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.
Like Isaac, the freshmen have stepped in without missing a beat. Outside hitter Rebecca Murray claimed a spot on the Big East Honor Roll after an impressive debut. The following weekend, fellow freshman Lauren Lamberti stole the headlines as she was named MVP of the Davidson Invitational after tallying 22 kills, 10 blocks and 8 digs in the three-match event. Not to be forgotten is freshman defensive specialist Margot Deméré. Deméré has appeared in only four matches this season, but has began to work her way into the rotation more consistently. Strauss noted that Deméré brings a ton of energy to the team and has a winning attitude. After all, Deméré was a member of the No. 3 high school team in America last season at La Costa Canyon HS (Encitas, Calif.), so the Huskies 7-1 start is not unfamiliar for the 5-foot-9 freshman.
Don't expect this influx of talent to stop anytime soon. Strauss has established herself as an ace recruiter as she scours the country for up and coming prospects. She has found a reliable pipeline in Minnesota, the home state of Denson-Dorman and junior hitters Fry and Lorelle Schaub. Strauss, who also has uncovered talent in Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, and California, gives the university much of the credit for her recruiting prowess.
"The University of Connecticut is a great institution academically and athletically. Thanks to our basketball programs we have a name is the athletic world, we're UConn," Strauss said. "The name attracts many talented athletes, and once you get them here they fall in love with the highly reputable academics and campus."
And once the players get on campus and don that UConn uniform, they develop a sense of pride, commitment, and care for one another that can lead to greatness.
Contact Kevin Duffy at Kevin.Duffy@UConn.edu.
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