STUDENTLIFE I INTERNATIONAL I SOCIALCLUBS I ACADEMICS I PEOPLE I LEADERSHIP I ATHLETICS I ORGANIZATIONS Large senior class contributed to impressive volleyball season accomplishments. I n her seventhseason, Head Volleyball Coach Meredith Fear said the 2018 volleyball team was the most unique squad she had ever coached. The team included seven seniors who played since their freshman year, which warranted some changes from Fear. Instead of having two or three team captains, she named all seven seniors captains of the team. "I always get the team's opinions on captain, and there was no unanimous decision," Fear said. "We heard every single one of their names. That just showed us how much each senior played a huge role with leadership on this team because any one of them could have been the captain." For senior outside hitter Emily Clayton, the decision was an exciting one, and one shethought benefited the team nicely. "Chemistry-wise, we didn't really have conflict anymore," Clayton said.'We all have bold personalities for sure, so it was nice to have a sounding board of six other people instead of just two people going against the rest of the team." This decision affected the chemistry of the team and how well they played together. Overall, Fear was impressed with how they handled themselves both on and off the court as a ream. Seniordefensive specialist Taylor Eubank said that, like Clayton, she thought the chemistry amongst the team was the best it had ever been. Both seniors recognized that, when they left, the younger players needed to be able to step into those leadership roles and agreed that they would do well because of how much of a family the team became. "Our team is like a family and we all stick together," Eubank said. "No matter what's going on, we can come together and get our jobs done and have the same goals. It's been great." Fear said she did not want to take away from the season, but as a coach, it was important for her to look forward and to have the mindset and ability to think of the entire program. "Yes, you are thinking of a person, or a team for that year, but you also have to think what this is going to look like next year or four years down the line," Fear said. "So, you always have to be a step or two ahead while you're also focused on the moment. I will always especially miss this group of girls, but as a coach, I have to keep recruiting while also balancing living in the moment." Sophomoredefensive specialist Katherine Cowart said her senior teammates would be greatly missed. "[The seniors] made all the younger girls feel so welcomed and included," Cowart said. "They pushed us to be the best in volleyball, life and school, which was amazing to have in our corner. We are going to miss them so much." story by Baylee Hedden & Haley Hood The volleyball team celebrates after theirfirst-ever NCAA Tournament victory over University ofNebraska at Kearney on Nov. 15, 2018, at University of Nebraska t Kearney. As the No. 8 seed in the NCAACentral Region, the Lady Bisons upset the No.1 seed Lopers 3-2. I photo courtesy of Rick Tucker and the Kearny Hub newspaper The Lady Bisons volleyball team prepares to throw their customized, miniature volleyballs into the crowd before their game against University ofArkansas at Monticello on Nov. 1, 2018, in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. The team threw out volleyballs during player introductions at each home game to friends, parents andfans. I photo by Sterling McMichael Senior outside hitter Madison Poen jumps for an attack against Southern Arkansas University on Sept. 20, 2018, in the Rhodes-Reaves Field House. Harding swept the Muleriders 3-0. I photo by Sterling McMichael 232
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