Rebuild and Redemption. Those are good words to describe the outlook for NIU volleyball as it approaches the start of the 2024 season.
Coming off the heels of an 8-22 season, NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore is looking for her unit to reinforce strengths and improve weaknesses as they scrap for their spot in a competitive MAC.
PLAYING AS ONE
D’Amore is going to look to her seniors to lead the charge for this squad. Her two captains in particular will play huge parts, but it won’t be limited to them. D’Amore stated that she is looking for every member of her team to step up this season as they work together.
“I think a message for this team is that everybody is a leader,” D’Amore said.
This approach will make every player’s role pivotal as the season goes on and the team builds trust throughout games.
Togetherness is also something senior libero Crew Hoffmeier spoke about when asked about adjustments she has made heading into her second season at NIU.
“An adjustment I have made is having a better relationship with my teammates on and off the court,” Hoffmeier said. “I think having good team chemistry is super important.”
MAINTAINING THE DEFENSE
The 2023 Huskies were powered through their defense. They finished 1st in the MAC in blocks and opponent blocks despite the overall team struggles.
The recipe for the 2024 Huskies will be to keep that much of the same. The ingredients will be built on the elite blockers, like senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo and junior middle blocker Savanah Brandt, holding down the fort. Assisting the front line will be Hoffmeier, who looks to continue her recent success, ranking third in the MAC in digs in 2023.
OFFENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS
While the Huskies defense excelled last year, their offense was severely lacking, coming out as subpar in every statistical metric, including a ninth-place ranking in assists.
There’s no magic tool to fixing an offense, but NIU has brought in fresh talent in an effort to revive the attacking side of its game. These additions include freshmen setter Ella Strausberger, sophomore setter Kylie Schulze and senior setter Sophie Hurt.
Acclimating new players is something D’Amore is prepared for heading into the early stretch of the season.
“There’s nothing solidified in what we’re doing, and we need those first few games to kind of see who can play under pressure and who came ready to play,” D’Amore said.
D’Amore also pointed out the improvement in depth on the team.
“I think we have more depth across the board,” D’Amore said. “We have a young group of talented freshmen who are talented and competitive. And they’re pushing the returners and we’re excited to see how it all meshes together.”
MAC PLAY
In 2023 the Huskies experienced first-hand the tough competition the MAC had to offer, going 6-12 in MAC play and ending on a 10-game losing streak. However, the Huskies appear eager to face the challenge.
When asked what games she is looking forward to this season, Hoffmeier named Western Michigan University, the reigning MAC champions, as one she has highlighted.
“The games against Western Michigan are always fun,” Hoffmeier said. “It’s very high intensity. They’re a great team.”
NIU volleyball begins its season at 6 p.m. Friday in the Convocation Center to face Western Illinois University. The match will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be found on SIDEARM Stats.
