Upcoming Event: Volleyball versus Central Florida on October 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Volleyball
vs Central Florida
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
The University of Utah Athletics
Photo by: University of Utah Athletics
Utah Volleyball Celebrates 50 Years of Growth
10/17/2025 1:00 PM | Volleyball
Utes prepare to welcome back alumni to mark five decades of program excellence
SALT LAKE CITY- 2025 marks over 50 years of growth and program excellence for Utah Volleyball, and it is ready to celebrate with returning alumni Saturday afternoon in the Huntsman Center against No. 7 ASU.
From its infancy in the Norma Carr years (1975-79), to Jean Widdison (1980-83), Julie Morgan (1984-86), Ann Bricker (1987-89) to current head coach Beth Launiere (1990-present), the Utes have evolved (like most initial women's athletic programs) from a team put in place to appease Title IX to one of Utah Athletics' premier programs that is consistently represented in the polls and in postseason.
Utah Volleyball proudly boasts 19 NCAA Tournament appearances, four Sweet 16 teams- two of which (2017 and 2019) will be honored during the break between the second and third set.
Additionally, the Utes have recorded 25 20-win seasons, 41 AVCA All-Region honors, 24 All-Americans, and have spent 183 weeks ranked in the AVCA Coaches Poll.
It takes a village of dedicated and passionate coaches, athletes, and administrators to build a consistent athletic program and current head coach, Launiere, has been a key factor for the Utes over a 36-year span that accounts for 20 of Utah's 25-win seasons as well as all of the Utes' NCAA Tournament appearances and All-Americans.
"I understand what this program was in its early years," said coach Launiere. "There was a lot of success, but a lot of hard things that were happening with the program as well. It took a group of individuals to build a foundation for what our players now reap the benefits from. There are 50 years of student-athletes and volleyball players that have been a part of this program. It is a camaraderie between all the alumni in this program. I think there is a lot of pride in this program, to me, coaching in its 50th year means a tremendous amount because I've coached a lot of these athletes, and I know the hard work that has gone in to making this program what it is today."
GROWTH OF A SPORT, GROWTH OF OPPORTUNITIES
One of many contributors in Utah's 50-year volleyball history who has observed the Utes and sport from all angles is current ESPN+ analyst, and former middle blocker and coach, Linda Byington (1990-91).
"Volleyball has grown so much- I've seen that personally, but if you look at 50 years ago when they started the program at Utah- I love the support the university gives to volleyball and women athletes," said Byington. "ESPN is broadcasting more women's volleyball games this year than ever. There is just a lot of growth, and it creates so many opportunities for young women to get their degree and have that experience. I think it is amazing, and I think the support of the university, and the growth of the sport over the years has been great for everybody who gets to experience it. The fans as well, and the little girls that get to see these athletes competing and have those dreams- I think all of that is so great for the community."
Utah Athletics legend, and mother to four other Ute legends, Mikki Kane-Barton (1992-93) is not only proud of her influence on the program, but the influence of those that came before and after her, including her daughter, Dani Drews, who currently plays professionally for LOVB.
"It makes me feel proud to be a part of it and just so grateful for the ones that came before us because they were the ones who really paved the way," said Kane-Barton. "They were the pioneers, and to be able to benefit from their hard work- to be able to benefit from these 50 years of this building to where it is today, and now women are getting paid to play the sport? Albeit, just a little bit, but they are being able to enlarge numbers. Especially in the club world. If you look at the club volleyball world to see all these girls coming up and having people they can look up to, and be in the Olympics, or just be professional. Now we have professional volleyball in the United States which is incredible. We have three leagues, and I am just so grateful I'm a part of it and can say I was one of those women that helped pave the path for the next generation."
TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS AND BEYOND
The Utes have accomplished a lot in 50 years, and the current group of women donning the drum and feather are just as eager to continue the positive momentum into the next 50 years as their sisters before them.
"Being a part of a 50-year legacy means a lot to me," said outside hitter Langely Griffin. "It means a lot to wear the jersey a ton of incredible athletes have worn before me."
UP NEXT
The Utes host No. 7 ASU for Alumni Night and 50 Years on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. MT.
Fans are encouraged to wear red and be loud.
Those watching from home can enjoy Byington and Krista Blunk on the ESPN+ call with special appearance from current outside hitter Ashley West in the second set.
Children ages K-6 can participate in the Kids Clinic immediately following the match for just $5.
2025 Utah Volleyball Schedule, Roster, & Ticketing Information
View full schedule here. | Check out Utah Volleyball's full 2025 roster here.
Season tickets are available here. | Single game tickets are available here.
FOLLOW THE UTES
For an inside look at the Utah Volleyball program, including tournament, roster and news updates, fans can follow the Utes on social media (Twitter: @UtahVolleyball | Instagram: @utahvolleyball).
