VB: May Transfer Portal Thread
- Thread starter HOF Coach
- Start date
Just thought I’d add here that Kiana Dinn has still been posting Pitt content on Instagram. Maybe she took off the spring volleyball season as part of her injury recovery.
To piggyback this, Dillyn Griffin posted on her IG, wishing Blaire Bayless a happy birthday, ending with “I love and miss you”. Maybe she’s not even at Pitt anymore?
The mystery of Dillyn Griffin continues. She is still listed on the roster.....bigger question is would she have a role as a serving specialist in 2025. I don't know.
Your comment.......I think it will take a few weeks for the team to come together.....is the big question in 2025 for this VB team IMO.
If we count Griffin as returning (she is still on the roster) the roster now sits at 16 athletes. Ten of the 16 have never played together for a meaningful amount of time.....so I agree it will take time for this team to jell. It won't be easy but If any coaching staff can turn this group into a 'well oiled machine'.....I'll put my money on Fisher, et al.
I'm also interested to know whether you or others in on this discussion know anything about the French and Dutch volleyball scene. Can we expect these two new players to contribute immediately.....based on their experience in Europe?
Not going to pretend I "know" European volleyball but I do know how it tends to operate and that players have a reputation for a style of play. They don't play "school ball" because it doesn't exist. Everything is at a club level and can be similar to how LOVB is run with pro clubs owning/partnering with juniors. I know this is the case in France. What that means is that the players are constantly evaluated and don't have to waste time with a lower level of play for half the year.
Just from what little video I've seen, Mourits looks to be the more polished of the two. She is older and can hit with power. Looks comfortable in serve receive and plays with confidence. I would say that she can become an effective starter in the fall. I'll go so far as to say I would be surprised if she didn't start. The film I saw didn't look as "fast" as the offense Pitt runs but I assume she will be able to pick it up. Pezelj is probably a depth player. It's not that she isn't good but she doesn't look that powerful and I haven't seen much of her on defense. My criticism with her is that she doesn't look as aggressive against the block and might struggle against bigger players.
Take that for what you will. Highlights are highlights so you don't always see them when things aren't going well. That is always the differentiator in my mind. Do they stay aggressive when they're missing? How do they move with respect to other players? How do their personalities fit the culture of the program? That is stuff I'm certain the staff has evaluated but being a little desperate for OH's, it's hard to say if they took players that don't quite fit the mold.
So Dagmar Maurits replaces Torrey Stafford and becomes Pitt's Harper Murray
I don't know what you did there but it was beautiful.So Dagmar Maurits replaces Torrey Stafford and becomes Pitt's Harper Murray
Portal is closing soon. Just throwing that out there. There have been a few late entries and a couple of bigger names that haven't settled.
Does have Pitt have room for any new additions? I guess it depends on Dylan’s status
Here is the roster, as it sits right now. I don't think I missed anyone. I also think that the roster is finished. I imagine they could bring in Schumacher, just because, but I really don't think there is much of a point in doing that with Masten reclassifying but what do I know.
Outside
Sophia Gregoire
Blaire Bayless
Marina Pezelj
Dagmar Mourits
Opposites
Olivia Babcock
Kiana Dinn (also listed as Setter)
Setters
Brooke Mosher (can also play OH)
Haiti Tautua'a
Middles
Ryla Jones
Bre Kelly
Dalia Virlan
Abbey Emch
Defense
Emery Dupes
Mallorie Meyer
Dillyn Griffin
Izzy Masten (fall enrollee)
Outside
Sophia Gregoire
Blaire Bayless
Marina Pezelj
Dagmar Mourits
Opposites
Olivia Babcock
Kiana Dinn (also listed as Setter)
Setters
Brooke Mosher (can also play OH)
Haiti Tautua'a
Middles
Ryla Jones
Bre Kelly
Dalia Virlan
Abbey Emch
Defense
Emery Dupes
Mallorie Meyer
Dillyn Griffin
Izzy Masten (fall enrollee)
Here's what's interesting......roster set at 16....which is identical to last year when the season started. There are 7 new faces.....and 2 from 2024 (Dinn and Tautua'a) are coming off of a redshirt year. For all intents and purposes.....Pitt will be integrating 9 new players with 7 returnees.....and 1 of those....Griffin....has been MIA. Pitt played with a roster of 14 in 2024 because of the Dinn and Tautua'a injuries. Fingers crossed that everyone stays healthy in 2025.
Bubble wrap Olivia!
Wow Florida taking it on the chin in the May portal window.
I'll be honest, I looked before I typed that and didn't see anything but you may be correct.
Wanna bet PSU? Assuming Jurevicius moves over to the left side, they're still really young and inexperienced at that position. I'll be honest, I'm surprised they are this far in and haven't done anything.
PSU just got Kennedy Martin for RS......so you're predicting Colon will also sign with PSU? Kennedy Martin and Flormarie Colon both to PSU would be a formidable pair
Not really a prediction but just a gut feel. Jumping twice in one cycle makes me think it was one of those offers she couldn't refuse and the weakest team at OH right now is PSU.
I wish Pitt could have landed her in the winter portal. I've never understood how we missed getting her to replace Stafford.
Coach.....we appreciate these updates of the comings and goings of the VB portal.....thanks
Colon is a bit erratic but I also think she was asked to do too much. Lopez and her had almost all of the scoring for Miami. I don't know. I like her as a player but it will be interesting how she performs with a better setter in a more balanced offense.
UCLA has quietly improved with a lot of transfer portal additions.
PK from Louisville and Singletary at MB
Zayna Meyer from Long Beach (S)
Maggie Li from Cal (OH and former Pac10 freshman of the year)
I looked and didn't see anything about Schumacher to UCLA but if they grabbed her too, wow.
..........Schumacher to UCLA but if they grabbed her too, wow..........
