Leah Oyewole spikes the ball in a matchup last fall. (Jialing Sun | Student Life)

2023 was a season of highs and lows for the Washington University volleyball team. Despite recording six winning streaks of three or more games and finishing 24-10  (5-2 in conference play), a disappointing performance in the UAA tournament resulted in a school-worst sixth-place UAA finish.

However, after snagging an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, the Bears secured a dominant first-round win vs. St. Olaf College. A loss to the No. 4 University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in the second round ended WashU’s hope for a Cinderella run. Still, the Bears were able to turn their season around in 2023 and will look to compete in the postseason again in 2024.

Key Players

Despite the loss of several key contributors, the Bears’ core remains intact entering the 2024 season. The team’s success starts with their senior tandem of outside hitters: Jasmine Sells and Lucy Davis. Sells, an All-American Honorable Mention recipient and All-Region and All-UAA First-Team member, led the team with an impressive 440 kills, adding 388 digs (second-most on the team) and 44 blocks (third). Davis finished fifth with 200 kills in increased playing time. The senior class also includes key defensive specialist Elise Gilroy and dominant middle blocker Zoe Foster, who led the team with 75 blocks.

The junior class is led by setter Sam Buckley, who has taken home All-UAA honors the last two seasons and was an Honorable Mention All-American in 2023. Buckley provides a steadying presence for the offense while being a positive contributor on the defensive end (fifth on the team in blocks).

The Bears also have several key underclassmen, including two sophomo​​res: All-UAA Honorable Mention right-side hitter Leah Oyewole and libero Ellie Laird. Look for contributions from the first-year class and other sophomores, as well, over the course of the season.

Finally, the Bears’ roster will be rounded out with three fifth-years: Isabella Lipacis, an outside hitter who previously played at Colorado College; Lauren McCurley, a middle blocker who spent four years at Division II McKendree University; and returning middle/right-side hitter Lily Steinbach.

Key Matchups

Head coach Vanessa Walby, now in her 11th season, will attempt to lead the Bears to their third UAA title under her tenure. Walby continues to employ her tactical prowess to enhance the Bears’ robust offense and defensive success. Playing in one of Division III’s most competitive divisions, the Bears will once again have several tough conference matchups, many of them at home in the WashU Fieldhouse. For an early look at the Bears against national competition, check them out when they host California Lutheran University, Trinity University (Texas), and Tufts University in the East-to-West Battle Sep. 6 and 7.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Starting Line before the team’s rosters and schedule were available online. The article was updated on Aug. 16, 2024 to include additional information.