SAD NEWS: Leslie Gabriel, a UW icon already, becomes the volleyball coach……

Over the course of her 26-year tenure with the Huskies women’s volleyball team, Leslie Gabriel has participated in 618 victories and five NCAA Final Fours as a player, assistant coach, and associate head coach. She is now in a position to oversee one of the most prosperous programs in the country as the team’s new head coach.

How does it feel to be in command?

I would not have believed you if you had told me 28 years ago that I would have watched Husky volleyball for 26 of the following 28 years of my life. I’ve always wanted to be the head coach here, and I can’t wait to guide the female athletes in this program.What makes volleyball at UW unique?

In one of the greatest venues in the nation to watch volleyball, we have one of the most ardent and devoted fan communities. Furthermore, one of the top volleyball conferences in the nation is the Pac-12 Conference.

How do you see the season starting?

We’re going to keep trying to win Pac-12 and national titles. And we will award degrees from the University of Washington to each and every player. Our athletes should be the best volleyball players, students, and individuals, in my opinion. However, it requires daily dedication. Are we offering everything we have to whatever we do? Are we doing the last few tasks that need to be completed?