Coach Pushes Team Despite 13-2 Start

Having been fed the same line before, Catanach politely nodded at the offer to watch Bray’s niece play, only a middle schooler at the time.

A couple years later, Bray’s niece came to a tryout where Catanach was recruiting. Now in high school and a more defined player, Catanach liked what he saw and watched her progression over the next year before finally recruiting Bray’s niece, Kahley Patrick, who is now the starting setter for the UT women’s volleyball team.

Patrick, a sophomore elementary education major from Clearwater, Fl, has begun stepping into a larger leadership role in her second year with the team. “I’ve become more of a leader on the court, more confident in my play,” said Patrick. “I’m more aware of the plays to run and what the coaches expect of me.”

While still a junior in High School, Catanach was able to recognize the potential Patrick possessed. “She delivers a good ball, a hittable ball, makes great decisions and is a great teammate,” said Catanach. “It’s all about team and not about Khaley.”

Playing the setter position, leadership is almost presumed as the setter calls pre-serve plays and notifies teammates which side she plans to set the ball.

While Patrick has the respect and attention of her teammates, Catanach would like to see her take her leadership to a more complete level. “She’s a key component to leadership. People want to play with her, she has innate qualities,” said Catanach. “She hasn’t taken an off-court leadership role and I’d like her to be more assertive with players in matches.”

A good returning core to the team has produced a 13-2 overall record thus far but Catanach preaches his team has yet to peak. “We haven’t played near our potential,” said Catanach slowly shaking his head in frustration. “Which is a good and bad thing. We’ve had a difficult schedule but we want to be playing better.”

UT women’s volleyball is regarded as a powerhouse in Division II athletics, having won seven consecutive SSC titles while currently riding a 222 week streak of being ranked in the top 25.
The team understands with the history of success, comes heightened expectations. “We’re going to be the favorite in almost every match,” said Catanach. “People want to beat us, no one is gonna lay down when they play us.”

While Catanach and Patrick agree the team has yet to play up to potential, their record and current win streak would argue against it. The team hasn’t lost a game since Sep. 8, winning seven consecutive games, including two this past weekend over Lynn University (3-1) and Nova Southeastern (3-0).

One advantage that has arguably led to the volleyball teams’ success is the use of computer software called game plan. The software allows assistants to break down game film, marking rotations and patterns in opponents. “We break down every game, look at our own mistakes and look for ways to beat the opponent,” said Catanach. “We try to pick up patterns in opponents, tendencies they have. You might not see it after one or two plays but we pick it up after watching it over and over 20 times.”