Columbia Volleyball’s 2024 season
The Lions have had a tough season so far, but are making strides in their team dynamic and culture.
Photography by Sophia Arango/The Barnard Bulletin
November 11, 2024
On Friday evening, October 18th, students, alumni, and families took to the stands of Levien Gymnasium to watch Columbia Women’s Volleyball’s first Ivy League homestand of the season. The gym was abuzz with excitement and school spirit, and with all of the cheering and enthusiasm from the players, it was almost hard to tell that we were losing. Despite the challenges on the scoreboard, the energy on the court and in the stands proved that Columbia’s volleyball is growing not only in skill but also in culture.
The team’s sense of camaraderie has been vital to its development under Head Coach Patrick Santiago. Since taking the helm, Santiago has focused on creating a program prioritizing unity and resilience. “It’s taking a little longer than we would like, but the culture is tighter this year than it has been in the last two years,” Santiago said. “We’re making good cultural gains and not having results. It’s always frustrating, but the team is dealing with it nicely and pushing forward.”
One of the team’s greatest strengths is their commitment to each other. Outside hitter and senior Hailee Watts (CC ‘25), a standout player and respected leader, emphasized that the team dynamic has taken really big steps this year. “We’ve gotten to a point where we can display our courage through the way we play on the court,” Watts said. “There’s a lot of established trust.”
This sense of connection fuels their performance, even against challenging opponents like Yale, which consistently ranks among the top 50 teams in the country. In a recent match against Yale, Columbia managed to win a set and pushed their rivals to the limit. Santiago applauded the team’s detachment from the outcome and ability to focus on the process. “I think that was one of the best matches we’ve played in my time here,” he said.
Photography by Sophia Arango/The Barnard Bulletin
Santiago highlighted that success isn't measured solely by wins and losses but by a dedication to improvement, even in difficult moments. “We have to see progress in our courageousness to compete, how freely we compete, and how hard we’re playing,” he said.
This season, the team has been focused on a mindset of “no expectations,” which, as Watts explained, doesn’t mean a lack of ambition but rather a way to free themselves from rigid metrics of success. “One of our team values is no expectations,” Watts said. “That doesn’t mean no aspirations or ambition; it means not all of your goals are going to be quantifiable. You’re going to be able to see them when you feel them, and that’s how you know you’ve accomplished them.”
The 2024 season has brought its share of obstacles, but Columbia Women’s Volleyball is continuing to build a foundation of skill and connection, and the future looks promising. As the season nears its end, Columbia students should make an effort to watch this tight-knit team at work. The sense of community felt at these games is strong, and admission is completely free with a student ID — simply walk through the entrance to Levien Gymnasium on 120th Street. Games can also be streamed on ESPN+.
With two Ivy League matches at home left before the Ivy League tournament, fans can look forward to more spirited performances that showcase not only the team’s athletic talent but also the heart of a program that’s on the rise.