Head coach Amanda Ault is not afraid of the past.
Not of GW’s most recent past record of play, after her team led off the season with 10 victories but then went 0-3 on its recent trip to the San Diego Invitational. And not of GW’s past season, which ended on a eight-game losing streak against A-10 opponents.
Ault wants to revamp GW’s volleyball program on the court and in the stands. And she’s determined to utilize its past to do so.
“I told the team at practice that last season is in the past and we can either run from the past or learn from the past,” Ault said. “Learning from the past is making changes and moving forward and that’s what we’re doing.”
The Colonials have been anchored this season by reliably strong performers, such as junior Candace Silva-Martin and sophomore Jamie Armstrong, rocks on defense; or junior Lauren Whyte and senior Katie Crosby, who have provided an offensive tempo for the team.
Ault said she recognizes the importance of having all 15 of her players prepared and in form. Depth across the roster, she said, is crucial to continually solid performances from the team as a unit. The ability to utilize substitutions and rotations through the bench gives the Colonials an extra edge. Ault is enthusiastic about strong individual play, but she is more impressed by her team’s ability to play as a single unit.
“We talk about how we are as strong as our one through 15,” Ault said. “We are at our best when everyone makes an impact and everyone embraces their role. The 15 of them have to go into the game and just get the job done.”
As Ault works to make her team more competitive on the court, she is also hoping to expand its home fan base. She recognizes the importance of having fan support at games, noting that larger crowds equate to a home-court advantage.
Those crowds, too, will get people talking about her team, Ault said. She noted that a strong fan support will turn into more community conversation and recognition for her players.
“It’s not just that we are getting people into the stands but it is creating an atmosphere now. The fans add legitimacy to the games. And not just for the players, but for the entire athletic staff too,” Ault said. “We want to continue to grow and get as many students to come out as possible. We want to have that great fan base. “
Ault’s determined to bring that avid fan support to the Smith Center, one game at a time. It starts with examining the past, she said, learning from those mistakes, and then moving on, exhibiting better play and not repeating the same errors.
Strong play, Ault said, and solid community support, will push the team to their ultimate goal: the postseason.
“Going to the A-10 tournament will always be one of our goals and that begins this weekend in conference play,” Ault said. “And, of course, going to the NCAA tournament is our ultimate goal.”
