New-Look Baylor Volleyball Kicks Off Fall With Energy, Depth and Leadership

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WACO, Texas — Fall camp is underway for Baylor volleyball, and head coach Ryan McGuyre is already encouraged by what he’s seen. After the team’s first official practice, McGuyre noted that the early energy and preparation felt different this year.

“When I walked into the gym, the whole team was already there, early, getting reps on their own,” McGuyre said. “It really raised the level. I’d say it was remarkable. There was something extra special about it.”

With a roster featuring several newcomers and international players, including freshmen from Belarus and Ukraine, McGuyre was impressed by how well-prepared the group was on day one.

“Our starting point based on this morning is ahead of where we’ve started the last couple of years,” he said.

Following the departure of seven seniors, the team faced an obvious question: where would the leadership come from? According to McGuyre, that answer became clear very quickly.

“There was probably an expectation of a leadership vacuum,” he said. “But what I saw today was spectacular. The leadership is there and it’s strong.”

One of the most vocal returners is middle blocker Victoria Davis. After growing into a larger role last season, she’s now one of the team’s central figures on and off the court.

“It was definitely sad to lose all our seniors,” Davis said. “But it’s been great having new players come in with fresh energy and different perspectives. I’m excited to help every individual get better. That means a lot to me.”

One of the most significant early takeaways from practice was the defense. Baylor ran a difficult ball control drill called “matrix,” and McGuyre said the performance was a strong sign of what this group can become.

“I don’t think we’ve had a team beat it on day one since 2019,” he said. “That was a pretty good season. I think our floor defense is going to be really strong. It’s going to be hard for opponents to score.”

With the graduation of standout libero Lauren Briseno, the Bears had questions to answer in serve receive. McGuyre left practice feeling confident in what he saw.

“Defense for us is serving, blocking and digging,” he said. “I think our serves will be a weapon. Our blocking looks good. Ball control was sharp.”

In addition to her growing leadership role, Davis is expected to be a major force in the middle this season.

“I want to be the best on both ends of the game, offense and defense,” she said. “If one ends up being stronger, that’s great, but I want to be strong all around.”

McGuyre sees her as one of the most critical pieces in the lineup.

“She’s had matches where she’s blocked teams off the court, and others where she’s put up double-digit kills,” he said. “We’re expecting all-conference, All-American type play from Tory.”

The 2024 schedule features a mix of new matchups and familiar battles. Baylor will host Kansas and BYU for the first time in program history, adding new flavor to the Big 12 slate. A competitive non-conference schedule includes Texas, SMU and several other ranked opponents.

But for McGuyre, the focus remains simple.

“We’re focused on the next match,” he said. “Championships are won in December. So what do we do today to be ready for that?”

Baylor will open its season with an exhibition against Texas A&M, a yearly matchup that has traditionally served as a benchmark for the program’s early progress. 

What excites McGuyre most isn’t just the potential, but the bond within the team. 

“The girls love each other so much,” he said. “Their motivation doesn’t come from who’s on the other side of the net. It’s about playing for the Lord and playing for each other.”