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH TODAY – UTAH 360
From its infancy in the Norma Carr years (1975-79), to Jean Widdison (1980-83), Julie Morgan (1984-86), Ann Bricker (1987-89) to current head coach Beth Launiere (1990-present), the Utes have evolved (like most initial women's athletic programs) from a team put in place to appease Title IX to one of Utah Athletics' premier programs that is consistently represented in the polls and in postseason.
Utah Volleyball proudly boasts 19 NCAA Tournament appearances, four Sweet 16 teams- two of which (2017 and 2019) will be honored during the break between the second and third set.
Additionally, the Utes have recorded 25 20-win seasons, 41 AVCA All-Region honors, 24 All-Americans, and have spent 183 weeks ranked in the AVCA Coaches Poll.
It takes a village of dedicated and passionate coaches, athletes, and administrators to build a consistent athletic program and current head coach, Launiere, has been a key factor for the Utes over a 36-year span that accounts for 20 of Utah's 25-win seasons as well as all of the Utes' NCAA Tournament appearances and All-Americans.
"I understand what this program was in its early years," said coach Launiere. "There was a lot of success, but a lot of hard things that were happening with the program as well. It took a group of individuals to build a foundation for what our players now reap the benefits from. There are 50 years of student-athletes and volleyball players that have been a part of this program. It is a camaraderie between all the alumni in this program. I think there is a lot of pride in this program, to me, coaching in its 50th year means a tremendous amount because I've coached a lot of these athletes, and I know the hard work that has gone in to making this program what it is today."
GROWTH OF A SPORT, GROWTH OF OPPORTUNITIES
One of many contributors in Utah's 50-year volleyball history who has observed the Utes and sport from all angles is current ESPN+ analyst, and former middle blocker and coach, Linda Byington (1990-91).
"Volleyball has grown so much- I've seen that personally, but if you look at 50 years ago when they started the program at Utah- I love the support the university gives to volleyball and women athletes," said Byington. "ESPN is broadcasting more women's volleyball games this year than ever. There is just a lot of growth, and it creates so many opportunities for young women to get their degree and have that experience. I think it is amazing, and I think the support of the university, and the growth of the sport over the years has been great for everybody who gets to experience it. The fans as well, and the little girls that get to see these athletes competing and have those dreams- I think all of that is so great for the community."
Utah Athletics legend, and mother to four other Ute legends, Mikki Kane-Barton (1992-93) is not only proud of her influence on the program, but the influence of those that came before and after her, including her daughter, Dani Drews, who currently plays professionally for LOVB.
"It makes me feel proud to be a part of it and just so grateful for the ones that came before us because they were the ones who really paved the way," said Kane-Barton. "They were the pioneers, and to be able to benefit from their hard work- to be able to benefit from these 50 years of this building to where it is today, and now women are getting paid to play the sport? Albeit, just a little bit, but they are being able to enlarge numbers. Especially in the club world. If you look at the club volleyball world to see all these girls coming up and having people they can look up to, and be in the Olympics, or just be professional. Now we have professional volleyball in the United States which is incredible. We have three leagues, and I am just so grateful I'm a part of it and can say I was one of those women that helped pave the path for the next generation."
TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS AND BEYOND
The Utes have accomplished a lot in 50 years, and the current group of women donning the drum and feather are just as eager to continue the positive momentum into the next 50 years as their sisters before them.
"Being a part of a 50-year legacy means a lot to me," said outside hitter Langely Griffin. "It means a lot to wear the jersey a ton of incredible athletes have worn before me."
UP NEXT
The Utes host No. 7 ASU for Alumni Night and 50 Years on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. MT.
Fans are encouraged to wear red and be loud.
Those watching from home can enjoy Byington and Krista Blunk on the ESPN+ call with special appearance from current outside hitter Ashley West in the second set.
Children ages K-6 can participate in the Kids Clinic immediately following the match for just $5.
2025 Utah Volleyball Schedule, Roster, & Ticketing Information
View full schedule here. | Check out Utah Volleyball's full 2025 roster here.
Season tickets are available here. | Single game tickets are available here.
FOLLOW THE UTES
For an inside look at the Utah Volleyball program, including tournament, roster and news updates, fans can follow the Utes on social media (Twitter: @UtahVolleyball | Instagram: @utahvolleyball).
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH TODAY – UTAH 360
Players Mentioned
OH/RS
/ VolleyballUtah Volleyball's Ultimate Ute, Briar Rose - ESPN+ Feature
Monday, October 20
Utah Volleyball's Neea-Maria Joki - ESPN+ Feature
Friday, October 10
Utah Volleyball's Emrie Moea'i - ESPN+ Feature
Thursday, September 25
Hear It From Harlan featuring Utah Volleyball's Kamryn Gibadlo
Thursday, September 25