Volleyball Madness

The Hendrix volleyball team has gone through several changes in preparation for this season.  From the addition of a new coach to the development of a strong athletic and competitive mindset, the team has reinvented itself as a powerhouse, ready for any opponent. A crucial member of the reinvented team is Zoë Calhoun.  As a setter for the team, she is more than ready to serve up some victories for the Warrior community this season. 

            The first thing Zoë mentioned without any hesitation was the team's new coach, Mr. Ryan Meek. Zoë said, "He has been like a breath of fresh air for the team and is a great coach, as well as a young brother." He is much younger than their previous coach, which is a factor that definitely helps the team more easily connect with their coach. He can be their friend, yet they can still respect him as the authority. Zoë also noted that he is very dedicated to the team and wants to improve their program here at Hendrix, and of course wants them to win more games. There is a much more positive mentality with the new coach. She said, "He is more intense, he motivates us to win, and we have a different respect for him than their previous coach." However, apparently he didn't actually become their coach until the 2011-2012 school year began, which gave the team much less time than usual to train and create a bond with their coach. Since they didn't have any extra time to develop as a complete team, they are still in the process of understanding each other and becoming more comfortable together as the season has been progressing. Their assistant coach is also the Hendrix Lacrosse team's assistant coach, so they not only have one "young bro" coaching them, but two.

            Zoë also commented on the new practices under Coach Meek, "The team's practices are more mentally challenging than they are physically. We have been working a lot more on truly understanding the game and how to respond to our opponent and thinking about the game psychologically rather than trying to win through physical strength. Of course that is important too, but it is not the team's main strategy and focus, at least at this point in the season."

            They have a large team this year with 17 girls, including five freshmen. However, only 12 girls are allowed to travel, which does limit the depth of the rotation. "The team is still very supportive of everyone, and there is virtually no drama," said Zoë. "I find that simply wonderful, because on my all-girl volleyball and basketball teams in high school there was definitely drama, at least some of the time, even if it was between just two girls. I'm sure many players have been in similar situations. It is great that we have such a strong support system built up within our team."

             Another important aspect that Coach Meek brought to the time this season was the fluctuation of the starting lineup.  With each game, a different starting six players take the court based on their performance and talent exhibited in practice, not based simply on their experience.

            "Being a part of the volleyball team is much more exciting and completely different from it was last year. Not only because of our new coach with a new mindset, but because of the crowds. Having that support from fellow Hendrix students at home games makes it much more fun and exciting for the us, as well as much more motivating," said Zoë. "It seems to be several lacrosse guys most of the time, but hey, they are supporting the us, and more should. The crowds have already been ten times better than last year, but that doesn't mean there are enough people in those bleachers. The more supporters, the better."