Central Washington University Volleyball: The family that never gives up
ELLENSBURG, Wash. (BVM) – Throughout the troubling times of COVID-19, dealing with sudden changes in protocols, and the anticipation of being able to step out on the court again, the Central Washington volleyball team persevered and ended their 2021 season with a bang.
After the 2021 fall season, the volleyball team ended with a record of 17-9, making it to the second round of the regional championship. Unfortunately Central lost to their rival , Western Washington, 3-1.
The Wildcats ended the season with a total of 1205 kills, 167 aces, 1401 digs and 224 blocks, placing fourth in the NCAA Division II rankings for the Western region.
“A success in so many ways,” Central Washington head coach Mario Andaya said about the 2021 season. “Making it to the NCAA tournament and all the team awards were definitely highlights but the most impressive accomplishment was how our team overcame the obstacles and hardships the pandemic presented.”
The Central volleyball team had decided not to compete in the 2020 season due to the pandemic, making them more than eager to get back out on the court and face their competitive opponents.
“We got to spend the 2020 season preparing with the young team that we have and then this season everyone finally got to see what we were working on.” says Junior setter Sydney Remsberg.
With only graduating three seniors and having two freshmen, the team is excited for the future seasons to come. The team describes its successful season as a legacy that they intend to carry on. With training during a pandemic, the team learned to adapt to new protocols such as wearing masks during practice, getting tested for COVID frequently, along with the fear and anxiety of getting COVID then having the program be temporarily shut down.
Even through the adversity of the pandemic, the Central volleyball team remained close by eating with each other, working out together, planning team activities and supporting one another mentally and emotionally during the peak of COVID-19. The team has always been known for its positive relationships with one another, but after facing trying times together and living through constant uncertainty, the team seems to be closer than ever.
“We succeeded, failed, and grew as a team in ways that we will be able to carry forward into the future,” explained recent fifth year graduate middle blocker Leanna Shyamaski.
After training for the whole of the 2020 season and then finally competing in 2021, the team earned highly successful awards regarding their volleyball skills. Hannah Stires, a sophomore libero, got the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Defensive Player of the Year award with an average of five digs per set. Tia Andaya, junior setter transfer from Gonzaga University and daughter of head coach Mario Andaya, earned a spot on first-team all conference as a setter and earned the Newcomer of the Year award. Ashley Kaufman, junior outside hitter, earned GNAC first-team honors by averaging three kills per set.
With the 2021 season now in the books, the girls and the coaches are excited to have another successful volleyball year, now being able to overcome the obstacle of a global pandemic. The ability to build off of previous seasons is a great skill to have as a team, learning from past mistakes and preparing for potential obstacles ahead. Conquering difficult times and coming out on top is difficult, but Central Washington’s volleyball team has not only mastered the game of volleyball but the game of life as well.
