Volleyball: 2023 NCAA Division I
The D I Women's Volleyball season has gotten off to a good start. This area is heavily represented at all levels of volleyball. Especially, at the top. Now, let's get started!
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The numbers will change slightly as not all colleges have provided their 2023 roster. I have all but a small handful, so all of these numbers and discussion really won’t change as I add the last few rosters. And the Division II and III numbers and analysis will follow when available.
Here is what the volleyball numbers look like for DI:
There are 175 area athletes who are on a 2023 DI roster. That us up slightly from the 167 athletes who competed last year. But, it’s not just the numbers. It’s what those ladies do on the court. And this region has a reputation of exceeding all expectations based on demographics.
By Class
As would be expected, due to the normal attrition that occurs in college sports, there are more freshman than any other class. But, the numbers in each class are remarkably similar. While there are 48 freshmen, there are 31 sophomores, 33 juniors, and 33 seniors, along with a smattering of redshirts in each year. Additionally, there are 14 taking advantage of the Covid year granted by the NCAA. The consistent numbers from the sophomore to senior years speaks to the quality of athletes from this area. When these ladies enter DI to play volleyball, odds are that they will play four years. That is unusual among collegiate sports.
By Conference
Volleyball athletes from Missouri and Kansas are welcome throughout the country. There are 38 NCAA DI conferences. These two states provide athletes for the rosters of 30 of those conferences. Go to any college conference tournament and you will likely see local athletes competing.
By High School
These 175 athletes come from 100 high schools stretching all over the two state region. There is a pronounced concentration in the metro areas. But, there is also a path from Lyons, Kansas to DI. Lansing leads with nine DI volleyball players. St. James Academy and St. Teresa’s Academy each have six while five have come from Cor Jesu Academy and Nixa.
By College
Of course, the local schools will have the most local athletes. But, to get into 30 of the 38 conferences, these ladies have fanned out over the entire country. From Long Beach State University to Long Island University. An academic tour could be made through the represented colleges. Yale, Stanford, Army, Colgate, Holy Cross, Harvard, and Princeton, among other high profile colleges. I am sure these ladies feel fortunate to be at their school. I am equally sure the colleges are feel the same way about these athletes.
Top Ranked Schools
Why are teams ranked in the Top 25? It is mostly a combination of athletes and coaches. It’s not easy to get on one of those teams. Especially, in a small roster sport such as volleyball, which typically has only about 14 roster spots. This area has provided athletes for each of the top five ranked schools, and seven of the top eight. All told, 31 of our volleyball players hold roster spots on 13 of the top 23 schools.
The Season Ahead
Of course we don’t know what will happen this season. That is why we play the games. It is highly likely that this area will be very well represented come tournament time. We certainly could have a national champion. And there is no doubt there will be numerous personal awards and honors. Last year, 26 DI volleyball athletes were named to their All-Conference team. Two were their conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, while one was the Setter of the Year. That covers both the defensive and offensive sides. All-Americans? There were four last year. One returns. Kendra Wait (Gardner-Edgerton/Creighton University) returns for her junior year after repeating last year as an AVCA Honorable Mention.
There will be honors, awards, and lots of numbers. Lots and lots of all of those things. Your source for those for athletes through out Missouri and Kansas is Playing On Sports. Covered sports for this Fall season will be volleyball, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and field hockey. The next preview will showcase field hockey. I know, most of you have not been to a field hockey game. But, you will be amazed at what these ladies do when they leave high school. It’s going to be a great season, whatever the sport. Don’t miss any content. Get your free subscription now!
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