High expectations drive Volleyball as training camp begins

Written by Julia Fischer

CLICK HERE for photos from the opening day practice for Volleyball.

Concordia Wisconsin's Volleyball team is coming back to the court with high expectations for a successful season. Last year the team took third in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, and finished the season with an 18-12 overall record, reaching the semifinals of the league tournament. Two years ago the team had 24 wins, setting a program record. They are hoping to achieve even greater things on the court this season.

"I think it's definitely our time," said senior Karina Klotz, "we've been so close so it would be nice to finally get over that hump and reach our goal."

Klotz (Hubertus, Wis.) is one of two seniors on the team. "I'm excited to be a leader for my team," Klotz said, "I've had leadership in me since I was a freshman, so it'll be great helping my younger teammates."

With the season just starting there is a lot of potential for this team. They have a very optimistic outlook for the season ultimately hoping to take the title of conference champions.

"Our goal has always been to win conference and make it to the NCAA tournament," Klotz said, "I think there's nothing holding us back and we have great potential to get there."

Fortunately, the team didn't lose many seniors last year, so most of their previous players are returning. "The people who were injured last year are back and strong and healthy again," said Klotz. "We also have a great incoming class of freshman so I'm excited to see what the season holds for us."

Fourth-year head coach, Janelle Gabrielsen-Katz, also has high standards for her team. "Every year we set high expectations and goals," Gabrielsen-Katz said, "I think this might be one of our best teams yet since I've been coaching."

With having such success in the past, the team really strives to get even better. "I know the upperclassmen have set goals over the past few years and really want that championship and I think they will lead the freshman to want it too," said Gabrielsen-Katz.

With an incoming class of 14 freshmen, Gabrielsen-Katz is going to be looking to the upperclassmen to help out the newcomers on the team.

"I think the seniors are great with their leadership," she said, "having a lot of upperclassmen is nice because they will help the freshman with the culture of our team and show them how it's done here."

With practices filled with heavy drills, running, and team work, Gabrielsen-Katz is confident that her team has the potential to take the program higher than it has ever gone.

"First day of practice was great," she said, "I'm excited to get to day three and day four and watch this team progressively get better as the season goes on."

With the first practice of the year in the books, the Falcons are looking to play their first match of the season on September 1st against Texas Lutheran at the Concordia Invitational Tournament.