PITTSBURGH – In a remarkable achievement, all seven starters of the University of Pittsburgh volleyball team have been honored as All-Conference players, as announced by the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on Monday. This recognition comes for the second year in a row, showcasing the team’s consistent high-level performance.
Dan Fisher, the Panthers’ head coach, earned the title of 2024 ACC Coach of the Year, marking his third win of this award. Under his leadership, the Panthers achieved an outstanding 29-1 overall record and finished the ACC with a remarkable 19-1. Notably, this season also saw Pitt being named the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in its history while clinching its sixth ACC Championship.
Olivia Babcock received the accolade of 2024 ACC Player of the Year, further establishing her talent after being awarded ACC Freshman of the Year last season. She is only the second player in the program’s history to achieve this honor and the first since Kayla Lund in 2019 and 2020. Babcock has led Pitt’s offense with an impressive average of 5.87 points per set and has garnered multiple awards this season, including two AVCA National Player of the Week honors.
Rachel Fairbanks also maintained her status as a standout player, being named First Team All-ACC for a second consecutive year. She is currently averaging a career-high 10.33 assists per set, placing her among Pitt’s best. Fairbanks was honored as the ACC Setter of the Year in 2023 and is a semifinalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year.
A breakout star this season, Torrey Stafford has made her mark as a 2024 First Team All-ACC performer, ranking first nationally among Power Four outside hitters with a hitting percentage of 0.377. She contributes significantly to the team with an average of 3.76 kills and 2.24 digs per set.
Bre Kelley, who returned strong after an injury cut her last season short, was recognized for her impressive performance, earning First Team All-ACC honors for the first time. She is currently among the top three players in the conference for blocks per set and has shown exceptional efficiency in her hitting.
Valeria Vazquez Gomez distinguished herself during her sixth season, earning Second Team All-ACC honors while achieving the impressive milestone of 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs. Her leadership has been integral to the team’s success.
Lastly, Emmy Klika has provided a steady presence on defense, recognized for her exceptional passing ability in her final collegiate season. She has been instrumental in helping the team maintain the best opponent hitting percentage in the nation.
This outstanding recognition not only highlights the individual talents of the players but also reflects the strong team unity and coaching that have propelled the Panthers to such heights. The future looks bright as they head into the NCAA Tournament, eager to build on their achievements and continue their success on the national stage.