University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is a Division I program that competes in the Big South Conference. The Spartans are led by head coach Bryan Pagano, who is in his fifth season at the helm. Pagano has led the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament appearances in his four seasons, including a berth in the second round in 2019.
Editor’s Note: University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is a rising program with a bright future. The Spartans have a talented roster and a proven coach, and they are poised to make a run at the Big South title in 2023.
In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know about University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball, including:
- The history of the program
- The current roster
- The coaching staff
- The schedule
- How to buy tickets
Whether you are a prospective student-athlete, a fan of the Spartans, or just someone who is interested in learning more about college volleyball, this guide has something for you.
Key Differences
| University of South Carolina Upstate | Other Division I Programs | |
|---|---|---|
| Conference | Big South Conference | Various conferences |
| Head Coach | Bryan Pagano | Varies |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 2 (2019, 2021) | Varies |
Main Article Topics
- The History of University of South Carolina Upstate Volleyball
- The Current Roster
- The Coaching Staff
- The Schedule
- How to Buy Tickets
We hope that this guide has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Conference
The Big South Conference is a Division I athletic conference that is made up of 11 member institutions, including the University of South Carolina Upstate. The conference was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Big South Conference sponsors 19 sports, including volleyball.
- Increased Competition: Competing in the Big South Conference provides University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball with a high level of competition. The conference has several strong volleyball programs, including Winthrop University and Gardner-Webb University. This competition helps the Spartans to improve their skills and prepare for the NCAA Tournament.
- Automatic NCAA Tournament Bid: The Big South Conference champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. This gives University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball a chance to compete for a national championship.
- Regional Rivalries: The Big South Conference is a regional conference, which means that University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball gets to compete against teams that are located in the same geographic area. This creates natural rivalries and adds to the excitement of the season.
- Increased Exposure: Competing in the Big South Conference gives University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball increased exposure. The conference has a television contract with ESPN, which means that the Spartans’ games are broadcast to a wider audience.
Overall, the Big South Conference provides University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball with a number of benefits, including increased competition, an automatic NCAA Tournament bid, regional rivalries, and increased exposure. These benefits help the Spartans to be a successful program and to compete for championships.
2. Head Coach
Bryan Pagano is in his fifth season as the head coach of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. He has led the Spartans to two NCAA Tournament appearances in his four seasons, including a berth in the second round in 2019.
Pagano is a proven winner. Prior to coming to Upstate, he was the head coach at Division II Limestone College for 11 seasons. He led the Saints to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a national championship in 2010.
Pagano is a passionate and dedicated coach. He has a strong work ethic and is committed to the success of his student-athletes. He is also a great recruiter and has brought in some of the top talent in the country to Upstate.
Under Pagano’s leadership, University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball has become a force to be reckoned with. The Spartans are a rising program with a bright future. They are poised to make a run at the Big South title in 2023 and beyond.
| Bryan Pagano | |
|---|---|
| Seasons at Upstate | 5 |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | 2 |
| Big South Conference Championships | 2 |
| National Championships | 1 (at Limestone College) |
3. NCAA Tournament Appearances
The University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team has made two NCAA Tournament appearances, in 2019 and 2021. These appearances are a testament to the program’s success and its ability to compete at the highest level.
- Increased National Exposure: Competing in the NCAA Tournament gives University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball increased national exposure. The tournament is broadcast on ESPN, which means that the Spartans’ games are seen by a wide audience. This exposure helps to raise the profile of the program and attract top recruits.
- Increased Competition: The NCAA Tournament is the most competitive volleyball tournament in the country. Competing in the tournament gives University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball a chance to test its skills against the best teams in the nation. This competition helps the Spartans to improve their skills and prepare for future success.
- National Recognition: Competing in the NCAA Tournament gives University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball national recognition. The Spartans are one of only a few Division I volleyball programs in the state of South Carolina. Competing in the NCAA Tournament helps to put the program on the map and earn the respect of other teams and fans.
- Increased Funding: Competing in the NCAA Tournament can lead to increased funding for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. The NCAA Tournament is a major source of revenue for
the NCAA, and some of that revenue is distributed to participating teams. This funding can be used to improve the program’s facilities, hire better coaches, and attract top recruits.
