The Florida Tech Panthers are a women’s volleyball team that competes in the NCAA Division II and the Sunshine State Conference (SSC).
The team has announced its 2023 schedule, which features 30 matches, including ten home games and nine neutral site contests.
The Panthers will face some tough opponents, both in and out of the SSC, as they aim to improve their performance from the previous season.
Florida Tech Panthers: Areas of Strength and Improvement
Offensive Performance
On the offensive front, the Florida Tech Panthers showcased a commendable performance, amassing 1299 kills from 4043 attempts, reflecting a hitting percentage of .185.
Compared to their opponents, who garnered 1492 kills from 4123 attempts with a hitting percentage of .215, the Panthers’ efficiency is a testament to their dedication and training.
In terms of kills per set, while the Panthers averaged 11.5, their opponents slightly edged them out with an average of 13.2.
Serving Dynamics
Turning to serving, the Panthers exhibited a noteworthy effort with 131 aces, in contrast to the 183 achieved by their adversaries. Although they committed 210 errors, this figure remains less than the 243 errors made by their competitors.
Despite the tangible accomplishments in these metrics, there remains room for improvement. Enhancing their service accuracy could translate into fewer errors and higher chances of obtaining aces, further strengthening their overall gameplay.
Key Players
Devyn Glassgold: Middle Blocker
In 2022, Devyn Glassgold stood tall in the Panthers’ defense, featuring in 103 sets and commencing 30 matches with 29 starts. She led the team with 66 total blocks and 52 block assists. In addition, she matched the team’s top score with 14 solo blocks.
Offensively, Glassgold’s skill wasn’t overlooked as she contributed the second-highest points (209.0) and kills (162.0), averaging 2.03 points and 1.57 kills per set.
Her versatility was further displayed with nine set assists, seven service aces, and 44 digs. Her consistent performance earned her a place on the Florida Tech Athletic Director’s Honors Roll.
Her performance is a key indicator for the Volley betting fans as she can change the game’s dynamics. Moreover, betting fans can use the best sportsbook promos while placing their wagers on Florida Tech Panthers.
Kenzie Delacher: Setter
Kenzie Delacher’s inaugural year at Florida Tech was nothing short of remarkable. She graced all 113 sets of the 30 matches, starting 29 times. Delacher shattered records with 1009 set assists, establishing a new benchmark for Florida Tech freshmen.
This achievement also positioned her as the ninth Panther to surpass 1,000 assists in a single season.
Her playmaking skills were evident, ranking fourth in total SSC assists and averaging 8.93 assists per set, placing her seventh in the SSC. Additionally, Delacher exhibited a well-rounded game, chalking up 48 kills, 31 service aces, and 331 digs.
Danelli Mejia: Outside Hitter
Originating from Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Florida, Danelli Mejia showcased her leadership skills as a 2x Captain for the varsity girls’ volleyball team. She led the Jaguars to consecutive District Championships in 2022 and 2023.
She clinched the team MVP titles in both 2021 and 2022. Her exceptional talent didn’t go unnoticed outside her school, as she was crowned the BCAA All-Star MVP in 2022 and was honored with the Debbie Wasserman Schultz ChangeHER Award.
Ashley Rants: Setter
Ashley Rants made her mark in 28 matches, participating in 86 sets and securing a starting position in 18 encounters. Rants accumulated 171.5 points and displayed a keen offensive eye with 152 kills, averaging 1.99 points and 1.77 kills per set.
Her balanced gameplay was further evident with 11 service aces, two set assists, 120 digs, and 16 blocks, which included 15 block assists and a solo block.
For her commendable performance, she too was named to the Florida Tech Athletic Director’s Honors Roll.
Jordan Willis Takes Charge of Florida Tech Panthers
The Panthers are ushering in a fresh volleyball chapter with Coach Jordan Willis at the forefront.
Recognized by Athletic Director Jamie Joss, Willis’s addition has electrified the program, thanks to his profound expertise and history of molding top-tier teams.
Previously, Willis showcased his mettle at Davis & Elkins College, securing a 38-31 record in three seasons.
His tenure at Otero Junior College is particularly notable—leading the Rattlers to their maiden Region IX title and a distinguished National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament appearance.
He holds an 89-48 record and is OJC’s most successful coach by percentage.
Having enriched squads at Colorado State-Pueblo and Texas A&M-Kingsville, Willis began his coaching journey at St. Mary’s College of California.
Florida Tech Panthers Volleyball 2023 Schedule Overview
The Panthers will commence their pre-season with a home scrimmage against Eastern Florida State College on August 19th. Their regular-season kicks off in Alaska at the Seawolf Invitational.
They’ll face St. Cloud State University and Cal Poly Humboldt on September 1, followed by matchups with the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Alaska Anchorage on September 2.
Subsequently, the team travels to the Rollins College Invitational. On the roster for September 8 are Chadron State and Auburn University Montgomery, with Bluefield State and Tusculum University scheduled for September 9.
SSC play begins with an away game against Embry-Riddle on September 15 and a home game against Rollins on September 16. The Panthers will face off against Eckerd, Saint Leo, Barry, and Lynn in late September.
October continues to be action-packed with matches against Tampa, Florida Southern, Rollins College, Nova Southeastern, and Palm Beach Atlantic, culminating in the SSC vs. GSC South Region Crossover event on October 20-21.
November promises fierce contests, starting with away games against Lynn and Barry. Tech’s final home stand includes a match against Palm Beach Atlantic on November 17.
It concludes with Nova Southeastern on November 18, marking the end of the regular season and a celebratory Senior Night.
With such a packed schedule, the Panthers are poised for an exhilarating 2023 season under Coach Willis’s leadership.
