2007 Volleyball Outlook

In her second season at the helm of Guilford’s volleyball team, coach Emily Hayes is optimistic and excited about the improvements her team has made since last year. The Quakers return five letter winners from their 2006 squad, all of whom saw considerable playing time. Hayes believes last year’s 3-25 team is history, and the work her students put in during the offseason makes for a bright future.

The Quakers focused most of their energy on improving their defense, foot speed and agility in the offseason. Hayes says defense was the team’s biggest improvement over the course of last year, and it was the most gratifying achievement. The team’s defense frustrated more powerful hitting teams and forced careless errors by the opposition during long rallies. In addition to defense, the Quakers pride themselves on being able to work together and communicate. Hayes considers the team’s strengths its knowledge of the game and ability to read the defense. She praises her students for their ability to anticipate and think ahead, knowing what is going to happen and reacting. Hayes is confident that experience will lead Guilford to a successful season.

The Quakers will be led this year by their veteran setter, junior Becca Jones, the key to the team’s offense. Her leadership pushes teammates to their best and a 100 percent effort. Jones should help Guilford's newcomers adjust to the college game through her experience and leadership. Depth is a glaring weakness at the setter position, but Hayes is confident Jones can handle the pressure.

Jones’s leadership is complemented by the play of senior Katie Spina and junior Kaci Loeffler. Spina, a middle hitter, is known for her determination and hard work. Hayes is impressed with the improvements she has seen in Spina’s blocking and hitting following offseason training. Loeffler, an honorable mention All-ODAC pick in 2006, is coming off of shoulder surgery. Hayes hopes the shoulder will be strong enough to play her at hitter, as she would add great depth on the right or the outside.

In addition to the veterans, Guilford welcomes five newcomers. The four freshmen are expected to provide depth and versatility, especially among the hitters. Fresh talent not only gives Guilford more depth, it also offers stronger competition during practices, which will help the Quakers improve in 2007.

The league’s volleyball coaches voted the Quakers 10th in the 11-team preseason volleyball poll. The ODAC schedule will be challenging again this year, but Hayes’ goals are to increase the team’s knowledge and accumulate several more wins than last season. She hopes her team will compete with the league leaders and return to the ODAC Tournament.