Utah Volleyball Marks 50 Years of Progress in University Athletics
In 2025, Utah Volleyball will celebrate 50 years of progress and excellence within university athletics. This milestone will be marked by an event featuring returning alumni on Saturday at the Huntsman Center, where the Utes will compete against No. 7 ASU.
Tracing the Legacy of Utah Volleyball
Utah Volleyball’s journey began in 1975 under the guidance of Norma Carr, continuing through coaches such as Jean Widdison, Julie Morgan, and Ann Bricker. Currently, Beth Launiere has been at the helm since 1990, leading the program through significant growth and success.
- 19 NCAA Tournament appearances
- 4 Sweet 16 appearances, honoring teams from 2017 and 2019 during the event
- 25 seasons with 20 or more wins
- 41 AVCA All-Region honors
- 24 All-Americans
- 183 weeks ranked in the AVCA Coaches Poll
Launiere’s leadership has been pivotal to Utah Volleyball’s accomplishments, spanning over 36 years, contributing to 20 of the team’s 25 winning seasons.
A Coach’s Perspective on Progress
Reflecting on the program’s evolution, Launiere remarked on the balance of early struggles and successes that shaped the foundation for current athletes. “Fifty years of student-athletes have contributed to this program,” she noted, emphasizing the camaraderie among alumni.
Support for Women’s Volleyball
Linda Byington, a former middle blocker and current ESPN+ analyst, highlighted the growth of women’s volleyball over the past five decades. “The support from the university has been vital,” she stated, noting that ESPN is broadcasting more women’s volleyball games than ever before. This growth creates numerous opportunities for young women in sports.
Mikki Kane-Barton, another Utes legend and mother of professional player Dani Drews, expressed her pride in the program. “The pioneers paved the way for us to thrive,” she said, acknowledging how today’s young athletes benefit from years of hard work in women’s volleyball.
Looking Ahead
The current Utes team is eager to carry forward the legacy established over the past 50 years. Langely Griffin, an outside hitter, shared her sentiments about representing a program with such a rich history.
Event Details and Engagement
The Utes will host No. 7 ASU for Alumni Night on Saturday, October 18, at 1 p.m. MT. Fans are encouraged to wear red and support the team with enthusiasm. For those unable to attend, the match will be streamed live on ESPN+, featuring commentary from Byington and Krista Blunk.
Younger fans will also have an opportunity to participate in a Kids Clinic after the match for just $5, fostering the next generation of volleyball enthusiasts.
Follow Utah Volleyball
To stay updated on Utah Volleyball, including rosters and event details, fans can follow the team on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
