The University of Louisville volleyball team has been ranked No. 6 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Preseason Poll, as announced Monday by the AVCA. The Cardinals ended last season at No. 6 in the final 2023 poll after an impressive 27-5 record, advancing to the Regional Final where they fell to conference rival Pitt in a five-set battle in Pittsburgh.
Under the guidance of head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, now entering her eighth season, the Cardinals have made significant strides in recent years. Busboom Kelly has led Louisville to two Final Four appearances, four Elite Eights, and four ACC titles. The 2023 season saw the Cardinals reach a national ranking as high as No. 2, with an ACC record of 15-3, finishing third in the conference. Louisville made its fourth trip to the Elite Eight, its ninth appearance in the Sweet Sixteen, and its 32nd NCAA Tournament appearance.
The Cardinals received numerous accolades last season, including ACC Player of the Year honors for Anna DeBeer and Defensive Player of the Year for Elena Scott. DeBeer was also named AVCA East Region Player of the Year. In addition, Elle Glock, Charitie Luper, Aiko Jones, Cara Cresse, and Elena Scott were selected to the All-ACC First Team, while Phekran Kong earned Honorable Mention All-East Region.
Louisville returns five starters and its libero for the 2024 season and has been picked to finish third in the ACC preseason poll behind Pitt and Stanford. DeBeer, Cresse, Luper, and Scott were named to the Preseason All-ACC team.
The Cardinals will open the 2024 season by hosting the AVCA First Serve Showcase at the KFC Yum! Center, with a matchup against Wisconsin on August 27. Louisville will also serve as the host site for the 2024 NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship, scheduled for December 19 and 22.
AVCA Preseason Poll
1.) Texas
2.) Nebraska
3.) Wisconsin
4.) Pitt
5.) Stanford
6.) Louisville
7.) Penn State
8.) Purdue
9.) Kentucky
10.) Oregon
11.) Florida
12.) Creighton
13.) Kansas
14.) Georgia Tech
15.) Tennessee
16.) BYU
17.) Arizona State
18.) Minnesota
19.) Arkansas
20.) Florida State
21.) USC
22.) Dayton
23.) Baylor
24.) Marquette
25.) Georgia
