Volleyball Begins Season at Number Two in AVCA Preseason Poll

TAMPA, Fla. - The AVCA announced Friday afternoon that Tampa will begin the season ranked as the No. 2 team in the preseason poll. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Spartans will open up regular season play ranked in the top five.

The last time the program was tabbed No. 2 was back in 2014. Tampa will look to build upon its 2023 NCAA Semifinal appearance as the team returns 12 players from that team a year ago including two All-Americans in JJ Ramirez and Nathaly Perez. Kalli Cors, Jenna Davis, and Tess Schrenger also return to the team. The trio earned All-Sunshine State Conference accolades last season and will be relied upon heavily this season. UT also added four freshmen in Kayla Dondero, Laney Perdue, Maddie Sofarelli, and Connor Rahn.

"We are thrilled to have so many returners back from last season," Chris Catanach said. "The way they compete every day in practice and support each other is probably our greatest asset. We are excited to see what we accomplish together this season."

Catanach enters his 41st season in charge of the Spartan volleyball program and sports an impressive 1201-218 record at the helm. Associate head coach Brian Imperiale is heading into his 11th season with the program. Imperiale was named the AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023. 

"We are delighted to welcome our exceptional freshmen class to the team," Imperiale said. "These talented volleyball players not only bring impressive athletic skills but also excel academically and embody the positive culture we value. We look forward to the incredible contributions they will make both on and off the court."