Samantha Schnitta, a graduate student on the Maryland volleyball team, has transformed her serving skills and is now leading the country in service aces. In a critical match against UCLA, she secured consecutive aces that contributed to a comeback victory. Her serving average jumped from 0.2 to 0.7 aces per set compared to last season, showcasing her dedication to improvement. Schnitta attributes her success to techniques learned from former All-American Micha Hancock and has made significant strides not only in serving but also as the team's top offensive player.

By the Numbers
  • Schnitta leads the nation with 0.7 service aces per set.
  • She has recorded 305 kills this season, 59 more than the next closest teammate.
Yes, But

While Schnitta's performance has been stellar, it raises questions about the sustainability of her improvement and how she manages pressure in high-stakes moments as she continues to develop her skills.

State of Play
  • Maryland volleyball is currently competing within the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
  • Schnitta has set high personal records in kills and service aces this season, solidifying her role as a standout player.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Schnitta may further refine her skills and potentially break more records, contributing to Maryland's aspirations in the Big Ten and beyond.

Bottom Line

Samantha Schnitta's dedication and remarkable improvement position her as not only a key player for Maryland but also as a role model for her teammates; her journey showcases the importance of perseverance and effective coaching in athletic success.