After two seasons in Fort Worth, setter Tori Dilfer announced that she will be transferring to Louisville Wednesday.
“I always respect any player’s decision whatever it is,” head coach Jill Kramer said. “[I] just want her [Dilfer] to be happy and successful.”
The move comes just two months after the end of TCU’s season in which they finished 15-12 and failed to make the NCAA tournament for consecutive seasons. Louisville finished 21-8 and lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament to Illinois, 3-1.
After seeing limited time as a freshman, Dilfer thrived in the starting setter role as a sophomore. The San Jose, Calif., native played in every set of every match, totaling 1,134 assists, which was good for 11.12 assists per set (3rd in the Big 12). Her 2018 assist average puts her at No. 5 all-time on TCU’s single season list.
Dilfer was also excellent from the service line. Her 40 service aces were good for 0.40 aces per set—the best average in the Big 12. That mark ties her at No. 7 all-time on TCU’s single season list.
After the season, Dilfer was named to both the All-Big 12 Second Team and the Academic All-Big 12 First Team.
Despite Dilfer’s departure, TCU still has plenty of options at the setter position.
“I think the void will be filled,” Kramer said. “It’s who steps up and takes that on.”
Junior Ashley Kozer has plenty of experience at the position after starting at Loyola Maryland as a freshman before transferring to TCU and learning behind Dilfer for a year.
Kramer is also excited about incoming freshman McKenzie Nichols. A three-year letter-winner at Southlake Carroll High School, Nichols was ranked No. 34 on the PrepVolleyball.com’s Senior Aces list.
“Really, I’m very very comfortable with our roster right now,” Kramer said. “I am very comfortable and very confident in the players that we have right now and the ones coming in.”
Kramer said that she could look to utilize a two-setter system next season; however, that decision is still up in the air.
Personnel decisions will be made as the team starts practices in the spring and takes a foreign trip together in the summer before starting the NCAA season in the fall.
“I know our team’s really really hungry,” Kramer said. “They understand that their work and their consistent effort pays off.”
