volleyball rankings dropped for the second time in two months, and—no surprise here—Pitt dominated, securing that #1 spot. But here’s the cherry on top: the Panthers have held onto this top rank since the very first AVCA rankings were released in early October. Month after month, the team has stayed perched high above the rest.

As if that weren’t enough, the Panthers capped off a sweep weekend, decisively defeating both Virginia and Virginia Tech on their whirlwind trip through the state. Behind this success stands head coach Dan Fisher, whose unwavering vision and leadership continue to drive the team. Recently, an alum even stepped forward to praise Fisher’s years of dedication and guidance!

Pittsburgh Volleyball: From an alum to the coach!

As per a report by TribLive, back in 2014, when the Pittsburgh Volleyball team was still finding its rhythm under coach Dan Fisher, a freshman named Angela Seman played a key role in a pivotal moment. Pitt was to play against No. 25 Duke and for once Seman got a seat on the bench after a transfer meant a vacancy. Sitting next to her was Jess Wynn, who was the team’s top player, in a boot and using a crutch. Pitt was down 2-1, but Seman says, “I remember everybody coming in (after Set 4) and saying, “I remember everybody coming in (after Set 4) and saying, ‘We’ve never been put in this spot before. We have the opportunity to do something really special. Why not?’ Why can’t we do it?”

That belief led to one of Pitt’s most memorable victories when an injured Wynn celebrated with her team after Maria Genitsaridi scored the winning points. By 2014, Pitt was closing the gap with ACC teams like North Carolina and Florida State, as Fisher’s focus on mental training and confidence-building took effect. As Fisher put it, “You can’t just believe. You can’t just keep telling yourself you’re going to ace a test. At some point, you’ve got to ace it so there’s proof in concept.”

The breakthrough came against Duke, with freshman Mariah Bell, in her first start, delivering a match-winning ace that set up Genitsaridi’s kill, securing Pitt’s first win over a ranked team since 2005. The momentum carried into a straight-set win over North Carolina—less dramatic, but deeply meaningful for the team.“To our team, that was a huge deal for us,” Akeo said. That confidence carried Pitt through the rest of the season and set the stage for even bigger things.

By 2016, the Panthers had built the momentum to secure their first NCAA Tournament appearance, defeating ranked teams like No. 25 Colorado State and No. 22 Michigan. Their win over No. 8 North Carolina solidified their readiness for the big stage. Today, Pitt holds the No. 1 national ranking—a remarkable leap from their early struggles. For the players and coaches involved, it’s a powerful reminder of their journey and growth.

As Akeo, now an assistant coach, reflects, “It’s really cool to say the least. I’ve been here almost as long as (assistant coach) Kellen (Petrone), and our skin in the game, how much he and I care about this program and want to see it do well and being able to be a part of it all these years has just been amazing.” For alumni like Seman, Patcher, and Antles, the current success feels like the foundation they helped build. “Goodness, did I think that we’d be No. 1 in the country? I don’t know, but it’s pretty darn amazing,” said Patcher. The Panthers’ story under Dan Fisher is indeed amazing, but how has Fisher’s journey been with Pittsburgh Volleyball?

Pittsburgh Volleyball and Dan Fisher!

Dan Fisher has propelled Pittsburgh Volleyball to extraordinary success, clinching five ACC Championships over a seven-year span and securing the program’s first four NCAA Elite Eight appearances, along with three NCAA Division I Women’s Final Four appearances. His journey to the top wasn’t immediate, but his passion for the sport and the influence of the coaches who shaped him have been key. Reflecting on why he chose volleyball, Fisher recalls, “I had some high school coaches that I really looked up to … then when I started getting closer to being a head coach and running my own program — it’s a very specialized job — the rest is history.”

Fisher’s coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in care and trust. He believes in creating a culture where everyone involved, from staff to players, is committed to building something bigger than themselves. “You can’t just believe. You can’t just keep telling yourself you’re going to ace a test. At some point, you’ve got to ace it so there’s proof in concept,” he explains, showing his belief in action over words. He emphasizes the importance of reflection and collaboration, always asking himself and his team, “Are we modeling, are we bringing our best?” This reflective mindset extends to his training approach, where he integrates feedback to keep improving. His philosophy has fostered a team environment where growth and accountability are key.

Fisher also prioritizes fostering confidence in his athletes, believing that success should start with competence. He explains, “We want them to have lots of successes… winning the day and feeling good about the work they put in.” He calls this approach “practicing winning,” ensuring his players’ experience success and gain confidence. Fisher doesn’t want his athletes to fear failure, but embrace it as part of the learning process. “Let’s earn it like you earn the right to be confident,” he says, highlighting the value of earning your self-belief through consistent effort and growth. This emphasis on building confidence, along with his commitment to caring about all aspects of the program, has been instrumental in Pitt’s rise to the top.