Embracing The Competition

After extending its non-conference winning record streak to 12 years and earning its first victory over No. 16 Minnesota in program history in 2023, Maryland volleyball is back and better than ever in 2024.

Seventh-year head coach Adam Hughes, senior setter Zoe Huang and graduate student pin hitter Samantha Schnitta discussed the upcoming season at the annual Big Ten Volleyball Media Days in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 5 

The trio highlighted the program's need for consistency since its big turnaround in 2021. This year, Huang and Schnitta feel they have a chance to compete with the best that the Big Ten has to offer. Their group of upperclassmen and seasoned veterans provides a noteworthy cause for confidence. 

“Experience is one of the things we’re banking on,” Hughes said. “The last couple of years, we’ve had some people have good years individually, but now we’re hoping we can put it all together and embrace the competition.” 

Maryland’s most significant advantage this season is its arsenal of upperclassmen, who provide the depth that will help bring consistency to the court. Sam Csire, Sydney Dowler, Lilly Gunter, Laila Ivey, Erin Morrissey, Anastasia Russ, Ellie Watson and Ally Williams, along with Huang and Schnitta, make up 10 upperclassmen on Maryland’s roster who will be key players in 2024. Over 50 percent of the Terps’ roster is upperclassmen, each with a high volleyball IQ, having played at a high level for several years. 

The upperclassmen have also developed camaraderie that many other teams lack. They trust and lean on each other to strengthen the skills needed to compete at the Big Ten level. 

“Something that’s really unique about us is that everybody has the knowledge and the skill level to step into somebody else’s role when needed,” Schnitta said. “I think our support from our older and upperclassmen allows those freshmen to feel confident stepping into those roles. We have a really good culture, and I lean on my teammates.”

Maryland's newcomers have also benefited from the veterans' experience and consistency. Student-athletes such as freshman setter Lilly Wagner, freshman middle blocker Duru Gökçen, freshman pin hitter Katie Scherer and sophomore transfer outside hitter Skylar Gerhardt have accelerated their game with guidance from the upperclassmen.

“Nothing is new, nothing is a surprise,” Schnitta said. “We’ve been in this conference, we’ve been here and we do have freshmen, but having so many seniors and graduates allows us to set the tone for the newbies like ‘This is what we’re going to do, this is why we do this and this is how we do it.’”

Another topic of discussion was the improved practice environment. Huang, Maryland’s 2023 Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree, mentioned the team practices drills they partake in to enhance their performance under pressure, simulating in-game scenarios. Volleyball is a mental sport as much as a physical one, and knowing how to overcome the stress of competing in the Big Ten is paramount. Huang’s mentality in high-pressure situations highlights how vital the senior class is and what they bring to the table this season.

“As we’ve gotten more depth, I think we’ve become stronger,” Hughes said. “The nice thing with these guys being good leaders is they’re teaching the youngsters what the pressure feels like, and when you get your opportunities, make the most of them.”

While the veterans might be Maryland’s secret weapon this season, coaching the incoming players to do things the “Maryland Way” maintains consistency in the younger players.

Schnitta is confident that any player from their team could play Big Ten Maryland volleyball with guidance from the older players.  

“We feel like we’ve built in stability,” Hughes said. “That’s one of the things that we didn’t want to be just a flash in the pan. I think this started in ‘21 when we were about to beat Wisconsin before they won a national championship. It was crucial for us to follow it up with another good season. What I love is that we’ve had three successful seasons, and it’s not enough. I think people really want us to make the tournament.”

Both Huang and Schnitta have been looking forward to the 2024 season. With 20 Big Ten matchups, 11 non-conference matches and four tournaments ahead of them, the Terrapins are getting their reps in. Maryland will start on the road this year, traveling to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to battle Troy, LSU and New Hampshire. They will then have their home opener on Sept. 6 against Alabama A&M as they host several teams for the Maryland Tournament. 

The Terps are relying on their knowledge and experience to make the most of their opportunities in 2024. 

“We want to make the tournament,” Coach Hughes said. “That would be a clear goal for us.”