After a whirlwind 10-week grind in the Big Ten volleyball gauntlet, it’s time to level up—welcome to the NCAA D1 Volleyball Championships, where the stakes are higher, the pressure is fiercer, and home-court advantage. Yeah, don’t count on it. While 18 teams flexed their muscles in the Big Ten, the NCAA is bringing in the heavy artillery: 31 conference champs with automatic tickets punched and a roster that screams “game on!”

Let’s not forget the top four seeds—teams so stacked they’ve racked up 12 national titles between them. Impressive? Absolutely. But wait, there’s more: add another 33 contenders to the mix. Oh, and did someone say plot twist? This year, two brand-new squads are crashing the party, making their NCAA debut. Who are these bold newcomers ready to take on the volleyball elite?

Who are the fresh entrants in the 2024 NCAA volleyball championships? 

Hours after the Nebraska Huskers’ second Big Ten volleyball title victory, the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Volleyball Committee unveiled the list of 64 teams that will compete in the first and second rounds of the tournament. However, as mentioned earlier, 31 teams came because of their rankings, whereas the rest of the places were filled up by the at-large selections. Another fact is that among those 64 names, there are 39 that appeared in last year’s contest as well. But folks don’t predict the tournament to be a dead rubber as there are two new names in the huddle. Among them, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) volleyball squad has come with some intriguing numbers. 

This season, UTEP volleyball displayed desperation to bid for a place in the NCAA volleyball championships. They finished the season with a 27-5 record, whereas they reached the semifinals of the Conference USA contest. Last year as well, they reached the NIVC finals, hosting five games of the tournament. However, Wichita State took away the crown. But the Miners may not mind anything now, as they are in the big league right now. Notably, they will start their NCAA title journey on December 6 by competing against Oklahoma University. A gauntlet of the game! However, there’s another entrant. 

In its first-ever season at the NCAA volleyball championships, Chicago State faces an uphill battle right out of the gate. The debut squad has been handed a tough task—on December 6, they’ll take on the No. 1 seed, Louisville, at the KFC Yum! Center. The Cardinals (25-5, 17-3 ACC) are riding high as the top seed for the fourth year in a row, but Chicago State isn’t exactly an underdog to ignore. With just one loss in their last 60 days, they’re coming in hot and ready to stir things up. Fans can expect an intense, high-stakes showdown where the outcome could tip in any direction. So, how will the rest of the NCAA volleyball championships unfold? What’s in store for the powerhouse teams and the rising stars?

What is the schedule of the highest-order volleyball battle? 

With the popularity of women’s volleyball reaching sky-high, the Race for the Roses is bound to garner a special interest. And this time, the fans will not be disappointed as 25 alternative names who were not there last season have entered the league. But what about the schedule and the top teams? Well, here’s the tea. 

Only four of sixty-four teams will advance to the semifinals in Louisville, and only one will win the national championship. Volleyball fans vividly recall what transpired in last year’s championship match. Texas dominated Nebraska in a clean sweep, claiming their second consecutive national title. Can the Longhorns repeat the success and win three championships in a row? Will another powerhouse club, such as Pittsburgh, Nebraska, or Penn State, enter the field? The contest is open to anyone. But first, let’s check the schedule to gain an idea about the final dance. 

The first and second rounds of matches will take place in 16 college venues from December 5-7. Teams that win both matches will advance to regional play on December 12–15. Regionals for the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship will take place at four non-predetermined college locations. The fixture of it will be announced on December 8. Each site will host four teams in a single-elimination regional semifinal competition.

The regional winners will advance to the national semifinals and championship final, and the action is only getting bigger. Hosted by the University of Louisville and the Louisville Sports Commission, these high-stakes matches will take place at the KFC Yum! Center on December 19 and 22. Get ready for some major volleyball thrills!

In Region 1, the Pittsburgh Panthers (29-1) will kick things off against Morehead State (18-14) on December 6. Over in Region 2, Nebraska volleyball (29-2) will face Florida A&M (27-6) in Lincoln, also on December 6. Meanwhile, in Region 3, Penn State (29-2) will battle Delaware State (17-13) at Rec Hall. And of course, in Region 4, Louisville (25-5) will take on Chicago State Volleyball (19-9) in Louisville. The excitement is palpable, right? The anticipation is building—who’s ready for all the action? Let us know in the comments!