Getting the ball rolling

The Drury University Volleyball team started their promising season only three weeks ago and are working together, new and old players, to continue working as a unit. Coach Jenifer Bahner is entering her 6^th year as head coach at Drury and is looking forward to watching her team grow throughout this season.

“I think if we can really buy into the idea of continuous improvement, we will see great things for this team come late November and early December,” said Baher. “We, coaches and players alike, want to have a good win-loss record, but what is most important is how we develop so that we are playing our best volleyball throughout our conference matches and into the post season.”

Bahner is excited about the group of individuals that make up her team. They all have great attitudes, and each have their own strengths that they know how to utilize well.

“It is exciting coaching such talented athletes whose ceiling for growth and development is so high.  We have young players who are already contributing to our teams success, but I know as they continue to train within our system they will only get better and better. We also have some great returners filling some needed roles for us this year,” said Bahner.

(Photo via Lady Panthers Volleyball on Facebook)

Setting the bar high

One of those returners that are contributing to the team’s success is senior DS/outside hitter, Paige Perry. Perry has been playing volleyball for 12 years and has been playing at Drury for 3 years. She is anticipating a very successful last season.

“I’m expecting big things again this year from this team. Last year we made history, and every single person on this team has bought into our goals. They want to make history again. I’m looking forward to those big wins with my teammates because there are so many good memories made during those matches, and they are things we will always be able to look back at,” said Perry.

She continued, “It’s been such a blessing to be a part of program like Drury Volleyball. I have learned great leadership skills throughout my time here and made friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s sad that it’s my last season, but I’m thankful for the time that I have had and the opportunities that I have been given.”

To stay up to date on all Drury Panther Volleyball news and scheduled games, check out their page on drurypanthers.com.

Written by Kate Bequette.