Spring Break
Team Chemistry Leads To Fun, Wins
Kevin Duffy
Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: Sports
Holly Strauss hasn't wasted much time upgrading an already talented UConn roster. In her first two seasons as Head Coach of the Volleyball team, Strauss has brought in two magnificent recruiting classes that have become the base of a 7-1 team with championship aspirations. The defining factor in this year's early season success isn't necessarily the individual talent of the Huskies' eight freshmen and sophomores, but the continuity they have developed as a team.
"In order to be a successful team you have to respect each other and have a genuine care for one another," Strauss said. "If you care about each other, chances are, you will do everything in your power not to let each other down."
To this point, no one has let the Huskies down. UConn is putting forth a total team effort each match, as they have swept five of their eight matches and have had a blast in doing so.
"When you're having fun, the game comes so much easier and you can play to the best of your ability," sophomore libero Jessica Isaac said. "Right now, we're playing loose and playing pretty well. Our chemistry is absolutely terrific at this point."
UConn's chemistry didn't develop overnight. Every player on the team, with the exception of Isaac and Devon Farrell, stayed on campus during the summer to play and work out together. In spending so much time together, the players became much closer and grew as a team and individuals. After four months of pushing each other through rigorous workouts that included running, heavy weightlifting, vertical leap training and competitive pick-up games, the team has come out more mentally and physically prepared to make a run at the Big East title.
Taking it a step further, Bridget Denson-Dorman and Megan Fry proudly displayed the skills and chemistry that they honed over the summer when they teamed up to win a beach tournament in Long Island.
Even the players who trained on their own during the offseason have fit in exceptionally well to this point. While Isaac missed out on the intrasquad pick-up games and workouts, she made the most of her time last summer by training in a professional facility near her home. Isaac worked out under the supervision of trainers that also work with NFL players, including wide receivers Chad Johnson and Anthony Gonzalez. Isaac said she participated in running drills everyday and lifted weights three times a week at the facility.
"In order to be a successful team you have to respect each other and have a genuine care for one another," Strauss said. "If you care about each other, chances are, you will do everything in your power not to let each other down."
To this point, no one has let the Huskies down. UConn is putting forth a total team effort each match, as they have swept five of their eight matches and have had a blast in doing so.
"When you're having fun, the game comes so much easier and you can play to the best of your ability," sophomore libero Jessica Isaac said. "Right now, we're playing loose and playing pretty well. Our chemistry is absolutely terrific at this point."
UConn's chemistry didn't develop overnight. Every player on the team, with the exception of Isaac and Devon Farrell, stayed on campus during the summer to play and work out together. In spending so much time together, the players became much closer and grew as a team and individuals. After four months of pushing each other through rigorous workouts that included running, heavy weightlifting, vertical leap training and competitive pick-up games, the team has come out more mentally and physically prepared to make a run at the Big East title.
Taking it a step further, Bridget Denson-Dorman and Megan Fry proudly displayed the skills and chemistry that they honed over the summer when they teamed up to win a beach tournament in Long Island.
Even the players who trained on their own during the offseason have fit in exceptionally well to this point. While Isaac missed out on the intrasquad pick-up games and workouts, she made the most of her time last summer by training in a professional facility near her home. Isaac worked out under the supervision of trainers that also work with NFL players, including wide receivers Chad Johnson and Anthony Gonzalez. Isaac said she participated in running drills everyday and lifted weights three times a week at the facility.
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