Sand Cat Freshmen Make Their Mark on Beach Volleyball Program

TUCSON, Ariz.- With 11 seniors graduating at the end of the 2023 season, the Arizona Beach Volleyball program was looking for a group of skilled players to fill the spots left by the departure of these accomplished Wildcats. 

Six talented freshmen from across the country answered this call, and have continued to uplift an already gifted program. Four of these first-years – Olivia McElroy, Ashlyn Zilliken, Jess Horwath and Kate Phillips – have joined the starting lineup for the Sand Cats and made their mark in the first half of the 2024 season. 

Arizona Beach Volleyball Head Coach Steve Walker commended these first-year’s impressive performance and attitude throughout their freshman season. Walker has also expressed excitement about the future of these players, as well as the program (and the sport) as a whole.

“On the court, they’ve played with a tremendous amount of confidence and belief in their skills and general ability for being so young; I know that this is going to be the case for many first year players moving forward given the growth of our sport at the youth level – with what they are being exposed to as such a young age before ever getting here,” Walker said. “It’s been awfully encouraging to see some of the positive results (wins) this group has provided for our team this spring. “

In their first year at Arizona, this group of talented first years has made a significant positive impact on the Arizona Beach Volleyball program. Transitioning to a collegiate environment, both athletically and academically, can be challenging. But this freshman crew has been supported by their experienced and encouraging teammates and the dedicated support staff at Arizona. 

Olivia McElroy

Freshman split blocker Olivia McElroy is from Cornelius, North Carolina. This season, McElroy is 13-4 (.765) with partner Abby Russell. For the past few weeks, McElroy has also been playing at the No. 1 position, and is 6-2 (.750) with Russell in this top spot. 

In her first year playing in a collegiate environment, McElroy praised the rest of her team and the welcome she received. 

“Something that stuck out to me was just how open all the girls were and how well we all bonded and got along from the start […] our relationships between everyone have definitely grown a lot since the season started,” McElroy said. 

Prior to her…