Tori Dixon

Personal: Dixon majored in sport management with a focus in communications at Minnesota. Her father, David, played 11 seasons in the National Football League. Dixon has two cats named Sushi and Kitten in addition to two dogs named Finn and Leo. She enjoys fostering cats and dogs when she can. Dixon also competed in basketball and softball as a child, and her hobbies include traveling and going to happy hours. 

2023 Season: Dixon completed her first Athletes Unlimited Volleyball season with 2,151 leaderboard points to earn 19th place. She was one of two middle blockers named to the All-Position Team and tied for second among the league’s middle blockers with 22 block assists. Dixon ranked third in the league with a hitting percentage of .331 and appeared in all 46 sets. She notched 67 kills and 38 digs and received Match MVP notice on two occasions. Dixon received the MVP 1 accolade in the Week Three opener against Team Rosenthal after tallying seven total blocks with four kills. She also claimed MVP 2 distinction on October 22 against Team Rosenthal, notching nine total blocks, three kills, and a season-high of 278 leaderboard points. Dixon set a season-high with nine kills in the Week One finale against Team De La Cruz and posted eight matches with 100 or more leaderboard points, including six outings of 200 or more points.

2021 Season: Dixon was on the roster during Season 1, but was unable to play due to injury.

Other Professional Experience: Dixon boasts an extensive professional volleyball career that spans from 2013 to the present day. She has played for six different teams in various countries, including Azerbaijan, Japan, Italy, and China. Dixon's journey in professional volleyball includes notable achievements and contributions to her teams. She spent two seasons with Rabita Baku in Azerbaijan, where she secured Gold and Bronze medals in the Azerbajian Superleague and the CEV Champions League, respectively. Dixon also played three years with BAIC Motors Beijing in China from 2018 to 2021, earning recognition as the Best Blocker in the 2020 Chinese League and leading her team to a Bronze medal. Her professional experience includes stints in other countries, showcasing her versatility and adaptability as a player. Dixon's professional journey also intersects with fellow Athletes Unlimited Volleyball athletes Aury Cruz and Nootsara Tomkom, highlighting the interconnectedness of the volleyball community.

International Experience: Dixon has been a member of the United States Women's National Team since 2013, representing her country on the international stage. She had the distinction of being an alternate on the Team USA roster for both the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games, demonstrating her commitment to the national team. Throughout her international career, Dixon played a pivotal role in guiding the United States to several significant achievements. She was part of the USA squad that secured Gold medals at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Her exceptional blocking abilities earned her the title of Best Blocker at the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Nations League. Dixon's impact extended beyond the Nations League. She was named the Best Blocker at the 2019 NORCECA Continental Championship, contributing to Team USA's Silver medal. She also played a crucial role in securing Gold at the 2019 Tokyo Olympic Qualification Tournament and Silver at the 2019 FIVB World Cup. Her international achievements include competing for the United States at the 2018 FIVB World Championship and earning a Bronze medal at the 2017 FIVB World Grand Champions Cup. Additionally, she was recognized as the Best Blocker at the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament, where she led the United States to a Gold medal. Dixon's outstanding performance continued with the title of Best Blocker at the 2015 FIVB World Cup, contributing to Team USA's Bronze medal. She was a part of Gold medal-winning teams at the 2014 FIVB World Championship and the 2015 NORCECA Championship. Dixon also helped Team USA secure a Silver medal at the 2014 Pan American Cup.

At Minnesota: Dixon's collegiate career at the University of Minnesota was marked by her exceptional contributions to the Golden Gophers' volleyball program. She was a four-year letter winner from 2010 to 2013, appearing in 141 matches and playing in 500 career sets. Her impact on Minnesota's volleyball legacy is evident in her remarkable statistics and accolades. During her college career, Dixon amassed 1,479 kills and 112 service aces. She holds the Minnesota career record with an impressive .369 hitting percentage, showcasing her efficiency as a middle blocker. Dixon also ranks 11th on Minnesota's career kills list and seventh in program history with 507 career total blocks, including 57 solo blocks. Her standout achievements include setting a Minnesota single-season record with a .436 hitting percentage during her junior season. She was recognized as a three-time AVCA All-America performer, earning First-Team recognition as a senior. Dixon also collected Second-Team honors in 2012 and received Honorable Mention notice during her sophomore campaign. Dixon's consistency and excellence on the court were further acknowledged with three selections to the AVCA All-Region Team. She was a four-time All-Big Ten Conference Team honoree, showcasing her impact in conference play. Her senior season was particularly noteworthy, as she led Minnesota in sets played, kills, hitting percentage, and total blocks. Dixon guided the Gophers to an NCAA Regional semifinal appearance and received five conference weekly awards during her final season. Throughout her college career, she demonstrated her versatility and ability to contribute in various facets of play. As a sophomore, Dixon led the team with 37 service aces while ranking second in kills and hitting percentage. Her sophomore campaign included 334 kills, 426.5 points, and 108 total blocks. Dixon's freshman season saw her rack up 305 kills while playing in 125-of-129 sets. She also ranked third on the team with a .288 hitting percentage and 105 total blocks, highlighting her impact from the outset of her collegiate journey.