The IU Volleyball team is off to another successful start to the season, and looks to build on last year’s historic season. Sophomore outside hitter Jade Henderson takes us inside the mindset of the team as they prepare for Big Ten play.
With one week of non-conference play remaining before the Big Ten season, the Hoosier volleyball team is making strides, but we still have yet to reach our full potential. With each tournament that prepares us for conference play, we take small steps toward our goal of becoming the best we can be, physically and mentally. This past weekend, IU volleyball had the home court advantage, hosting the Fall Classic tournament.
This tournament was very important for us because it was a mental test to see if we could internally dig deep and improve our intensity and enthusiasm on the court from the previous weekend. We have the talent and physical capabilities, but we are struggling with what our coaches cannot teach us. IU volleyball needs to find that fiery passion and confidence from within.
With confidence and enthusiasm, the technique will come. Coach Dunbar always says “attitude before outcome,†and that means so much to our program. This weekend, we set three goals for every game, and each goal had to do with enthusiasm and having fun.
We went in each game without looking at the score and just playing. The positive outcome came when we finally played together and with pride. Wearing that jersey that says Indiana on the front is a privilege.
As Big Ten play quickly approaches, these tournaments mean a lot in preparation for the upcoming season. Getting wins in preseason tournaments puts us in good position for Big Ten play and for NCAA selection. As we continue moving forward and keep building off each preseason tournament, we will be fully prepared for Big Ten play.
