The Lady Cardinals are coming off an historic season in which they won first-ever conference and regional tournament championships. They finished eighth in their second trip to the NJCAA tournament, going 31-11. Here are the thoughts of fifth-year head coach Aleah Hayes as the season opener on August 18 nears.
Q: Your fifth season begins on the heels of a record-breaking season a year ago. Going unbeaten on the way to first-ever conference and regional championships takes you from being the hunter to being the hunted. As a coach, how do you prepare your team as such?
A: "First, we must keep our eyes forward. In the spring, we talked about the success of the fall and celebrated it, but we also talked about how it is in the past and we must keep our eyes forward and work for fall (2023). We focused on the mental preparation throughout the spring which will hopefully prepare us to attack our goals for this upcoming season. Our returners know what to expect and know it is a competitive game every night we step out on the court, so we prepare in all areas, mentally, physically, and emotionally, to stay focused. The expectation is to communicate this with our newcomers so that team is on the same page and we continue growing together."
Q: You lost some key players from last year's NJCAA tournament-qualifying team. What type of athlete and potential leaders did you have on your recruiting wish list and how successful do you feel you were in making it reality?
A: "Each year I learn something new with coaching at the junior college level and this past year, I recognized that each year we will lose key players, so I must attack these needs in the recruiting process. For 2023, I worked to bring in those players that would want to join the returners in chasing another championship while looking to go farther. I added competitors who want to work hard, win, and be a part of a team that is willing to battle to achieve their goals. I have always been very diligent in the recruiting process, but now value these elements even more. I believe I was able to make my recruiting wish list a reality and I am very excited about this team and our freshman additions!"
Q: Obviously, every kid you bring into the program is not going to necessarily be a front-line player. Role players are sometimes far more important to the success of a team. As a coach, how do go about helping them understand and accept how important those roles can be?
A: "In our gym, we are constantly talking about roles and details. Every player on this team is the right puzzle piece and provides a specific detail for us to be successful. I believe it is valuable and important to have these conversations, individually and as a team, and make sure every team member knows their role. I work to have open communication, so we talk about roles and expectations often and we work to make sure that all members feel valued because each of them are valuable."
Q: Team chemistry has always been a focal point of your teams. How well do you anticipate this year's team will bond and how important can that be to the success of a season?
A: "Team chemistry is an absolute necessity in volleyball and we work hard to create a culture of respect. Just like we practice necessary skills to improve our game, I believe we have to foster these relationships within the team in order to fight for and compete alongside each other on the court. The bond with this group is strong. The returners worked hard all spring to maintain focus and purpose during spring training and brought along our semester freshman. The incoming freshman have jumped on board and are joining our journey which is extremely exciting! It is already a joy working with this team!"
Q: Not by accident, the team will again be on the road a lot this year. What is your thought process of playing a grueling schedule each season?
A: "I believe in preparing for your competition. We practice how we will play so I want to practice competing against the teams we will potentially see in post season. With our region play being so tough, I want to prepare for that right off the bat. After our first two weekends, we will know what we need to work on. Our weaknesses will be identified, and we will start working to improve those. I want to know those areas of deficit early so by mid-October, the team has confidence in those gains and are ready to compete at the regional tournament. Each year I have been here, the tough schedule continues to work in our favor with growth, competition, rankings, recruits, and overall success as a program."
Q: Why should an athlete come to The Valley?
A: "I believe a student athlete should come to The Valley if they desire to be successful academically and athletically knowing they will be challenged to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and academically. At The Valley, you are valued and supported from the campus and community which allows you to move to the next level and work toward your goals."
