Last year, the Georgetown women’s volleyball team managed to rebound dramatically from the season before—in which they tallied only five wins against twenty-seven losses—improving to 14-13 last season.
“We’ve been working very hard to change our culture, and our players really bought into it,” head coach Arlisa Williams said. “They’ve worked hard every single day, and our talent level continues to improve every year.”
But before the Hoyas can hope to make a similar leap this year, they must weather the losses of former captains Caitlin Boland and Kit Niesen, both four-year starters.
“I think that we’ll miss the experience that Caitlin and Kit brought, but our players have worked very hard to this point to become the leaders that they are,” Williams said. “Hopefully this is going to be an easy transition for us.”
Stepping up as team captains are seniors Kiersten McKoy and Courtney Cohen. Williams has faith that they will be able to fill the shoes of Boland and Niesen.
“I think that all of our players are looking up to our two current captains,” said Williams. “They were voted captains by their team and are recognized and respected for their ability to lead, their good communications skills, and just their love for our program.”
With 14 players currently on the roster, the Hoyas have great depth on their team this year.
The outside hitters on the team are junior Kortney Robinson and sophomore Sara Manley. Robinson is a dynamic player, relying on speed and determination, while Manley has a full year of playing experience after having started as a freshman. Completing the outside is freshman Paris Coleman, whom Williams said “makes everyone say, ‘Wow!’”
The Hoyas expect consistency from their middle blockers as well. Junior Vanessa Dorismond is a dominant force in the middle with both hitting and blocking, and freshman Lindsay Wise is expected to get a lot of playing time to show off her blocking abilities.
Both captains play on the right side. They, along with sophomore setter Ashley Malone, form the backbone of the squad. Malone must replace Boland, and whether she can replicate Georgetown’s third all-time leading assister may determine the fate of this season.
“We were one match short of the Big East Tournament last year,” Williams said. “Every single one of us is thinking about that as we take the floor for every practice and every competition.“
Georgetown started the season with consecutive losses before breaking through for their first win against American University. The Hoya’s home opener is scheduled for September 11 against William & Mary.
Photography courtesy SPORTSINFO
