Excellence has become the standard for the University of Tampa Women’s Volleyball team. Over the past 26 seasons, Coach Chris Catanach has an 843-157 record.
That’s a staggering win percentage of .843. He ranks second and third in D-II wins and percentage, respectively. Right now, the Spartans are 11-0, losing only five sets out of 34. With Coach Catanach at the helm, an excellent coaching staff behind him and consistent, strong recruiting classes, it’s hard to imagine the excellence subsiding.
“We try to develop the players from their freshman year. We like to establish continuity and not go with the multiple transfer route. That being said, if we screw up a recruiting class we feel the effects later on.”
Catanach has put the newly recruited freshmen on display early against Tiffin and Clarion. In last week’s games, though, against Asusza Pacific and No. 8 ranked Central Missouri, the entire Spartans squad was tested. Both matches went to five sets; naturally tense moments for any coach when the match comes down to the final set.
“Both teams were good. Asuza Pacific was 6’1” across the front line. But once we won the first game, we slowed down a little. We need to maintain that high-level of play throughout the whole match.”
New leadership on the team is integral to maintaining success. Catanach has coached some excellent players over his time, yet he upholds that no single player can win or lose a game for any team. However, there are a few players that can help.
“There isn’t one player we can’t do without. But keys to our success are libero Julie Howlett and middle hitter Danielle Selkridge.”
Selkridge, a junior from Tortola in the Virgin Islands, serves as one of the more experienced pieces on the team. Last year, she led the Sunshine State Conference with a .461 hitting percentage, and was second in the nation in the same category. She was also fourth in the SSC with 106 blocks. Experience helps, but as any other seasonal change, there will be some adjusting to this year’s squad.
“As a team we were much closer last year, but we’re still growing. It’s a new year.”
Selkridge understands that no player can endure a season without improving particular aspects of her game. She realizes that complacency can breed mistakes, and she will be the last one to get too comfortable resting on her laurels.
“[I’m getting better at] hitting in different angles and paying more attention to direction from the outside. The setter is an important part, too. If she doesn’t do well, I can’t do well.”
The toughest match of the season so far has been against No. 8 Central Missouri. The Spartans entered the game focused and determined, knowing that this match would be no cake walk. However, Selkridge believed that the teams matched up well. When they were put to the test, they succeeded.
“It was a great match,” Selkridge said. “We matched up well, and we played to win the game.”
New addition to the team, Jackie Neff has also been contributing. Neff, a freshman, has already helped in every way that she has been expected.
Neff had a storied career in high school. She was the four-time Most Outstanding player for her school, set school records for most kills and digs in a season, and led the team in hitting percentage as the varsity captain her senior year.
The University of Tampa seemed like a perfect fit.
“I really liked the coaching staff. The team also has a great winning tradition.”
High-school statistics aside, Neff understands that the transition from high-school athletics to college athletics can be an intimidating one.
“Taking pointers from my teammates helps a lot. We’re like a family. The adjustment has been quick, but I feel like I’ll be able to adjust to the speed.”
Neff seems to be well on her way to the speed adjustment. She recorded two blocks and three kills against Central Missouri, as well as four digs against Clarion. The season is off to a strong start, aided by another victory on Tuesday night against SSC foe Florida Southern. So the question is; is there a National Championship on the horizon?
“One game at a time,” Selkridge says.
“We can’t look past any games this season,” Neff says.
“Game by game,” Catanach says. “We focus on the match of the week, and we go from there.”
Focus is the key, and it looks like the Spartans have it.
Greg Spracklin can be reached at gspracklin@spartans.ut.edu.