Cal Poly Volleyball Opens 2024 with Training Camp on Thursday
8/6/2024 12:45:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — The Cal Poly Volleyball program begins the search for its first Big West Championship since 2018 with training camp opening on Thursday at 10 a.m., officially kicking off the much-anticipated 2024 season's preparations.
As the new campaign quickly approaches and a homecoming tournament is on the horizon, the Mustangs will look to make the training camp's “main event” be the first block of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. before breaking to resume at 3:00 p.m. for light setting and hitting drills.
This camp comes just over three weeks away from Cal Poly's first three matches of the year, which take place on August 30 and 31 against Sacramento State, Saint Mary's and Arkansas, respectively.
In addition to the pre-season scrimmages to come, the Mustangs have already been deep into their 2024 prep after having taken a nearly two week foray to multiple cities in Europe, bonding as a unit while challenging themselves against foreign competition on this one-in-a-lifetime trip.
Going to Europe this summer was a huge advantage for our program. It helped us get our newcomers integrated into our systems and start building relationships with returners in a really fun environment. Now we essentially have a jumpstart going into preseason and can train at a faster pace earlier.Assistant Coach Addie Picha
Our incoming freshmen and transfers give us instant depth at every position. Our gym will be extremely competitive, and we are excited to see the growth that will bring to the entire team. They all have high character and a love for the game that our fans will get to enjoy first-hand.Assistant Coach Jason Borchin
Turning to the roster's construction, Mustang fans will recognize the vast majority of the 2024 roster as just one starter from last season's squad, Jolei Akima, graduated. Cal Poly returns all other starters, making up for a staggering 98% of the team's scoring, 93% of setting, 71% of digs, and 99% of blocks.
Among the star returners are three-time All-Big West First Team honoree Tommi Stockham alongside her pin-hitter colleagues Lizzy Markovska and Annabelle Thalken, as well as Emme Bullis coming back to be the sole setter and Kate Slack continuing as the primary middle blocker.
While the team and coaching staff will surely be looking forward to consistency year-over-year, an impressive infusion of newcomers also graces Mott Athletic Center this season.
To start, Cal State Bakersfield standout and All-Big West Freshman team member Breklyn Pulling stepping in as a middle blocker alongside Slack. True freshman Chloe Leluge out of Bend, OR will also challenge for sets at middle blocker as one of the tallest members of the team at 6-foot-3.
The pin-hitter trio is also joined by a pair of highly-touted 3 star true freshmen in Kendall Beshear and Jade Hendrickson while Ventura College's record-setting outside hitter Kayla Murdoch brings experience to the table as a junior transfer.
Lastly, in place of the star defensive presence that was Jolei Akima, returning backup defensive specialist from last season Ella Scott will battle for the open spot against Turkish import and youth national team member Elif Hürriyet.
