2 key Pitt volleyball athletes to return for 5th season

PITTSBURGH — Pitt volleyball is getting two key players back for one last season.

On Saturday, Pitt Athletics announced that two women’s volleyball athletes are returning to the Panthers for a fifth season in 2027: Olivia Babcock and Blaire Bayless.

Pitt currently sits at No. 2 in the national rankings with an 11-0 start to the season and an active 57-match home winning streak. Babcock and Bayless are using their final season of eligibility to help the Panthers’ pursuit of a national championship.

“It’s hard to put into words what Olivia and Blaire mean to Pitt volleyball, and we’re thrilled that they have chosen to come back and give us another year,” Head Coach Dan Fisher said. “Both players are incredibly competitive, committed to this program and hungry to finish what they’ve started. Having the opportunity to coach them for another season is a blessing and a huge honor. The future looks very bright!”

In her splashy career so far, Babcock has earned numerous accolades, starting with being named AVCA Freshman of the Year in 2023. She was named AVCA Player of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

She’s been a two-time Honda Award winner, the first woman to earn the Bob Prince Award, and a two-time ESPY finalist for Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports.

Bayless has made steady progress over the years. She started by playing just seven sets in 2023. Her playing time grew to 89 sets over 22 matches the next year. Last year, Pitt says her production increased in almost every area while averaging 2.65 kills per set on .296 hitting.

Already in 2026, Bayless is averaging 3.24 kills, 2.00 digs, 0.62 blocks and 3.58 points per set, which is on pace to hit career highs.

Babcock and Bayless have made three trips to the Final Four and have an overall record of 103-12. They’ve only lost one home match in four seasons at Pitt.

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