BUCS WITH NEW FACES IN QUEST FOR THIRD-STRAIGHT TITLE

Kalie Mader inherits a squad that has won back-to-back NJCAA championships

New Blinn College volleyball coach Kalie Mader isn’t focused on capturing Region XIV Conference or NJCAA championships just yet. As the Buccaneers’ new coach heads into the season, she is instead focused on bonding with her new team while taking on the role of back-to-back national champions.

Mader, who took over for departing coach Erin Mellinger in June, previously coached at Pratt Community College in Kansas. Mader helped turn Pratt into a winner but will face heightened expectations at Blinn, where the volleyball program consistently ranks among the top teams in the NJCAA.

“My focus is to influence players in a positive way,” Mader said. “I feel like the job and my personality fit seamlessly.”

Blinn return five players to help defend its title, as Jordyn Keamo, Abolanle Onipede, Haley Howard, Justus Tuiolosega and Gabby Hernandez all have national championship rings to show their new teammates.

Keamo was named a second-team NJCAA All-American last year as the team’s starting setter. She led the team in assists with 1,015 and was third in digs with 288.

“Jordyn has played a lot of volleyball and her court I.Q. is very high, to where she doesn’t have to think much out on the court to make a play,” Mader said.

Onipede was named to the all-tournament team at the NJCAA National Championships a year ago. She led the team with a .398 hitting percentage and was fourth on the team in kills with 278.

“Bondie has grown up a lot since high school, and she has been willing to put in the hard work to get better,” Mader said.

Howard, Tuiolosega and Hernandez should see increased playing time in their second season after a strong offseason.

Although all players are essentially new to Mader, she is especially excited for the freshman class coming in and the lone transfer.

Alexis Kingston from Lamar High School is a dynamic player that can be placed at any position. Danusia Borgeaud is from Canberra, Australia, and brings ease and composure to the court.

Incoming freshman Eboni Mitchell from Austin will be the big hitter for the Buccaneers as she can delivered a hit with power to any spot on the court. Dana Teets, a libero from Cedar Park, is expected to see court time as a defensive player.

Sophomore transfer Darby Mussulman and freshmen Haylie Ewald, Gaia Gbola, Ranesha Gibson, MeKayla Gurley, Barbara Krug and Ally Lanik will all contribute.

“If we can gain the ability to accept roles on this team then it will help us fill in pieces of the puzzle,” Mader said. “If we can do that then it will be a pretty successful season.”

The Buccaneers open the season Friday at the Dana Hatch Invitational hosted by Tyler Junior College. The Buccaneers face Missouri State University – West Plains at 2 p.m. and Salt Lake Community College at 4 p.m. Friday, then follow Saturday with an 11 a.m. match against Gadsden State Community College and a 3 p.m. match with Panola College.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 32 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit: www.buccaneersports.com.

(Story courtesy: Jake Gordon, Blinn Information)