Pittsburgh's women's volleyball team saw recognition as three of its players made the AVCA Player of the Year Semifinalist list: Rachel Fairbanks, Olivia Babcock, and Torrey Stafford. Pitt is the only program with multiple nominees and leads the nation with this honor. Fairbanks, the 2023 ACC Setter of the Year, has a standout senior season with a .336 team hitting percentage. Babcock shines in her sophomore year, ranking second nationally in aces per set. Stafford’s offensive growth and skill set have positioned her as a key player this season.

By the Numbers
  • Fairbanks has a career-best average of 10.34 assists per set.
  • Babcock ranks 2nd in the nation with 0.67 aces per set.
  • Stafford averages 3.84 kills per set with a .373 hitting percentage.
  • Pitt has hit .300 or better in 17 matches this season.
Yes, But

Despite their impressive individual performances, the team must remain focused as the competition intensifies leading into the AVCA Convention finals. The semifinalists' status can be impacted by their performance in the remaining matches of the season.

State of Play
  • The Panthers are currently leading the nation with three AVCA nominees.
  • The final list of Player of the Year finalists will be announced in December.
What's Next

The finalists for the AVCA Player of the Year will be narrowed down in December, with the announcement taking place on December 20 in Louisville, KY. Continued strong performances from Parker, Babcock, and Stafford can further bolster their chances.

Bottom Line

This recognition underscores the Panthers' dominance in women's volleyball this season, highlighting exceptional individual talent poised to make an impact on the national stage. Team focus and individual performance will be crucial in the lead-up to the finals.