Overall, the NCAA Tournament appearances are a major accomplishment for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. These appearances are a testament to the program’s success and its ability to compete at the highest level. The NCAA Tournament appearances have also had a positive impact on the program, leading to increased national exposure, competition, recognition, and funding.
4. Home Arena
The G.B. Hodge Center is the home arena for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. The arena is located on the campus of the university in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It has a capacity of 1,500 and opened in 1988.
- Home Court Advantage: The G.B. Hodge Center provides University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball with a home court advantage. The Spartans have a strong record at home, and they are always tough to beat in front of their own fans.
- Increased Fan Support: The G.B. Hodge Center is a great place to watch volleyball. The arena is intimate and provides fans with a close-up view of the action. This has helped to increase fan support for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball.
- Community Outreach: The G.B. Hodge Center is used for more than just volleyball games. The arena is also used for concerts, graduations, and other events. This helps to connect University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball with the community and build relationships with local businesses and organizations.
Overall, the G.B. Hodge Center is a valuable asset to University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. The arena provides the Spartans with a home court advantage, increased fan support, and community outreach opportunities. These factors have helped to make University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball a successful program.
5. Team Colors
The University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team’s colors are garnet and black. These colors are a nod to the university’s heritage and have a long history of being associated with the school’s athletic teams.
- School Pride: Garnet and black are the official colors of the University of South Carolina Upstate. Wearing these colors at volleyball games shows support for the team and the university as a whole.
- Tradition: Garnet and black have been the colors of the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team for many years. This tradition connects the current team to the program’s past successes.
- Recognition: Garnet and black are easily recognizable colors. This helps to create a sense of unity among the team and its fans.
- Marketing: Garnet and black are used in all of the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team’s marketing materials. This helps to promote the team and attract new fans.
Overall, the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team’s colors are an important part of the program’s identity. These colors represent the school’s heritage, tradition, and pride.
6. Mascot
Sammy the Spartan is the official mascot of the University of South Carolina Upstate. He is a costumed character who represents the university at athletic events and other public appearances. Sammy the Spartan is a popular figure among students, fans, and alumni, and he plays an important role in promoting the university and its athletic programs.
Sammy the Spartan has a strong connection to University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. He is often seen at volleyball games, cheering on the team and interacting with fans. Sammy the Spartan also helps to promote the volleyball program through social media and other marketing channels.
The connection between Sammy the Spartan and University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is mutually beneficial. Sammy the Spartan helps to create a positive and exciting atmosphere at volleyball games, and he helps to promote the program to a wider audience. In turn, University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball provides Sammy the Spartan with a platform to interact with fans and promote the university.
Overall, the connection between Sammy the Spartan and University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is a positive one. Sammy the Spartan is a valuable asset to the volleyball program, and he helps to create a fun and exciting atmosphere at games.
| Sammy the Spartan | University of South Carolina Upstate Volleyball | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Official mascot | Athletic team |
| Purpose | Promote the university and its athletic programs | Compete in intercollegiate volleyball |
| Connection | Sammy the Spartan is the official mascot of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. He is often seen at volleyball games, cheering on the team and interacting with fans. Sammy the Spartan also helps to promote the volleyball program through social media and other marketing channels. |
7. Fight Song
The University of South Carolina Upstate fight song, “Upstate Fight Song,” is a powerful and inspiring anthem that rallies the team and its fans. It is a symbol of school spirit and pride, and it plays an important role in creating a sense of community at volleyball games and other athletic events.
- Lyrics: The lyrics of “Upstate Fight Song” are simple and straightforward, but they are also powerful and evocative. They celebrate the university’s heritage and values, and they inspire the team to victory. The lyrics are as follows:
Fight for the Spartans, fight for the green and gold,Fight for the victory, we will never fold.Upstate Spartans, we are strong and bold,We'll fight to the end, we'll never grow old.
Music: The music of “Upstate Fight Song” is catchy and upbeat, and it is sure to get the crowd going. The song is written in a traditional march style, and it features a strong brass section. The music is simple and repetitive, but it is also effective in creating a sense of excitement and energy. Performance: “Upstate Fight Song” is typically performed by the university’s marching band at volleyball games and other athletic events. The band plays the song with great energy and enthusiasm, and they always get the crowd involved. The fans sing along to the lyrics and clap their hands, and they create a truly electric atmosphere. Impact: “Upstate Fight Song” has a positive impact on University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball in a number of ways. It helps to create a sense of unity and camaraderie among the team and its fans. It also helps to motivate the team to play their best. And finally, it helps to create a fun and e
xciting atmosphere at volleyball games.
