After ETSU announced that fall sports would be postponed due to COVID-19, volleyball head coach Benavia Jenkins was forced to alter her squad’s preparation schedule and invest trust in the young women.
Not only was the team’s season postponed to spring, but workouts and practices had been shelved as well.
It was then up to Jenkins’ roster to maintain their own personal fitness expectations. The former Florida Gators volleyball star, entering her second season with the Bucs, seemed pleased with her team’s dedication.
“Our players have done a really good job taking advantage of using this off-time to train,” said Jenkins. “We’ve been able to use this time wisely and continue to get better.”
Jenkins highlighted the dilemma.
“When you’re losing your team for a certain amount of time, it can be tough,” said Jenkins. “Everyone has to follow their workout plan and conditioning schedule.”
Though the team holds obvious talent, it is noted that ETSU also touts one of the youngest squads in the Southern Conference for the spring 2021 season.
Jenkins, however, believes that two players have taken on the crucial position as team leaders — something that the Bucs desperately needed.
“Lauren Hatch (Homewood, Illinois) and Olivia Cunningham (Knoxville, Tennessee) have really stepped it up,” said Jenkins. “I’m impressed with their leadership and the team respects those two player a whole lot.”
Now that the season is approaching, Jenkins sets her sights towards what really matters: success on the volleyball court.
The Bucs finished second in the SoCon conference last season, possessing a 25-6 overall record and a 14-2 conference record.
Jenkins, sounding optimistic about the upcoming season, detailed what ETSU fans should expect as the Bucs begin their journey through the 2021 season.
“Fans can expect a fun team,” said Jenkins. “They work hard in practice and I know that we can expect the same during games.”
