Gulf Coast Volleyball: Rising to the Challenge of a New Season

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – After making an impressive appearance in the NJCAA Tournament in 2022, the Gulf Coast volleyball team is gearing up for the upcoming season as the reigning No. 1 DII team in the state.

The team, known as the Commodores, wrapped up the previous season with a strong record of 23-4, securing a spot in the NJCAA Tournament as the 13th seed. As they head into the fall, the Commodores are perched at the pinnacle of the FCSAA Region 8 DII rankings.

Scott Allen, the Head Volleyball Coach for Gulf Coast, is brimming with optimism for the team’s prospects this season. Allen outlined the team’s aspirations, which include clinching the conference title, securing a place in the national championships, consistently ranking among the top four teams in the country, and ultimately winning a national championship. These objectives represent the team’s ongoing pursuits.

To kick off the season, the Commodores are set to participate in an opening weekend tournament in Rockford, Illinois. In this tournament, they will face off against teams from Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, and Michigan. The opportunity to engage in high-level competition right from the start of the season is an exciting prospect for the team.

Sophomore outside hitter for Gulf Coast, Lauren Marien, expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge that lies ahead. She noted the fortunate circumstance of the team immediately taking on formidable opponents rather than just conference teams at the outset of the season. Marien’s optimism and eagerness reflect the team’s collective mindset.

Mark your calendars for Friday, August 18th, at 9:00 a.m. CST, as the Commodores are scheduled to commence their season by facing off against Kirkwood (IA).

Excitement is building for Gulf Coast’s volleyball team as they embark on a season with high aspirations and intense competition on the horizon.