Coach of Creighton Volleyball Shares Secret Conversation That Helped Bluejays Beat Texas Longhorns Out of NCAA Titles

The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament is always full of surprises, with upsets and thrilling matches that capture the imagination of fans. In 2024, one such shocker occurred when the Creighton Bluejays, a team that had quietly been making noise in the volleyball world, stunned the Texas Longhorns in the quarterfinals. The Longhorns, who had been ranked as one of the top teams in the country, were the heavy favorites going into the match, but Creighton’s preparation, focus, and strategic brilliance under coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth led them to an unforgettable victory that sent shockwaves through the NCAA volleyball community.

While the match itself was a battle of athleticism, skill, and heart, it was a pivotal conversation that happened behind closed doors—a secret talk between Booth and her team—that played a crucial role in galvanizing the Bluejays for the monumental upset. The tactics and mental adjustments discussed in that meeting provided the emotional and psychological fuel Creighton needed to overcome a Texas team that had looked unstoppable up to that point.

The upset was not just a testament to Creighton’s talent and preparation but to the emotional resilience and tactical mastery that had been instilled in the team by Booth. This conversation, hidden from the public eye until now, revealed a psychological shift that pushed Creighton beyond their limits and gave them the mental edge necessary to take down one of the most formidable programs in collegiate volleyball.

Creighton’s Underdog Status

Heading into the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Creighton was considered an underdog. While they had enjoyed success in the Big East and had a solid roster, the Bluejays were not viewed as one of the national heavyweights. On the other hand, Texas had been a powerhouse in collegiate volleyball for years, and their reputation preceded them. With players like Logan Eggleston and Jhenna Gabriel, Texas had all the pieces in place to make a deep run in the tournament. Their combination of size, skill, and experience made them the clear favorite in the matchup, and they entered the match with an air of confidence.

Creighton’s success, however, wasn’t just a product of circumstance. The Bluejays were a well-coached, highly skilled team that had been quietly building momentum throughout the season. They had earned their spot in the tournament’s final eight with impressive wins, but the matchup against Texas would be their toughest test yet.

Still, Creighton didn’t back down from the challenge. The team, under Booth’s leadership, was always a scrappy and disciplined squad, known for its ability to outwork opponents and stay composed under pressure. They may not have had the same raw physicality as Texas, but what they lacked in size, they made up for in strategy, defense, and adaptability.

Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth: The Key Architect

For Creighton, the key to the upset came in large part from their head coach, Kirsten Bernthal Booth, who has been with the Bluejays since 2005. Booth is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in NCAA volleyball, known for her ability to elevate teams and consistently put them in competitive positions. Over the years, she has built a culture of excellence at Creighton, where the players are expected to work hard, play smart, and rely on a collective team effort rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.

Booth’s tactical acumen is one of her defining characteristics. Her preparation is methodical and meticulous, and she is known for making in-game adjustments that can turn the tide of a match. However, the moment that truly defined Creighton’s victory over Texas was the conversation Booth had with her team in the days leading up to the match.

The Secret Talk: Unlocking the Mental Edge

It wasn’t just the technical aspects of the game that Creighton needed to focus on. For Booth, the key to defeating Texas was to tap into the team’s emotional resilience. She knew that the Bluejays had to play not only with skill but with the belief that they belonged on the same court as the Longhorns. She needed to help her players shift their mindset and understand that they were more than capable of taking down a powerhouse like Texas.

“I gathered the team together, and we talked about something very simple,” Booth shared in a post-game interview. “We talked about belief. Belief in each other, belief in the game plan, and belief that they were more than capable of doing this. Texas is a great team, but when you get to this point in the tournament, the team that can control their emotions, stay focused, and make adjustments is the one that wins. And I wanted them to know that they were more than capable of doing all of that.”

Booth’s words resonated deeply with her players. The talk wasn’t just about strategy or volleyball skills—it was about preparing their minds for the challenge ahead. She knew that Texas, with its formidable talent, would undoubtedly make runs and challenges during the match. But for Creighton, the key to success would lie in their mental fortitude, their ability to stay poised, and their belief in their collective strength.

“It was a conversation that completely shifted how we thought about the match,” said senior outside hitter Jaela Zimmerman, who had been a key contributor for Creighton throughout the tournament. “We went into that game thinking we could win. Not just hoping, but believing. That belief changed everything.”

The Game Plan: Exploiting Texas’ Weaknesses

The secret conversation wasn’t just about mindset, however. Booth also used it to instill confidence in her team’s strategy. While Creighton wasn’t as physically dominant as Texas, they had a keen understanding of how to neutralize some of the Longhorns’ strengths. Booth knew that Texas’ high-powered offense, led by Eggleston, would be difficult to stop, but if Creighton could limit her impact and force the Longhorns into errors, they could level the playing field.

Booth’s tactical adjustments were both subtle and effective. She instructed her team to focus on serving aggressively, targeting the weaker passers on the Texas side. By keeping Texas out of system, Creighton was able to disrupt their offensive rhythm and force the Longhorns into uncomfortable situations. Booth also emphasized the importance of blocking and covering the net, knowing that Texas’ offensive players thrived when they could attack without being contested.

“We knew we couldn’t just sit back and let them do what they wanted,” Booth explained. “We had to take the fight to them. Our serve receive had to be solid, and our defense had to be on point. But the real difference-maker was that we didn’t play scared. We played like we belonged there.”

In addition to defensive adjustments, Booth also relied on Creighton’s offensive strength. The Bluejays’ ability to spread the ball around and use their diverse attack kept Texas’ defense guessing, and their quick tempo allowed them to keep the Longhorns on their heels. Booth also gave her setters the freedom to make quick decisions, creating a more fluid and unpredictable offense.

The Match: Creighton’s Victory

On the court, Creighton executed the game plan flawlessly. The Bluejays were calm, collected, and confident, all while playing with a sense of urgency. They won key points during pivotal moments, and their defense was tenacious, digging out attack after attack from Texas’ powerful hitters. Zimmerman, the Bluejays’ standout player, played an extraordinary match, delivering multiple critical kills when her team needed them the most. Taryn Kloth, another Creighton standout, also stepped up with several crucial blocks, while setter Emme Troester expertly distributed the ball to keep the Longhorns guessing.

While Texas had moments of brilliance—especially with Eggleston’s powerful swings—Creighton’s defense and emotional resilience proved to be the difference. The Bluejays went on to win the match in four sets, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. The victory was a testament to the team’s mental toughness, strategic preparation, and belief in their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Aftermath: A New Era for Creighton Volleyball

After the victory, the college volleyball world was buzzing. Creighton had just knocked out one of the most storied programs in NCAA volleyball, and they did so with a blend of mental fortitude, tactical brilliance, and individual performances that will go down in history. Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth’s secret talk had undoubtedly played a crucial role in unlocking her team’s potential, and the Bluejays were now seen as legitimate championship contenders.

The victory also solidified Booth’s reputation as one of the premier coaches in NCAA volleyball. Her ability to motivate, strategize, and inspire her players to overcome the odds was on full display, and her leadership was a major factor in Creighton’s remarkable tournament run.

For Creighton, this victory over Texas was not just a one-time achievement—it was a defining moment in the program’s history. The Bluejays were no longer an underdog; they were a force to be reckoned with. The team’s success was a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the effectiveness of Booth’s coaching.