University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Jenna Dover's VolleyBlog
09.23.2010 | Women's Volleyball
VolleyBlog
Entry 9
September 22, 2010
"WELCOME BACK"
When things aren't going our way on the court, we come back to the idea that industry and patience will make us successful. We've found that winning feeling again thanks to that attitude! Picking up two wins on the road last weekend felt really good, but there's just nothing like playing in front of your home crowd. The atmosphere in the Justice Center gives us so much energy on the court! Tuesday night, we took on Gardner-Webb; it was our first home match and first conference match of the season.
THE CROWD WAS AWESOME! Lots of fans sported blue and white body paint. Some wore slice-in-half volleyballs as hats, and one guy wore a ridiculous red wig for the entire match! The air in our gym is hot and still; other teams are uncomfortable in there. Add a couple hundred unruly fans to that mix, and we've got a deadly combination! Home court advantage is a very real sports concept. It helped us pick up the win!
This Saturday we take on our current conference archrival - Coastal Carolina. The time has come to show your Bulldog Pride at a volleyball battle! Be there for us! Rally your towels and make some noise!
VolleyBlog
Entry 8
September 15, 2010
"GROWING PAINS"
I know everyone says it, but I really hate losing. It's miserable. In the past two years, we haven't experienced losing very often. Going 0-3 last weekend was difficult to stomach. If a team is genuinely better than we are, I can handle the defeat, but that hasn't been the case for every loss in our "L" column this year. The road we've been traveling on has come to a fork, and we can only choose one of two paths. Either we continue to lose to inferior opponents or we play up to our true potential.
It's just matter of mental toughness. How do we build that up?...HARD WORK IN PRACTICE. Muhammad Ali once said, "It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself." To refresh my spirits, I'll listen to "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey and try to remember that championships aren't won overnight.
VolleyBlog
Entry 7
September 8, 2010
By Jenna Dover
“HOME COOKING”
Last Friday morning, we went to Cracker Barrel for our pre-game meal. The hostess sat us, and everything seemed to be business as usual. At the table next to us, a sweet looking elderly couple was enjoying their food. They began to make conversation with us, but once they found out we were playing South Alabama, their entire tone changed. The two were talking so much trash to us saying stuff like, “You're going to lose,” and, “Eat up because you'll need your strength to beat South Alabama!” Then, the couple started stopping people who walked by our tables and encouraged them to talk smack. One man waved some tissues at us saying, “You'll need one of these for after the game!” Even the employee at the cash register had something to say. She wouldn't tell us good luck, but instead hoped that “no one got hurt.” I've never been heckled so badly in a restaurant! It was all in good fun though.
When we left the restaurant, we noticed the community support for the university everywhere—business marquees, billboards, car decals. I couldn't help but wish for a little more of that sense of pride around the Asheville area. On the other hand, that kind of support doesn't magically appear overnight. We have to give them something to talk about!
VolleyBlog
Entry 6
August 30 2010
By Jenna Dover
"IN THE ZONE!"
What is it about game day that makes me so distracted yet focused at the same time?
Although I attend class on these days, my mind tends to wander. I'll scribble down some notes but that's just to help pass the time. There is only one thing to think about... the match! There is only one thing to think about... the match! I daydream about crush shots and stuff blocks! Sometimes the night before a match, I'll find myself in the "too excited to sleep" state. Nonetheless, the real adrenaline kick starts in warm-ups. I can feel my blood pumping. I jump higher, yell louder. It's addicting!
In our match against Stetson last weekend, we were down 18-23 in the third set. We won that set 25-23. We have this "never say die" attitude as a team and it has helped us to countless victories. There's nothing better than when your back is against the wall and you come up with a win! We will have some ups and downs, but I love those battles.
This weekend, we are headed to South Alabama. It's a 10-hour bus ride-the longest trip since I've been here. I'll have to push our four upcoming matches from my mind and try to sleep. Talk about anticipation!
VolleyBlog
Entry 5
August 26 2010
"TRADITION"
In the beginning of our season, it's important for us to get to know one another quite well because we will be spending so much time together. Some teams use icebreakers to help that process along, but we like to spice it up a bit. Since the type of music a person likes can say alot about them, we created a "musical" icebreaker. On our first road trip, we honor one of our greatest traditions-the Headphone Game.
HEADPHONE GAME GUIDELINES
1. Newcomers will perform a song of their choice for the entire bus.
2. First timers will sing solo.
3. The singer must wear headphones with the volume on full blast.
4. Upon winning a championship, our head coach must perform.
5. If stage fright proves to be too much, the person can sit it out.
The audience enjoys an acapella rendition of the performer's song choice, which can range from Disney classics to 50 Cent. Every year, we each take a turn showcasing our musical talent or lack thereof. Some of my teammates research for days in order to select the perfect song while others just wing it. Several of my fondest Asheville Volleyball memories are Headphone Game performances. You just never know what to expect!
Tonight, we are leaving for James Madison University. We have a job to do this weekend.With stress levels running high, the Headphone Game will help us relax and come together. I would highly recommend it to any team!
