A Video By Abby Mohrbutter, Bryn McGorman, Sarah Wilson
For TRU’s volleyball teams, motivation isn’t an individual thing, it’s something built together. We met up with some of the men’s and women’s volleyball players to get an inside scoop on what motivates them through a long season, what it takes to get to the U SPORTS level and who on the team motivates them. We also interviewed the coaches of both teams and asked them what they look for when recruiting players and what they are most excited for this season. Every player had a different answer, but one thing was common, their love for the game, and their teammates who got them through the long season. Volleyball is a long and tiring season, the first games start in the end of October, and continue into March, plus they have preseason which starts at the end of August, and continue training until they go home for the summer. Plus once home, the post season training begins. Staying motivated to lift weights, get reps and go to practice, plus balancing several classes, and social life and weekend travels to competition, is tough. The grind is an art that both volleyball teams have mastered.
But it’s not just players who shape the culture of motivation. We sat down with coaches from both teams to understand what they look for when recruiting athletes as well as what they are excited for this season. The coaches consistently mentioned that they’re seeking more than skill. Yes, talent matters,height, jump, speed, and technique all factor into recruiting. But they also talked about the student aspect of recruiting, as well as how they are as a person. They mentioned talking to club coaches of athletes, and more. When the coaches were asked about what they were excited for this season, they both answered similar things. Chad Grimm talked about how the group is gelling, and how he was excited to see where the season ended. Pat Hennely talked about how all years are getting a chance on the court and it is interesting to see the impact of it all. This story, along with our video, offers a glimpse into the reality behind TRU volleyball. It’s not just about the games or the stats; it’s about everything that happens in the in-between moments. The grind, the preparation, the support systems, and the constant decision to keep pushing toward something bigger.
These interviews were a chance for some of the men’s and women’s volleyball players to take a chance to express their passion for the sport they play and say what helps keep them motivated throughout the intensity of the season. If you are interested in being a U SPORTS athlete or want to get to know your wolfpack athletes better, watch our video 🙂
