TAMPA, August 24, 2023 – For the USF Bulls, the challenge is clear.
They are NOT leisurely sneaking into the season, gently dipping their toes into the pool, sampling the temperature.
They are plunging off the high-dive.
It’s the Road 2 Tampa Bay Volleyball Invitational, a big-time season-opening event at downtown Tampa’s Amalie Arena and USF’s Yuengling Center. It’s the warm-up act for an action-packed season that will conclude with the USF-sponsored NCAA Volleyball Final Four in December at Amalie.
Friday night at Amalie Arena, the Bulls face the No. 20-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who are coached by Michelle Collier, a USF Athletic Hall of Famer and former teammate of Bulls coach Jolene Shepardson.
Saturday night at the Yuengling Center, the Bulls challenge the No. 11-ranked Florida Gators, coached by Mary Wise, who is seeking her ninth trip to the Final Four and first national championship. The No. 8-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions also are in the event’s field.
Shepardson, who celebrates her 43rd birthday Friday, said her team is in the proper mindset after a multiple-day “retreat’’ to Amelia Island and an exhibition victory against the Jacksonville Dolphins. The team stayed near the beach, competed in some Olympic-style games, soaked up some sunshine, did some star-gazing, performed some karaoke and did lots of dancing.
Along the way, maybe the Bulls found an identity.
“We all got to know each other better,’’ Shepardson said. “We put them through some challenges and we saw a good response and some good leadership — maybe some I didn’t even know was there.
“I think this is the kind of team that will come out fighting when it’s back is against the wall. That’s exactly what this year will be like. We’re the underdog. But we’re not quitting. We’re fighting. Even when we’re down, we’re going to come back.’’
That will be a valuable mindset when the Bulls take on Georgia Tech and Florida — two of the nation’s best programs.
“I want our players to be powerful enough to block out the noise in any environment,’’ said Shepardson, entering her fourth USF season. “One of our mantras this year is ‘Be Brave.’ We want them to be brave in any circumstance, to play fearlessly, and embrace the uncomfortable with a smile on their face.
“It’s going to be fabulous energy and attitude at Amalie Arena. But we really want them focused on each other and their game. We want them to have that courage inside of them, just to block out the noise and embrace the moment. For our program, it’s an incredible opportunity and we are excited to begin the season with such elite competition. There’s no expectation on us. We can play freely.’’
Bulls junior right-side hitter Amanda DeWitt, who ranked third in kills last season for USF, said she appreciates the massive opportunity.
“We’re looking at it like it’s exciting, not scary,’’ DeWitt said. “We’ve been talking to the other student-athletes and outside clubs, so I think we’ll have lots of support in our hometown.
“I just think we have nothing to lose. The teams we’re playing are ranked. We are not. But we can go ball-out against them because they’re expected to win. We can play with no stress, no pressure and that really makes a difference. Regardless of what happens, it’s going to be great preparation for the rest of the season and our conference matches.’’
Shepardson has a revamped staff with three new coaches and also six new players, including junior setter Caroline Dykes, a transfer from East Tennessee State, the Southern Conference Setter of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection in 2022.
Dykes said she transferred to USF for a higher level of play and higher-caliber competition.
Mission accomplished.
“It’s exactly what I’m getting because these girls (USF teammates) are intense,’’ Dykes said. “And the way we’re starting our season, that speaks for itself. It’s going to be so much fun and I feel like we’re ready for this challenge.’’
Wherever the Bulls go this season, Shepardson said she expects DeWitt and Dykes to play key roles.
“Caroline has that steady, competitive attitude,’’ Shepardson said. “She never goes up and down. She competes hard, very steady and I love that.
“Amanda is handling more and more offensively and defensively, like she’s becoming a wall up there. She has expanded her game blocking-wise and she can score in different ways. Her confidence has really developed and she’s stepping into that (leadership) role very strongly.’’
And as for opening night?
“The vibe will be electric,’’ DeWitt said.
“The whole thing is unreal when you think about it,’’ Dykes said. “But we’re going to play calm and composed, so we can perform at our highest level. We are ready to get started.’’
About USF Volleyball
Head coach Jolene Shepardson enters her fourth season at the helm of her alma mater in 2023. Named head coach on Jan. 8, 2020, Shepardson led the Bulls’ program to its last conference championship and NCAA tournament appearance as a student-athlete in 2002. USF made its last postseason appearance in 2018, posting 20 wins and appearing in the NIVC. USF Volleyball has made seven NCAA Tournament appearances and won 12 conference titles since its inception in 1972 and is entering its 50th campaign in 2021-22. The Bulls play in The Corral (1,000), adjacent to the Yuengling Center on the USF campus.
Be sure to follow USF women’s volleyball on social media (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
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