Drake University volleyball is a force to be reckoned with in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Bulldogs have won three of the last five conference championships and have made three NCAA Tournament appearances in that span.
Editor’s Notes:Drake University volleyball is a great example of how a mid-major program can compete with the big boys. The Bulldogs have a winning record against Power Five schools in recent years, and they’re always a threat to win the MVC title.
After doing some analysis and digging through the data, we put together this Drake University volleyball guide to help you make the right decision.
Here are some of the key differences between Drake University volleyball and other programs:
| Characteristic | Drake University Volleyball | Other Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Conference | Missouri Valley Conference | Power Five conferences |
| Recent success | Three MVC championships in the last five years | Fewer conference championships |
| NCAA Tournament appearances | Three in the last five years | Fewer NCAA Tournament appearances |
As you can see, Drake University volleyball is a program on the rise. If you’re looking for a mid-major program with a winning tradition, then Drake is the place for you.
1. Winning tradition
This is a significant accomplishment for a mid-major program like Drake. It shows that the Bulldogs can compete with the best teams in the country. In the past five years, Drake has defeated Power Five schools such as Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Nebraska.
- Strong coaching: Head coach Darcy Dorton has been instrumental in Drake’s success. She has a career record of 87-37 and has led the Bulldogs to three MVC championships in the last five years.
- Talented players: Drake has a number of talented players, including middle blocker Gracey Jauch and outside hitter Taylor Louis. These players have helped the Bulldogs compete with the best teams in the country.
- Home court advantage: The Bulldogs have a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat at the Knapp Center. The Knapp Center is one of the toughest places to play in the MVC.
- Fan support: Drake volleyball has a loyal fan base that supports the team through thick and thin. The fans create a great atmosphere at the Knapp Center and help the Bulldogs win games.
Drake’s winning tradition is a source of pride for the university and the Des Moines community. The Bulldogs are a team on the rise, and they are poised to make even more noise in the years to come.
2. Conference champions
This is a significant accomplishment for a mid-major program like Drake. It shows that the Bulldogs can compete with the best teams in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).
Winning conference championships is important for a number of reasons. First, it gives the team an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. Second, it gives the team a chance to compete for a national championship. Third, it brings prestige to the university and the community.
Drake’s success in the MVC is due to a number of factors, including:
- Strong coaching: Head coach Darcy Dorton has been instrumental in Drake’s success. She has a career record of 87-37 and has led the Bulldogs to three MVC championships in the last five years.
- Talented players: Drake has a number of talented players, including middle blocker Gracey Jauch and outside hitter Taylor Louis. These players have helped the Bulldogs compete with the best teams in the MVC.
- Home court advantage: The Bulldogs have a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat at the Knapp Center.
- Fan support: Drake volleyball has a loyal fan base that supports the team through thick and thin. The fans create a great atmosphere at the Knapp Center and help the Bulldogs win games.
Drake’s success in the MVC is a source of pride for the university and the Des Moines community. The Bulldogs are a team on the rise, and they are poised to make even more noise in the years to come.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights from this discussion:
| Key Insight | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Winning conference championships is important for a number of reasons. | It gives the team an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, a chance to compete for a national championship, and brings prestige to the university and the community. |
| Drake’s success in the MVC is due to a number of factors. | Including strong coaching, talented players, a home court advantage, and fan support. |
| Drake’s success in the MVC is a source of pride for the university and the Des Moines community. | The Bulldogs are a team on the rise, and they are poised to make even more noise in the years to come. |
3. NCAA Tournament appearances
The NCAA Tournament is the most prestigious volleyball tournament in the country. It is a single-elimination tournament that features the top 64 teams in the country. Drake has made three NCAA Tournament appearances in the last five years, which is a significant accomplishment for a mid-major program.
