In November of 2019, the Illinois State Women’s volleyball team defeated the University of Northern Iowa in the MVC tournament championship, 3-0.
That was the second of back-to-back conference titles in 2018 and 2019, and as they looked forward, five returning seniors and a strong incoming recruiting class were ready to compete and make it a three-peat in 2020. 14 months and a global pandemic later, the Redbird team gets that chance- in 2021.
This weekend, the team will travel to Marquette for a two-day non-conference doubleheader on Friday and Saturday to start their season. It’s been a long time coming, but the Redbirds are restless and ready to get going with a new season. Before then, here’s some things to know about Illinois State Volleyball in 2021.
The senior core has been together since their sophomore season and have grown in every way since then. Now coming into their final season as Redbirds the goal is simple. Win. That is what every team wants, but this senior group has done it on and off the court. They continue to lead the way and inspire the new coming freshman to continue the tradition and legacy they have built in their time here.
“I just want to leave our legacy here.” Senior Co-Captain Kendall Meier said, “We have a solid group of seniors. I want them to remember who we are, what we’ve done, and to win. We’re a very competitive class, and we hold a high standard.”
Joining the veteran talent is one of the strongest recruiting classes in years. The Redbirds welcome six new members (Jessica D’Ambrose, Sarah Jacobsen, Tamara Otene, Cassie Jordan, Kaitlyn Prondzinski, Nora Janka) and also have high hopes for Nicole Lund, a redshirt freshman who was sidelined by injury in 2019.
As is the case with all sports in 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused all kinds of changes to collegiate volleyball. Aside from the normal fall season being postponed to winter/spring, players will also be dealing with physical changes to their gameday uniforms- masks. Since returning from break and during the red/white scrimmage, the players wore masks to prepare and to avoid distraction when they take the court against Marquette for their first real game of the season. However Meier says the team is not about to let masks, or any difference to this season for that matter, affect them from keeping their eyes on the prize.
“It’s a huge adjustment.” Meier said, “but we’ve had the mentality all year just not to complain. It’s going to be what it’s going to be. If we’re complaining about wearing a mask, that’s distracting us on the court.”
In addition, this season of MVC volleyball is following the pattern of both men and women’s basketball when it comes to scheduling. Most opponents will be played two days in a row, a doubleheader strategy that has proven in other sports to be challenging, both to win two days in a row or comeback and win the day after a loss.
“Every day at practice, we talk about beating the day before.” Head Coach Leah Johnson said, “if you win day one, your opponent has an advantage. They know what they need to fix. Our goal is to constantly beat ourselves, instead of our opponent, and let the score reveal itself after that.”
These seniors understand what is at stake going into their final season together and for the freshman, the legacy must go on as they push for their third ring in the last three years. As the season goes on only time will tell what this special group of women will do during the season. But one thing is for sure, they will not go down without a fight for their chance at making more history for Illinois State.
“The Valley is very strong this year, as always.” Senior Captain Stef Jankiewicz said, “I’m hoping for another ring. None of us opted out, and I think that’s going to be one thing that means a lot to each and every one of us…we’re all here finishing together.”
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