In the world of college athletics, success is often measured not just by the wins and losses but by the journey—a journey that is defined by teamwork, growth, and overcoming adversity. For the University of Utah’s women’s volleyball team, this season has been a perfect embodiment of those qualities, as they’ve not only triumphed on the court but have earned the right to host the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament at the Huntsman Center. This remarkable achievement has been years in the making and is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and “above and beyond” mentality instilled in every player, coach, and staff member from the outset of the 2024 season.
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The Origins of the “Above and Beyond” Mantra
At the beginning of the 2024 season, the Utah women’s volleyball team, fresh off a disappointing 11-19 season in 2023, was looking for a fresh approach. The team faced a major transition, moving into the competitive Big 12 Conference, and they knew that simply working harder would not be enough. They needed something more—a mindset that would propel them beyond the setbacks of the previous year. Enter the “Above and Beyond” mantra, a rallying cry that became the foundation for the team’s resurgence.
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For the Utes, the phrase symbolized a collective commitment to go above and beyond in every aspect of their training, preparation, and performance. This wasn’t just about extra reps or practicing longer hours; it was about making a holistic commitment to improvement. Senior outside hitter and defensive specialist Kamry Bailey put it best: “Each person kind of had their own above and beyond, whether that’s extra reps, or watching more film, or making sure you sleep more, whatever it is that they thought that individual people needed.”
Turning Adversity into Excellence
The early part of the season was a testament to the team’s collective efforts to embody this philosophy. Utah entered the season with high expectations but also the heavy burden of turning around a team that had struggled in 2023. However, they were determined to rise above these challenges. Under the guidance of long-time head coach Beth Launiere, now in her 35th season, the Utes put in the hard work needed to make a statement in the Big 12, a conference brimming with talented teams.
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The results were undeniable. Utah finished with a 24-5 record, including an impressive 15-3 mark in Big 12 play, defying predictions that had placed them ninth in the conference’s preseason rankings. This turnaround was not just about talent; it was about culture. The players had fully bought into the mantra of going “above and beyond,” and this commitment paid off in spades.
One of the key elements in Utah’s success was their preparation during the offseason, which included a European trip. The Utes traveled to Italy, Slovenia, and Greece, where they had the opportunity to play against a variety of international teams and experience different styles of play. This trip wasn’t just about volleyball—it was about building team chemistry, overcoming obstacles, and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones. Senior setter Grace Hammond noted how this experience helped the team bond, saying, “We knew what it was going to take, and our coaches really pushed us and kind of gave us the expectations really early that it was going to be difficult.”
Hosting the NCAA Tournament: A Reward for Hard Work
The fruits of their labor culminated in one of the most significant accomplishments in Utah volleyball history: hosting the first and second rounds of the 2024 NCAA Volleyball Tournament at the Huntsman Center. This is only the fourth time in program history that the Utes have hosted the early rounds, having previously done so in 2001, 2005, and 2017. But this year’s achievement feels especially sweet, as it comes after a season in which Utah exceeded every expectation.
The first round of the NCAA Tournament will feature some exciting matchups, including a game between No. 5 seed Marquette and Florida Gulf Coast at 4:30 p.m. MST, followed by Utah facing the College of Charleston at 7:30 p.m. MST. For the Utes, the chance to compete in front of their home crowd is a special reward for all their hard work. Fifth-year middle blocker Allie Olsen expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying, “It’s so awesome. It means the world, especially for my last season, to end on this high note, to be back in the Huntsman Center, hosting and back to the tournament. I’m just so excited.”
The Sweet 16: A Realistic Goal
Looking ahead, Utah’s sights are set firmly on advancing past the first two rounds and making a deep run in the tournament. The team’s confidence is high, and with their strong regular-season performance, it is not an unrealistic goal. This will be the Utes’ chance to prove that their regular-season success was no fluke. To get there, they will need to take it one match at a time, starting with their opening-round opponent, the College of Charleston, who earned an automatic bid by winning the Coastal Athletic Association championship.
Coach Launiere, known for her calm and focused leadership, is taking a “business as usual” approach in preparing her team for the NCAA Tournament. “This group, they just put their head down, and then it’s really important for this team to have fun as well. That’s been a part of our identity all year, is to play loose and play fun,” she said. For Launiere, the focus is not only on preparation but also on ensuring that the players enjoy the moment and have fun on the court.
The Importance of Team Chemistry
One of the most defining aspects of this Utah team has been its cohesion and chemistry. From the beginning of the season, the players and coaches emphasized the importance of unity and trust. This sense of togetherness has allowed the team to overcome challenges, stay motivated, and push each other to reach new heights. The players truly enjoy each other’s company, and this bond has been a key factor in their success.
Kamryn Gibadlo, a sophomore outside hitter, expressed just how much this chemistry means to the team’s success: “I already knew we were a good team at this point, but when we swept BYU, that was amazing. It just kind of proved to me that we can really take on whoever. We can compete with anyone.” This confidence and belief in one another will be vital as they face tougher competition in the NCAA Tournament.
What’s Next?
As the Utes prepare for their NCAA Tournament journey, they are not only thinking about this season but also about setting a lasting legacy for the program. With a deep roster, a culture built on hard work, and a coach who has been at the helm for over three decades, Utah volleyball is poised for continued success.
Regardless of the outcome, the 2024 Utah volleyball team has already achieved something remarkable. They have shown that with determination, resilience, and a commitment to going “above and beyond,” anything is possible. And as they step onto the court at the Huntsman Center, they do so with the knowledge that they have earned the opportunity to make history.
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, one thing is certain: the Utah Utes will continue to push themselves beyond expectations, and they’ll do it together.
