PETE WAITE »» VOLLEYBALL COACH BADGERING...
Your team began practicing this week. What are the team goals for the season? "Our goal is to be in the NCAA tournament at the end of the season so we have to get better every week. Every match is going to be important so sustaining a high level of play is going to be critical."
You return a strong group of starters/letter winners for this season. What's it going to take to see you team make the next step?
"Every one of our returners has to be more mature and consistent in their skills and approach to training. We have some exciting talent in the gym and they're capable of great thing. To earn the wins they have to bring a solid work ethic and determination to every aspect of their lives."
You have two new assistant coaches on your bench. What do Coley and Dan Pawlikowski bring to the team?
"Coley and Dan bring a great passion for the game that is exciting for the players. Coley focuses on defense and Dan runs the offense. They connect with the players really well and are able to raise the level of every player on the court. I'm really glad that they started with us in the spring so that they can hit the ground running now as we get into fall practices."
What did you learn from watching the Olympic volleyball teams and/or what can you apply to your team?
"I saw some great volleyball and what I loved seeing the most was the competitive drive and relentless determination. What's more important than what I saw, was what our team saw. I'm sure each of our players watched those games and learned things they can bring to our team. The Olympians are inspiring and they've gone through the same learning process as our team. If our players mimic the volleyball they saw in the Olympics, we'll be doing pretty well."
What sports did you enjoy watching during the Olympics (besides volleyball)? "I swam competitively growing up so that's always one of my favorites, but I really watched just about everything. Ping Pong is crazy fast and water polo is really brutal. Trampoline gets SO high and the crashes in gymnastics can make me cringe. I was also very impressed with the women's pole vaulters. All of the Olympics athletes are amazing!"
20 » VARSITY AUGUST 9, 2012
