Quinnipiac volleyball’s senior setter Damla Gunes has broken the program’s DI total assists record at 3432 assists during the team’s MAAC opener against Sacred Heart Friday night.
“It means a lot because sometimes I do put a lot of pressure on myself so receiving these kinds of stuff makes me relieved,” Gunes said. “This is something that I have dreamt about so it feels really good and I’m proud.”
The Bursa, Turkey native has been a starting setter for the Bobcats since her freshman year. As of publication, she sits on 93 kills, nine solo blocks, 94 block assists, 713 digs — and now 3443 total assists.
“Wow, cool,” said head coach Kyle Robinson when he was told about this milestone. “I’m not shocked. She’s a really good player so it really is not a surprise to me.”
The record was previously held by Kayla Lawler ‘11, who spent four years as Quinnipiac’s setter.
Gunes already made history once after securing the program’s first ever MAAC Setter of the Year as a sophomore.
“In the beginning of the season, the coach asked us if we had any individual goals and I told him I wanna get setter of the year,” Gunes said on Nov. 19, 2023 after the Bobcats advanced to the 2023 MAAC Championship. “When (Robinson) announced it, I was like ‘I told you coach.’ I was emotional, I’m really proud of myself and the work I put in.”
Quinnipiac still has at least 17 more games left in the season — pending its MAAC Championship attendance. Time will only tell what final number will Gunes reach, and what other possible records she’ll set her sights on.
“I’d say (I’m proud) beyond words,” senior outside hitter Yagmur Gunes said. “I see all the effort she puts in and everything behind the scenes. She was working really hard and I’m glad it’s paying off.”
Damla promptly hugged her sister after those words.
Damla Gunes is shaping up to be one of the program’s most decorated players with her accolades:
- 2023 and 2024 MAAC Setter of the Year
- 2023 and 2024 All-MAAC First Team
- 2023 and 2024 All-MAAC Academic Team
- 2022 All-MAAC Rookie Team
- 2022 All-MAAC Championship Team
- 3X MAAC Setter of the Week
- 2025 Pre-season All MAAC Team