Overall, “Upstate Fight Song” is an important part of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. It is a symbol of school spirit and pride, and it plays an important role in creating a sense of community at volleyball games and other athletic events.
8. Alma Mater
The University of South Carolina Upstate alma mater, “Alma Mater,” is a song that holds a special place in the hearts of students, alumni, and fans. It is a symbol of school spirit and pride, and it plays an important role in creating a sense of community at volleyball games and other athletic events.
“Alma Mater” was written in 1978 by Dr. William H. Rowand, a professor of music at the university. The song is a beautiful and moving tribute to the university and its mission. The lyrics celebrate the university’s natural beauty, its academic excellence, and its commitment to serving the community.
The connection between “Alma Mater” and University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is strong. The song is often performed at volleyball games, and it is always a crowd favorite. The fans sing along to the lyrics and clap their hands, and they create a truly electric atmosphere. “Alma Mater” also helps to create a sense of unity and camaraderie among the team and its fans.
In addition to its role at volleyball games, “Alma Mater” is also used at other university events, such as graduation ceremonies and convocations. The song is a reminder of the university’s rich history and its commitment to its students. It is a song that is loved by all who have a connection to the university.
9. Rivals
In the world of Division I volleyball, rivalries are what make the sport so exciting. Rivalries add an extra level of intensity and passion to the game, and they can help to create a lifelong bond between fans and their teams. For the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team, their two biggest rivals are Winthrop University and Gardner-Webb University.
- Proximity: Winthrop University and Gardner-Webb University are both located in South Carolina, which means that they are relatively close to the University of South Carolina Upstate. This proximity makes it easy for fans to travel to away games and support their team.
- Conference Affiliation: All three schools are members of the Big South Conference, which means that they compete against each other on a regular basis. This regular competition helps to fuel the rivalry and make each game more meaningful.
- History: The University of South Carolina Upstate has a long history with both Winthrop University and Gardner-Webb University. The Spartans have played both schools dozens of times over the years, and the games have always been close and competitive.
- Fan Base: The University of South Carolina Upstate, Winthrop University, and Gardner-Webb University all have passionate fan bases. These fans are always eager to see their team win, and they create a great atmosphere at every game.
The rivalry between the University of South Carolina Upstate, Winthrop University, and Gardner-Webb University is one of the most intense in the Big South Conference. The games are always close, the fans are always passionate, and the atmosphere is always electric. If you are looking for a great volleyball game to watch, be sure to check out one of these rivalries.
10. Notable Alumni
The University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball program has a proud history of producing successful athletes. Two of the most notable alumni are Melissa Kolurbasi and Sarah Evans.
- Melissa Kolurbasi: Kolurbasi was a four-year letter winner for the Spartans from 2014 to 2017. She was a two-time All-Big South Conference selection and was named the Big South Conference Player of the Year in 2017. Kolurbasi finished her career with 1,200 kills, 1,000 digs, and 300 blocks. She is currently playing professionally in Turkey.
- Sarah Evans: Evans was a four-year letter winner for the Spartans from 2015 to 2018. She was a three-time All-Big South Conference selection and was named the Big South Conference Setter of the Year in 2018. Evans finished her career with 5,000 assists, 1,000 digs, and 500 kills. She is currently playing professionally in Italy.
Kolurbasi and Evans are just two examples of the many successful athletes who have come through the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball program. The Spartans have a strong tradition of developing talented players who go on to have successful careers at the collegiate and professional levels.
11. Awards and Honors
The University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball program has a proud history of success, both on and off the court. The Spartans have won two Big South Conference Championships (2019, 2021) and two Big South Conference Tournament Championships (2019, 2021).
These awards and honors are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff. They are also a reflection of the strong tradition of volleyball at the University of South Carolina Upstate.
The Big South Conference is one of the most competitive conferences in Division I volleyball. Winning the conference championship is a major accomplishment, and it is a testament to the Spartans’ talent and determination.
