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University of North Carolina Athletics
2020 Tar Heels Begin Fall Practices
August 18, 2020 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL – Beginning practice two weeks ago, Carolina is gearing up for the fall season. Recent inductee into the NC Volleyball Hall of Fame, head coach Joe Sagula begins his 31st season at the helm of the Tar Heels with six newcomers and 10 returners.
Sophomores Parker Austin and Skyy Howard garnered ACC all-freshman honors in 2019 while transfer Niki Khoshatefeh earned all-America East freshmen honors at UMBC during her collegiate debut. Fellow transfer Amanda Phegley brings two seasons of NCAA post-season experience at Penn State to the Tar Heels as a middle/right side hitter.
Carolina's four freshmen, Aziah Buckner, Kaya Merkler, Maylen Mitrovich and Sydney Reed, bring USA Volleyball experience, as well as three state championships for their respective high schools. The class includes two Under Armour all-American honorable mentions, an AVCA Phenom, a PrepVolleyball High School All-American, the Virginia State Gatorade Player of the Year and several all-state honors.
Statistically, UNC averaged 2.68 blocks per set as a team to sit 16th in the NCAA. Senior Aristea Tontai led Carolina's blocking efforts, ranking 24th nationally and third in the ACC with 1.34 blocks per set in 2019. Howard averaged 1.05 per set to place ninth in the league standings.
The Tar Heels finished the 2019 season third in the ACC with their first winning season in three years. Led by Sagula, assistant coaches Mike Schall and Susan Clements begin their third season with Carolina.
Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
Sophomores Parker Austin and Skyy Howard garnered ACC all-freshman honors in 2019 while transfer Niki Khoshatefeh earned all-America East freshmen honors at UMBC during her collegiate debut. Fellow transfer Amanda Phegley brings two seasons of NCAA post-season experience at Penn State to the Tar Heels as a middle/right side hitter.
Carolina's four freshmen, Aziah Buckner, Kaya Merkler, Maylen Mitrovich and Sydney Reed, bring USA Volleyball experience, as well as three state championships for their respective high schools. The class includes two Under Armour all-American honorable mentions, an AVCA Phenom, a PrepVolleyball High School All-American, the Virginia State Gatorade Player of the Year and several all-state honors.
Statistically, UNC averaged 2.68 blocks per set as a team to sit 16th in the NCAA. Senior Aristea Tontai led Carolina's blocking efforts, ranking 24th nationally and third in the ACC with 1.34 blocks per set in 2019. Howard averaged 1.05 per set to place ninth in the league standings.
The Tar Heels finished the 2019 season third in the ACC with their first winning season in three years. Led by Sagula, assistant coaches Mike Schall and Susan Clements begin their third season with Carolina.
Stay up to date with Carolina Volleyball by following the Tar Heels on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
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