Senior outside hitter T'ara Austin will be writing a season-long blog on GoUSFBulls.com, taking the fans on a remarkable journey through practices and matches, from buses to airplanes and everywhere in between. T'ara is a native of Joliet, Ill., and a transfer from Northern Illinois University, where she was the 2015 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year. She is also a communications major, who is pursuing a career in writing. Here is Tee's Take:
Hello to the South Florida Bulls fans! Have you guys missed volleyball? Yes?! Well the good news is that the wait is finally over!
After two weeks of getting better in the preseason, we are ready to kick off a great opening weekend!
I'm so excited to help give the fans a swipe at the Bull's life this fall semester!
Preseason began the August 9 and ended with the Green and White scrimmage last Saturday. We trained hard as a team, incorporating the freshman and transfers into the Bull's life. Being a transfer myself, it was an easy process getting to know the girls as we worked together for two weeks.
Preseason consisted of defensive and offensive training, positional work, and finally (after we earned it) 6-on-6 scrimmaging.
On the weekends, we would focus on off -the-court team bonding with rope course challenges and pajama parties. Our hard work paid off with a great closed doors scrimmage last Saturday in the Corral. The green team topped the white team, 3-1, but it was great to simulate game speed and live action again.
After welcoming all student-athletes back this past Sunday at the women's soccer game (which they won), classes began! It's always fun to begin a new school year because it also marks the beginning of fall sports. After spending an entire summer working out and two weeks with our coaches, the volleyball team is looking and feeling good as opening day approaches.
Your Bulls open the season at the Charlotte Invitational in North Carolina this weekend. We will play Campbell on Friday, then Mercer and the host 49ers on Saturday.
It will be so exciting to finally put ourselves to the test and play someone other than ourselves.
Thank you for taking the time to read Tee's Take, and I'll catch you next week before our first home tournament of the season! I'm looking forward to giving you a swipe at a Bull's life!
Have a great weekend and Go Bulls!
Sincerely,
T'ara Austin
About USF Volleyball
The USF volleyball program has reached the NCAA Tournament seven times and boasts seven conference championships. In 2016, the Bulls will return 10 players from last season including their top eight point scorers from a year ago. USF also brings back senior outside hitter Dakota Hampton (Orland Park, Ill.), who was named to the 2016 American Athletic Conference preseason team. The Bulls are guided by fifth year head coach Courtney Draper. Follow the volleyball team on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
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