Two of Pitt volleyball’s standout seniors are coming back to the court for their fifth year.

Right side hitter Olivia Babcock, a two-time AVCA Player of the Year, and outside hitter Blaire Bayless announced during Saturday’s homecoming football game that they would be coming back to play a fifth season for Pitt volleyball. Their fifth season will mark their final season of eligibility. 

“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 in a press release. “Both players are incredibly competitive, committed to this program and hungry to finish what they’ve started.” 

The two players broadcasted their news during an afternoon television timeout of the Saturday Pitt football homecoming game against Bucknell at Acrisure Stadium. The announcement received raucous cheers from the homecoming crowd on the North Shore. 

Both players have made three trips to the Final Four. Babcock was named AVCA Freshman of the Year in 2023 and received AVCA Player of the Year honors in 2024 and 2025 — becoming one of only five players to ever win the award twice. Babcock is near breaking Pitt volleyball’s all-time records in kills and service aces. Bayless had a steady rise at Pitt, playing seven sets as a freshman and seeing action in 89 sets the following year. 

Pitt is currently ranked No. 2 in NCAA Division I volleyball rankings, with a record of 11-0.

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