THIS WEEK
San Francisco vs. Savannah State
Friday, Aug. 26, 1 p.m. | Ramsey Center
Live Stats

San Francisco vs. UNC Asheville
Saturday, Aug. 27, 7 a.m. | Ramsey Center
Live Stats

San Francisco vs. Georgia
Saturday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m. | Ramsey Center
Audio/Video Stream: ESPN3
Live Stats

Watch the 2016 Season Preview Video

With three returners from last season, nine newcomers and a new coaching staff - USF volleyball will certainly have a different look from years past.

Being away from the Hilltop for the team's opening slate of competition will present a unique challenge to the Dons, but first year head coach Vicki Brown and her young squad are looking forward to whatever comes their way and for the start of the season.

"It is going to be really exciting to see someone different on the other side of the net," said Brown. "Just to be able to experience everything when the points matter, and see what we can do with what we have been talking about in our team meetings and practices on the court - it will be exciting to see how those things fit in for us being competitive."

The Dons have been able to connect well and build a strong foundation due to the team-first attitude displayed by the three returners- senior outside hitter Emily Reed, junior libero Kim Gutierrez and sophomore defensive specialist Dane Miller.

"They have all been really good examples of how to trust a new process," explained Brown. "They are really great examples of adjusting to the new coaching staff, especially after already being here at USF. They are allowing the team to feel comfortable with doing something new."

USF's roster is not only new and young, but also has a number of international players. In all, the program has five student-athletes from countries outside the United States- Canada, Norway, Australia, Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

Hosted by the Georgia Bulldogs, USF will need to adjust to the time change and rely on each other during the Benson Hospitality Invitational.

"I am looking forward to see how every trip and match requires something different of us," explained Brown. "With us going to the East Coast, we know we need to adjust to the time change, but we need to know whatever situation we are in, we can still rely on each other to be successful.

"This tournament is a great test for us. You have Georgia of the Southeastern Athletic Conference (SEC), UNC Asheville and Savannah State. They will push us at times in the right moments and I am curious to see how our team responds against them."

The Dons will begin their home slate next week, Sept. 2-3, by hosting the San Francisco Invitational. USF will play host to Indiana, Columbia, Princeton and Campbell. Single-game and season ticket options are available online, or patrons can call the ticket office at 415.422.2USF (2873) for questions or to secure your All-Sports Pass today.