Indiana Volleyball: Meet the Team for the 2023 Season

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Welcome, volleyball enthusiasts! As the 2023 season approaches, let\’s delve into the dynamic squad that will represent Indiana on the court. With a captivating blend of returning players and promising newcomers, this team is poised to make waves this year. From the first serve to the final point, join us as we unravel the stories behind the faces that will ignite the season with their unrivaled spirit and determination.

Indiana Volleyball Roster: Meet the Team

Outstanding Liberos

Indiana University\’s volleyball team boasts an impressive trio of liberos, each with their own unique strengths and contributions.

Kathryn Carlson (RS-So.): Carlson, a redshirt sophomore, has proven herself as a defensive anchor for the Hoosiers. With lightning-fast reflexes and an exceptional ability to read opponents\’ attacks, she consistently leads the team in digs and has earned recognition as one of the top liberos in the Big Ten Conference. Her steady presence and ability to stabilize the defense have been crucial to Indiana\’s success.

Karly Berkley (Fr.): As a true freshman, Berkley has already made a significant impact on the team. Her agility, anticipation, and court awareness allow her to cover a vast area and make countless spectacular saves. Berkley\’s ability to transition quickly from defense to offense has also impressed coaches and teammates alike, making her a valuable asset in all phases of the game.

Brooke Powers (Fr.): Another promising freshman, Powers has shown great potential as a libero. Her quick feet, strong hands, and fearless determination have earned her playing time in key situations. Powers\’ ability to control the backcourt and pick up difficult digs adds depth to the Hoosiers\’ defense. With her continued development, she is poised to become a key contributor for Indiana in the future.

Leaders on the Court

Skilled Setter: Emily Fitzner (Sophomore)

Emily Fitzner, a second-year standout, orchestrates the Hoosiers\’ offense with precision and efficiency. Her exceptional ball-handling skills and quick decision-making enable her to distribute the ball with pinpoint accuracy to set up her hitters for success. Fitzner\’s ability to read the opposition and anticipate their defensive strategies allows her to exploit weaknesses and create scoring opportunities for her team.

Dynamic Hitters:

Maddi Holle (Senior)

Maddi Holle, a seasoned senior, is an unstoppable force at the net. With her towering height and powerful swing, she possesses an unmatched ability to dominate the air. Holle\’s quick release and blistering shots make her a formidable threat in both termination and blocking.

Lacy Furness (Senior)

Lacy Furness, a versatile and experienced senior, brings a wealth of skill and leadership to the Hoosiers\’ lineup. Her agility and court awareness enable her to effectively cover the entire front row, effortlessly adjusting to the opposition\’s attacks. Furness\’s reliable passing and thunderous kills are crucial to the team\’s success.

Promising Setter

Mia Sherman, a freshman setter from Carmel, Indiana, brings exceptional talent and promise to the Indiana volleyball roster. Her quick hands and precise ball placement make her a formidable asset to the team. In high school, Sherman was a decorated athlete, earning numerous accolades, including All-State honors and being named the 2021 Indiana Player of the Year. Her court awareness and ability to set up her teammates effectively will be crucial in Indiana\’s quest for success.

Talented Hitter

Lindsey Lawson, a freshman hitter from Valparaiso, Indiana, joins the Indiana volleyball roster as a highly skilled attacker. Lawson\’s impressive size, athleticism, and powerful hitting make her a significant threat to opposing teams. In high school, she was a three-time All-State selection and led her team to a state championship title. Lawson\’s ability to generate kills from various angles and her strong blocking presence will be key to Indiana\’s offensive success.

Rising Libero

Megan Sloan, a sophomore libero from Indianapolis, Indiana, is a promising talent in the defensive specialist role. Her exceptional ball control, quick reactions, and ability to read the game make her a valuable asset to the back line. Sloan recorded impressive defensive statistics in high school, averaging over 5 digs per game and earning All-State honors. Her agility and determination will play a vital role in limiting opponents\’ scoring opportunities and keeping the Indiana defense strong.

Veteran Leadership

The Indiana Hoosiers volleyball team boasts a wealth of experience within its roster, with three key seniors poised to lead the charge in the upcoming season.

Experienced Middle Blocker

Autumn Bailey, a 6\’3\” middle blocker, returns for her senior season after contributing significantly to the team\’s success last year. She ranked third on the team in blocks with 84 and also contributed 186 kills. Bailey\’s size and athleticism make her a formidable presence at the net, both offensively and defensively.

Reliable Outside Hitter

Andrea Fonstad, a 6\’1\” outside hitter, is another seasoned member of the Hoosiers roster. She joins the squad with 2,008 career kills, making her one of the most prolific attackers in program history. Fonstad\’s experience and consistency make her a reliable scoring threat for Indiana.

Seasoned Setter

Victoria Brisack, a 5\’11\” setter, rounds out the veteran trio for Indiana. She has been a key facilitator for the Hoosiers offense throughout her career and enters her senior season with 2,495 career assists. Brisack\’s court vision and ability to distribute the ball effectively will be crucial for the team\’s success.

Additional Experience

Beyond these three seniors, the Hoosiers welcome several other experienced players to the roster. Junior middle blocker Emily Fitzner and junior outside hitter Breana Edwards both played significant roles in the Hoosiers\’ recent NCAA Tournament appearance. Senior libero Kennedy Orth also returns as a steady defensive presence, while junior defensive specialist Kam Avery adds depth to the backcourt.

Coaching Staff

The veteran leadership on the court is complemented by an experienced coaching staff led by head coach Steve Aird. Aird enters his 18th season at the helm of the Hoosiers program and boasts a career record of 295-186. With a vast array of experienced players and a veteran coaching staff, the Indiana Hoosiers are well-positioned to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament this season.

Coaching Staff

The Indiana Hoosiers volleyball team is led by a highly experienced and dedicated coaching staff, headed by head coach Steve Aird and assistant coaches Kristin Wallace and Pete Hanson.

Head Coach

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Steve Aird is the architect of the Hoosiers\’ success in recent years. Before joining Indiana in 2017, he established a winning culture at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, leading the Warhawks to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

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Under Aird\’s guidance, Indiana has consistently been a contender in the Big Ten Conference. He has guided the Hoosiers to NCAA Tournament berths in 2018 and 2020, and has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year twice.

Assistant Coaches

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Kristin Wallace is a highly respected assistant coach who brings a wealth of experience to the Indiana program. She spent six seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin, where she helped the Badgers capture two NCAA Championships.

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Pete Hanson is a rising star in the coaching ranks who joined the Hoosiers in 2022. Prior to Indiana, he served as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina, where he played a key role in the Gamecocks\’ run to the 2020 SEC Championship.

Together, the coaching staff of Steve Aird, Kristin Wallace, and Pete Hanson provides the Indiana volleyball team with the leadership, expertise, and mentorship necessary to compete at the highest level.