“We added Anna Wilson from High Point. You never know what that learning curve is going to be, but we’re going to try to get her up to speed quickly so she can help us quite a bit as well.
“(Freshman) Victoria Harris has a really good work ethic and is capable of being a really special player. The sky is the limit for her.”
The Gamecocks went 11-16 overall last season, and they will be challenged in their season opener at a tournament hosted by Duke which includes Kansas, who was a NCAA Tournament team last year, defending Patriot League Champion Colgate, as well as the Blue Devils to wrap up the three-day event. The SEC slate will get even more competitive with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma to the league.
“We’ve always played a tough non-conference schedule,” Mendoza said. “We want to build our resume early. It’s about consistency, especially on the road. The last two years, this group has done a lot of learning. Hopefully, they know the ropes now. They know what it takes to be successful at this level. Our home record has been really good. Now you have to go on the road and expect to win games against good teams.
“I think the SEC is the best conference for volleyball in the country. We’re going to be tested. If you can keep yourself in the top half of the conference, you have a chance to get an at-large bid. That’s our goal, and I think we’re capable of it.
“It’s time for this group to take that next step, but I think they’re motivated and ready to do it.”
Check out the full schedule for South Carolina Volleyball here.