The LSU volleyball team and the rest of Southeastern Conference volleyball will receive a significant bump in national exposure in 2014 thanks to the recent introduction of ESPN’s SEC Network.
All but four of the Tigers’ 18 conference games this season will be featured on ESPNU, the SEC Network or online via the SEC Network Plus.
“Everyone’s excited, especially our family that can’t make it [to a game], they can watch it on TV,” said LSU freshman outside hitter Gina Tillis.
LSU coach Fran Flory said she hopes the increase in exposure will reach far more than just family members with a connection to a player on the court.
Aside from introducing SEC volleyball to a completely new market, Flory said she thinks the SEC Network could be the first step in making college volleyball a more mainstream sport.
“Television exposure is the key to growing a sport,” Flory said. “We all understand where we are, and we’re just hopeful and thankful that when we do get our chance, we take advantage of it.”
Flory said she also hopes the new network will make the conference more attractive to potential recruits and show the nation how just how competitive SEC volleyball is.
Junior defensive specialist Haley Smith echoed her coach, saying the fact that the network shows excusively SEC games can do little but help the conference.
“It’s a great opportunity for the SEC to have better recruits,” Smith said. “The SEC is very competitive, but in volleyball the Big Ten and other conference kind of take over. But being able to see it on TV and wanting to be on TV as a recruit will help put the SEC on top.”
Smith said it will also give the Tigers extra opportunities to scout opponents outside of the film they study at practice.
“It’s a big advantage,” Smith said. “Not only will we get film from other teams, but now we can be sitting at home and watch a game on TV and take notes while it’s happening.”
LSU will make its national television debut this season at 8 p.m. next Wednesday when it opens conference play against No. 15 Kentucky in the PMAC on ESPNU.
SEC Network Plus will then broadcast LSU’s next contest at Alabama on Sept. 28 before the Tigers return home Oct. 3 for their first appearance on the SEC Network’s primary feed against No. 7 Florida.
“We’re excited to be on the first night of SEC vs. SEC competition and be one of the premiere matches,” Flory said. “We’re honored that we’re part of it, and we’ll certainly try to do our best to represent what SEC volleyball is about.”
You can reach Tyler Nunez on Twitter @Nunez_TDR.