Lukianova's Leverage for the Canes
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – There were a lot of unknowns when it came to the 2020 volleyball season.
But there’s one thing the Miami volleyball team can count on from Elizaveta Lukianova – production on the court.
The redshirt senior has been one of Miami’s most dominant players on offense the past two seasons, earning her back-to-back All-ACC Second Team honors. Lukianova is always a concerning sight for opposing coaches, leading to her second All-ACC Preseason honor this year.
“It makes me feel proud [being named to the preseason team], Lukianova said. “I know it’s not just me who helps me along the way to get here and it’s the people who surround me. My teammates help me become better, because if you’re getting, your team is getting better, too.”
The preparation for the season was different to say the least. The uncertainty of when she could return to the gym with her teammates was always there and the lingering idea of returning to Russia was always a factor.
But she stayed in Miami and associate head coach Kasey Crider credits that to her elevated game over the summer.
“I have a hunch that sticking around made a huge impact on her summer preparation,” Crider said. “The fascinating thing is not so much the change in her physicality, but the change in her level of play.”
The Hurricanes volleyball team is set for an eight-match season, playing just four ACC teams – Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Clemson and Florida State. Although different and not even half of what a “normal” season would like, Lukianova is excited to take the court again with her teammates.
“Even though it’s different this year with all the health and safety precautions, I cannot wait to have a game day,” Lukianova said. “This brings so much joy and makes me feel good about what I do. It has been awhile since we had an actual game, so I’m excited about that.”
At six-foot six, Lukianova is not only Miami’s tallest player, but is also one of the most durable and reliable players to be in the lineup over her five years with the team.
“One thing that has always stood out to me as her best ability is her availability,” Crider said. “To date, she had never missed a match or a practice due to injury in her nearly five years here. Her physical hardiness is every bit as impressive as Janet’s arm speed or Taylor’s jump. It’s a quality I think gets overlooked constantly.”
Every time Crider asks Lukianova how she feels during warm ups, the answer is always “no issues”.
It’s hard to imagine what could happen if Lukianova played in even more sets than she has in years past. Over the past two seasons, the outside hitter has played in all 196 sets for the Canes and recorded 606 kills.
Crider believes she could play even more this season. Lukianova has found more success training on both the left and the right this offseason, which presents lineup opportunities the Canes haven’t been able to use in the past.
“I’d expect her to get a lot of kills this season,” Crider said. “That sounds really simple, but at some point in our sport, kills are currency.”
With all the success she’s had as an individual, for Lukianova it’s all about her team. Winning is what counts and that’s what she wants to do.
“I’m very thankful about the opportunity to compete and it should not be taken for granted,” Lukianova said. “No matter who you are, what year you are, you are treated the same because we are all equal. Everybody does their best.”
Miami will open its season with back-to-back home matches against Georgia Tech on Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 at the Knight Sports Complex. Both matches are scheduled for 6 p.m.
Predicted to finish third in the conference and receiving two first-place votes, the Yellow Jackets will also feature three All-ACC Preseason Team selectees: reigning ACC Freshman of the Year Julia Bergmann, Setter of the Year Mariana Brambilla and outside hitter Matti McKissock.
Thursday night’s match will be broadcast live on the ACC Network.
