Volleyball came together as a team in 2014 to set program wins total

Written by Jasmin Bowers for CUWFalcons.com

Concordia University Wisconsin's volleyball program without question, had one of the best seasons the program has ever seen in 2014. The personalities, level of energy, character displayed and the bond among the Falcons were only a few qualities that were demonstrated by the winningest team in program history.

This team was exceptional during their three month season in 2014. Four years ago the senior class that just took off their knee pads for the final time won just six matches, which included many ups and downs. This past season they led the Falcons to an outstanding 24 victories –17 of them coming by way of sweep – grew significantly on the court and amongst themselves.

Head coach Janelle Gabrielsen-Katz could not be more proud of her student-athletes. Seeing them progress and change, she thanks God to have been able to work with such a great group of women.

Everything can be attributed to the players, while the large freshmen class and senior leadership played a huge part in the many victories. Feeding from each other's energy, they had a dynamic like no other team in the previous 20 seasons in program history.

"We did a lot of team bonding at the beginning of the season and then we left it up to the captains," says Gabrielsen-Katz. "They did a great job keeping up with each other and getting along. It is nice to go practice every day and not have to worry about the little drama behind the scenes."

With the freshmen class' bright-eyed feel for the game, which included NACC Freshman of the Year Ashley Jehlicka, and the five seniors' experience and leadership, everything just clicked as it never had before this season. The seniors showed each and every match how important it is to play it to the very end of point.

"I think it is all of the players and their attitudes," Gabrielsen-Katz stated. "They all wanted the same thing, to win as a team."

Every match is different. There are new opportunities with each opponent and therefore every team needs to be taken seriously. This is exactly what the 2014 team demonstrated during its 24 victories. Despite the multiple, strong wins, they rose to every occasion.

The regular season is important, but doesn't have the level of intensity the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Tournament brings with it. The goal was to win the NACC Tournament and advance to the NCAA Tournament and while they fell short of checking those things off their list, those goals will carry over in to next season. To play the game is one thing, but to play at 100 percent without any regrets is what each and every Falcon did this season on the court.

"Everyone had to be involved and understood their role," Gabrielsen-Katz said. "They wanted to be a team and learned what it takes to be a team and win as a team."