Preseason practice setting the tone for improved 2013 season

By Kaylee Koller
Junior, Defensive Specialist

As we're finishing up the second week of preseason, the team has made a lot of progress.  We’ve had time to get acclimated to the longer days and get used to playing next to each other on the court again.  The incoming players are adjusting really well and the returners have been able to pick up where we left off in the spring. We have a lot of girls stepping up and setting a new pace for Kent State volleyball.

In our practices, we have been focusing a lot on defense.  We’re doing a lot better at getting touches on hard hit balls and being able to read where the hitters are going to swing to.  We’re being more competitive with each other and having longer rallies back and forth.  The coaches have placed a strong emphasis on hustle and as a result, our defensive mentality as a whole has improved.  

We’ve also been working on new offensive plays.  Our hitters are doing a great job being aggressive with their swings and connecting with the setters.  They’re finding new ways to score points and are taking smarter shots with the ball.   

Our team has spent a lot of time together outside of practice as well.  We recently visited the Mulberry Gardens Retirement and Assisted Living Center and spent time talking with the residents and had a great time playing a version of volleyball with them.  We also visited the Portage County Fair and got to interact with the people there.  Our team tries to reach out to the community as often as we can.

Overall, we’re continuing to improve as a team on and off the court.  We’re trusting in our coaching staff’s style of play and focusing on being better each day than we were the previous day.  We’ve set a lot of goals for this season and can’t wait to start competing next weekend.

Our team with residents at the Mulberry Gardens Retirement and Assisted Living Center.