Just In: UH Volleyball Gears Up for a Thrilling 2024 Season: What to Expect

As the Houston Cougars volleyball team prepares for the 2024 season, they are poised for a significant comeback following a challenging end to their previous campaign. Last year, the Cougars, who finished with a commendable 19-10 record overall and an 11-7 mark in conference play, saw their NCAA tournament run cut short in the second round. Despite a strong performance throughout the season and a ranking of 24th in the NCAA standings, the abrupt end left the team with a sense of unfinished business.

Head coach David Rehr, now in his role for a significant period, is focused on harnessing the potential of both seasoned veterans and a new influx of talent. With the departure of key players, Rehr’s strategy for the upcoming season involves integrating fresh faces into the squad while leveraging the leadership and experience of returning players. His optimism about the season is palpable, particularly regarding the new talent that will be joining the team.

Leadership and Experience

One of the cornerstones of the Cougars’ preparation for the new season is the return of star graduate libero Kate Georgiades. Georgiades, a standout player recognized for her defensive prowess, was named Libero of the Year for the 2023 Big 12 Conference and earned a place on the All-Big 12 First Team. Additionally, she received an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, underscoring her impact on the court.

As a fifth-year player, Georgiades is acutely aware of the responsibilities that come with her role. Her experience is invaluable, not just in terms of her on-court performance but also in her ability to lead and mentor younger players. Georgiades has expressed a keen focus on expanding her defensive range and supporting her teammates, particularly as the team adjusts to new members and a fresh lineup. Her leadership will be critical in ensuring that the new players quickly adapt to the team’s system and expectations.

New Additions to the Team

The Cougars’ roster for the 2024 season features several new faces, each bringing their own strengths and potential contributions. Graduate outside hitter Angela Grieve is one of the notable additions. Previously with the University of Miami, Grieve brings with her a robust record of performance. In the 2023 season, she ranked third on her previous team with 280 kills and maintained an average of 2.83 kills per set. Grieve also led her team with 30 service aces and contributed significantly in blocking with 50 total blocks, including 6 solo and 44 block assists. Her offensive skills and experience will be a substantial asset to the Cougars’ attack.

Senior setter Rebecca Rocassin is another important new addition. Rocassin joins Houston from Jacksonville, where she made a significant impact during the 2023 season. Appearing in every set, she accumulated 1,036 assists, averaging a career-high 9.87 assists per set. Her experience and playmaking abilities will be vital in orchestrating the Cougars’ offense and ensuring effective distribution of the ball to her teammates.

Additionally, the return of junior outside hitter Avery Shimatis, who has come back to her hometown after two seasons with Pepperdine, adds depth to the roster. During her sophomore season, Shimatis played nine matches, totaling fourteen sets and recording 15 kills, including a notable five-kill performance against UCLA. Her familiarity with the local area and her previous experience will provide valuable contributions to the Cougars’ lineup.

Another significant addition is junior setter Paige Bernstein, who joins from Gardner-Webb. Bernstein led her former team with 359 assists during her sophomore season and appeared in 24 of 27 matches. Her experience in a key playmaking role will be crucial in supporting the Cougars’ offensive strategies.

Team Dynamics and Culture

With nine new players joining the squad, building a cohesive team culture is essential. Coach Rehr emphasizes the importance of integrating these new players into the existing team culture and ensuring that they understand the work ethic and values that define the Cougars. Returning players, including graduate setter Annie Cook, senior outside hitter Katie Corelli, and Georgiades, will play a pivotal role in this process. Their familiarity with the team’s culture and expectations will be instrumental in guiding the newcomers and maintaining the continuity of the team’s identity.

The integration of new players and the adaptation to their playing style will be key to the Cougars’ success in the upcoming season. The ability to seamlessly blend new talent with experienced players will determine how well the team performs and how quickly they can gel on the court.

Preseason and Key Matchups

The Cougars’ preseason schedule includes several important matchups that will set the tone for the 2024 season. On August 24, they will face Rice in an exhibition game at the Fertitta Center. This matchup will serve as an opportunity for the team to test out different lineups, evaluate the integration of new players, and build chemistry before the official season begins.

Following the exhibition, the Cougars will kick off their regular season on August 30 with a game against Omaha. This early-season matchup will be crucial in setting the stage for the rest of the season and providing the team with an initial benchmark of their performance and potential.

Conference play will commence with a significant matchup against Kansas State on September 25. This game will be a key indicator of how well the Cougars have adjusted to their new lineup and will provide insight into their readiness for the competitive challenges of the season.

Looking Forward

As the 2024 season approaches, the Houston Cougars volleyball team is in a position to build on their past success and overcome the setbacks of the previous year. With a blend of experienced leaders and promising new talent, the team is poised for a season of growth and potential achievement.

The Cougars’ ability to bounce back and make a significant impact will depend on several factors, including the effective integration of new players, the leadership of experienced veterans, and the ability to maintain a strong team culture. The challenges of the season will test the team’s resilience and adaptability, but with the right strategies and performances, the Cougars have the potential to achieve great things.

However, the 2024 season represents a new chapter for the Houston Cougars volleyball team. With a refreshed roster, strong leadership, and a focus on building a cohesive team culture, the Cougars are well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in college volleyball. The upcoming season will be an exciting one to watch as the team navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, with the ultimate goal of building on their past success and reaching new heights.