HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Though his team played just nine matches in the COVID-shortened 2021 spring season, volleyball Head Coach
Josh Tompkins was pleased with the experience his team gained against Empire 8 competition and he is optimistic the squad is ready to improve on their fourth-place regular season finish.
2021 Spring Record: 4-5 overall; 3-3 in the Empire 8
E8 Finish: 4th in regular season standings; lost in tournament first round
Players Returning: 12 (6 starters)
Players Lost: 1
Newcomers: 5
We talked with the third-year head coach about this 2021 team.
Provide a quick recap of your abbreviated spring season and what you learned about your team during that time?
Our spring season was wonderful. It was great to be back on the court competing against conference opponents. We had many great team and individual performances and really saw a lot of great things happen. Another appearance in the E8 tournaments was a great accomplishment even though we didn't finish the way we had hoped.
What team goals have you put in place for the coming season?
We have several goals but the first is to return to the E8 playoffs. To make that happen we need to make sure that we strive to improve every moment that we are in the gym both as individuals and as a team. We have a really strong group of freshmen that hope to make a mark in the conference. It is also a team goal to make sure that we remind ourselves to enjoy every moment and opportunity to glorify God with the gifts and talents that He has given us.
What are the key things your team needs to do to meet those goals?
We need to make sure that we stay focused on improvement and growing together. We also need to make sure that we put God first in our team... and make sure that we focus on others before ourselves. If we do that we will be well on the way to achieving our goals.
What are your team's biggest strengths?
This team is very gritty. In volleyball, that is a very positive thing. We are defensively scrappy and hard to break. It's early in the season but we are showing that we have already made some big strides offensively.
What are areas you need to work on?
Experience will be something that we will continue to work on. Some of our underclassmen are going to be asked to contribute on the court early, and it is a big jump from high school to college.
What are the team's biggest personnel losses from last season?
Jenna Bittinger was our leading point earner, leader in kills, and she will be missed.
Who are the key returners and what do they provide the team?
Allison Morgan is a junior middle blocker who continues to improve and take more of a leadership role with the team. Haley Unverdorben has been a pillar on the team for the past three years and we will look to her to keep the team moving in the proper direction.
Who are some of the key newcomers who could contribute and what do they bring?
Julie Immel is a freshman outside hitter who has a lot of strength offensively both at the net and at the service line. She is a strong well-rounded player who will be able to help strengthen our team offensively. Katie Naprawa is a freshman middle blocker/right side hitter who is able to play six rotations and has a lot of potential to help us offensively. Ella Smith is a freshman outside hitter who has loads of athleticism and raw talent. She will bring another strong offensive threat as well as solid defense to the team.
