University of Pittsburgh Athletics
A Message From Pitt Volleyball Student-Athlete Rachel Fairbanks
1/22/2025 1:00:00 PM | General, Volleyball
As a senior at the University of Pittsburgh reflecting on my time here, I am filled with gratitude. Looking back at first-year Rachel and comparing her to who I am today, I realize that my growth is a direct result of the incredible mentors, coaches, professors, teammates, family and friends who have supported me along the way. I truly wouldn’t be here without all of you.
Pitt volleyball is a special program with an elite coaching staff. Since Fish [Head Coach Dan Fisher] has been at Pitt, every single year, we have achieved more. He and all our coaches lead in a way that inspires. Our team’s persistent hard work and passion are true testaments to the lessons we have learned from them.
Over my four years at Pitt, we have made history. My first year, we beat Purdue University to make it to the program’s first-ever NCAA semifinals. That memory, that season and that group of people will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thanks to an extra year of eligibility, I had the opportunity to play alongside amazing women such as Kayla Lund, Chinaza Ndee, Kylee Levers and Leketor Member-Meneh. Winning that game and experiencing the dedication of the older players who made history-breaking achievements is something I will always cherish.
Then, my sophomore year, we had another unforgettable season. We were ACC champions for the fourth time in program history, and when the postseason came around, we were ready. This time, our NCAA quarterfinal game was held in Wisconsin, against Wisconsin (the reigning national champions, I might add.) The field house we were in was not our beloved Fitzgerald Field House but rather the UW Field House, filled with relentless, roaring, red-clad fans. After a hard-fought five-setter, we came out on top, and the emotions we felt were indescribable. It was an extraordinary season full of life changing experiences and people.
Last year, we competed from the preseason through conference play and achieved another ACC title. During the selection show, it was revealed that Pitt would host up until the national semifinals. So, after battling through the first couple of rounds, we met up with the University of Louisville in the Fitzgerald Field House, playing to advance to the final four. Off to a rocky start, we lost the first two sets, and we needed to turn it around. In the next three sets, with a loud crowd willing us through the game, we came back and ended up reverse-sweeping the Cardinals to make it to our third-consecutive final four.
And this season, 2024, we made history. We earned our first ever No. 1 AVCA ranking, and thanks to the city of Pittsburgh and the fans of Pitt volleyball, we sold out the Petersen Events Center, setting a new program attendance record with 11,800 supporters filling the stands. The life lessons and memories I will take away from Pitt will last far beyond my time here. I’m forever grateful for my teammates, coaches and friends; the fans, donors, spirit teams and band; and the community of Pittsburgh.
Hail to Pitt!
Rachel Fairbanks
#10
