Coming off of a fantastic season last year ending in a loss to eventual national champion
Calvin College, DePauw Women’s Volleyball looks to take that momentum forward into this season.
The goal for this year’s team is simple: go further. Head Coach Deb Zellers thinks this team has a very real chance to do that.
“We’d like to go further than before and make our mark in ways we never have before,” said Zellers.
The challenge will be replacing two program all-time greats in Rachel Lenderman and Elizabeth Wilson who both graduated decorated in accolades. Would-be sophomore Gabi Allread also left the team when she transferred away from DePauw.
Despite losing such integral players, Zellers is ecstatic about what this season holds.
“This is going to be a team that has the most depth and versatility of any team I’ve coached. Even though we are young, we have experience in that youth and will be well balanced,” said Zellers.
The youth of the team could be one of the defining factors for the squad’s success. Lowerclassmen take 12 out 16 spots, leaving one junior and three seniors. Zellers hopes the team can rally around the three seniors and ultimately make history. “For the seniors, Keegan, Haley, and Emily, you just hope that they go out with a bang. They have put in the time and work, so for them, I want to see us be successful,” said Zellers.
Key Losses: Defensive specialist Rachael Lenderman, middle hitter Elisabeth Wilson
What to Watch For: Who can step up on defense in lieu of Lenderman’s absence as reigning conference defensive player of the year.
Best Case Scenario: This team not only makes a deep postseason run, but gains valuable experience with the younger players to carry into the next couple of seasons.
Worst Case Scenario: The loss of two great players leaves holes too large to be filled and the team settles for lower half of the conference standings.