Troy University Athletics
Josh Lauer Previews Setters and Defensive Specialists
8/21/2023 12:10:00 PM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. – Head coach Josh Lauer addressed the returning defensive specialists and setters on Monday morning ahead of the Trojan's season opener on Friday at the Louisville Cardinal Classic.
With multiple returners to the defensive specialist position and a new setter taking over the Trojan offense, the team is looking to build off the previous season's success.
In part one of a three-part series Lauer gives his thoughts on each position group, starting with the defensive specialists and the setters.
What have you seen from the DS and setter groups now that you have them back in the gym?
"Our setter and defensive specialist (DS) groups are experienced. Addison is a true freshman, but she's sharp, smart and coachable. Our DS group was driven over the summer and did a lot of good work without anybody else in the gym. Janelle has worked hard in her time here to prepare for this season and for her opportunity to take the reins in the program. It's a calm, level-headed group. They are going to set the tone, have a great voice and be stabilizers out there on the court for us. It's been fun to help them realize that and help them polish up things for serve/receive and the decision-making skills for our setters. I think that this group will be very dynamic and impactful this year."
How has your defensive game improved from last season?
"We understand our system a little bit better. We've noticed more communication between our back and front rows. Our DS group takes great pride in what they do back there. We've seen growth in this group being a lot more flexible defensively and positionally; that is something we want to continue to grow in and continue to get more dynamic in as the season goes on. We want to be able to use our athleticism wherever the team needs. This is an area we will be able to utilize more this year than last year."
How do these groups impact the team atmosphere, and what strengths do they bring to the program?
"This group is competitive. They set a good competitive tone in practice; that's one of the things that they get to add to the atmosphere. Janelle has good competitive composure. She's really levelheaded when the competitive pressure heats up in practice and matches. The same can be said about Olivia and Jaci as well. This is a good levelheaded competitive group. Caroline's our fire-starter in a really good way; she athletically flies around the court and just makes some plays that a lot of players can't make. They're doing a really good job of communicating about effort level, the energy and attitude that needs to be happening daily in and day out in our gym."
With multiple returners to the defensive specialist position and a new setter taking over the Trojan offense, the team is looking to build off the previous season's success.
In part one of a three-part series Lauer gives his thoughts on each position group, starting with the defensive specialists and the setters.
What have you seen from the DS and setter groups now that you have them back in the gym?
"Our setter and defensive specialist (DS) groups are experienced. Addison is a true freshman, but she's sharp, smart and coachable. Our DS group was driven over the summer and did a lot of good work without anybody else in the gym. Janelle has worked hard in her time here to prepare for this season and for her opportunity to take the reins in the program. It's a calm, level-headed group. They are going to set the tone, have a great voice and be stabilizers out there on the court for us. It's been fun to help them realize that and help them polish up things for serve/receive and the decision-making skills for our setters. I think that this group will be very dynamic and impactful this year."
How has your defensive game improved from last season?
"We understand our system a little bit better. We've noticed more communication between our back and front rows. Our DS group takes great pride in what they do back there. We've seen growth in this group being a lot more flexible defensively and positionally; that is something we want to continue to grow in and continue to get more dynamic in as the season goes on. We want to be able to use our athleticism wherever the team needs. This is an area we will be able to utilize more this year than last year."
How do these groups impact the team atmosphere, and what strengths do they bring to the program?
"This group is competitive. They set a good competitive tone in practice; that's one of the things that they get to add to the atmosphere. Janelle has good competitive composure. She's really levelheaded when the competitive pressure heats up in practice and matches. The same can be said about Olivia and Jaci as well. This is a good levelheaded competitive group. Caroline's our fire-starter in a really good way; she athletically flies around the court and just makes some plays that a lot of players can't make. They're doing a really good job of communicating about effort level, the energy and attitude that needs to be happening daily in and day out in our gym."
Player Postgame Press Conference (Luke Hodge, Tray Taylor) - No. 8 Clemson
Sunday, September 07
Gerad Parker Postgame Press Conference - No. 8 Clemson
Sunday, September 07
Troy at No. 8 Clemson (Full Highlights)
Sunday, September 07
Josh Lauer Postgame Press Conference - Jackson State
Saturday, September 06