By Alyssa Poteat
The William Peace Universities Volleyball Team had a phenomenal 2023 season, finishing 11-7 in conference play and taking down regionally ranked opponents such as Stevenson University. With the 2024 season starting up, and conference play right around the corner, the volleyball team is experiencing a lot of changes after a loss of a huge senior class.
The 2024 Senior class was extremely impactful to the program. Hannah Collier, four time first-team all conference player totaled 269 kills for the season and added 310 digs.
Kelsey Bierbauer was also an important figure, contributing 193 kills for the 2023 season. Fifth year Libero, Logan Moore, dominated the backrow, contributing 512 kills for the Pacers in the 2023 season. Landis Limon was the wall for the Pacers, contributing 21 solo blocks for the Pacers before unfortunately going down with an injury during the second half of the season.
With these impactful seniors leaving, many new faces are starting to emerge, making an impact on the court.
Senior Libero, Vivian Camplin notes that the loss of the Senior class is significant, but is excited to see what these new faces bring to the program.
“I think there were nerves at the end of last season, because the unknown is always scary; thankfully, we have a wonderful freshman class and lots of strong leaders who have steered us in a great direction,” Camplin said.
“I think our team is full of talent and is ready to step out of the shadow of past years and make a name for ourselves; Our team looks very different, but we are as strong and united as ever.” Senior Ciara O’ Conney is excited to be back for this year’s competition, especially after a heart condition that left her on the sidelines during the Pacer’s 2024 spring season.
“I am super excited to finally be cleared and eligible to compete with the team for one last season,” O’Conney said. “I cannot wait to make an impact this year and leave a lasting legacy of our team’s culture for years to come,”
The new freshman class for the Pacers consists of eight freshmen, who will make a strong impact on this year’s program. Freshman Savannah Hairr, a Defensive Specialist for the Pacers comes in with prior experience on the big stage, helping her alma mater Middle Creek win the high school 4A Championship in 2023.
Jordyn Chinigo, a freshman middle blocker for the Pacers got the opportunity this past summer to travel to volleyball nationals in Baltimore, Maryland after her former club team, East Carolina JVC 18 National won their division at Big South in 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. This opportunity provided Chinigo with the opportunity to compete against powerful teams who have also earned their bid to nationals.
Katie Arens, a freshman Setter and Defensive Specialist for the Pacers, comes all the way from Saint Louis, Missouri and is looking to help the Pacers win the conference championship this year.
“Coming in as a freshman, I’m super excited to be given an opportunity to contribute to the program’s success,” Arens said.
“I can’t wait to see what’s to comer and I’m excited to get to play with a team that’s very close on and off the court.”
The Pacers open conference play on September 18 at 6 PM in the Hermann Athletic Center, playing the Pfeiffer Falcons.
Photos by Isaiah Grady
