TUCSON, Ariz. — The Arizona Wildcats Women’s Volleyball team entered the 2024 season with high hopes, determined to rebound from a challenging previous year. Despite a strong and dramatic late-season surge, their bid to make the NCAA Tournament ultimately fell short. The team’s performance over the past month was a beacon of resilience, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the prestigious NCAA tournament. However, rather than letting disappointment define their season, the Wildcats are preparing for a different kind of opportunity—the chance to compete in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC), where they will host the first two rounds.
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A Season of Growth and Resilience
Arizona’s 2024 season has been a testament to hard work and determination. After finishing a tough 8-23 overall record last year, the Wildcats were determined to prove their worth. The team made impressive strides, finishing the regular season with a 20-9 record, marking their first 20-win season since 2018. The turnaround was nothing short of remarkable, and it wasn’t just the numbers on the board that showed growth—it was the mentality and resilience of the players that made a difference.
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“I think our girls had to learn how to win after last season,” said Arizona Women’s Volleyball coach Rita Stubbs. “It was a total shift in how we approached the game, and it showed. Our girls were relentless in their approach, and that’s what led to our success this season.”
The Wildcats capped off the regular season with a seven-match win streak, their longest since 2001, and ended non-conference play undefeated, something that hadn’t been accomplished since 2009. The win streak served as a powerful statement about the team’s development, and many believed the Wildcats had earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
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However, as the tournament field was announced, disappointment set in when Arizona’s name was not on the list.
“It was probably the most painful moment that I’ve been in with the team as we just sat there and watched,” said Stubbs, reflecting on the moment the Wildcats realized they had been excluded. For a team that had worked so hard to bounce back from a disastrous 2023 season, it was a gut-wrenching setback.
Embracing the Opportunity
Despite being left out of the NCAA Tournament, Arizona remains focused on the task ahead. The Wildcats have earned an invitation to the NIVC, a prestigious postseason event that will allow them to continue their journey. While many might have viewed the exclusion from the NCAA Tournament as the end of the line, for Arizona, it represents another opportunity to showcase their growth, fight, and ambition.
“This can be something that brings us together, or this can be something that divides,” Stubbs said. “We can either choose to be disappointed or to use this opportunity to get better. And our team is ready to use this moment to grow even further.”
The NIVC might not carry the same prestige or national spotlight as the NCAA Tournament, but for the Wildcats, it represents a chance to keep building on the momentum they’ve gained during their late-season run. Stubbs remains confident that this group of players, who have defied expectations all season, will rise to the occasion.
“It’s not about where you play or who you play,” Stubbs continued. “It’s about what you do with the opportunity in front of you. This team is talented, determined, and capable of big things. We’re excited to see how we can finish the season strong.”
The Role of Senior Leadership
One of the driving forces behind Arizona’s success has been the leadership provided by their seniors, who are determined to go out on a high note. Among the standout players this season has been freshman Carlie Cisneros, who has been an important part of the team’s success.
“This has been a special season,” said Cisneros. “We’ve come a long way, and it’s important for us to finish strong and give our seniors the sendoff they deserve. They’ve worked so hard, and we owe it to them to make the most of this opportunity.”
The leadership of the seniors has been instrumental in the team’s transformation this year. Through thick and thin, the upperclassmen have provided guidance and steadiness, helping to instill a winning mentality within the entire team. Their influence has been a stabilizing force throughout the season and will be crucial as Arizona heads into the NIVC.
What’s Next: Hosting the NIVC
Arizona enters the NIVC with a first-round bye and will play the winner of the Pacific versus Weber State match on Saturday, December 7, at 6 p.m. at McKale Center. It’s a huge opportunity for the Wildcats to not only advance further in the tournament but also to demonstrate their continued growth after the disappointment of missing the NCAA Tournament.
The McKale Center will be filled with excitement as Arizona’s passionate fanbase rallies behind the Wildcats. Hosting the first two rounds of the NIVC is a big deal for the team, who will have the chance to perform on their home court and continue building on the foundation they’ve established throughout the season. For fans, the opportunity to support the team in person during the postseason is a special moment, and it’s expected to create an electric atmosphere.
“Our fans have been with us through thick and thin,” said Stubbs. “Having them at McKale during the NIVC will be huge for our players. We know that we’re playing for them as much as we’re playing for ourselves. It’s an honor to represent Arizona, and we’re ready to give it everything we have.”
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats prepare to host the NIVC, the team is focused on making the most of this moment. Arizona’s players and coaches know that they have already accomplished a lot this season, but they are hungry for more. This opportunity is not only a chance to add to the win column but also to continue proving that Arizona volleyball is back and ready to contend with the best.
While missing the NCAA Tournament was a tough pill to swallow, it’s clear that the Arizona Women’s Volleyball team has come a long way. They have proved that they are resilient, determined, and capable of achieving greatness. The NIVC is just another chapter in their story—a story that has already seen tremendous growth and will continue to unfold in exciting ways.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2024 season will be remembered as a turning point in Arizona Volleyball, and the Wildcats are determined to finish the season on a high note, with one last shot at glory.
Erin Patterson is a reporter for KGUN 9. She’s a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in News Media with a Sports Concentration. Erin recently obtained her Master’s Degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, where she gained experience as a sports reporter, anchor, and producer.
