Bulldogs will keep it simple while erecting walls of volleyball program
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
After a season building the foundation, the MFL MarMac volleyball team is now erecting the walls of the program, according to second-year head coach Becky Johnson.
“I’ve got six returners who saw significant playing time last year—they’ve played at that varsity speed—so I’m pretty excited about bringing that base we need to the program,” Johnson said. “We’re still young, but I think we’ve got a lot stronger foundation than where we started last year.”
The list of returners includes senior Autumn Shaw, who Johnson considers a utility player. She can serve as a hitter, back row defender or even a setter. Johnson plans to use Shaw most in the hitting role and as a blocker.
“Plus, she’s a lefty, so it’s great to have her on that right side,” the coach shared.
Avery Lamborn is another returning senior. After playing on the outside for the Bulldogs in 2023, she transitioned to a middle hitter position during year round volleyball.
“She’s really shown some great potential there, so that’s where I’m going to utilize her this year,” Johnson said.
Junior Maddie Keehner will join Lamborn in the middle, and is MFL MarMac’s top returning hitter. She made great progress last season and Johnson is excited to see what she can do this year.
Johnson is also excited to utilize junior Devon Meyer and sophomore Lily Johnson.
“They were probably utilized more in growing positions last year, and now I might be shifting them into more outside hitter roles. We’ll see as the season progresses, but I’m definitely going to rely on both of them on the offensive side,” she stated.
Setting for these hitters will be freshman Addison Corlett. Although young, she’s earned experience playing volleyball year round.
“She’s got great hands and is looking really good in the pre-season,” Johnson said. “I’m excited about what she’s bringing to the team, and I’m hoping we can get our offense going.”
Senior Morgan Jacobson could be utilized as a second setter, and Johnson will also work senior Keagan Echard into the lineup. Junior Kacie Picha will provide back row defense along with fellow junior and libero Lauryn Johnson.
Last year gave Johnson important experience learning the speed of the game, and the coach said club volleyball and work on serve receive will make her even better in 2024.
Having three of six returners play outside the high school season should have a big impact. It helps players maintain their skill sets and build fundamentals.
“Outside of our conference, to help us in the postseason, that’s what we need. Those teams have players who play year round, and I think that’s pretty important to the game of volleyball,” Johnson said.
Equally as important is mindset.
“Mindset is huge in volleyball because it’s all about the errors that are made. That’s how points are scored—off errors,” noted Johnson. “You have to hone it.”
She saw it firsthand in a recent practice. The team was struggling with serve receive, and the regular cheering and hyping one another up had slowed. They took a break and discussed what needed to happen.
“Next thing I know, I hear lots of cheering, lots of excitement. Just like that, the drill is over because they mastered it immediately,” Johnson shared. “Our team value this year is ‘We is greater than me.’ We are really focusing on that. Being selfless players is huge to the game of volleyball.”
Among the program’s goals this season are improving statistics like serving and efficiency and limiting errors. Johnson also hopes for a better record than 2023’s 7-17 and making a postseason run.
She said the team can do that by keeping things simple.
“Keep building on that foundation, building our walls. Not trying to do things we can’t do,” Johnson said. “We can still win games by being simple, focusing on fundamentals and making sure we don’t fall into bad habits.”
The Bulldogs will work to improve every day and focus on themselves.
“If we do that,” said Johnson, “it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. As long as we have the team camaraderie, everyone is following up on things, being simple and efficient, then I know it’s going to fall into line for us.”
The varsity squad will begin play on Tuesday, Sept. 3, with a triangular in Monona.