Indians ready for volleyball after long layoff

Jody Havens’ second season at the helm of the Mississinewa Indians volleyball program was another resounding success.

With a stout group of seniors flanked by a plethora of talent in the lower grades, the Indians finished with 15 victories, including a Grant Four championship, all while showcasing consistent growth throughout the season.  

While they did lose several standouts, including top setters Tyra Stanley and Jenna Berryhill, a strong group of returners, all of whom are dedicated to taking Mississinewa volleyball to the next level, should help the Indians remain competitive in 2020. 

Since March, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected sports at all levels in the United States. Mississinewa, like every other team in the area, has had their share of challenges.

“Gym time was next to none. We had kids that were playing club and some playing club that hadn’t before,” Mississinewa Head Coach Jody Havens said. “They had made the decision to put more effort, time, and commitment into volleyball, and then it was nixed. On that level, it was super frustrating.”

However, the Indians thrived despite the current circumstances, putting together all kinds of workouts and drills to perform remotely.

Despite a loosened workout requirement, many of the Indians’ players consistently worked during the pause to hone their craft and achieve peak performance in preparation for the eventuality of playing together again.

“Mississinewa did things right in the offseason and during quarantine,” Havens said. “We had eight weeks of virtual online workouts. There was a core of kids that didn’t miss [any.] Their natural leadership not only in the gym, but virtually, [was on display.] The commitment from the majority of our athletes was phenomenal. I don’t know how to praise them enough. I think that they really grew from that. There’s good to take from all of this, also.” 

While the Indians anticipate playing catch-up due to the late start to the offseason, Havens believes that her team is ahead of the game physically, as they have already arrived to workouts in great shape. 

It will take time to develop the necessary chemistry required for optimal performance, but reflection on the year’s happenings, renders a team simply happy to be back in the gym with one another.

“Getting back into the gym, it’s like all the craziness disappears and life is real again,” Havens said. “It’s a different level of competitiveness, obviously, but these kids were eager to get into the gym. They were ready to get started. They don’t want to leave. When our practice time is up, they are looking for other time slots. 

“They are a committed group, and if they continue to work as hard as they have been, they’ll do some great things.” 

Much like last season, the Indians have a perfect blend of senior leadership in Kaycee Sands, Katie Hosier, and Darah Watson, combined with superb athletes in Mia Catey, Carly Bolser, Sophie Corey, and many others.  

Watson is a natural athlete and playmaker. She may not be the tallest girl on the court, but she has the ability to make highlight-reel plays out of nowhere. 

Corey grew into the defensive specialist role last year, and Havens expects her to take another step in her development this coming fall. 

Bolser and Catey give the Indians a lot of height on both the outside and in the middle and should give opposing defenses fits. 

Overall, it is an impressive group, and – one that could carry Mississinewa volleyball to new heights in 2020. 

“Our juniors and seniors are all pretty determined kids,” Havens said. “They are all very competitive. They understand that the face of our team is different, but they are ready and willing to fill whatever role is needed of them. When you have athletes capable of doing that, that’s a blessing, and if any group is going to do it and take the reins, it’s going to be this group.”

Mississinewa will begin their season on Monday, August 17 against Eastern. 

“Every season, you want to surprise people,” Havens said. “You want to look at your weaknesses, and you want to turn them into positives. You want to improve, and you want to get more wins every season. These girls are determined. With their personalities and their commitment, I’ll think they’ll do that.” 

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