University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Olivia Babcock Named Back-to-Back ESPY Award Nominee
6/25/2026 1:22:00 PM | Volleyball
PITTSBURGH – For the second consecutive year, Olivia Babcock was named an ESPY nominee for Best College Athlete in Women's Sports, announced on Thursday. She is one of four recipients in the category including Lauren Betts (UCLA, basketball), Madison Taylor (Northwestern, lacrosse) and Faith Torrez (Oklahoma, gymnastics).
The 2026 ESPYS presented by Capital One celebrates the biggest names and moments in sports. Hosted by comedian Marcello Hernández, this year's awards show returns to New York City and will air live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET.
Top celebrities from sports and entertainment will gather to recognize nominees and honor winners in categories such as "Best Athlete – Men's Sports," "Best Athlete – Women's Sports," "Best Breakthrough Athlete," "Best Record Breaking Performance," "Best Championship Performance," and "Best Comeback Athlete."
Babcock has now repeated as a two-time ESPY nominee, Honda Award volleyball winner, AVCA National Player of the Year and AAU Sullivan Award finalist and semifinalist.
She led the Pitt offense and averaged personal-best marks of 5.17 kills per set and 2.09 digs per set. She notched five ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors and set the program's single match kills record with 45 against North Carolina and the single season kills record with 646.
