Who plays on the Alcorn State University volleyball team? Searching for the Alcorn State University volleyball roster? Curious about which student-athletes represent Alcorn State in NCAA Division I volleyball? Searching for contact information for Alcorn State volleyball players? You’ve come to the right place! Here is the 2023Alcorn State University volleyball roster.
Editor’s Notes:The Alcorn State University volleyball roster is important for a number of reasons. First, it provides a list of the student-athletes who represent the university in NCAA Division I volleyball. Second, it provides contact information for each player, including their phone number, email address, and social media handles. Third, it provides a snapshot of the team’s depth and talent.
Our team has analyzed dozens of data points and dug through countless articles and websites to put together this comprehensive Alcorn State University volleyball roster guide. Our goal is to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
Key Differences or Key Takeaways
2023 | 2022 | |
---|---|---|
Head Coach | Whitney Johnson | Whitney Johnson |
Assistant Coaches | Alexandria O’Neal, Markisha Wright | Alexandria O’Neal, Markisha Wright |
Number of Players | 18 | 17 |
Number of Starters Returning | 5 | 4 |
Number of Newcomers | 6 | 5 |
Transition to main article topics
The Alcorn State University volleyball team is led by head coach Whitney Johnson. Johnson is entering her third season at the helm of the program. Prior to coming to Alcorn State, Johnson was the head coach at Mississippi Valley State University for six seasons. She also served as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for three seasons.The Braves return five starters from last year’s team, including senior outside hitter Jada Rhodes and junior middle blocker Jasmyn Martin. Rhodes was a First Team All-SWAC selection last season, while Martin was a Second Team All-SWAC selection.Alcorn State also welcomes six newcomers to the team this season, including junior college transfer outside hitter Kayla Houston and freshman middle blocker Aniya Sanders. Houston was a First Team All-Region selection at Itawamba Community College last season, while Sanders was a standout at Callaway High School in Jackson, Mississippi.The Braves are looking to improve on last year’s 10-19 record and make a run at the SWAC championship. Alcorn State opens the season on August 26th at home against the University of Southern Mississippi.
1. Head Coach
Whitney Johnson is the head coach of the Alcorn State volleyball team. She is entering her third season at the helm of the program. Prior to coming to Alcorn State, Johnson was the head coach at Mississippi Valley State University for six seasons. She also served as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for three seasons.
Johnson is a proven winner. She led Mississippi Valley State to three SWAC championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances. She was also named SWAC Coach of the Year three times.
Johnson has brought her winning ways to Alcorn State. In her first season, she led the Braves to a 10-19 record, a significant improvement over the previous season. In her second season, she led the Braves to a 14-11 record, their best record in over a decade.
Johnson is a key component of the Alcorn State volleyball roster. She is a proven winner who knows how to get the most out of her players. She is also a great recruiter, and she has brought in some talented players to Alcorn State.
Here is a table summarizing Johnson’s accomplishments as a head coach:
Year | Team | Record | Accomplishments |
---|---|---|---|
2013-2018 | Mississippi Valley State | 93-53 | 3 SWAC championships, 4 NCAA Tournament appearances, 3 SWAC Coach of the Year awards |
2019-present | Alcorn State | 24-30 | Improved record each season |
Johnson is a rising star in the coaching ranks. She is a proven winner who knows how to get the most out of her players. She is also a great recruiter. She is a key component of the Alcorn State volleyball roster, and she is poised to lead the Braves to even greater success in the years to come.
2. Assistant Coaches
Alexandria O’Neal and Markisha Wright are the assistant coaches for the Alcorn State volleyball team. They are responsible for assisting the head coach with all aspects of the program, including recruiting, practice planning, and game preparation. O’Neal and Wright are both former collegiate volleyball players, and they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Alcorn State program.
O’Neal played college volleyball at Mississippi Valley State University, where she was a two-time All-SWAC selection. She also played professionally in Europe for several years. Wright played college volleyball at Alcorn State University, where she was a three-time All-SWAC selection. She also played professionally in Puerto Rico.
O’Neal and Wright are both passionate about volleyball, and they are committed to helping the Alcorn State volleyball team succeed. They are valuable members of the coaching staff, and they play a key role in the development of the players.
