Volleyball team works to find normalcy

In a world defined by new ways of doing old things, CSB Volleyball has been working hard to create a sense of normalcy.

Facing a slew of cancelled games, including NCAA regionals and championships, the main concern of practice has gone from preparation to safety.

“Practices have become more challenging with trying to have everyone there and being able to do meaningful work, while still keeping safety in mind,” Senior Maddie Weiss said.

Maddie and twin sister Hunter have both been on the team since their first year at St. Ben’s and have thus gotten to know Head Coach Nicole Hess very well.

“She expects the same thing from as every other season; we should still be lifting and working hard at practice even if it’s not traditional. We should still be leaders to the underclassmen and exemplify how the program runs,” Maddie said.

“Nicole expects that in practice we maintain high communication and work ethic. These two things are extremely important during the season, and practicing them now helps maintain that focused mindset, while also developing those skills for when the season does truly start,” Hunter Weiss said.

Hunter stressed the importance of practicing communication and work ethic while other components of practice remain on hold.

“We can’t do the group drills we normally do and everything is a lot more individualized. It’s hard not being able to practice fully as a team,” Hunter Weiss said.

“With volleyball especially, you rely so much on other players it can be hard to not be able to put the pieces together,” Maddie Weiss said.

Maintaining focus through the pandemic has been difficult for college students across the country, and Hunter and Maddie Weiss are no exception.

“To stay focused, I try to remember what I love about volleyball and use that as motivation,” Maddie Weiss said.

“I stay focused by trying to maintain as consistent of a schedule as I can. I try to follow a schedule like I normally do this time of year. This way I maintain that mindset I normally have in the fall,” Hunter Weiss said. “This season has been hard especially because you have this expectation for the season and it is not that.”

While games against non-MIAC competitors are off the table for what remains of the Bennies’ 2020 season, MIAC games will hopefully be played sometime in the spring. This includes the MIAC championship, which would usually be played in early November.