Earning the No. 1 spot in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s (USCAA) Week 5 National Coaches Poll on Wed., Oct. 25, the Kent State University at Tuscarawas volleyball team flew to the top of the rankings by besting fourteen other teams.
This is the first time since joining the USCAA eight years ago that a Golden Eagles athletic team has earned a No. 1 ranking. A huge road win at Potomac State College vaulted the navy and gold into the lone top spot after splitting the ranking with three other teams just two weeks ago.
The Golden Eagles have been on the rise this season under the leadership of second-year head coach Cortney Goodwin and have been ranked in the top four since the first coaches’ poll was released on September 28.
Team members include Cayla Shrimplin, Addison Gordon, Lizzy Keller, Alivia Spaulding, Nicole Simons, Kylie Culbertson, Taliyah Johnson and Makenzie Ailes.
“I am so proud of our volleyball players and coaching staff,” said Dr. Bradley Bielski, dean and chief administrative officer of Kent State Tuscarawas. “What they have accomplished and how they have grown into an outstanding team in such a short period of time is remarkable. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!”
Now 15-2 on the season, the Golden Eagles are sure to improve last season's No. 9 finish when they missed a post season invitation by just one point. They have two matches left and will find out their tournament seed on Wed., Nov. 1, at 4:30 p.m. while watching the USCAA National Volleyball Tournament Bid Show on the USCAA Sports Network.
On Saturday, the volleyball team travels to Cincinnati Clermont and will finish their season on the road at Miami University Hamilton on Fri., Nov. 3.
Follow this link to view the coaches poll: https://theuscaa.com/Coaches_Poll/2023-24/Fall/Week_5
To learn more about the Kent State Tuscarawas Golden Eagles Athletics, visit www.flyhighgoldeneagles.com