Maddie Moran | 2025 I.S. Symposium
狈补尘别:听Maddie Moran
罢颈迟濒别:听An Analysis of the Impact of Front Row Attackers in Division I Women’s Volleyball using Markov Chain Processes
惭补箩辞谤:听Data Science and Sports Analytics
惭颈苍辞谤:听Philosophy
Advisor: Colby Long
This study investigates the impact of front row attackers on the outcomes of a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I women鈥檚 volleyball match using Markov chain techniques. The goal is to compare consistency, efficiency, and overall quality of performance in each of the three front row attackers: outside, middle, and opposite hitters. By assessing the skill levels of these players both over full seasons and a single match, we are able to create transition matrices containing probability that the ball will move from each individual state to another, including states that represent scoring points. These transition matrices are then used to inform Markov models built to reflect points and sets of volleyball, which include stipulations to uphold the integrity of the rules of the game. From these results, we gather that middle and opposite attackers should be granted a higher frequency of attack attempts, rather than being reserved for blocking purposes. I think it would also benefit to dive deeper into back row attacks due to their rising popularity.
Posted in Symposium 2025 on May 1, 2025.
