The varsity volleyball team recently returned from a national tournament in Hawaii, where they lost all four games.
“They gave a great fight,” said Brittney Deveaux, graduate volleyball assistant coach. “Chemistry got much better as a team, and their skills.”
Since returning home, the Yellow Jackets have beaten Mercyhurst, Slippery Rock and Central State and now stand at 3-6 on the season. The team resumes play Friday against Quincy University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville at Jackson, Tenn. The Jackets will face the University of Missouri – St. Louis and Union University on Saturday in Jackson.
Kris Kern is in his third year as the head volleyball coach at State.
The team has 26 players — 13 on varsity and 13 on the JV team. The JV team is made up of mostly freshmen, Deveaux said.
The team has a few requirements. Deveaux said members must complete a one-mile run in 7 minutes, 30 seconds, have good academic standing, demonstrate team spirit and communicate well with teammates.
“The varsity team has one freshman student and two transfer students,” Deveaux said
Outside of practice, team members spend time together at the cafe, at baseball games and even in an escape room. Freshman player, Maria Boldoser, said her teammates are hard working, and they communicate as friends. They also “work well on homework together” when they share classes, Boldoser said.