- Importance of NCAA Tournament appearances
Making the NCAA Tournament is a sign that a program is among the best in the country. It gives the team a chance to compete for a national championship and brings prestige to the university and the community. - How Drake has made the NCAA Tournament
Drake has made the NCAA Tournament by winning the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championship three times in the last five years. The MVC is a strong conference, and Drake has had to defeat some of the best teams in the country to win the championship. - Drake’s success in the NCAA Tournament
Drake has a 1-3 record in the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs lost in the first round in 2018 and 2019, and they lost in the second round in 2021. Drake’s only NCAA Tournament win came in 2022, when they defeated Illinois State in the first round. - The future of Drake volleyball
Drake volleyball is
a rising program. The Bulldogs have made three NCAA Tournament appearances in the last five years, and they are poised to make even more noise in the years to come.
Drake’s NCAA Tournament appearances are a source of pride for the university and the Des Moines community. The Bulldogs are a team on the rise, and they are poised to make even more noise in the years to come.
4. Strong coaching
Strong coaching is essential for the success of any volleyball program. Darcy Dorton has been a key factor in Drake University volleyball’s success in recent years. In her five seasons as head coach, she has led the Bulldogs to three Missouri Valley Conference championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Dorton’s coaching philosophy
Dorton is a demanding coach who expects her players to work hard and play with discipline. She is also a great motivator who can get her players to believe in themselves and their abilities. - Dorton’s impact on Drake volleyball
Dorton has had a major impact on Drake volleyball. She has helped the Bulldogs become one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference and a consistent NCAA Tournament contender. - Dorton’s future with Drake volleyball
Dorton is still relatively young in her coaching career, and she has already accomplished a lot. She is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and she has the potential to lead Drake volleyball to even greater heights in the years to come.
Dorton’s success is due in part to her strong leadership and her ability to get the most out of her players. She is a role model for her players, and she is always willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed.
5. Talented players
Talented players are essential for the success of any volleyball program. Drake University volleyball has a number of talented players, including middle blocker Gracey Jauch and outside hitter Taylor Louis. These players have helped the Bulldogs become one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference and a consistent NCAA Tournament contender.
- Gracey Jauch: Jauch is a 6’3″ middle blocker from West Des Moines, Iowa. She is a two-time All-MVC selection and was named the MVC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. Jauch is a force at the net, and she is one of the best blockers in the conference.
- Taylor Louis: Louis is a 6’0″ outside hitter from St. Louis, Missouri. She is a two-time All-MVC selection and was named the MVC Player of the Year in 2022. Louis is a dynamic attacker, and she is one of the most dangerous hitters in the country.
Jauch and Louis are just two of the many talented players on the Drake University volleyball team. The Bulldogs have a deep and experienced roster, and they are poised to make another run at the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
6. Home court advantage
Drake University volleyball has a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat at the Knapp Center. There are a number of factors that contribute to Drake’s home court advantage, including:
- The Knapp Center is a unique and intimidating environment for opposing teams. It is a small and loud arena, and the fans are very passionate about their Bulldogs. This can make it difficult for opposing teams to communicate and execute their game plan.
- Drake has a strong tradition of success at the Knapp Center. The Bulldogs have won over 80% of their home games in the past five years. This winning tradition gives Drake a psychological edge over their opponents.
- Drake’s fans are very supportive. They create a great atmosphere at the Knapp Center, and they always give the Bulldogs a boost of energy. This support can be especially helpful in close games.
Drake’s home court advantage is a major factor in their success. It is one of the reasons why the Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference and a consistent NCAA Tournament contender.
7. Fan support
Fan support is essential for the success of any sports team, and Drake volleyball is no exception. The Bulldogs have a loyal fan base that supports the team through thick and thin. This fan support is a major factor in Drake’s success, and it helps to create a great atmosphere at the Knapp Center.
- The Knapp Center is always packed with fans, even when the Bulldogs are struggling. This shows that Drake’s fans are truly loyal, and they are always there to support the team.
- Drake’s fans are very passionate about the team. They are always cheering and chanting, and they always get behind the Bulldogs. This passion creates a great atmosphere at the Knapp Center, and it helps to give the Bulldogs an edge over their opponents.
- Drake’s fans are very knowledgeable about the game of volleyball. They understand the rules and the strategies, and they are always able to provide the Bulldogs with valuable feedback. This knowledge helps the Bulldogs to improve their game, and it also helps to make the games more enjoyable for the fans.
