Alcorn State University Women’s Volleyball 2024 season is approaching as they travel to Birmingham, Alabama to face off against the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers on Friday, August 30 at 7:00 pm. The Braves will also go head-to-head with the Samford University Bulldogs on Saturday, August 31 at 4:00 pm for their first road trip of the season.
The Lady Braves finished below .500 last season and are on a mission to improve.
“My goal for this season is to finish higher than last year,” said Head Coach Mariah Prince. “We got 11th place last year, so finishing at least in the top 8 and getting a chance to go to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament is what we are shooting for.”
Over the off-season good things happened for Lady Braves Volleyball as Gabrielle Harris was hired as their assistant coach. Coach Prince did some heavy recruiting and brought in several Freshmen to expand the team’s talent and depth.
“I have put a lot on Gabrielle. I look at her like she’s the second head coach,” asserted Prince. “She’s able to run the gym while I’m gone recruiting. It’s very major to have that assistant coach here to help grow the team and be that second set of eyes.”
Alcorn returned veteran student-athletes such as Juniors Ramona Pulu, Cayla Williams, Demya Tate and Sophomores Harmoni Carswell, Jalayah Hamby, Sa’Mya Thomas, and Andria Thomas. Brooklyn Shook is the lone Senior for the team this season.
Coach Prince brought in more help in the way of Freshmen but still expects more from her returners in this upcoming season.
“I expect them to lead by example. They know me better than anybody,” declared Coach Prince. “Of course, I recruited those Freshmen that have come in, but my players from last year know me as a coach. They know my expectations and should lead by example in and out of the gym. Because both on and off the court matter.”
The sky’s the limit for the Lady Braves as a young and scrappy team. They are optimistic about the upcoming 2024 season.
“I’m really excited for this season. I think we have a good culture being built here,” said Assistant Coach Harris. “Coach P has laid the foundation. She hired me to execute and that’s what we are going to do.”
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