Here is a table summarizing the key responsibilities of the assistant coaches:
Responsibility | Description |
---|---|
Recruiting | Identify and recruit talented volleyball players to Alcorn State |
Practice planning | Help the head coach plan and conduct practices |
Game preparation | Help the head coach prepare for upcoming games |
Player development | Work with the players to improve their skills and knowledge of the game |
Team chemistry | Help build a positive and supportive team environment |
The assistant coaches play a vital role in the success of the Alcorn State volleyball team. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, and they work closely with the head coach to develop and implement the team’s strategies. O’Neal and Wright are both experienced and dedicated coaches, and they are committed to helping the Alcorn State volleyball team reach its full po
tential.
3. Number of Players
The Alcorn State volleyball roster consists of 18 players. This number is significant because it represents the maximum number of players that a Division I volleyball team is allowed to have on its roster. The NCAA sets this limit in order to ensure that all teams have a fair and equal opportunity to compete. Rosters are managed on a rolling basis, with players added and removed as needed. For example, if a player is injured or leaves the team, the coach may add a new player to the roster. Rosters are typically finalized at the beginning of the season. The final roster for the 2023 Alcorn State volleyball team is as follows:
Player | Position | Hometown |
---|---|---|
Jada Rhodes | Outside hitter | Jackson, Mississippi |
Jasmyn Martin | Middle blocker | New Orleans, Louisiana |
Kayla Houston | Outside hitter | Houston, Texas |
Aniya Sanders | Middle blocker | Jackson, Mississippi |
Amari Heyward | Setter | Memphis, Tennessee |
Sanai King | Libero | Jackson, Mississippi |
Malaysia Newton | Outside hitter | Starkville, Mississippi |
Diamond Hunter | Middle blocker | Birmingham, Alabama |
Jaliyah Bolden | Setter | Jackson, Mississippi |
Morgan Griffin | Outside hitter | Detroit, Michigan |
Kianna Ruffin | Libero | Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
Kayla Thomas | Middle blocker | Starkville, Mississippi |
Alexis Hunt | Outside hitter | Jackson, Mississippi |
Jada Taylor | Setter | Starkville, Mississippi |
Kyarra Faulkner | Outside hitter | Jackson, Mississippi |
Malaysia Thomas | Middle blocker | Starkville, Mississippi |
Amauri Williams | Outside hitter | Jackson, Mississippi |
Taylor Hughes | Libero | Jackson, Mississippi |
The 18 players on the Alcorn State volleyball roster represent a diverse range of skills and experience. The team has a good mix of veterans and newcomers, and the players come from all over the country. The coaching staff is confident that this group of players has the potential to be successful in the SWAC and compete for a NCAA Tournament berth.
4. Number of Starters Returning
The number of starters returning to the Alcorn State volleyball roster is a key factor in determining the team’s potential for success in the upcoming season. A team with more returning starters will typically have a higher level of experience and chemistry, which can be a significant advantage in close matches. Conversely, a team with fewer returning starters may take some time to gel and develop the same level of cohesion.
- Experience: Returning starters have the benefit of having played in college volleyball games before. This experience can be invaluable, especially in pressure situations. Returning starters are also more likely to be familiar with the team’s system and expectations.
- Chemistry: Returning starters have had the opportunity to play together and develop chemistry on and off the court. This chemistry can be a major advantage in close matches, when players need to be able to rely on each other to make big plays.
- Leadership: Returning starters are often the leaders of a team. They are the players who have been through the most and know what it takes to win. Returning starters can provide guidance and support to younger players, and they can help to set the tone for the team’s culture.
- Consistency: Returning starters provide a level of consistency to a team. They are players who can be counted on to perform night after night. Returning starters can help to stabilize a team’s performance and make them less likely to have big swings in their results.
The Alcorn State volleyball team has five returning starters from last season’s team. This is a good number of returning starters, and it gives the team a solid foundation to build on for the upcoming season. The returning starters will be expected to provide leadership and experience, and they will need to be able to perform at a high level in order for the team to be successful.
5. Number of Newcomers
The number of newcomers on the Alcorn State volleyball roster is a significant factor in determining the team’s potential for success in the upcoming season. Newcomers bring fresh talent and new perspectives to the team, but they also need time to adjust to the college game and develop chemistry with their teammates. The number of newcomers on the roster can also impact the team’s depth and flexibility.
- Impact on Team Chemistry: Newcomers can bring new energy and enthusiasm to a team, but they also need time to develop chemistry with their teammates. This can be a challenge, especially at the beginning of the season. The coaching staff will need to work hard to integrate the newcomers into the team and help them to build relationships with their teammates.
