PDF: 2015 Bulldog Volleyball Recap
In 2015, the Concordia volleyball team set new records and achieved goals that had never been reached in the history of the program. After a 10-21 season in Scott Mattera’s first year in 2012, the head coach developed a team that improved to 26-9 in the most recent season. The victories ensured a spot for the squad on the top-25 national list for the last 10 polls of the season.
The Bulldogs will return six all-conference selections in 2016. The only Bulldog graduating on the all-conference list was senior Claire White who surpassed 1,000 career kills this past season. Mattera, named tri-coach of the year in the GPAC, will still have depth and incoming players who he believes will help fill the spots of seven graduating Bulldogs.
“We’re really excited,” Mattera said. “We’re bringing in some kids who will make an immediate impact. But when you’re returning six all-conference players there’s not as much room as there are some years. I think people will be impressed with this recruiting class.”
Be sure to check out the PDF link above for a book that looks back on the 2015 season. Below are some quotes from Mattera and student-athletes looking back on the season.
Said Mattera in an interview with 104.9 Max Country, “I thought if we stayed healthy and stayed together we could be a top 20 team in the country. That’s exactly what we did. We got into that top-20 range and we stayed relatively healthy and definitely stayed together. In terms of what we’re capable of there was some could-of, should-of, but that’s part of sports. I don’t think we can scoff at the history we made this year. It was a really special group of girls.”
Said junior Tiegen Skains, “I think our team chemistry this year was probably the best it’s ever been. A lot of us have been on the court together since our freshman year. Jocelyn and Annie fit right in, too. We always have fun off the court which makes it easier. We know we can trust each other on the court. We have fun no matter what. We always play better when we’re having fun.”
Junior Taylor Workman said, “It’s been so fun. These girls are just awesome. It’s so fun to share this experience with them and put in hard work with them and see the results. It’s awesome.”
Junior setter Alayna Kavanaugh said, “It’s been amazing. I’ve enjoyed seeing where we started and where we are now. It’s taken a lot of hard work. Looking back for a second and seeing where we were freshman year, we’ve come a long ways.”