With the 2024 DI women's volleyball tournament set to begin Thursday, Dec. 5, here are eight teams dark horse teams Michella Chester believes could make a run in this year's tournament.
2024 TOURNAMENT: Bracket, schedule, and dates for the DI women's volleyball championship
*All teams are unseeded and in no particular order
1. Hawaii
This is a group that got a lot of experience playing ranked teams at the beginning of the year. Hawaii started the season with a five-set win over SMU, which is now a top-10 team in the tournament. The Rainbow Wahine are led by an absolute superstar in Caylen Alexander, who puts up crazy numbers match after match.
2. South Carolina
South Carolina has had ups and downs this season, and it was on the bubble for sure. But the Gamecocks beat No. 6 seed Florida for the second time at the end of the season. This is a team capable of making a run.
3. NC State
The Wolfpack are coming off of a big win over SMU to make it in to the tournament, and they are led by some experienced players like Amanda Rice.
4. Washington
Washington ended the season on a losing streak, but this is a team that beat No. 4 seed Oregon and No. 6 seed Minnesota this season. The Huskies are led by Madi Endsley, who has experience on the big stage, and a stud freshman in Julia Hunt. Watch out for Washington.
5. South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits were undefeated for most of the season, finishing with only two losses on the year. They know how to win games, and they have some really talented players and transfers that are shining bright.
6. Illinois
Illinois is a dark horse team in itself, mostly because of how dominant of a player Raina Terry is. The Illini had an upset over Southern Cal this year and the experience of playing in a stacked Big Ten.
7. Ole Miss
Ole Miss pushed No. 3 seed Texas and No. 7 seed Missouri to five sets to end the regular season. The Rebels can hang with some of the best, and they hold the experience of competing in a loaded SEC.
8. Western Michigan
Western Michigan has just a baller for a setter in Logan Case. The Broncos upset Auburn in the first round of the tournament last season, and they will look to play spoiler for a second time against No. 4 seed Purdue.
