McLaughlin/Johnson have elevated the program

McLaughlin/Johnson have elevated the program
by Tex Francisco (2019-12-07 10:16:29)
Edited on 2019-12-07 10:17:18

In reply to: ND v. UCLA volleyball posted by 65domer

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back to where it used to be, which is a fringe top 25 program that consistently makes the tournament but rarely makes it out of the first round. Have we ever made the sweet 16?

That's a good start, but volleyball seems like a sport where ND should excel. It's largely a suburban, white girl sport, and unlike sports like golf, baseball, or softball, there's no real weather disadvantage with being in the Midwest (many top programs are in the Midwest). Also, there are only 6 players on the court at a time, and volleyball allows for 12 scholarships, so it's not like track where cost of attendance hinders your ability to build your roster. There are some sports, like mens basketball, baseball, track, and some others, where barring a once-in-a-generation caliber coach I just don't see ND ever consistently maintaining an elite program. Volleyball, however, seems like a program where we could. Are there things I'm missing?

And outstanding VB Catholic schools in Chicago *

12 scholarships, but 16 on the roster

Your point still stands. Not sure how they divide the scholarships, whether any of the 16 are walk-ons or some other type aid. But as you say, because of volleyball demographics, there are probably those that could go to ND without the scholarship.

I think the toughest breakthrough is to convince recruits that ND as a program was a serious contender. Hard to crack into that 20 or so top teams that have been top teams what seems like forever. I think hiring McLaughlin was a great move - a shame he wasn't able to continue - we will see whether Johnson can take us to the next level. A good core and some good recruits.

Volleyball scholarships are not divided. There are always a

few walk-ons, usually defensive specialists or liberos.

I assume there might be preferred walk-on status?

A good way to get into ND assuming you have all the other prerequisites

Yes, that would be true for all VB walk-ons I have seen. *