Leadership and young talent lead the way for volleyball squad

If you went to any Boise State volleyball match last season you saw it. The struggle, the constant nagging injuries and the inconsistent play that haunted the team all last year.

“It was just really rough, but we had to just keep fighting more and more …” senior Jeanette Jenkins said.

However, that was last season and Head Coach Robin Davis is looking toward the here and now.

“We don’t talk about last season. [Right now] we have a great group of returning players mixed in with an awesome freshman class, that should be ready to compete.”

The Broncos return nine players from last season, including three seniors who should provide leadership and experience this season.

“We have big team goals of making it to the NCAAs, but for me this season and just being a senior, I want to be a leader and help the girls out,” Jenkins said.

Along with Jenkins this year, the other seniors that Boise State will rely on are setter Mandy Klein and outside hitter Maren Ericson.

Also hoping to jump into the mix this season are the new incoming freshman. “We have six new freshman, so I think they’re going to be a great contribution to our team,” sophomore Lauren Hamm said.

Of the six new freshmen, four of them stand at least 5 feet 11 inches.

“They’re not shy at all on the court or off, they’re going to fight for a spot,” Jenkins said.

The Broncos are going to need the help as they open the season with a three match home series this weekend against Seattle University, Cal State Northridge and Washington State.

“They’re going to be a challenge, but right away we’re going to get down and try and put them away, Jenkins said. “We’re going to try and pull out some wins.”

After those first three matches, the Broncos won’t return home until Sept. 24. They open up home conference play against University of Idaho Sept. 27.

This season, the Broncos were picked to finish seventh out of eight in the Western Athletic Conference, but are optimistic about where they will end up.

“We’ve improved a lot since last season, “ Hamm said. “I’m a lot more optimistic and positive now and the coaches are doing a really great job … there is already team chemistry out there.”
The Broncos hope to ride that chemistry to a winning season.

Mary Albl

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