After a whirlwind Big Ten volleyball season, the NCAA action is heating up, and one team is making serious waves. Just a day ago on December 6, South Dakota State’s unforgettable journey came to an end with a tough 3-0 loss to the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes in the NCAA Tournament’s First Round at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Jackrabbits closed their season with an incredible 27-3 record—an all-time high in their Division I era. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, now sitting at 22-10, are charging into Round Two to face none other than the Big Ten title co-sharer, the Nebraska Huskers. The match is set for December 7 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the excitement is already building!

Against South Dakota State, Miami delivered an electrifying performance, securing set scores of 25-17, 25-23, and 25-15. The Jackrabbits fought hard but struggled to find their rhythm offensively, managing only 26 kills compared to Miami’s dominant 47. Now, all eyes are on the Miami Hurricanes as they prepare to face one of the toughest teams in the NCAA bracket. But before the big clash with the Huskers, let’s dive into everything you need to know about this fiery Miami squad that’s ready to take on Lincoln!

Miami Hurricanes and their history

The Miami Hurricanes volleyball program is all about heart, history, and hustle. Over 28 seasons, they’ve stacked a solid 540-325-1 record and proven they’re no strangers to making waves. Nine NCAA Tournament appearances? Yep, they’ve done that, with the 2002 run to the Regional Semifinals still living rent-free in fans’ heads. Their ACC days have been nothing short of epic, with legends like Lane Carico, Savannah Leaf, and Olga Strantzali leading the charge. Whether crushing it in hitting percentages, aces, or blocks, Miami’s been racking up 35 All-ACC honors and snagging titles like ACC Coach of the Year. The ‘Canes’ don’t just play—they make statements.

And let’s talk about their coaching journey—it’s a vibe all its own. Chris Bell kicked things off, Cheryl Holt built a winning legacy, and after a pause, Nicole Lantagne-Welch brought the heat in 2001. Her squad pulled off a 26-match win streak, cracked the NCAA rankings, and served up unforgettable moments, like that 2002 takedown of Duke and Wisconsin. Fast forward to Jose “Keno” Gandara in 2013, and the Canes just kept thriving. With eight First-Team All-ACC selections and a knack for spotting stars like Savannah Vach and Kennedy Prince, Gandara’s been steering the ship like a pro.

Now, the players? Absolute icons. Lane Carico smashed records with 1,749 career kills, while Savannah Leaf was both a powerhouse on the court and a genius in the classroom. Then there’s Olga Strantzali, who rewrote the offensive playbook in 2017 with her 1,448 kills and 142 service aces. Oh, and Haley Templeton? She ran the show as a setter, racking up over 4,600 assists and more awards than we can count. This squad isn’t just about stats—they’re about passion, power, and playing every game like it’s their last. With a legacy like this, it’s no surprise the team has been making serious waves this season, adding even more shine to their stacked list of achievements.

The Hurricanes’ achievements!

It’s crystal clear that with a history like theirs, this Miami Hurricanes’ squad was born to shake things up—and they’re doing just that this season! Just last month, the Hurricanes (15-7, 6-5) pulled off a jaw-dropping five-set victory over the No. 5 Stanford Cardinal (16-4, 8-3) right at the Knight Sports Complex. Talk about home-court magic! This thrilling showdown marked Miami’s second top-five win of the season. The team went all out, stacking up 73 kills, 61 digs, nine blocks, and six sizzling service aces to seal the deal in style.

But wait—let’s rewind to September for a moment of pure volleyball drama. Miami shook the volleyball world with a massive 3-2 comeback upset against No. 1 Texas. Yep, you read that right—the defending NCAA champs fell to the ‘Canes in a battle for the ages. The Longhorns (2-2) came in hot, taking the first two sets 25-19 and 25-17, led by the powerhouse All-American Madisen Skinner. But Miami (5-0) said, ‘Not today!’ and rallied with a fiery comeback, snagging the next three sets 26-24, 25-18, and 15-11 to hand Texas their first unranked loss since 2014. With these jaw-dropping wins, one can’t help but wonder—what kind of team pulls off moves like this? And, of course, who’s the mastermind leading this unstoppable crew?

The coach behind the Hurricanes’ women volleyball squad

Pulling off back-to-back wins might seem like a monumental task, but for the Hurricanes, it’s just another day at the office with a lineup like this! This powerhouse squad features 17 fierce and talented young women ready to bring the heat on the court. Holding down the fort in the libero role are Naylani Feliciano, Sienna Sobotta, and Milana Moisio, while outside hitters like Ava Carney, Flormarie Heredia Colon, Marla Valentin, Nyah Anderson, Paula Guersching, Semrit Nijjar, and Grace Lopez pack a punch with every swing. In the middle, Ashley Carr, Dalia Wilson, and Bianka Lulić stand tall as blockers and hitters.

When it comes to setting the stage, Ariana Rodriguez, Alanys Viera, and Taylor Polivka handle the game with finesse. And for those jaw-dropping defensive plays? That’s Yaidaliz Rosado’s time to shine. But every great team needs a visionary leader, and fueling these ladies to new heights is none other than head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara! He stepped into the Hurricanes’ spotlight on March 20, 2013, becoming the architect behind this volleyball dynasty. Now, a decade later, he crafted a legacy of excellence, leading Miami to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances. The 2022 season was nothing short of electric, with the team boasting a 19-11 record, a top-10 stunner against Georgia Tech, and 10 sweeps to their name.

Under Gandara’s watchful eye, Miami has become a blocking powerhouse, ranking 16th nationally in blocks per set and 32nd in total blocks. The team also flexed its strength in the ACC, finishing the season among the top in several categories—from hitting percentages and digs to assists and blocks. Gandara isn’t just a coach; he’s the ultimate playmaker, turning raw talent into unstoppable momentum. Safe to say, this crew and their fearless leader are just getting started!