- Drake’s fans are very generous with their support. They donate money to the program, they buy tickets to games, and they volunteer their time to help out. This support is essential for the success of the program, and it shows that Drake’s fans are truly invested in the team.
Drake volleyball’s fan support is a major factor in the team’s success. The fans create a great atmosphere at the Knapp Center, and they always give the Bulldogs a boost of energy. Drake is lucky to have such a loyal and passionate fan base, and the fans are a big part of what makes Drake volleyball so special.
8. Community involvement
Drake University volleyball is more than just a team that plays a game. The Bulldogs are also actively involved in the Des Moines community and participate in a variety of community service projects. This involvement is important for a number of reasons.
First, it helps to build relationships between the university and the community. When the Bulldogs are out in the community, they are representing Drake University and helping to create a positive image of the institution. This can lead to increased support for the university from the community, both financially and in terms of volunteerism.
Second, community involvement helps to develop the character of the student-athletes. When the Bulldogs participate in community service projects, they learn the value of giving back to others. They also develop important life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and pro
blem-solving. These skills can help the student-athletes succeed both on and off the court.
Finally, community involvement helps to raise awareness of important issues. When the Bulldogs participate in community service projects, they help to bring attention to important issues, such as hunger, homelessness, and poverty. This can lead to increased support for organizations that are working to address these issues.
Here are some examples of community service projects that Drake University volleyball has participated in:
- Volunteering at a local food bank
- Building homes for Habitat for Humanity
- Mentoring students at a local elementary school
- Cleaning up a local park
- Participating in a breast cancer awareness walk
Drake University volleyball’s community involvement is a valuable asset to the university and the community. The Bulldogs are role models for young people, and they are helping to make a difference in the world.
Table: The benefits of community involvement for Drake University volleyball
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Builds relationships between the university and the community | When the Bulldogs are out in the community, they are representing Drake University and helping to create a positive image of the institution. |
| Develops the character of the student-athletes | When the Bulldogs participate in community service projects, they learn the value of giving back to others and develop important life skills. |
| Raises awareness of important issues | When the Bulldogs participate in community service projects, they help to bring attention to important issues and support organizations that are working to address them. |
9. Academic success
Drake University volleyball players are not only successful on the court, but they are also successful in the classroom. Many of them have earned Academic All-MVC honors, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication both on and off the court.
- Commitment to academic excellence
Drake volleyball players are committed to academic excellence. They understand that their education is just as important as their athletic careers, and they work hard to achieve success in both areas. Many of them have earned Academic All-MVC honors, which is a prestigious award that recognizes student-athletes who excel both in the classroom and on the field of play. - Strong support system
Drake volleyball players have a strong support system that helps them to succeed in the classroom. The coaching staff is committed to providing academic support to their players, and they work with them to develop a plan for success. The players also have access to a variety of academic resources, such as tutoring, advising, and writing centers. - Time management skills
Drake volleyball players have excellent time management skills. They are able to balance their academic and athletic commitments, and they make the most of their time. They are also able to prioritize their tasks and complete their assignments on time. - Role models for other students
Drake volleyball players are role models for other students. They show that it is possible to be successful in both academics and athletics. They are also involved in a variety of community service activities, and they are committed to making a difference in the world.
Drake volleyball players are successful in the classroom because they are committed to academic excellence, they have a strong support system, they have excellent time management skills, and they are role models for other students. Their success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and it is a source of pride for the Drake community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drake University Volleyball
This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Drake University volleyball. The information provided is intended to inform and clarify various aspects of the program for prospective students, fans, and the general public.
Question 1: What is the history of Drake University volleyball?
Drake University volleyball has a rich history dating back to the early 1970s. The program has won three Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championships in the last five years and has made three NCAA Tournament appearances during that span. Drake is known for its strong coaching, talented players, and passionate fan base.
Question 2: Who is the head coach of Drake University volleyball?