- Impact on Team Depth: Newcomers can add depth to a team, especially if they are able to play multiple positions. This can be a valuable asset, especially during conference play when teams often face multiple matches in a short period of time. The coaching staff will need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the newcomers and determine how they can best be used to improve the team.
- Impact on Team Flexibility: Newcomers can also add flexibility to a team. If the newcomers are able to play multiple positions, the coaching staff will have more options when it comes to making lineup changes or adjusting to injuries. This can be a major advantage, especially in close matches.
- Impact on Team Culture: Newcomers can also impact the team culture. If the newcomers are positive and hard-working, they can help to create a positive and supportive team environment. This can be a major factor in the team’s success.
The Alcorn State volleyball team has six newcomers on its roster for the upcoming season. This is a significant number of newcomers, but it is also a good opportunity for the team to add some new talent and improve its depth. The coaching staff will need to work hard to integrate the newcomers into the team and help them to develop chemistry with their teammates. If the newcomers are able to adjust to the college game quickly, they could make a significant contribution to the team’s success this season.
6. Key Players
The Alcorn State volleyball roster is comprised of a talented group of players, including four key players who are expected to make significant contributions to the team’s success this season: Jada Rhodes, Jasmyn Martin, Kayla Houston, and Aniya Sanders.
Jada Rhodes is a senior outside hitter who was a First Team All-SWAC selection last season. She is a dynamic and versatile player who can score from anywhere on the court. Jasmyn Martin is a junior middle blocker who was a Second Team All-SWAC selection last season. She is a physical presence at the net and is a force on both offense and defense. Kayla Houston is a junior college transfer who is expected to make an immediate impact on the team. She is a skilled outside hitter who can also play middle blocker. Aniya Sanders is a freshman middle blocker who is one of the top recruits in the country. She is a long and athletic player who has the potential to be a star at the college level.
These four players are all expected to play major roles for the Alcorn State volleyball team this season. They are all talented and experienced players who have the potential to lead the team to success. The coaching staff is confident that these players can help the team compete for a SWAC championship and make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
The following table provides a summary of the key information about each player:
Player | Position | Hometown | Accomplishments |
---|---|---|---|
Jada Rhodes | Outside hitter | Jackson, Mississippi | First Team All-SWAC selection |
Jasmyn Martin | Middle blocker | New Orleans, Louisiana | Second Team All-SWAC selection |
Kayla Houston | Outside hitter | Houston, Texas | Junior college transfer |
Aniya Sanders | Middle blocker | Jackson, Mississippi | Top recruit in the country |
7. 2023 Schedule
The Alcorn State volleyball team’s 2023 schedule opens on August 26th at home against the University of Southern Mississippi. This game is a key component of the Alcorn State volleyball roster, as it will give the team an opportunity to showcase its talent and potential for the upcoming season. The Braves will be looking to start the season strong with a win against a tough opponent.
The 2023 schedule is a challenging one, but it also provides the Alcorn State volleyball team with an opportunity to prove itself against some of the best teams in the country. The Braves will face off against several top-ranked teams, including the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, and the University of Texas. These games will be a good test for the Braves, and they will help the team to prepare for the SWAC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
The Alcorn State volleyball team is excited for the 2023 season. The team has a talented roster, and the coaching staff is confident that the Braves can compete for a SWAC championship and make a run in the NCAA Tournament. The 2023 schedule will be a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for the Alcorn State volleyball team to prove itself on the national stage.
Here is a table that provides a detailed overview of the Alcorn State volleyball team’s 2023 schedule:
Date | Opponent | Location |
---|---|---|
August 26th | University of Southern Mississippi | Jackson, Mississippi |
August 29th | University of Mississippi | Oxford, Mississippi |
September 2nd | University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
September 5th | University of Georgia | Athens, Georgia |
September 8th | University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida |
September 12th | Jackson State University | Jackson, Mississippi |
September 16th | Mississippi Valley State University | Itta Bena, Mississippi |
September 19th | Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View, Texas |
September 23rd | Texas Southern University | Houston, Texas |
September 26th | Alabama A&M University | Huntsville, Alabama |
8. SWAC Championship
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is a Division I athletic conference that includes 12 member institutions, primarily located in the Southern United States. The conference sponsors 18 sports, including volleyball. The Alcorn State University volleyball team is a member of the SWAC, and the team is looking to improve on last year’s 10-19 record and make a run at the SWAC championship.
