2008 Volleyball Outlook

With eight new students and an entirely different attitude, coach Emily Gann is enthusiastic about the way this volleyball season has begun. The Quakers return only five letter winners from last year’s 7-20 squad, and Gann is confident that this will be the most successful season in her three years as head coach.

“This team is a completely different team,” Gann said. “The new players don’t know about the past and they don’t accept losing; there is no losing mindset. They just want to win.”

In addition to a winning attitude, the team is much bigger and faster than it has been in the past two seasons. The roster features newcomers Lydia Tarr and Emma Gunn, both over six feet tall, who will add much-needed height at the middle hitter position. Taylor Phillips is a freshman setter who adds speed and a good knowledge of the game.   The Quakers also boast their fullest roster since 2002. According to Gann, having more competition for each position has resulted in more intense, competitive practices. With no guaranteed starting spots, the rivalries in practice have escalated, helping the players push each other to improve. This change in pace at practice is one of the most noticeable differences from last year’s squad.

Returning veterans Anna Miller and Bethany Hawks (pictured) are players to watch for the Quakers this season. Miller, who received honorable mention All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) recognition last season, led the team in kills (257), service aces (38) and points (301). A two-year letter winner, Hawks offers the most game experience on a very young team. Gann, who notes Hawks’ dramatic improvement over the past two seasons, has put her in the running to be the starting libero.

While Gann knows her team still has a lot to work on, she sees tremendous potential for this year’s squad. Defense, the team’s main focus last season, has become the biggest strength. According to Gann, the much improved defense added to a solid offense has made the team well-rounded. The Quakers’ focus this season will be on improving their aggressiveness offensively with serving and hitting.

The ODAC volleyball coaches selected Guilford ninth in the 11-team preseason poll. The Quakers’ included games in the Eastern Mennonite Invitational and the Greensboro College Tournament to open the season. As always, the ODAC will present several challenges, but Gann is confident her team will be ready. She hopes that her team will compete with the league leaders and make Guilford’s first ODAC Tournament appearance since 2005.