Darcy Dorton is the head coach of Drake University volleyball. She is in her fifth season with the Bulldogs and has a career record of 87-37. Dorton has led Drake to three MVC championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances during her tenure.
Question 3: Who are some of the key players on the Drake University volleyball team?
Some of the key players on the Drake University volleyball team include:
- Gracey Jauch, middle blocker
- Taylor Louis, outside hitter
- Ella Holt, setter
- Kyla Inderski, libero
Question 4: What is the Knapp Center like for volleyball games?
The Knapp Center is a great place to watch volleyball. It is a small and intimate arena with a capacity of just over 5,000 fans. The Knapp Center is known for its loud and passionate crowd, which creates a great atmosphere for volleyball games.
Question 5: How can I follow Drake University volleyball?
You can follow Drake University volleyball in a number of ways, including:
- Attending games at the Knapp Center
- Watching games on ESPN+
- Following the team on social media
- Reading about the team on the Drake Athletics website
Question 6: What is the future of Drake University volleyball?
The future of Drake University volleyball is bright. The Bulldogs have a strong coaching staff, a talented roster, and a passionate fan base. Drake is poised to continue to compete for MVC championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in the years to come.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Drake University volleyball. For more information, please visit the Drake Athletics website.
Tips for Drake University Volleyball
Drake University volleyball is a successful program with a rich history. The Bulldogs have won three of the last five Missouri Valley Conference championships and have made three NCAA Tournament appearances in that span. Here are some tips for Drake University volleyball players, fans, and supporters:
Tip 1: Attend games at the Knapp Center.
The Knapp Center is a great place to watch volleyball. It is a small and intimate arena with a capacity of just over 5,000 fans. The Knapp Center is known for its loud and passionate crowd, which creates a great atmosphere for volleyball games.
Tip 2: Support the team on social media.
Drake University volleyball is active on social media. Follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to get the latest news and updates. You can also use social media to connect with other fans and share your thoughts on the team.
Tip 3: Donate to the program.
Drake University volleyball is a self-funded program. Donations from fans and support
ers help to cover the costs of scholarships, travel, and equipment. You can donate to the program online or by contacting the Drake Athletics Department.
Tip 4: Volunteer your time.
There are a number of ways to volunteer your time to Drake University volleyball. You can help with game day operations, work with the youth volleyball camps, or assist with fundraising events. Contact the Drake Athletics Department to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Tip 5: Be a positive role model.
Drake University volleyball players are role models for young people. They are expected to conduct themselves with class and integrity both on and off the court. Fans and supporters should also be positive role models. Be respectful of the players, coaches, and officials. Help to create a positive and supportive environment for Drake University volleyball.
By following these tips, you can help Drake University volleyball continue to be a successful program. The Bulldogs are a source of pride for the university and the Des Moines community. Let’s all do our part to support the team.
Key takeaways:
- Attending games at the Knapp Center is a great way to support the team and experience the exciting atmosphere.
- Following the team on social media is a good way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and connect with other fans.
- Donating to the program helps to cover the costs of scholarships, travel, and equipment.
- Volunteering your time is a great way to give back to the program and help out in a variety of ways.
- Being a positive role model is important for players, fans, and supporters alike.
Let’s all do our part to support Drake University volleyball and help the Bulldogs continue to succeed.
Conclusion
Drake University volleyball is a successful program with a rich history. The Bulldogs have won three of the last five Missouri Valley Conference championships and have made three NCAA Tournament appearances in that span. The team’s success is due to a number of factors, including strong coaching, talented players, a home court advantage, and passionate fan support.
Drake University volleyball is a source of pride for the university and the Des Moines community. The Bulldogs are a team on the rise, and they are poised to continue to compete for MVC championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in the years to come.
Here is a call to action for Drake University volleyball fans and supporters:
- Attend games at the Knapp Center.
- Support the team on social media.
- Donate to the program.
- Volunteer your time.
- Be a positive role model.
By following these tips, you can help Drake University volleyball continue to be a successful program. The Bulldogs are a source of pride for the university and the Des Moines community. Let’s all do our part to support the team.
