CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The first season of Miami volleyball under new head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara is just two weeks away, but the Hurricanes have already been working hard in preparation for the 2013 campaign.
The Canes reported on Aug. 9 and have been practicing and training in anticipation of their season-opening match against Austin Peay on Aug. 30.
“It’s a long season and preseason is just the beginning,” Gandara said. “It’s a slow and challenging process, but we have done a great job. There is good focus at every practice and the girls are really improving. I am really encouraged by their progress.”
Miami brings back 11 players including 2012 AVCA All-American Emani Sims and 2012 All-ACC selections Alex Johnson, Alexis Mourning and Ryan Shaffer, as well as 2012 Olympian Savanah Leaf.
The Hurricanes sit just outside the Top 25 in the initial AVCA Division I Coaches Preseason Poll, coming in 30th with 41 points. Miami is one of three teams from the ACC to receive votes, joining Florida State and North Carolina.
Gandara, who joined the University of Miami in March after spending the previous eight years as an assistant at Washington, is excited about coaching in the competitive and talent-rich ACC this season.
“It’s a tough conference, very competitive,” Gandara said. “I am looking forward to my first season coaching in the ACC.”
The Canes, who finished 25-6 (17-3 ACC) and placed second in the ACC a year ago, will face six teams this season whom received votes in the AVCA Preseason Poll.
Miami fans can get to know all of the 2013 Hurricane volleyball players over the next 12 days by following the Canes’ Corner series set to release at 9 a.m. each day leading up to the start of the 2013 season.
For all the latest information on Miami Hurricanes volleyball, follow the official Twitter feed, @CanesVB, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/MiamiVolleyball. The program is also on Instagram (CanesVB).