2021 Season Outlook

2021 SEASON

OUTLOOK

As the West Virginia University women’s volleyball team prepares for its first match of the 2021 season, it’s time to hear what head coach Reed Sunahara expects to see from his team this season.

Entering his seventh season with the Mountaineers, Sunahara most recently led his team to one of its most successful conference finishes. The squad posted a programbest, 8-8 mark to finish fourth overall in the Big 12. For the second consecutive season, programs will play a double round-robin format of 16 matches scheduled in eight double-headers. Competition against the same opponent will occur at the same site in consecutive days, unless extenuating circumstances. The host site for the series is reversed from last season’s schedule. The team(s) that finishes with the highest winning percentage will be crowned the Big 12 champion. Sunahara’s players are certain to give it their all on the volleyball court this fall. With the first competition in sight, Sunahara sat down to share his thoughts on the Mountaineers’ upcoming season.

You are coming off one of the best seasons in WVU volleyball history. How will you and your team continue to grow and get better?

Our motto is getting 1% better daily. They’re not satisfied with last year’s finish and have continued to work hard to be even better this season. They will do everything to build off of what we accomplished last season.

How do you feel about your growth as a coach over the last six years?

I have grown a lot over the last six years. Every day and every year is a learning experience. I feel that we are on the upward swing, and we have continued to get better since I arrived in 2015. I look forward to what the future holds for this team.

A total of six letterwinners return to the court this season. Who are your key returners?

All of our returners are key for us. They bring a wealth of experience to our program. (Fifth year middle blocker) Briana (Lynch) being named to the 2020-21 All-Big 12 First Team and (senior setter) Lacey (Zerwas) on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Also, (Fifth year defensive specialist) Alexa (Hasting) being a three-year starter for our squad definitely helps.

You have a lot of new faces joining the team. Six to be exact. How has it been getting them acquainted to the team?

With all the new players, it’s been fun watching them fit in and contribute to our program. They’re working hard and figuring out what their roles are to help add value to our program. I like the improvements that they are making.

Are there any newcomers that could make an impact?

One of the main reasons I recruited (Redshirt senior setter) Adrian Ell and (fifth year outside hitter) Athena Ardila was their collegiate playing experience. They add a lot to what we’re doing. With the freshmen, they all bring different things to the table so I’m excited to see their contribution.

The world of sports is finally looking up after the COVID-19 Pandemic. How have you and your team taken advantage of being able to get back to an almost normal sports season?

I’m proud of our team for the way they handled the Pandemic. They’ve worked hard over the summer to get ready for the season and it’s been showing. It was a tough time, and it still is, but I hope that it’s closer to normal than not. We’re looking forward to having our fans back in the stands this season.”

Lynch was named to the All-Big 12 Preseason Team for the second year in a row. What are you looking to see from her this season?

I’m expecting big things out of Bri this season. I told her at the end of last season that she’s not even close to reaching her potential. Bri’s getting stronger every day, she’s worked really hard to get where she is.

How will the COVID-19 eligibility year help your team continue to be successful?

It brings experience to our program with our fifth-year players. These athletes will be a key to our success this season.