Indiana Volleyball and the challenge of adversity

It’s been a trying year for IU volleyball, but the Hoosiers are finding ways to persevere through difficult times. IUSportCom on-team correspondent Jade Henderson takes a look at the way the team has dealt with the challenges set before them.

They are not satisfied, and strive to push even harder through the hardships. Giving up is not an option. Indiana volleyball may not be getting the outcomes they want, but they are a group of fighters who love the game and love the challenges it brings.

In the sport of volleyball, the Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences to compete in. Out of the 12 teams in the conference, six are ranked in the Top 25. Indiana takes this level of difficulty as an enjoyable challenge.

Although Indiana is 0-9 in the Big Ten, they continue to hold their heads high. The girls come into the gym with vengeance and the will to keep getting better. Indiana volleyball may be going through a rough patch, but the talent is there, and each match they take a positive step forward. The girls build off each match and continue to search for the pieces in order to complete their puzzle.

It takes a completed puzzle to compete and win in the Big Ten. Senior libero Caitlin Cox says, “Every night we have to come out ready to fight. No match is ever easy. We have to have confidence as a team and as individuals.” Finding that confidence is key when competing in the Big Ten. Every competition is a battle and the best fighters win.

Coach Dunbar stresses the key points the team focuses on: energy, fight, intensity, and to compete. These keys to success are considered what Indiana volleyball calls “the controllables.” These important keys are what IU strives to attain when practicing and playing in a match.  Coach Dunbar always says that these controllables need to come from within each individual player. Once IU masters these keys, they are bound for success.

There is still time for Indiana to turn things around and start winning matches. With the first run-through of Big Ten almost over, they still have several matches left to make some changes. The season is going fast, and Cox says, “It is not what I anticipated, but I am still trying to enjoy it and do what I can to help the team be successful.” Senior setter Mary Chaudoin claims, “The only way we can go is up.”

As Indiana gets another chance to play every team again, they have nothing to lose and strive to finish their puzzle. Any win would be huge for the Hoosiers. As Chaudoin notes, “We are learning from the past and continuously looking to the future.”