Returner-Led Lady Vikings Poised for 2024
Big Bend Community College Head Volleyball Coach Alexa Moser's first season as a head coach may be in the rear-view mirror, but it is serving as clear motivation in the driver's seat as she enters year two directing the Lady Vikings. "Last season (2023) wasn't pretty by any means," stated Moser. "It was frustrating from the win/loss column, but I learned to focus on growth, not just the outcome. It taught me how to be a flexible coach … maximizing the most of what we had … not concentrating on what we did not have … playing to our strengths as a team instead of trying to make the team something they were not. Even though the wins were not there last season, we had girls finishing in the top five in the entire Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) statistically, and that bodes well for this season."
Gone are three sophomores from the 2023 squad, as Laura Forsgren (mission in Uruguay), Grace Fedie (photography business/ultrasound tech degree pursuit), and Dakota Killian have moved on to life beyond the sport. However, seven ladies return from last season for their sophomore campaigns, with six seeing significant action in 2023. "There was so much growth in the off-season," added Moser. "The minute last season ended, all the returners wanted to get back on the court and grow their skillset. Now, since we have all been through the ups and downs of year one together, we know the standards and expectations to be successful this season."
Each returner brings a unique skillset that will be key for the Lady Vikings this season. Sophomore Audrey Wellhausen is a natural leader and a powerhouse at the net. Sophomore Emma Lucas brings quiet leadership through her court presence every day, as she is consistently the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. Sophomore Casey White is a wall on the right side and the best blocker on the squad. Despite still recovering from surgery in the offseason, sophomore Ashley White is an all-around who brings a high volleyball IQ to the team. Sophomore Kaitlyn Downing is the voice of the squad, bringing with her an unmatched energy that is contagious to those she is around. Sophomore Camryn Birch is another tremendous athletic and versatile front row player who has improved as much or more so in the offseason than anyone on the team. Sophomore Devry Lausch rounds out the sophomores and, although red-shirting last year, her ball control and demanding leadership as libero will be required from day one.
Despite the strength of a large group of returners, Moser believes that her team strength this year will still be "an underdog mentality. We are not a new team anymore," Moser indicated, "but we will bring a new presence to the court. Our largest area of improvement will need to be adjusting to the tempo of the game. From a defensive perspective, our blockers will need to track the ball at the net so we can get as many touches on the block as possible. From an offensive perspective, we will need to be able to control our side of the court and run a fast, explosive offense by speeding up our touches on the ball. Our ball control will also need to be an improvement throughout season, and is something we work on every day because you need good touches to run a successful offense."
The NWAC East Division will continue to present its regular list of formidable opponents, with several new faces potentially joining the group. With significant height and power at the net, Yakima Valley College placed third in the NWAC East in 2023, but caught fire late in the year, finishing third overall in the NWAC Tournament. Despite a fourth-place finish in the NWAC East in 2023, Columbia Basin College's 2024 roster features a strong nucleus of 'stat-stuffing' returners with numerous accolades across the entirety of the NWAC. Blue Mountain College and Community Colleges of Spokane, two programs that have experienced a high level of success in recent years, are both led by newer head coaches and will also look to return their respective programs to the top of the NWAC
Despite the desire to be one of the NWAC's best volleyball programs, Moser's desires as a coach still center on life outside the sport. "As I am coaching at a community college, I have the mindset of getting these girls to their next step … not just creating success from a volleyball standpoint, but setting them up to be successful women in life … teaching them to serve others, having an attitude of gratitude and to put their teammates first. My coaching philosophy is to always give 100% attitude and effort because it is the only two things we have complete control over. My goal is to lead this program with respect, trust and love.
These values will no doubt lay the groundwork for success in the future … and wins in the immediate!