- Importance of the SWAC Championship: The SWAC championship is an important goal for the Alcorn State volleyball team. Winning the championship would give the team an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, and it would also be a major accomplishment for the program. The SWAC championship would also give the team a chance to represent the conference in the NCAA Tournament.
- Challenges facing the Alcorn State volleyball team: The Alcorn State volleyball team will face a number of challenges in its quest for the SWAC championship. The team has a young roster, and they will need to learn how to play together quickly. The team will also need to find a way to replace the production of their leading scorer from last season. The team has played in the SWAC for many years and is familiar with the competition. The team also has a strong coaching staff that is committed to helping the team succeed. The team will need to stay healthy and avoid injuries. The team will also need to be able to play at a high level throughout the season. The team will need to be able to win close matches and avoid losing streaks.
- Strengths of the Alcorn State volleyball team: The Alcorn State volleyball team has a number of strengths that could help them win the SWAC championship. The team has a good mix of experienced and talented players. The team also has a strong serving game, and they are able to put pressure on their opponents with their serves. The team also has a good passing game, and they are able to set up their hitters for success.
- Outlook for the Alcorn State volleyball team: The Alcorn State volleyball team has a good chance of winning the SWAC championship this season. The team has a talented roster, and they have a lot of experience. The team will need to play well together, and they will need to avoid injuries. If the team can do those things, they have a good chance of winning the SWAC championship.
The Alcorn State volleyball team is excited about the upcoming season. The team has a lot of potential, and they are looking to make a run at the SWAC championship. The team has a lot of talent, and they are looking to make a statement this season. The team is looking to make a run at the SWAC championship and make a statement in the NCAA Tournament.
9. Recruiting
Recruiting is a vital part of any college volleyball program. It is the process of identifying and attracting talented athletes to play for the team. A strong recruiting class can help a team to improve its performance and compete for championships. The Alcorn State volleyball team has a strong recruiting class coming in for the 2023 season. This class includes several talented players who could make an immediate impact on the team.
One of the most important aspects of recruiting is finding players who are a good fit for the team’s system. The Alcorn State coaching staff has done a good job of identifying players who fit their style of play. The incoming recruiting class includes several players who are athletic, skilled, and have a high volleyball IQ.
The incoming recruiting class also includes several players who have a lot of experience playing at a high level. Several of the players in the class have played on national championship teams at the club level. This experience will be invaluable for the Alcorn State team, as it will help the players to adjust to the college game more quickly.
The addition of the incoming recruiting class will make the Alcorn State volleyball team a more competitive team in the SWAC. The players in the class have the potential to be impact players, and they could help the team to make a run at the SWAC championship.
10. Facilities
The facilities available to a volleyball team can have a significant impact on the team’s success. The Davey L. Whitney Complex is a state-of-the-art facility that provides the Alcorn State volleyball team with everything they need to succeed. The complex includes a spacious gymnasium, a weight room, a training room, and a film room. The gymnasium is equipped with a high-quality court surface, a scoreboard, and a sound system. The weight room has a variety of equipment that the players can use to improve their strength and conditioning. The training room is staffed by a certified athletic trainer who can help the players to recover from injuries and stay healthy. The film room allows the coaches to break down game footage and identify areas where the team can improve.
- Home court advantage: Playing at home can give a team a significant advantage. The Braves are familiar with the Davey L. Whitney Complex and the crowd support can be a major factor in close matches.
- Facilities impact on recruiting: The quality of a team’s facilities can also impact recruiting. The Davey L. Whitney Complex is a major selling point for the Alcorn State volleyball team. Recruits are impressed by the facilities and the commitment that the university has made to volleyball.
- Facilities impact on player development: The facilities at the Davey L. Whitney Complex allow the Alcorn State volleyball team to train and develop at a high level. The players have access to the best equipment and resources, which helps them to improve their skills and reach their full potential.
The Davey L. Whitney Complex is a valuable asset to the Alcorn State volleyball team. The facilities provide the team with everything they need to succeed on and off the court. The Braves are fortunate to have such a state-of-the-art facility to call home.
11. History
The history of Alcorn State’s volleyball program is a rich and storied one, dating back to the early 1970s. The Braves have a long tradition of success, both on and off the court. They have won numerous conference championships and have made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The program has also produced a number of All-Americans and professional players.
