The 2019 Season for the Saints Volleyball Program has been an impressive one thus far, but the best is yet to come. With a record of 11-3 this season, this Saints Volleyball team is confident and prepared.
Captains Amanda Teppo ‘20, Vivian Susko ‘20 and Natalie Piper ‘22 are voices that are frequently heard and set a possible example for this team. Not only are there two senior captains, there are six seniors on the team. It is an incredible luxury to have this type of leadership. “The energy they bring to the team, their voices, the skill level they have developed over their four years of playing: it has been a dream come true being able to be on the court with the six of them,” team member Annika Kreppein ‘22 explained.
In addition to having veteran leadership, the team’s depth is crucial to their success. “I want them to know they all have a voice and that it’s a very important one,” Head Coach Sherry Roiger states. It is crucial that everybody on the team is engaged and active, especially during in-game situations, and the Saints are not lacking in depth. “The depth we have on our team, it’s not only our starters that are the stars of the team. Our entire bench is louder than any bench I have ever seen. They really are the heart of the team,” Kreppein ‘22 stated.
Being mentally prepared for these games is extremely important to the success of their season. The team faces a variety of situations where being on one’s mental game is a must for peak performance. “Performing in the clutch, being able to handle the big stage and moments, and playing with confidence are all important aspects of team’s success,” Coach Roiger adds. The team does a fair amount of mental training in addition to their physical training.
As well as getting themselves fully prepared for the Liberty League competition, this team is as “tight knit” as they can be. “Being able to collectively perform as one unit on the court starts with positive human relationships and that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process and it takes time. I think the team recognizes the importance of that dynamic,” Coach Roiger said. This team’s success does not just derive off their skill, but playing together is crucial to their success as well.
This Saints Volleyball team has combined training and an unbreakable team chemistry to carve a path at winning in the Liberty League. With their Senior Day this Saturday, look for the Saints Volleyball to be out on a mission, proving a point to the rest of the Liberty League that the Saints are a threat.