Tag: Karsta Lowe

Where Do PAC-12 Volleyball Players Reside?

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Are you a junior volleyball player thinking about playing on your favorite PAC-12 volleyball team?

If so, you have to be good – really good!

The following stats from the 2014-2015 season may help you understand your chances of playing in one of the country’s elite volleyball conference:
• There were 120 players who played more than half the sets. In other words, the coaches generally had rotations of 9 or 10 players and occasionally 11 or 12 players.
• The PAC-12 is a regional conference. Almost 3-in-4 of the players were from the 6 states where PAC-12 universities were located.
• About 43% of the players on all teams were from California. Each of the teams had at least 2 Californians. It seems there is a mandate that coaches and recruiters  live and breathe the words of the infamous Beach Boys tune, “I Wish they All Could be California Girls.”
• The more successful teams had a higher percentage of out-of-state players. As well, they had a greater percentage of California players. In other words, the top teams more effectively attracted the top players from in-state and other states.
• Unlike some other sports, only about 8% of total players are from foreign countries. It is ironic that American players have to play professional ball overseas; however, overseas athletes don’t dominate U.S. college volleyball.

Specifically, the PAC-12 players reside in the following states:
• 52 players were from California.
• 9 Players were from Arizona.
• 8 Players were from Oregon.
• 7 Players were from Utah.
• 7 players were from Texas.
• 6 players were from Colorado (3 of the players were sisters who played on the same team).
• 5 players were from Washington.
• 4 players were from Hawaii.
• 12 players were from 9 other states.

PAC-12 Volleyball is clearly the conference of choice – both for players and coaches. Unfortunately, only a handful players make the cut. Hopefully, you are one of them!

PAC-12 Volleyball Karsta Lowe
Karsta Lowe attacks against the CU Buffs in PAC-12 volleyball play.

The Top Volleyball Players – Exceptional Skills in Multiple Areas

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There was a time when many of the better setters and defensive specialists were less than six feet tall. In other words, the shorter players were often the best ball handlers and played in those positions. That is not necessarily the case anymore, especially in Division I volleyball, where many of the top players have exceptional skills in multiple areas.

Consider Samantha Bricio, the outside hitter from the University of Southern California. She and her fellow Lady Trojans recently swept the CU Lady Buffs 3-0.Samantha Bricio - exceptional skills in multiple areas

In that match Bricio led her team with 20 kills. She also had 8 digs, only one less than the libero.

On the season so far, Bricio has about 30% of the team’s total kills and 19% of the team’s digs. This compares to the libero, who has 29% of the team’s total digs.

At the national level, Bricio’s statistics are equally as impressive. Through the games played on November 9th, her rankings follow:
• 2nd in aces per set ( 0.77).
• 2nd in total number of aces (68).
• 24th in points per set (5.22)
• 40th in kills per set (4.17).
• 69th in total kills (367).

Bricio is one of several taller players who have exceptional skills in multiple areas. That group includes such players as Mary-Kate Marshall of Oregon State University and Karsta Lowe of UCLA. Samantha Bricio - Excetptional Skills in Multiple Areas

While these three women play “shock and awe” volleyball, the lesson that should be learned from watching them play is that they are well-rounded athletes who have exceptional skills in multiple areas.

Volleyball is a sport that rewards athletes who are strong in multiple areas. Junior players should take notice. If they will learn to pass, set, serve, hit, block, and communicate they will be welcome to play on almost every team.