Volleyball club braces for Tech season opener

The Georgia College women’s club volleyball team is getting back into the routine of drills and practices as it prepares for its first tournament of the semester at Georgia Tech on Feb. 25.

The team has 16 members and has two to three tournaments scheduled for this semester. Practices are Sunday and Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wellness and Recreation Center. The team hopes to host a tournament, but factors such as WRC hours and availability may not allow it.

Coach of the women’s club volleyball team and mass communication professor at GC Stephen Price has high hopes for the team this year and continues to see development and improvement in his players.

“My hopes for the team have already happened, which is for them to really enjoy volleyball and for them to continue to play even after high school,” Price said. “I think two or three years ago when I started helping out they had low self-esteem as a team. There were only about seven girls who played so practices were tough. I think in the past couple years we have raised that self-esteem.”

Having a club team has benefited players not only athletically, but also personally.

“I really enjoy meeting new people and growing as a team and getting better,” Callan Bennett, sophomore nursing major and president of the women’s club volleyball team said. “I love when you do well because you practice, and you can see the changes.”

Diana Dazey, senior nursing major and member of the women’s club volleyball team, has gained more than just volleyball skills throughout her time on the team.

“It’s done a lot for me. I took over the club after my freshman year, and being the (previous) leader for two years was a great learning experience,” Dazey said. “I gained leadership skills. You wouldn’t think because it’s volleyball a lot would go into it, but it’s great.”

A varsity women’s volleyball team is currently not offered at GC, so many players are thankful there is a club team available. The club team allows for a less time consuming schedule for its players.

“These are girls who just love volleyball and really want to keep playing,” Price said.

Participating in tournaments is a great opportunity for the players to show their skills and compete against other schools.

“Getting to go to tournaments and seeing their teams helps us get ideas for our team,” Bennett said.

The team is currently working on drills such as passing and defense to get the players back in the mindset of the game before their first tournament.

“We beat Georgia last semester and took third at their tournament,” Price said. “Most goals we have already accomplished. I’d like to see us win a tournament this semester.”

Most players on the women’s club volleyball team have had previous experience playing volleyball. Although the schedule isn’t as demanding as a varsity sports would be, it still takes time and effort to be a part of the team.

“I love that it is a great balance between being competitive and just having fun,” Dazey said. “Growing up I was very competitive and traveling a lot, but now I can still play a good game without being too serious.”

Posted by Mallory Chapman on Feb 2 2012. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.