By Nate Bloomquist
Volleyball is an unpredictable sport, especially if you’re a first year coach. IVCC volleyball coach Laurie Polte says she’s still adjusting to being a rookie college coach.
"There’s still a lot of things I’m learning about," says Polte who coached previously at Hall High school with some of the same players that are on the current Lady Apaches team. "Everyone’s really been helping me a lot though."
And the Lady Apaches have been helping her. As of Oct. 18, the IVCC team is 9-17, which is better than Polte expected.
"Coming into this year I really didn’t have any expectations because I’ve never been at this level," said the coach. "The girls have been doing well and they’re trying very hard. They’re just a great group."
Polte says because she only has eight on the team, it’s hard to compete against other deeper teams.
"I didn’t really have time to recruit this year," says Polte. "But next year we will and we’ll be a much better team. I think we are doing great this year for what we have."
Polte’s current squad of eight features hard front row-hitters Jane Matthews and Nicki Huettemann. The Lady Apaches have also relied on the strong setting ability of Amy Kozikowski, who leads the team in assists.
"She’s just amazing," says Polte. "There was one game where it was 22-20 and Amy (Kozikowski) had 175 setting attempts when the normal is 50 to 60. Even when they’re down the girls just never say die."
The Lady Apaches are now preparing for their post-season which begins with regionals. IVCC’s regional games will be Nov. 5-6 at College of Lake County.
"I really don’t know what to expect as far as what the girls will be able to do," says the coach. "But that’s not really important. What’s important is that we have fun and play well."