One week before the volleyball teams’ first official practice with coaches present, the upper classman met with team and their six new members.

The week was spent working right side Erica Oberbroeckling, middle blockers Abbey Winter and Molly King, and defensive specialists Sara McGuire, Erin Goldschmidt and Haley Bowden into their system.

“We wanted to come in and get all of the kinks out for when we did come in with coach so it wasn’t sloppy,” senior setter Ashley King said. “It helps the new and old players come together and connect.”

Having great communication on the court is a strong foundation for the success of the team, she said.

“Talking on the court is a key component,” King said. “We need to get the new people to open up and not to feel scared or intimidated.”

Haley Bowden and the other freshmen couldn’t move into their dorms yet so they had to stay with some of the returning players.

“It helped me feel more comfortable and helped me get to know them along with the rest of the team.” Bowden said. 

For the freshmen that were going though the team practiced it helped them get better picture of what a coaching lead practice would be like. 

“It helped all of us get to know what the coaches and returning players expected from us,” Bowden said.

The upperclassman showed the new members the drills, team culture culture, and how they do things on the court.

“They came in ready to go this year. They’re holding each other accountable and not letting balls hit the floor,” said volleyball head coach Leah Mercer said. “Our upper classmen did a great job of getting them to understand how important communication on the court in that week.”

Aside from getting the freshman caught up, Mercer had to fill the gap of Danielle LaGrange the teams leading scorer last year.

“We have been talking to Emily Diedrich all winter and spring that she needs to step up and help fill the shoes of LaGrange,” said Mercer. “With our offence being so structured around LaGrange last year, we just have to spread out to figure out who our contributors are.“

She said she also hopes to see the outside hitters step up.

“We have two sophomores outside hitters that had a huge impact last year as freshman,” said Mercer. “With that extra year under their belts they will come energized and more confident.”