By Litzy Grijalba
The Barry women’s volleyball team has made an everlasting impact during their 2024 season. Finishing their season with a record of 24-5, the Buccaneers not only demonstrated consistency and dominance throughout the year but exhibited remarkable composure in challenging moments. Going through their trials and tribulations, the Buccaneers stood strong as they made their influential appearance to the NCAA South Regional Semifinal but ultimately fell short.
Reaching the NCAA South Regional Semifinal is a significant accomplishment that requires immense dedication and eff ort, qualities the Buccaneers exemplified throughout their 2024 season. Their success was the result of relentless hard work, perseverance, and commitment.
Ivana Žujović, sophomore majoring in biochemistry, describes how she felt competing on such a large stage.
“It felt amazing to be able to compete at regionals, it’s something I’ve always dreamed of ever since I started playing volleyball seriously. Obviously, I would have loved to go all the way, but even just making it to regionals and getting past the first round and being close in the second gives me a good feeling about where we are and what we can do,” said Žujović.
Reaching the regionals was a monumental milestone for the Buccaneers, marking a significant step forward in their journey. The experience provided invaluable lessons, particularly in handling the pressures of high-stakes competition.
“I’m so proud of the work which we went through and so honored to be part of it. Compared with last year, we showed really good volleyball,” said Varvara Osychenko, a sophomore majoring in sport and exercise science.
Turning their focus to the future, the Buccaneers’ experience in regionals will undoubtedly serve as motivation, fueling their drive for even greater success in the seasons to come. They are also aware of the factors that have contributed to their success this season. The team's journey has been shaped not only by individual talent but by a shared commitment to growth and unity.
“I think the biggest factor to our success this year has definitely been the new attitudes. All of us hate losing and I think those attitudes really helped to push us to do better,” said Žujović.
This shift in mindset has proven to be a game-changer for the Buccaneers. Beyond just a competitive drive, it has fostered an environment where each player holds themselves and their teammates to a higher standard. The team’s mutual drive for improvement and shared refusal to accept defeat have cultivated a culture of accountability, where each setback is viewed not as a failure, but as a valuable opportunity for growth. The evolution of the Bucs’ chemistry did not just start overnight. Countless hours and effort have been put into the game of volleyball. The development of their on-court synergy is a testament to the tireless dedication they have put in behind the scenes.
“We all know we need to put the team first and do what’s best for the collective,” said Ivana Žujović as she describes how the team’s chemistry has evolved this season.
The Buccaneers' journey to the NCAA South Regional Semifinal was the result of not only the players' eff orts but also the invaluable contributions of the coaching staff , whose guidance and support were instrumental to the team's success. The Buccaneers were able to pull off a record of 12-1 at home, 7-3 away, and 5-1 neutral.
With such a successful season behind them, the question now turns to what this achievement means for the future. The Buccaneers' remarkable performance not only solidified their place among the region’s elite but also laid a strong foundation for continued success in the coming years.
“I think other teams are starting to realize that they can’t underestimate us, and I think we’ll have a lot of eyes on us in the following season,” said Žujović.
Žujović's insight speaks to the increased respect and attention the Buccaneers are likely to receive moving forward. As the team gains recognition for their impressive achievements, the pressure and expectations will undoubtedly rise.
Not only did the Buccaneers achieve a spot in the NCAA South Regional Semifinal, but three Bucs, Ivana Žujović, Varvara Osychenko and Gaia Riedmüller, were also named to the Women’s Volleyball CSC Academic All-District Teams, which recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their exceptional accomplishments both on the volleyball court and in the classroom as chosen by College Sports Communicators.
Žujović was first on the team and fifth in the conference in blocks per set at 1.10, with 91 total blocks, while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. Osychenko was a co-captain and had 203 kills, 282 digs, 45 blocks, and 39 service aces, all of which were top five on the team. She was also named to the All-SSC Second Team and All South Region tournament team, while maintaining a 3.53 GPA.
The 2024 season has been a defining one for the Barry University Women’s Volleyball team, culminating in a historic appearance at the NCAA South Regional Semifinal. With a 24-5 record and key players earning Academic All-District honors, the team has solidified its place among the region’s elite.
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