WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina State University

NC State volleyball spiking interest

Sep 27, 2012

Bryan Bunn knew he had a job on his hands when he took over a struggling Wolfpack volleyball program in 2010.

"We went about a month and found out who wanted to work and who didn't," said NC State volleyball coach Bunn. "We found the kind of kids who want to do what we want to do."

What Bunn wants to do is win and his strategy is working well so far. NC State is off to a 13 and one start for the second year in a row. It's the program's best start since 1980.

"It's been an unreal turnaround," said senior Megan Cyr. "Something I think usually takes a lot longer and Coach Bunn has managed to do it in three years."

The Wolfpack was known as a bottom feeder in the ACC, from 2001-2007 State had a record of one and 127 in conference play. This year they are off to a remarkable start with three straight wins over Wake Forest, North Carolina and Duke - the first time they've ever beaten those three schools in a conference match in one season.

"It's pretty cool," said Cyr. "I know we are going to play them all again. Not over yet, but it was an awesome experience."

"It's nice everytime we hear this is the first time we've done this. Shows them the hard work has paid off," Bunn said.

Another program first - an appearance on Sportscenter's Top 10 plays. Apex native Alston Kearns made national TV with her nifty kick save.

"I found out when coach Bunn texted me," said Kearns. "I didn't believe him so I thought that was pretty cool." 

"That was wonderful. I got so many texts and facebook messages. It was nice to get that kind of exposure," said Bunn.

Exposure that will only grow as the Pack keeps winning.