USF Dons Optimistic Despite Loss: New coach with good track record has squad excited
By Sharael Feist
1998
The USF Dons volleyball squad started its 1998 season with a disappointing loss against Cal Poly – SLO on Wednesday night, but is enthusiastic about its future due to the debut of new head coach David Noble.
Thanks to Noble’s recruiting efforts, the USF team towered over its opponents, with five of its seven new players measuring at least six feet. But height alone wasn’t enough to defeat the energetic Cal Poly-SLO squad, which dominated the match, 15-4, 15-5, 16-14.
Even though USF lost, Noble appeared to be satisfied with his team’s performance. “They got better as the match went on. They played hard the last game,” Nohl said. “The game doesn’t wait. You have to gain control by setting the pace. You need to set the tempo early in the game and have a
quick start.”
Even though USF started off slow, they built up their momentum and made a strong comeback, nearly edging out Cal Poly-SLO in the last of three games. Cal Poly- SLO player Jill Butts said, “In the first two games tonight we were strong. The last game was hard, but we pushed through. It was a nice win for us. I can tell they’re building their team this year. They are a lot taller and they are constantly improving.”
1998 looks to be a promising year for the USF Dons with the guidance of Coach Noble. Noble hopes to lead the team to victory, following its less-than-stellar recent track record. In his first year as a Division I collegiate head coach, Noble was able to take the low-ranking New Mexico State Aggies to their first ever Big West Conference Tournament. His experience and enthusiasm seem to be the guiding light the Dons have been hoping for.
“The change is unbelievable,” said USF team captain Sandy Kruger. “We’re really excited. We’re really excited . We’re starting at ground zero and hope to move up. Noble has the knowledge of how to take us to where we need to be. We need to work at it, but we couldn’t be happier.”
Noble seems to have faith that the Dons have what it takes to do well this season. And he said that with patience, aggressiveness and skill development they can become highly successful.
“It’s a young team,” Noble said. “The returning players are learning a new system. I am being patient and not pressing them. They need time to develop cohesively. I am trying to train the team how to win. They have a lot of pressure on them, but irs good for them. Success comes with development. I’m drilling them for success.”
The USF squad is led by veterans Jaime Schopmn and Shannon Buller, both senior outside hitters. Noble is hoping they will lead the team while the new players adjust to playing at the collegiate level. He said that the team has a lot of leadership from returning players.
On September 4 and 5, the Dons will host the USF-SMC PowerBar Invitational, playing against powerhouse USC in their first match or the event. Noble seems optimistic as the UHF Dons prepare for the challenge. “That’s what they live for … to play tough competition,” Noble said.