In head coach Salima Rockwell’s third year at the helm, Notre Dame volleyball continued to develop as a program on the rise, hoping to “build …[a] legacy” within the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Irish got off to a hot start, going 6-1 in their first seven games, their best start since the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. Notre Dame defeated both Villanova and Santa Clara in the Catholic Challenge in Santa Clara, Ca. The following week, they put together a thrilling five-set victory over SEC opponent Mississippi State in Starkville, with senior outside hitter Sydney Palazzolo leading the team with 20 kills.
In her second season in South Bend after transferring from High Point, Palazzolo continued to shine, averaging 2.88 kills per set, ranking second on the team and 25th in the ACC. She also served up a team-high 37 aces on the season.
“She is such a talent because she can do everything,” Rockwell said. “She can pass, play great defense and attack.”
The Irish opened their home schedule in a unique venue: the Compton Family Ice Arena. With Fr. Dowd’s inauguration taking over Purcell Pavilion, the team was relocated to Notre Dame hockey's home for two games against Colorado State and Northwestern. The Irish took down the Rams in four sets before beating the Wildcats in straight sets the following day.
“It was an awesome environment in Compton,” Rockwell said. “The fans were into it, and to have the hockey team there with their sticks was such a cool experience for our girls.”
Rockwell also welcomed the second-best recruiting class in the conference and the 13th-best in the nation. The newcomers were led by Volleyball Magazine’s No. 5 player in the class of 2024, outside hitter Morgan Gaerte. The first-year dominated in her first game, recording 15 kills in the victory over Colorado State. Fellow first-year Anna Bjork has been a sensation since stepping onto the court. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker led the team in hitting percentage, making her an efficient attacker all season long.
For the third straight year, Rockwell also brought talent in through the transfer portal, acquiring graduate student setter Ella Sandt from Saint Mary’s, where she was an honorable mention All-WCC selection.
“Ella brought a calming presence on the court,” Rockwell said. “Sandt provided collegiate experience in the setter position for a young team; she was a great fit for our team.”
Sandt’s season was highlighted by a face-off against her sister, Katherine Sandt, a sophomore for the Clemson Tigers. The Western Springs, Il., natives welcomed family and friends to campus as the two competed, a contest made possible by Ella’s extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irish got the best of the Tigers, winning in straight sets. Ella recorded 11 assists and three kills on the afternoon, while her sister Katherine recorded a team-leading 12 assists.
Notre Dame also returned a core group of veterans led by the aforementioned Palazzolo. The back row was captained by graduate student Hattie Monson, who returned to Notre Dame for her final year of eligibility. Senior setter Phyona Schrader was the conference and national leader in triple-doubles. Contributing to setting, attacking and digging, Schrader provided critical points for the Irish all season long.
Following Notre Dame’s defeat of Clemson, the Irish would go on an 11-game losing streak in the ACC, winning just seven sets across the run of matches. Rockwell’s squad would finally get into the winning column, defeating Duke in four sets on Nov. 17. They would finish the season going 3-2 over their final five games of the season.
Fan attendance continued to grow exponentially in Rockwell’s third season. In their first weekend in conference play, taking on the third-ranked Stanford Cardinal, Notre Dame volleyball hosted its largest stand-alone crowd of 3,525 people.
“I am grateful for people coming out and supporting our team,” Rockwell said.
For the Notre Dame faithful, there should be plenty of reasons to pack the seats in 2025 as the young team gains more collegiate experience and a promising incoming first-year class headlines Rockwell’s fourth season in South Bend.
