Before the start of every season, the women’s volleyball team at The University of North Carolina at Wilmington gathers collectively to select a word that will become the motto of the team for the season. This year the word was, limitless. It is seen throughout their rigorous practices and their positive and enthusiastic attitudes that the destination for this team is truly limitless.  

With an impressive overall record of 21 wins and 11 loses last season, the coaches are building the players both physically and mentally to prepare for this season.

“These players can handle any pressure situation they are put under,” said head coach Amy Bambenek. “They are very self-driven and self-motivated and that’s hard to find these days.”

Having a large amount of depth in various positions on the court is what has made this team so successful in past seasons. Bambenek hasn’t changed her philosophy as a coach but is relying on returning players to hold underclassmen accountable this season.

With seven incoming freshmen and nine returning players, there is great chemistry among this group of girls.

“The freshmen bring a lot of new fire and energy to the team,” said senior Meredith Peacock. “We have a lot of depth within the team which makes our goal very possible of winning the championship this year.”

Receiving that championship ring is something that is heavy on every players mind, especially the seniors.

“My focus for this year is winning the conference championship,” said senior Victoria Phillips. “I’m most excited about competing for the last time. I want that championship ring for not only myself and the team but also for our program.”

Fighting for the conference championship this season has caused many players including Phillips to change their mindset towards the games ahead.

“I’m in a ‘no regret’ mentality,” said Phillips. “I don’t want to look back and regret anything. I’m going out with a bang.”

Recent transfer from East Carolina University, Bella Borgiotti, has been looking for a program where the players were focused on a common goal and took the sport seriously. She believes she has found it here at UNCW.

“The goal for the season is to win conference,” said Borgiotti. “The players here are so optimistic and it makes other players motivated to work harder and get better.”

At the end of the day, Bambenek gives the majority of the credit to the woman on the team.

“If it wasn’t for the girls believing and wanting to get better, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”