Volleyball Season Preview
UW Athletic Communications
8/22/2023
The 2023 season for Washington Volleyball begins a major new chapter, with nearly half of the roster made up of newcomers, now under the guidance of Leslie Gabriel, who takes over a program to which she has devoted so much of her passion and energy in twenty-two years as an assistant coach and four more as a player.
A young and hungry Husky group features several players that were major contributors on recent NCAA tournament runs, including outside hitters Madi Endsley, Emoni Bush, and Audra Wilmes, and two-year starting libero Lauren Bays.
UW also added a wealth of big-match experience through the transfer portal in the offseason, as May Pertofsky (Michigan), Kayce Litzau (Wichita State), and Grace Zilbert (Portland) all came to Seattle for their fifth years. They join a talented trio of true freshmen in Kierstyn Barton, Brooke Huard, and Katy Wessels.
The Huskies don't open this fall with their usual lofty rankings or preseason accolades, but that's just fine for this group with plenty to prove. Throughout Washington's twenty-plus years as a powerhouse program, new faces have always been ready to take up the challenge and fight like Dawgs.
OUTSIDE HITTERS
Coach Gabriel on the outside hitters:
"Our hitters are a really diverse and talented group. They have the ability to terminate as well as any group I’ve seen. One of the challenges that I have presented to this group is to develop their ability to pass. We need one or two of them to evolve and be a passer for us.
I am looking forward to seeing the growth and development of Emoni Bush this season. She has taken on the challenge to grow her game as a passer and attacker and is making good strides.
Madi Endsley has worked tirelessly this past off season to be back in game form this preseason. It’s great to have her competitive energy and arm back in the gym.
Audra Wilmes has also improved her game this preseason and is becoming a more consistent attacker and better blocker at both pins.
May Pertofsky has been a great addition to our team and outside position group. She has the ability to put pressure on our opponents both at the service line and at the net with her attacking and blocking.
Kierstyn Barton is a freshman who comes to UW with a high skill level and volleyball IQ. I am excited to see her development this year as she is a fun player to watch.
SETTERS
Coach Gabriel on the setters:
"The setters in our gym are silent leaders and great competitors.
After being behind an All-American setter for the last two years, Molly Wilson is excited and ready for her opportunity to compete and lead this team.
Kayce Litzau comes with extensive experience from Wichita State where she was the starting setter. Kayce loves to push the tempo of her sets and it will be fun to watch her chemistry develop.
LIBEROS
Coach Gabriel on the liberos/defensive specialists:
"We have great competition at the libero position this year. These four players have been pushing each other daily and all of them are constantly working on and improving their passing, floor defense and serve.
Lauren Bays our returning starter is working hard to expand her range both in passing and on defense.
Grace Zilbert, a transfer from Portland, has been a great addition to our team. One of her strengths is her floor defense. You will see her flying around the backrow working to keep the ball off the ground.
After playing on our beach team this past spring Maeve Griffin is fully healthy and ready to compete for a libero or defensive specialist spot.
Brooke Huard, a freshman from Bellevue, is doing a good job in the gym for us both in passing and on defense. Once she gets comfortable with the pace of the college game she is going to take off.
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Coach Gabriel on the middle blockers:
"We have two young, hungry hardworking and eager middles. They both have not played a set of college volleyball but they are willing and ready to take on the challenge.
Elise Hani is a very intentional and hardworking player. She has worked a ton on her game both in attacking and blocking and I can’t wait to see the role she takes as a leader in our program. She is often the player that leads by example.
Katy Wessels is an athletic middle that reminds us a lot of Lianna Sybeldon. As a freshman she is taking in a lot of information right now as she learns our systems both on offense and defense.