Central volleyball is laying the groundwork for sustained success

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

Entering her second season as varsity volleyball coach, Kelly Erickson looks back at last year as a “period of learning and adaptation” that laid the foundation for everything that follows. 

It was a year when the team quickly grasped expectations and embraced challenges, demonstrating a tenacity and dedication for hard work, even over the summer months. Last year left Erickson “pleasantly surprised,” and with the season opener right around the corner, the work this team has done to prepare has been “truly remarkable,” she said. 

There has been growth within the team culture that is forming into a vital sense of unity, creating a more “cohesive and determined” Warriors team as they look toward the future. 

Like all futures, this one comes with expectations and anticipation, most of which Erickson said are “grounded in a blend of optimism and a pragmatic approach” based on lessons of last year and the bricks that have already been placed. 

This season centers on a “refined coaching philosophy” that takes into account on-court success and holistic player development to foster greater team chemistry, something Erickson believes is pivotal and has a “profound impact on performance.” 

During the offseason and in recent practices, strategies were honed to maximize strengths while addressing areas of concern, to generate a well-rounded gameplay approach. This means decisions about the lineup won’t be left to chance or last-second ruminations. It will be made with careful considerations given to individual strengths, versatility and player dynamics, while trying to underscore the importance of adaptability, communication and resilience.

“This season, I am trying to foster a growth-oriented mindset among players. As a team, we are well positioned to build upon our foundation and embrace the season’s challenges with a balanced and determined outlook,” Erickson said. 

Coupled with the expectations is a list of goals Erickson has for the players. Those goals are two-fold: maintaining a positive and supportive team culture and aiming for a top position in the conference standings. 

The first is an effort to “foster team unity and teamwork,” while also enhancing overall performance. 

“By prioritizing positivity, we believe we can overcome challenges more effectively,” Erickson explained.

When it comes to the conference standings, there is a determination to secure a top spot, which, for Erickson, further illustrates this year’s commitment to excellence and competitiveness. 

Both goals extend to the players as well, as they continue their personal growth, skill development and contributions to the program. 

In looking at the future and foundation pieces already constructed, one must check for spots that might need buttressing. In the case of the Warriors, Erickson recognizes the foundation could use a little more mortar in some places, most notably in communication and front-row height. 

During previous exchanges Erickson said communication was a brick in need of reinforcements, so the Warriors are “actively addressing it” by making it a focal point in practices and implementing strategies to improve in-game communication.
 

“We understand that effective communication is vital in both practices and games to ensure seamless coordination on the court,” Erickson said. 

As for the height issue, there is concentration on increasing the team’s offensive aggression by refining attacking strategies, working on timing and positioning and encouraging players to contribute to the offensive efforts. 

“By acknowledging these weaknesses and addressing them head on, we aim to strengthen our overall performance and competitiveness this season,” Erickson said. 

The Warriors are not without their strengths, though, especially on defense, where the team returns leaders Mackayla Vlazny and Oakley Armstrong. Returning setter Lizzie Royer “adds a layer of experience and leadership to the squad,” Erickson said. 

Even with the loss of the multifaceted contributions of Lexi Loan and three other graduates, Erickson believes the void of leadership and experience can be filled by the current crop of seniors. 

Vlazny brings a “steadfastness on defense” that Erickson believes will be pivotal in maintaining defensive stands. Then there is Brooklyn Amsden’s proficiency as a middle hitter, which the coach said will be instrumental on both sides of the net, in addition to the potent offensive attacks with the combined skills of Marissa Rew and Leah Reinhart as outside hitters. 

Central also boasts an infusion of freshmen and sophomore talent that has proven to be a promising development, according to Erickson. Among this group is Brylee Erickson, who has already proven to be an asset in bolstering the team’s defense. Don’t forget about Katie Royer’s setting prowess, Alivia Wiley’s multi-dimensional abilities and defensive proficiency and Maci Keppler’s offensive prowess.

“This infusion of fresh energy and diverse skill sets highlights a positive trajectory for the team’s future, underlining the potential for long-term growth and success,” Erickson said.

Not to be overlooked are other upperclassmen, including Kirsten Farmer, Tessa Sylvester and Reese Berns, who are outside hitters. The addition of Berns gives the Warriors some added height and strength in hitting, while Farmer and Sylvester, add a seasoned presence and crucial leadership examples for the rest of the team. All have the potential to be influential forces in the foundations of success, Erickson said.

The coach has built an approach that proved successful last year, namely in bringing in someone to speak with the team. Last year it was former players from the team’s peak years a few seasons ago. This year’s motivational effort brought in Kim Davis, assistant volleyball coach from UNI, for a comprehensive two-day camp. Davis by imparted technical skills, shared knowledge of the game and offered a fresh perspective on the sport. 

“This strategic move, involving players across various age groups from youth to middle school and high school, marks a proactive effort to provide valuable insights and hands-on training directly from an experienced professional in the field,” Erickson said.

Along with the motivational aspect, building a culture requires the “implementation of strategic measures.” Erickson highlighted this last season in getting students active throughout the year and keeping that interest level from waning in the offseason, with an eye toward enhancing team performance. 

This effort included open gyms in the fall and with consistent frequency during the summer, which only served to strengthen skill development, team cohesion and getting an early jump on strategizing. This commitment was aided by participating in a Sunday league in Oelwein, which provided vital game experience.

“The culmination of these efforts was the…further honing of technical skills and offering a fresh perspective from an accomplished professional,” Erickson said. 

What’s been put into motion is an architectural plan for success, which Erickson stated “goes beyond mere wins and losses.” Certainly, winning games is an important goal, but sometimes there needs to be more to it. Success for the Warriors this season rests on a multifaceted approach that includes a holistic development that encompasses personal growth, character building, teamwork and effective communication. It’s about thriving on and off the court, while maintaining enjoyment for the sport that most likely got students interested in the first place. 

“Beyond athletic achievement, the aspiration to nurture better individuals underscores the commitment to fostering life skills and values that extend beyond the game,” Erickson said. 

The first test for that freshly laid foundation will be Aug. 22, in the Lisbon Tournament. Central will get another early season test at the Cascade Invitational on Aug. 26.