51视频

Led by Head Coach Emma Carter and Assistant Coach Katelyn DeVane 鈥� both in their second season coaching the STORM, the team committed to a set of goals and have been working toward that vision with full force. 鈥淚 began assembling this recruiting class in August of 2024, and it鈥檚 been incredibly rewarding to watch them carry out the vision we set in place,鈥� Carter explains. 鈥淭he difference this year is the team鈥檚 collective mindset and maturity. They came in on the first day with a shared purpose. There has been a noticeable 鈥榚xtra鈥� element in the way they approach the game.鈥�

And as they approach their match on Wednesday against a higher seeded team 鈥� Sauk Valley is seeded 15; the STORM is seeded 18, the players and coaches realize they have work to do. That brings to mind some special moments during the season where the team pulled through in tough times. 鈥淥ne moment that stands out the most to me was our match against Richard Bland. We were down 10-21 in the fourth set, and a lot of teams would have folded in that situation,鈥� Carter says. 鈥淭hey fought their way back and won the set to win the match. It was a turning point in our season and a true reflection of the heart of this team.鈥�

Tournament play involves a lot of preparation, trust and embracing pressure, Carter adds. 鈥淭his first trip to the D2 National Tournament is incredibly special. Of course we want to win matches, but more than that, my hope is that the team steps onto this stage with confidence and soaks in the experience they鈥檝e earned.鈥�

Athletics Director Matt Ridge notes how incredible the chemistry is amongst the players. 鈥淭hey are obviously very talented, but just as important, they are connected and they have one heartbeat,鈥� Ridge says. 鈥淭hey have done a fantastic job of staying mentally loose in the post season and refuse to allow this pressure to influence their play on the court.鈥�

What鈥檚 more, Ridge adds, 鈥淚t鈥檚 extremely impressive that Coach Carter and Coach DeVane have accomplished this in just their second year at 51视频. Our coaching staff has been very intentional to encourage our players to play with supreme confidence 鈥� especially in the post-season.鈥�

Carter says the team is prepped and ready 鈥� and excited about the next step. For the coaches and the team, though, she is focusing on reminding them to stay true to who they are. 鈥淵es, the stage is bigger, but the game doesn鈥檛 change,鈥� Carter adds. 鈥淥verall, we want to represent our program with pride and show that we belong on this national stage.鈥