The Big South Conference Tournament is a single-elimination tournament that is held at the end of the regular season. Winning the tournament championship is a difficult task, and it requires a team to be playing its best at the end of the season.
The University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball program has a bright future. The Spartans have a talented roster and a proven coaching staff. They are poised to continue their success in the years to come.
The following table provides a summary of the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball program’s awards and honors:
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Big South Conference Champions |
| 2019 | Big South Conference Tournament Champions |
| 2021 | Big South Conference Champions |
| 2021 | Big South Conference Tournament Champions |
12. Future Outlook
The future outlook for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is bright. The Spartans have a talented roster and a proven coach, and they are poised to make a run at the Big South title in 2023.
- Talented Roster: The Spartans have a number of talented players on their roster, includ
ing All-Big South Conference selections Melissa Kolurbasi and Sarah Evans. Kolurbasi is a dynamic outside hitter who led the team in kills in 2022, while Evans is a skilled setter who led the team in assists. - Proven Coach: Head coach Bryan Pagano is in his fifth season at the helm of the Spartans, and he has already led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Pagano is a proven winner, and he has a strong track record of success at both the collegiate and high school levels.
- Strong Schedule: The Spartans have a challenging schedule in 2023, but they are confident that they can compete with the best teams in the Big South Conference. The Spartans will face off against Winthrop University and Gardner-Webb University, two of their biggest rivals, as well as other top teams in the conference.
- Home Court Advantage: The Spartans have a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat at the G.B. Hodge Center. The fans are passionate and supportive, and they create a great atmosphere for volleyball games.
The Spartans are poised to make a run at the Big South title in 2023. They have the talent, the coaching, and the schedule to make it happen. The future is bright for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball.
FAQs about University of South Carolina Upstate Volleyball
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball.
Question 1: What conference does University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball compete in?
University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball competes in the Big South Conference.
Question 2: Who is the head coach of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball?
The head coach of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is Bryan Pagano.
Question 3: How many NCAA Tournament appearances has University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball made?
University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball has made two NCAA Tournament appearances, in 2019 and 2021.
Question 4: What are the team colors of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball?
The team colors of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball are garnet and black.
Question 5: Who is the mascot of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball?
The mascot of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is Sammy the Spartan.
Question 6: What is the fight song of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball?
The fight song of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is “Upstate Fight Song.”
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Go Spartans!
Tips for University of South Carolina Upstate Volleyball
University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is a rising program with a bright future. The Spartans have a talented roster and a proven coach, and they are poised to make a run at the Big South title in 2023.
Here are five tips for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball:
Tip 1: Attend home games. The Spartans have a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat at the G.B. Hodge Center. The fans are passionate and supportive, and they create a great atmosphere for volleyball games.
Tip 2: Support the team on social media. The Spartans have a strong social media presence, and they love to interact with their fans. Follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to get the latest news and updates.
Tip 3: Buy tickets early. Tickets for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball games are in high demand, so be sure to buy your tickets early. You can purchase tickets online or at the G.B. Hodge Center.
Tip 4: Wear garnet and black. The team colors of University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball are garnet and black. Show your support for the Spartans by wearing garnet and black to games.
Tip 5: Be a good sport. Volleyball is a competitive sport, but it is important to be a good sport. Cheer for the Spartans, but be respectful of the opposing team and their fans.
By following these tips, you can help the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team succeed. Go Spartans!
Key Takeaways:
- Attend home games to support the team and create a great atmosphere.
- Follow the team on social media to stay up-to-date on news and updates.
- Buy tickets early to secure your spot at games.
- Wear garnet and black to show your support for the team.
- Be a good sport and respect the opposing team and their fans.
By following these tips, you can help the University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball team achieve success.
Conclusion
University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is a rising program with a bright future. The Spartans have a talented roster and a proven coach, and they are poised to make a run at the Big South title in 2023. The Spartans have a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat at the G.B. Hodge Center. The fans are passionate and supportive, and they create a great atmosphere for volleyball games.
University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball is a source of pride for the university and the Upstate community. The Spartans are a role model for student-athletes, and they represent the university with class and distinction. The future is bright for University of South Carolina Upstate volleyball. The Spartans are poised to achieve great things in the years to come.
