Galesburg volleyball is starting out with a busy week. At home vs Burlington (Monday), At Morton (Tuesday), and then at Quincy’s Early Bird Tourney (Saturday). The Quincy Tourney traditionally is one of the better downstate volleyball tourneys.
Coach Nicole Kisler is starting her third season as the varsity head coach at Galesburg HS. This past summer, she added some new things to the Streaks’ routine. Besides their normal summer camp, they played competitively in Kimbrough Fieldhouse and got involved in a couple college camps.
Coach Kisler introduced these competitive challenges to not only increase the team’s skill level but to bring a level of excitement to the program. In reaching out to Coach Kisler, it is obvious that she has great energy and sees good things ahead for the volleyball program.
“We will continue to look for more teams to join us in the future.”
Massey- This summer you brought in some other school to play games in Kimbrough Fieldhouse, and you traveled to play games at college camps. This had to be a great experience for the players.
Kisler- We hosted teams at the Kimbrough Fieldhouse every Tuesday in July playing 3 matches total each time. We invited several different teams: Macomb, Knoxville, Monmouth- Roseville, Washington, Dunlap, PND, and Limestone. Our team beat everyone except Limestone(#2 in the state last season), but had a great showing against them.
We will continue to look for more teams to join us in the future. This has worked out really well for us and we plan to continue inviting teams outside of the WB6 as much as possible.
Sophomores and Freshman were able to get a couple of matches in during the summer as well, which was new and made possible by Coach Huft.
We took Freshmen and Sophomore players to Augustana College for a one day team camp, this was specific for our team only, so they were very focused on them and their skills. We also returned to U of I and took 2 squads for a weekend in July. This is more than the program has done before and only possible by the generous donors of last year’s fundraising.
“This season Varsity decided on putting it all together with the culture of L.O.V.E.”
Massey- How many players do you have out for volleyball on each of the levels at GHS?
Kisler- 40 athletes total- Varsity - 15, Sophomores - 13, Freshmen - 12
Massey- When every coach takes over a program, they want to put their stamp on things. How do you hope the program and culture have grown over the last few years?
Kisler- I know the program has grown in the aspects of volleyball IQ and speeding up our game. We also saw a lot of growth in the younger players in the weight room this summer.
Culture was such a big part of my coaching strategy when I started as varsity coach. I knew we were not going to be successful until we believed in winning and ultimately understood the game better. My first year focused on elevating our game. Last year we took a big step toward making "Team" a priority and led with the culture of G.R.I.T., Give, Respect, Intention, Together. It didn't matter who was on the floor at any point, we were a team.
All summer, I have been pushing the concept of "Better Together" and preaching to all players to make sure our culture and game strategy goes through all levels and it starts with varsity. This season Varsity decided on putting it all together with the culture of L.O.V.E.
Lift each other up.
Operate together.
Value each other.
Elevate our game.
I believe they are elevating themselves mentally and physically, which will give them an edge on the court.
“Wow, these returning players have grown in all sorts of ways…”
Massey- As coaches, as soon as one season finishes, we develop a “to do list” of things we have to get better at. What was your list of areas you wanted to focus on during the past off-season?
Kisler- We wanted to focus on passing along with footwork and reading the ball. We know if you pass well and serve well, you are more likely to win games.
We focused on getting our Freshmen coming in to understand intense training and the amount of reps it takes to get this done.
We, of course, put this to all the levels over the summer, but I feel we have better buy in from the upperclassmen, which showed the incoming Freshmen that it was worth their time. We will eventually see if this is paying off.
Massey- Who do you return on your roster? And who are some of the new faces who will play roles for you?
Kisler- We are returning 8 seniors. Most of these players started for me last season, and all saw some playing time. Taylor Adams, Grace Herchenroder (broke the record for the most digs at GHS), Taylor Herchenroder, Macey Huft, Evelin Guel, Molly Tomeo, Addy Painter and Cali Froelich. Ava Marty was also a starter for us last season and is a junior. Wow, these returning players have grown in all sorts of ways and it is helping our juniors have their rhythm sooner.
We are adding 5 more juniors; Ellie Johnson, Savannah Nelson, Veronica Sanchez, Audrey Rodriguez and Emma Matumona. We will have one sophomore joining our roster this season and that is Ella Lardi. Even as a sophomore, she has already put a lot of time and dedication into this game she loves and she deserves the jersey. Ellie Johnson and Savannah Nelson are 2 juniors that are proving themselves right now. I am excited for all of them to get the opportunity to play. It really boils down to who is ready for the challenge.
Massey- What are you the most excited about this year?
Kisler- I am most excited to see the hard work everyone has put in to show up when we compete. Varsity lost a good amount of sets/matches last season by 2-3 points. Also, Sophomore and Freshman to get a spark, hopefully, lit by varsity!
“…coaching is a lot of work, but I love it!”
Massey- Who will be the powers in the WB6? The area?
Kisler- Of course, Quincy is always a strong program, Geneseo and Moline continue to be at the top of the conference as well. Galesburg will be showing up big this season and my prayer for these players is to make the most of the opportunity in front of them. We have the potential to be at the top of the conference. I believe it with my whole heart.
Massey- Coaching is a lot of work, what do you enjoy about it the most?
Kisler- Yes, coaching is a lot of work, but I love it! The best feeling is seeing an athlete really understand a skill, strategy, drill or whatever it is and execute it. Probably the second most enjoyable feeling is seeing that natural athlete or maybe even the top athlete become humble and a true leader. I really want these players to ultimately feel like sports made them a stronger and a better person inside and out.
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