Volleyball Season Set to Spike

All images provided by Richard T. Clifton

Volleyball season has commenced, and the Langston Lady Lions have started strong with a new approach. As the season kicks off, the training intensifies. In her second year of coaching for Langston University, head coach Jazmine Washington has brought in a new team of 30 players. “This is our first year with a developmental team, so I am super excited,” said Washington. “Preseason, we been having three a day, six to eight, ten to twelve, and four to six.”

Starting the season is very important for a team, and being prepared is the key. Going into the game is more than about playing; it is a mental game.“Mentally, volleyball is a game of mistakes. You’re going to make mistakes,” said Washington. “Volleyball can be very much a mental battle, so if you allow yourself to check out, it’s easy to point you out.”

While mentally preparing for the season the chemistry of this team is just as important as the strategy. Having a good relationship with your team and working together to ensure wins across the court can not only be impactful but also helpful.

“I would say our chemistry off the court works because we know each other’s personalities. We are all genuine friends outside of this, so that helps a lot,” junior volleyball player Leah McCall said. “Wanting to play together, we are learning how to trust one another, learning how to play together, learning our game. So, the fact that we are so close off the court genuinely benefits us playing.”

The volleyball team really focused on their bond and chemistry during the preseason, to ensure a better season with their teammates and how they communicate. From tournaments, to staying in hotels together, to games and events, it gave them a chance to be brought together and build ties with one another. “That has really helped with our connection on the court also, off the court, because our relationship with each other is just as important off the court as it is on the court,” said senior volleyball player Dasia Brown.

Another player has insight into how they have bonded and spent time together off the courts to have that relationship. “I would say that preseason has been great just because of our energy, us bonding, us spending time with one another, us having tournaments early on, understanding the dynamic of the team, I think that those are all positive attributes in the reason why we are so close now,” said McCall.

As of now, the volleyball teams’ record is five for five as they just won their first home game matchup. The strategy and how the Lady Lions prepare for the season are more than connections. It is about effort and working hard.“To ensure we have a good season, I would definitely say showing up and giving our all in practice,” said Brown.

Giving one’s all in practice is about mindset and how each player practices with a disciplined mindset. Many tend to think it is how talented you are, but it is what comes from within.“What is the identity of the Langston Volleyball Program,” questioned Washington to players. “And right now they told me heart, heart… so when it comes to identity, when it comes to the mindset, I want them to have, is that you the dog, you the best, this is all your stuff.”

Throughout the past month, the team has already played in tournaments and games with an established lineup. Research, recruiting, studying film, and scouting other teams continue. As this volleyball team carries out this season, their only request is for students to show up and support our fellow lions.