PITTSBURGH – The Panthers showcased their volleyball prowess with significant recognition from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) East Coast Region, announced on Tuesday morning. Head Coach Dan Fisher has been named the AVCA East Coast Region Coach of the Year for the fourth time, while standout player Olivia Babcock earned her second consecutive AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year honor. In total, six members of the team received accolades for their exceptional performances throughout the season.
Fisher’s achievement marks his second consecutive East Coast Region Coach of the Year award, solidifying his leadership as he led Pitt to its fourth consecutive ACC Championship and sixth straight Regional Semifinal. Under his guidance, the Panthers secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the third year, allowing them to host matches through the National Semifinal.
Babcock’s repeat as Region Player of the Year caps off a remarkable junior season during which she has averaged 5.89 points per set. Her stellar performance earned her five ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors, including recognition as the AVCA National Player of the Week after her record-breaking 41 kills against Louisville—a milestone she later increased with 45 kills against North Carolina. Additionally, Babcock has been named to the First Team All-ACC for the third consecutive year and is a semifinalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year.
Brooke Mosher supported the team’s dynamic offensive strategy, earning AVCA East Coast Region honors after being named a First Team All-ACC selection. She has maintained a career-best average of 9.86 assists per set, orchestrating an offense that boasts a hitting percentage of .311—the sixth-best nationally. Mosher recorded seven double-doubles and received three ACC Setter of the Week awards over the course of the season.
Redshirt senior Bre Kelley continued her dominant play, earning East Coast All-Region recognition alongside her second straight First Team All-ACC selection. Currently ranking 10th nationally and first in the ACC with an average of 1.49 blocks per set, Kelley has also showcased her offensive skills, hitting .370 and contributing 1.49 kills per set. Her remarkable performances against Pepperdine and Jacksonville earned her the ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Junior outside hitter Blaire Bayless was recognized with her first career AVCA East Coast Region honor, complementing her recent accolade of Second Team All-ACC. She is averaging 2.66 kills per set with a hitting percentage of .294, highlighted by a peak performance of 16 kills against Georgia Tech and a personal best of 11 digs versus Louisville. Bayless has consistently demonstrated her abilities, hitting over .400 in seven matches and reaching double-digit kills on 13 occasions.
Marina Pezelj garnered AVCA East Coast Honorable Mention after an impressive debut season, also securing a place on the All-ACC Freshman Team. She averaged 1.95 kills and 1.73 digs per set while maintaining a hitting percentage of .231 in conference play.
Ryla Jones, a sophomore middle blocker, received East Coast Region Honorable Mention for the second year in a row. She averages 1.20 blocks per set and is currently hitting .376, showcasing her significant impact at the net.
The Panthers’ strong performance in the season and these recognitions not only highlight individual talents but also reflect the collective resilience and skill of the team under Fisher’s leadership.
