Adekale Ande, Campus Carrier Assistant Sports Editor
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| Adekale Ande | CAMPUS CARRIER |
The Vikings finished their 2015-2016 campaign with a 25-8 overall record. They fell short in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) championship match against Hendrix College.
This year they look to pursue a SAA conference championship. They are under new leadership this season. Former assistant coach Caitlyn Moriarty has been promoted to head coach. Moriarty has also brought J.T. Oates and volunteer coach Katie O’Rourke (Berry alumna and former player) along on her staff.
With Moriarty as an assistant coach, the Vikings had a 94-36 overall record and they were 47-10 in SAA conference play. Moriarty won the “Thirty Under 30” award last year from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
Sophomore outside hitter Christina Goforth flourished as a freshman under Mika Robinson and only sees more room for growth under Moriarty.
“She definitely has a different coaching style than Mika in a lot of ways,” Goforth said. “But she’s really unified us and has done a really good job of keeping us together and keeping us set on the core values of our team.”
The team has 12 returning players and four newcomers. They have depth in every position and are veteran heavy. With eight sophomores and five upperclassmen, the Vikings have experience on their side, and with experience comes leadership opportunities.
“This is a transitional season and I want to step up and be a leader on the team,” junior defensive specialist Elizabeth Ragland said. “I’m excited to be there for the girls on my team no matter what that looks like.”
Keeping a team together will take a strong will and a passion for the game of volleyball, according to Moriarty. But for her, it’s not just about the competition.
“We have an open door policy, so the players are able to chat with us about all things whether its volleyball related, school related or on a personal note,” Moriarty said. “For us as coaches we’re not coaching necessarily for the wins, but I see volleyball as a vehicle to teach life lessons and allow them to be life ready after college.”
Berry is well poised to finish amongst the top in the SAA conference as their season begins this week. Winning conference will be a step forward for the Vikings, but they aren’t satisfied with just one step.
“I think that this team this year has all the potential to go to the National Championship game and I don’t say that lightly,” Ragland said. “I fully believe that and I’m excited to start playing.”
Berry starts regular season play as they host Reinhardt at 7 p.m. on Sept. 1. They will also host a tournament on Sept. 2 and 3.