LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville volleyball team is gearing up for their upcoming season, and the Cardinals are starting with high expectations.
Last season, the team made it to the Elite 8, a year after a Final Four run. This year, they have one goal in mind: the national championship.
Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly joined WDRB Mornings on Tuesday to talk about the start of the season and how the team is doing.
This year, they are coming into the season ranked No. 6. Five starters are returning to the team this season, like libero Elena Scott and ACC Player of the Year Anna DeBeer.
"We have a very experienced team," Kelly said. "We have a lot of returning team leaders that may have not gotten a chance to shine last year, and I'm excited for fans to see that."
The team is kicking off their season Aug. 27 with the AVCA First Serve Showcase, a tournament that is being brought back due to the sport exploding with popularity.
The Cards will square off with No. 3 Wisconsin at 9 p.m.
"I know it's late, but we need fans out there not only for their support but to show the country that Louisville is a hot bed for volleyball," Busboom Kelly said.
Tickets for the showcase can be purchased here.
"Over the offseason, we worked a lot on being tough and gritty during the big moments," Kelly said. "We missed the Final Four by just a few points last year, so everyone has really stepped up in showing how they want to perform not only as a player but a team this year."
The Final Four games are being played in Louisville this year, giving UofL the opportunity to play in their hometown. Kelly said it adds pressure to the team but also motivates them to make it to that stage.
"I want them to realize that this is a chance that comes around every 20-30 years where a team can make the Final Four in their hometown and play in their home arena," Kelly said. "It's an opportunity we are going to work towards and not take for granted."
The Cards will take on teams in their home arena that are all ranked in the top 15 in the 2024-25 season.
Louisville Volleyball Coverage:
- One-on-One: Dani Busboom Kelly's journey from a Nebraska farm to transforming Louisville volleyball
- Louisville volleyball falls in five sets to rival Pitt, who advances to Final Four
- Louisville's 'security blanket,' outside hitter Anna DeBeer, named ACC Player of the Year
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