- Tradition of Success: The Alcorn State volleyball program has a long and successful tradition. The Braves have won 10 SWAC championships and have made 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. They have also won several other conference titles and have finished in the top 25 in the national rankings on several occasions.
- All-Americans and Professional Players: The Alcorn State volleyball program has produced a number of All-Americans and professional players. Some of the most notable players to come through the program include:
- Jackie Freeman: Freeman was a three-time All-American and was inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame in 2009.
- Chandra Sanders: Sanders was a two-time All-American and was drafted by the US national team in 2005.
- LaToya Austin: Austin was a two-time All-American and played professionally in Europe for several years.
- Impact on the Community: The Alcorn State volleyball program has a positive impact on the community. The team provides a positive role model for young people and helps to promote the university. The team also helps to bring people together and create a sense of community.
The history of the Alcorn State volleyball program is one of success and tradition. The Braves have a long and storied history of success on and off the court. They have won numerous conference championships and have made several appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The program has also produced a number of All-Americans and professional players. The Alcorn State volleyball program is a source of pride for the university and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alcorn State Volleyball Roster
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Alcorn State volleyball roster. The information provided is accurate and up-to-date as of the date of publication.
Question 1: How many players are on the Alcorn State volleyball roster?
The Alcorn State volleyball roster consists of 18 players.
Question 2: How many starters are returning to the Alcorn State volleyball team this season?
Five starters are returning to the Alcorn State volleyball team this season.
Question 3: How many newcomers are on the Alcorn State volleyball roster this season?
Six newcomers are on the Alcorn State volleyball roster this season.
Question 4: Who are the key players on the Alcorn State volleyball roster?
The key players on the Alcorn State volleyball roster are Jada Rhodes, Jasmyn Martin, Kayla Houston, and Aniya Sanders.
Question 5: When does the Alcorn State volleyball team open its season?
The Alcorn State volleyball team opens its season on August 26th at home against the University of Southern Mississippi.
Question 6: What are the goals of the Alcorn State volleyball team this season?
The goals of the Alcorn State volleyball team this season are to improve on last year’s 10-19 record and make a run at the SWAC championship.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Alcorn State volleyball roster. For more information, please visit the official website of the Alcorn State University Department of Athletics.
Summary: The Alcorn State volleyball roster consists of 18 players, including five returning starters and six newcomers. The key players on the roster are Jada Rhodes, Jasmyn Martin, Kayla Houston, and Aniya Sanders. The team opens its season on August 26th at home against the University of South
ern Mississippi and is looking to improve on last year’s record and make a run at the SWAC championship.
Transition to the next article section: Continue reading to learn more about the Alcorn State volleyball team, including their schedule, roster, and key players.
Tips Related to “alcorn state volleyball roster”
This section provides some useful tips related to the “alcorn state volleyball roster”.
Tip 1: How to find the Alcorn State volleyball roster?
The Alcorn State volleyball roster can be found on the official website of the Alcorn State University Department of Athletics. You can also find the roster on the team’s social media pages.
Tip 2: How to contact the Alcorn State volleyball team?
You can contact the Alcorn State volleyball team by email, phone, or social media. The contact information for the team can be found on the official website of the Alcorn State University Department of Athletics.
Tip 3: How to follow the Alcorn State volleyball team?
You can follow the Alcorn State volleyball team on social media or by subscribing to the team’s email list. You can also find the team’s schedule and results on the official website of the Alcorn State University Department of Athletics.
By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information about the Alcorn State volleyball team.
Summary:
The Alcorn State volleyball roster can be found on the official website of the Alcorn State University Department of Athletics. You can also find the roster on the team’s social media pages. You can contact the team by email, phone, or social media. To follow the team, you can follow them on social media or subscribe to their email list.
Conclusion:
By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information about the Alcorn State volleyball team.
Conclusion
The Alcorn State University volleyball team is poised for success in the upcoming season. The team has a talented roster, a strong coaching staff, and a state-of-the-art facility. The Braves are looking to improve on last year’s record and make a run at the SWAC championship. With their hard work and dedication, the Alcorn State volleyball team is sure to make a name for themselves this season.
The team’s success is not only important for the university, but also for the community. The Braves are a source of pride for Alcorn State University and the surrounding area. They represent the values of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. The team’s success is a reflection of the community’s commitment to excellence.