Minnesota State Volleyball’s high expectations
Minnesota State University Mankato’s Volleyball Team has high expectations for this season.
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference is arguably one of the toughest Division 2 conferences in the country.
However, in an interview with Head Coach Corey Phelps and the NSIC’s former Defensive Player of the Week, Emily Kern, they say the team is aiming for a spot in the conference tournament.
“This has definitely been the year that we need to put our foot down. Like, this is what we want, we know how good we are,” says Kern. “We deserve to be in the top however many, and get a spot in the conference tournament.”
Phelps explained that there are a lot of strong teams that they will have to face to reach their goal of a conference tournament appearance. They are prepared to show that they are a force to be reckoned with.
“You’re not ever going to be able to take a match off in this conference. If you don’t come ready to battle every night, you’re going to be in trouble,” says Phelps. “We’re not OK with finishing in the middle of the conference. We want to make the conference tournament and want to do well there.”
With upcoming matches against strong opponents Winona State University on Sept. 28 and University of Minnesota-Duluth Oct. 8, the team has prepared to come out on top by making changes to how they approach the season.
“We are approaching the entire process differently. Our practices are tougher. Our intent is that our practices are harder than matches. They’re tough, not only physically, but mentally, which is preparing them for matches that are going to be grueling,” says Phelps. “Making sure that in practice, they’re grinding and struggling is my number one goal.”
The team has been specifically focusing on further developing the mental toughness to withstand the mental exhaustion they face when playing against difficult opponents.
“The biggest challenge is developing mental toughness and grit, making sure that we know how to function at a high level when we’re uncomfortable,” says Phelps. “That’s what the other team’s job is, to make us uncomfortable. So we’re combatting that with learning how to be aggressive even when we’re stressed and anxiety filled.”
With a current record of 8-1, the team feels confident in its abilities to make a conference tournament appearance despite facing many difficult teams.
“Out of 15 teams in this conference, probably 12 of them can make the conference tournament. We just have to be making sure that we’re doing our diligence to make sure that we’re prepared for every one of them, because we have the ability to finish in the top six, for sure, if not the top four,” says Phelps.
The team plays the University of Minnesota-Crookston 6 p.m.Sept. 27 in Taylor Center, and are looking to get another victory under their belt.
photo caption: The Minnesota State Volleyball team said one of the biggest challenges this year is developing mental toughness and grit, but their current 8-1 record is proving they have just what it takes (Courtesy Maverick Athletics)
Write to emma.benjamin@mnsu.edu