As women’s volleyball aims to recover from a tough season, Head Coach Rachelle Sherden begins training by underlining the essential elements to a successful year. Her approach for what is to come is simple and clear.

“I have only known the girls on the team for less than three weeks, gut it feels like I have known them for much longer.” – Claire Laakso

“Last year we had many games going to five sets without us winning. Getting that winning mentality and focusing on reducing our unforced errors is something we especially work at,” Sherden said as she prepares for her fifth season at Gustavus.

Although the team met for began practices three weeks ago, preparation for this year’s season began much earlier. With upperclassmen encouraging a 6 a.m. practice before class, spring semester proved to coach Sherden that the girls were ready to bounce back.

“The girls definitely set the tone during spring semester. Obviously I couldn’t be there to coach but the upperclassmen realized what they had to do and got their butts in gear straight away. It was a good way to rebound from a season that was a struggle all along,” Sherden said.

Last year’s roster had no seniors. This year, three seniors aim to build on the momentum caught in the spring. Paige Breneman, implies that the struggle of last season only gave them more determination to get a good run this year.

“I think we just wanted to get out of that slump and be ready. We worked hard during spring and we have alot of first-years that really push us older girls every practice. They are really good competition,” Breneman said.

One such first-year is Claire Laakso, a middle hitter from Bemidji, Minnesota.

“Everyone came into preseason showing that they had worked hard over the summer. We all put a great amount of work into our first two weeks. Everyone seems to have the same goals in mind and brings that determination to practice every day,” Laakso said.

Laakso also talked about the importance of the annual team bonding retreat at Coach Sherden’s cabin.

“I think it really helped us to create an even closer team bond. I have only known the girls on the team for less than three weeks, but it feels like I have known them for much, much longer,” Laakso said.

Although the team did not play any matches they hosted a volleyball clinic which allowed younger girls to come in and practice.

“The upperclassmen realized what they had to do and got their butts in gear straight away. It was a good way to rebound from a season that was a struggle all along.” – Rachelle Sherden

“The clinic was a great opportunity to help get our team involved and volunteering.Helping the younger girls to grow in their volleyball careers was an awesome experience,” Laakso said.

During summer, 19 returning students went on a 9-day trip to Central America to support their campaign “Backpacks for Nicaragua”, which provided 250 backpacks of necessary supplies for Nicaraguan schools. The trip was another way the team came together after the motivational spring semester.

“We went to different cities, we ziplined, surfed and did a ton of other things. The girls absolutely loved it. It was a life changing experience,” Sherden said.

Women’s volleyball began the season with a 2-2 record at Saint Mary’s tournament in Winona, defeating North Park University with a 3-0 sweep. The team will head to the Twin Cities for a tournament at Augsburg College before coming home to host Buena Vista University in the Gustavus Tournament on Sept. 12.

–Philip Evans