Olivia Babcock has been one of the most standout players for Pittsburgh Volleyball in the 2025 season so far, with over 500 kills and a hitting percentage of .322. Her exploits have helped her team maintain a record of 24-4 in the season, with her attacking game being a primary factor behind it.
Among Babcock’s numerous impressive performances this season, two particular matches have been highlights for her: first against Louisville and then against North Carolina, where she scored 41 and 45 kills, respectively, and single-handedly carried her team to victory in these games.
Olivia Babcock Credits the Team for Her Impressive Offensive Performance in the Season
The 45-kill match against North Carolina is Babcock’s best performance of the season so far, earning her the ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week. Despite her impressive performances throughout the season, Babcock believes that the collective team effort is the primary factor behind her success in these games.
She said in a recent interview, “I think it’s definitely because of the people I’m surrounded by, I think my team trusts me and feeds me the ball, so I’m able to take these big rips, and then we also practice just covering and expecting the ball.”
“So when I get blocked, I know my team is going to cover the ball, so I’m confident in taking those big swings. I think I do find ways to succeed just because my team allows me to do that,” Babcock further added.
In Pittsburgh Volleyball’s most recent victory against Boston College, too, Babcock had an impressive campaign, securing 13 kills and seven digs in the game. The junior hitter will again be seen in action at the Petersons Event Center against Louisville on Nov. 26.
Babcock Reflects on the Growth of Volleyball in Recent Years
Babcock recently expressed her thoughts on the growth of volleyball over the past few years. Before joining the Pittsburgh Volleyball program, Babcock competed and achieved success at her high school, Sierra Canyon, and carried that success into the collegiate level, winning the AVCA National Player of the Year award last year.
Speaking about the immense growth the sport has seen since she was in college, Babcock said, “It has grown so much, I think it has started to become very big. I mean, people were starting to talk about it, and I feel that’s also a very big time for college volleyball, and everyone’s watching it.”
Further in the conversation, Babcock also remarked that she has experienced immense growth in volleyball attendance during her collegiate career, stating that her team has drawn full-packed arenas several times during her stint at the Pittsburgh program.