By: Kevin Hulsmann '16
BEREA, Ohio --- The Baldwin Wallace University volleyball team begins a new era this fall as Scott Carter becomes the fifth volleyball coach in Yellow Jacket history.
Carter comes to BW after serving his past three years as the head coach at nearby Hiram College where he had an impressive, 72-25 record. He is confident that his team will return to the top of one of Division III's toughest conferences.
"I expect our girls to compete at a high level, work hard and develop a championship team culture," said Carter. "Our upperclassmen need to set these high standards as an example for our incoming freshman to follow.
"We have a very young group, but even though we are young, our yearly expectation, even in 2015, is to be highly competitive in the Ohio Athletic Conference," said Carter. "Depending on how quickly we can mature in our attention to detail, and focus on the intangibles necessary for high-level success, I believe the potential exists to create an immediate opportunity to win an OAC championship.
"We are really looking forward to preseason camp," continued Carter. "I feel it will be a very, very competitive atmosphere, focused on commitment to high personal standards and dedicated to championship process and lifestyle."
Carter returns six veterans who were a part of last season's rotation. The six are led by junior All-OAC libero Arlayna Newcomer (Norwalk/ St. Paul), senior outside hitter Anna Miley (West Salem/Northwestern), junior setter Sydney Robinson (Silver Lake/Cuyahoga Falls), sophomore outside hitter Melissa Metz (Medina/Our Lady of the Elms), sophomore outside hitter Lauryn Wright (Orrville) and sophomore middle hitter Ellen Hawkins (Worthington/ Thomas Worthington). Add sophomore defensive specialist Emily Daveant (North Ridgeville), who returns after an injury plagued freshman season. The seven will be looked upon for both veteran production and leadership.
Newcomer played in all 30 matches last season and had a team-leading 660 defensive digs and 50 service aces. The 2015 team captain enters this season with 948 career digs, 75 service aces and 31 set assists. Miley, also a 2015 team captain, had a breakout season a year ago. She had a team-leading 261 kills with a .229 hitting percentage. She added 136 digs, 30 blocks and seven assists. Miley enters this fall with 344 career kills, 45 blocks and 188 digs. Robinson, who split time at the setter position last season, will compete with three freshmen setters. She enters her third season with 420 assists, 112 digs and 36 aces a year ago.
Look for Metz to contribute in a different capacity this season. The outside hitter will move to defense this season after contributing 118 kills, 466 digs and 20 total blocks. Carter hopes the move will provide depth and consistency to a talented backcourt. Wright is expected to battle for the right side hitter position after playing in 29 matches last season. She had a strong freshman campaign and was third with 200 kills, hit .189 and had 53 digs and 32 total blocks. Carter hopes she will add depth on offense.
Hawkins, who had 96 kills, 41 total blocks, 36 digs and hit .175 last season, is a utility attacker who will compete for a spot at multiple positions. Daveant will battle for a role at defensive specialist.
In addition to his veterans, Carter has an outstanding recruiting class and a few transfers who will help make preseason camp even more competitive.
Carter is excited for the start of the season and believes the schedule reflects the new era and mission of BW volleyball.
"Our schedule is specifically designed to immediately establish competitive expectations as well as a long-term culture of championship success," said Carter. "It will provide challenging opportunities and competitive situations where the team can test their resolve, and the program can establish a clear identity."
BW opens its season in Adrian, Michigan when they face Adrian (Mich.) College on Tuesday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. The Yellow Jackets open OAC play on Saturday, October 3 when they host Muskingum University at 1:00 p.m. in the Rudolph Ursprung Gymnasium. BW also will host the Marcia French Memorial Tournament on September 11-12.
