Background

Project Context

In NCAA Division 1 women’s volleyball, athletes face steep competition and rigorous physical demands. A key question in sports analytics is how much court experience and physical maturation across collegiate eligibility translate into measurable statistical gains.

Research Motivation

Do upperclassmen (juniors and seniors) consistently outperform underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores), and in which facets of the game—scoring volume, attacking discipline, net defense, or floor defense—is that advantage most pronounced?

Data Overview

• Source: Official NCAA Division 1 Women’s Volleyball Statistics
• Seasons: 2020 through 2026
• Sample: Over 31,000 individual player-seasons
• Class Standings: Freshmen (Fr), Sophomores (So), Juniors (Jr), and Seniors (Sr)