Florida A&M University volleyball team added another championship to its record by clinching the Southwestern Athletic Conference Volleyball Tournament title with a 3-1 victory over defending champions Jackson State on Sunday at Grambling State’s Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. This triumph marks the Rattlers’ third title in the last four years, having previously secured the championship in 2021 and 2022.
The Rattlers showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, finishing with an impressive overall record of 27-6. FAMU’s head coach, Gokhan Yilmaz, who has led the program since 2018, achieved his third 20-win season this year. The team’s 27 victories set a new single-season record for Yilmaz, surpassing their 25-7 record from 2021.
Standout Performances
In the championship match, FAMU won the first two sets 25-23 before losing the third 8-25. However, the Rattlers rebounded strongly in the fourth set, sealing the match with a 25-15 win. Outside hitter Brooke Lynn Watts delivered a standout performance, finishing with double-digit kills and earning both the tournament MVP and All-Tournament honors—recognition shared with teammates Isis Williams and Makenzie Taylor.
FAMU’s path to the championship was paved by a perfect regular season in SWAC play, concluding with a 19-0 record against conference opponents. Their success included a flawless home record of 13-0 at the Al Lawson Center. Entering the postseason on a seven-match winning streak, the Rattlers proved they were ready for the challenge.
“Our preseason made us ready for conference this season,” said assistant coach Dominique Washington. “Those games prepared us for the conference..”
Representing the SWAC
The Rattlers will now represent the SWAC at the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Tournament, and the official bracket will be revealed on Dec. 1.
As the Rattlers celebrate their latest achievement, the team remains focused on what lies ahead. “We have to stick together as a team and work even harder,” libero Tinons Galmes emphasized. Florida A&M volleyball is poised to make a significant impact on the national stage.