Utah Volleyball is beefing up its roster for the fall season with a new, yet familiar, addition: Langley Griffin, a former beach volleyball standout, is set to play indoor with the Utes. According to UtahUtes.com, Griffin will leave footprints on the indoor court as the team aims to build on their successful 19th NCAA appearance and last year's No. 17 ranking.
We're not talking about an untested rookie here. Griffin has honed her skills on the sand over the past two seasons, notching significant wins and essentially proving a force to be reckoned with. Beth Launiere, head of the Utah volleyball program, is thrilled with this transition, saying, "She is a tremendous athlete and competitor which allowed her to be one of the best beach players in the country," as per UtahUtes.com. The skills Griffin sharpened on the beach are expected to give her a leg up as she pivots to the indoor game.
Griffin's prowess on the beach volleyball courts isn't just anecdotal chatter, her achievements are well-documented. As a freshman, she racked up 18 match wins and played a pivotal role in giving Utah its first top-20 win against No. 19-ranked Arizona. During her sophomore year, she helped her team round out their best season in history, clinching 35 matches and sailing through an eight-match win streak with her partner, Bella Vezzani. It wasn't just the quantity of her wins but the quality that stood out, like her 3-0 sweep against Arizona in the Big 12 Tournament.
Before stirring up sand in Utah, Griffin already had a record of athletic excellence at Peninsula High School back in Tacoma, Washington. Versatility is a part of her DNA. Not only did she dominate the volleyball court, but she also left her mark in track and field. She was a first-team all-state honoree in both her senior and junior years and showcased her prowess in high jump, pole vault, and the 4x200-meter race.
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