Throughout the 2023 campaign, the Michigan volleyball team saw a fair share of difficulties as it went 7-22 overall, their poorest season since 1989.
After the 2022 season, the program’s public face, 24-year head coach Mark Rosen, was let go, and Erin Virtue took over as coach. Virtue has more than 20 years of coaching experience and was an outstanding athlete at Illinois. She also serves as Team USA’s offensive coordinator, which enhances her résumé.
But Virtue’s broad coaching experience wasn’t without its problems. She missed the first two Big Ten games for the Wolverines during a six-game period early in the season due to duties to Team USA.
The Wolverines made a breakthrough following their quartet of defeats in the opening conference games. They defeated Northwestern in four sets in a thrilling match.
Virtue remarked, “I believe that simply gave our team some confidence.” “It really matters when you can succeed after putting in the necessary effort.”
However, Michigan’s season concluded with four straight defeats and a 5-15 record in Big Ten play. Wins were still few and far between.
According to Virtue, “this is the most difficult conference in the nation from top to bottom.” And that is our goal. We voluntarily agree to that.
Virtue is aware that her team will need to defeat the greatest in order to raise the program from the conference’s depths. The Wolverines are fortunate to play some of their best every year against elite teams like No. 1 Nebraska and No. 3 Wisconsin.
Virtue stated, “I believe those teams are where we want the program to be.” “We’ll work toward making sure Michigan is at the top of the Big Ten and on the national stage at some point in the future.”
Though it’s possible that Virtue doesn’t have imminent intentions to take the show to new heights, it’s obvious that she has huge plans for it. Shorter term, the Wolverines want to improve with every season and win more games every year.
“I hope we can move into the middle of the pack and really, really push some of our opponents,” Virtue remarked.
Michigan will want to develop through its youth because of its young roster. Ten players, including four of their top five scorers in points, will be back for the Wolverines in the upcoming year. To take the program to the heights that Virtue has dreamed of, they will also seek to build their growth pillars throughout the offseason.
“We discuss those pillars frequently,” Virtue stated. “Team, hearts, minds, bodies, and crafts.”
Despite the fact that Michigan will be losing its best player and leader, senior outside hitter Kendall Murray, from a severely underperforming squad, Virtue remains optimistic about the program’s future.
Younger athletes could gain from the program’s dependable cornerstones. Valentina Vaulet, a rookie outside hitter, displayed some of the team’s greatest offensive potential. With Virtue’s offensive background of less than four years and the Wolverines’ foundation of success, she might develop into a potent attacker.
Virtue remarked, “I believe that the perspective, particularly that of the returners, is not fulfilled.” “Very delighted with the basis and culture, the team’s development, and then driven to improve as we approach winter.”
Michigan must make a commitment to growing its youthful squad if it is to escape the Big Ten’s gloom. The Wolverines must develop a winning mentality and a culture of confidence in addition to their win-loss record.
The path to rebuilding is paved with clarity, led by a coach who is familiar with the pinnacles of Big Ten volleyball and a team that aims to regain national relevance. It is now time to determine whether the pillars will uphold the vision.