Last season just seemed to be another year in the books for Ashland Volleyball.  Despite not having their most successful season, the team has strived to improve on their weaknesses, and continue to build their strengths into a season that the team hopes could bring Ashland University another national championship. 

The team has eight returners but that does not seem like a big number when compared to the seven incoming players the staff has brought into the program. 

Having a 50/50 split of incoming and returners, the team has been working on creating a bond and more team chemistry than ever before.

“We have been doing a lot of different things to help get to know each other,” said Dixon. “We are learning what we are like on and off the court and developing relationships so that will then equate on the court.” 

During preseason, the team has been gathering together off the court and partaking in team-bonding activities, including team dinners with their families, bonfires, the ‘Eagle Olympics’ games and a scavenger hunt. These activities have helped the team get to know each other on a more personal level.   

“I think when you have a better understanding of each other out of the gym, you are more willing to work for each other on the court,” said Dixon.

The team is held to a high standard that the returning players have been setting since their spring season, which is making it easier for the incoming players to adjust and reach the high level of the program.

“All of our returning players are really hustling and going after balls and just putting it all out there,” said Dixon. “It makes it that much easier for the incoming players to see that this is the standard and that’s what we need to achieve.”

The returning players set a standard in the spring to improve their effort, attitude and preparation going into practice. 

Within the early days of preseason, Dixon has already seen the returners leading and living up to the standards they set. 

“We have seen our seniors Sam Zuber and Audrey Metzger really take the reigns and step up so far in the preseason,” said Dixon. “But we have done a really good job of everyone leading at different times. We are never going to just have one person, everyone has a part.”

In terms of game strategies, the team will continue to focus on ball control in practice and develop a strong offensive game.

 “We are tweaking some things with the offense,” said Dixon. “With three quality setters, we could make something dynamic as long as the passing is there.” 

As the team continues to work hard through preseason, they’re preparing for a successful fall season this year.

“We’re looking forward to reestablishing ourselves to the level of which we know we’re capable of playing at,” said Dixon. 

The Eagles will play their first match at Clarion University on   Sept. 4.