Embracing The Competition – University of Maryland Athletics

Maryland’s most significant advantage this season is its arsenal of upperclassmen, who provide the depth that will help bring consistency to the court. Sam Csire, Sydney Dowler, Lilly Gunter, Laila Ivey, Erin Morrissey, Anastasia Russ, Ellie Watson and Ally Williams, along with Huang and Schnitta, make up 10 upperclassmen on Maryland’s roster who will be key players in 2024. Over 50 percent of the Terps’ roster is upperclassmen, each with a high volleyball IQ, having played at a high level for several years. 

The upperclassmen have also developed camaraderie that many other teams lack. They trust and lean on each other to strengthen the skills needed to compete at the Big Ten level. 

“Something that’s really unique about us is that everybody has the knowledge and the skill level to step into somebody else’s role when needed,” Schnitta said. “I think our support from our older and upperclassmen allows those freshmen to feel confident stepping into those roles. We have a really good culture, and I lean on my teammates.”