Lehigh University Athletics
Volleyball builds on foundation this preseason
8/14/2018 5:05:00 PM | Volleyball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh volleyball is a few days into preseason under new head coach Alexa Keckler, preparing for the team's season opener next Friday evening (Aug. 24) at home vs. Duquesne in Stabler Arena. Last spring, Keckler and the Mountain Hawks were able to instill a strong foundation, which has only grown this preseason.
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"Getting the time in the gym last spring was crucial to speeding the process here in preseason," said Keckler. "Now, we're just bringing along our freshmen and trying to get them on the same page as our returners. It's definitely helped expedite the process – the players knowing what to expect from me and the coaches recognizing each players' strengths and weaknesses, so we can work on improving any weaknesses."
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Coming off their sixth Patriot League Tournament appearance in the last seven years, the Mountain Hawks returned this fall excited to keep things rolling, even looking to take a step further. Doing the little things now should ultimately help put them in a position to succeed in November.
(8/13/2018) Volleyball Begins Practice
"I've been really impressed with their energy and their ability to hold each other accountable, taking feedback and applying it," said Keckler. "That's one thing we've talked a lot about as a team, being able to take the feedback and apply it faster. Make adjustments sooner so in game, we're not getting stuck in long ruts.
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"We're also looking to continue improving upon our ball control."
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Keckler took last spring as a learning opportunity. She learned about her players while the players learned about her.
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"We've leaned a lot on the captains," said Keckler. "What are things that we want to continue keeping in the program as fundamentals that they liked? It could be team-building cheers, the way they get ready before a game or things they like to see in practice. We also got feedback on what they'd like to see changed. Their openness to try new things has been really helpful, while also learning about those pieces they want to remain."
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"We also introduced journaling to our preseason, so getting our student-athletes to reflect upon how practice is going – things they want to see improved, both individually and as a team."
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The Mountain Hawks finished last season 18-13 overall, 9-7 in Patriot League play, tied for fourth place in the league standings. Lehigh returns the majority of its statistical leaders from last season, including its leader in assists (Megan Polak) and top eight in kills. Both of Lehigh's All-Patriot League honorees (Ana Spangenberg and Lauren Bright) return.
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Statistics and accolades are nice, but they are the results. Right now, Keckler and the Mountain Hawks are focused on the process (which ultimately lead to results).
Â
"We've talked a lot about not being so results-oriented, but to look at the process and doing things the right way," said Keckler. "As long as we keep that perspective and stay disciplined, the results will come. Don't get excited about one great pass or one good swing, thinking we must have done everything right. It's more important to look at how we got to that point."
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It's been less than a week, but so far, the process has been successful. It has all started with bringing the energy.
Â
"I can see their energy and passion to compete," said Keckler. "I'm looking forward to taking all those pieces and seeing where they go."
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The Mountain Hawks will open their season when they host Duquesne on Friday, Aug. 24 in Stabler Arena. Gametime is set for 7:30 p.m.
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Like Lehigh Volleyball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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"Getting the time in the gym last spring was crucial to speeding the process here in preseason," said Keckler. "Now, we're just bringing along our freshmen and trying to get them on the same page as our returners. It's definitely helped expedite the process – the players knowing what to expect from me and the coaches recognizing each players' strengths and weaknesses, so we can work on improving any weaknesses."
Â
Coming off their sixth Patriot League Tournament appearance in the last seven years, the Mountain Hawks returned this fall excited to keep things rolling, even looking to take a step further. Doing the little things now should ultimately help put them in a position to succeed in November.
"I've been really impressed with their energy and their ability to hold each other accountable, taking feedback and applying it," said Keckler. "That's one thing we've talked a lot about as a team, being able to take the feedback and apply it faster. Make adjustments sooner so in game, we're not getting stuck in long ruts.
Â
"We're also looking to continue improving upon our ball control."
Â
Keckler took last spring as a learning opportunity. She learned about her players while the players learned about her.
Â
"We've leaned a lot on the captains," said Keckler. "What are things that we want to continue keeping in the program as fundamentals that they liked? It could be team-building cheers, the way they get ready before a game or things they like to see in practice. We also got feedback on what they'd like to see changed. Their openness to try new things has been really helpful, while also learning about those pieces they want to remain."
Â
"We also introduced journaling to our preseason, so getting our student-athletes to reflect upon how practice is going – things they want to see improved, both individually and as a team."
Â
The Mountain Hawks finished last season 18-13 overall, 9-7 in Patriot League play, tied for fourth place in the league standings. Lehigh returns the majority of its statistical leaders from last season, including its leader in assists (Megan Polak) and top eight in kills. Both of Lehigh's All-Patriot League honorees (Ana Spangenberg and Lauren Bright) return.
Â
Statistics and accolades are nice, but they are the results. Right now, Keckler and the Mountain Hawks are focused on the process (which ultimately lead to results).
Â
"We've talked a lot about not being so results-oriented, but to look at the process and doing things the right way," said Keckler. "As long as we keep that perspective and stay disciplined, the results will come. Don't get excited about one great pass or one good swing, thinking we must have done everything right. It's more important to look at how we got to that point."
Â
It's been less than a week, but so far, the process has been successful. It has all started with bringing the energy.
Â
"I can see their energy and passion to compete," said Keckler. "I'm looking forward to taking all those pieces and seeing where they go."
Â
The Mountain Hawks will open their season when they host Duquesne on Friday, Aug. 24 in Stabler Arena. Gametime is set for 7:30 p.m.
Â
Like Lehigh Volleyball on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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