UTRGV Volleyball Looks to Build on Championship Success

After a historic season that raised expectations around the program, UTRGV volleyball is back

on the court with a new group, new goals and the same championship mentality. For the

Vaqueros, last season proved what they were capable of. Now, the challenge is building on that

success.

UTRGV Women’s volleyball enters the new season after a memorable year that saw the team

win the regular season championship. But despite the success, head coach Todd Lowry said this year’s team has its own identity.

“I think every year every team has its own identity, even if you just change a couplepieces, like the dynamics of the group, take on a whole new identity,”Lowery said.

He said one of the biggest differences he has noticed early on is the team’s mindset. He said

the players are learning to move on from mistakes and are more willing to adjust and grow.

For middle blockers Aaliyah Sneed and Juliana Bryant, last year’s success did not create

pressure. Instead, they said it gave the team even more motivation.

“I wouldn’t say it’s so much pressure but I feel like we hold ourselves at a higherstandard knowing what we were capable last year and knowing that we have the samegoal in mind or even bigger for this year,” Bryant said.

The Vaqueros did not finish last season the way they wanted after falling to Stephen F. Austin,

but Sneed said that experience showed the team what it needs to improve.

The ultimate goal is clear: make it back to the conference tournament, win it and earn a trip to

the NCAA Tournament.

Lowry said the team cannot focus too far ahead.

“Our program isn’t just one year,” she said.“I mean, I think the volleyball here at UTRGVhas been established for a number of years as a championship program, and I thinkthat’s just what we come into every year as an expectation.”

While expectations are high, the players say one of the team’s biggest strengths is the

connection they have with each other both on and off the court.

With returning players and newcomers joining the roster, the team has developed a new

dynamic while keeping the same commitment to one another.

“Once we’re in these four walls with the ball and the net up, we only have one thing inmind. And it’s like we all connect on that one goal,” Sneed said.

This connection is something Lowry believes fans will be able to see this season.

He describes this year’s team as high-energy and offensive-minded, with players who genuinelyenjoy competing together. And as the Vaqueros prepare for another season, the players have one message for the UTRGV community.