University of Memphis Athletics
Volleyball Begins Preseason Drills Wednesday
Aug 08, 2018 | Women's Volleyball
Tigers practicing in their new home at the Finch Center.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – There was a lot of action at University of Memphis Finch Center Wednesday with the 2018 Tigers volleyball squad opening preseason drills at its new on-campus home for practices. Memphis still hosts its home matches at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
Â
The sounds of practice, though, were a little different than the past 17 seasons with the Finch Center serving as the primary residence for the Tigers men's basketball team from 2000-17. Instead of hearing dribbles and dunks as in years past, there were noises of digging and diving this afternoon.
Â
The volleyball team, under first-year head coach Sean Burdette, went through a two-plus hour practice with a full roster of players for the first time since his arrival in January. Last spring, the Tigers had eight players listed on the roster, but competed with only six in many of its matches.
Â
"I thought we had a good practice," Burdette said after Wednesday's practice. "We were pleased with the level of intensity. We had a good group effort today."
Â
The Tigers' veterans welcomed seven newcomers, including two transfers and an international graduate transfer.
Â
"We've added several new players and a couple of new coaches," said senior Sarah Marlatt. "It's going well. We've been here all summer, and the bonding process is going really well."
Â
Memphis continues practice Thursday. The following highlights some key dates leading up to the season opener:
Â
Â
Five Quick-Takes with Coach Burdette
Â
Q: What was it like to work with a full roster for the first time since you took over the program (Tigers had a limited roster in spring practice)?
Â
A: We have more options to work with, and we also can play 6-on-6, which is great. It's great to be able to work with different combinations. We can see the players in different positions, and we weren't able to do that last spring due to our roster limitations. It's exciting to see the new faces, and also watch the returnees accept them and bring them up-to-speed.
Â
Q: How does this first day of practice at Memphis compare to other first practice days at your other coaching stops?
Â
A: Every team is different, every first day (of practice) is different. There's always some level of nervousness that comes with the first day. We certainly had some that didn't know what to expect, but that (nervous feeling) subsided fairly quick. Our veterans did a nice job of embracing the newcomers, knowing what it was going to be like and helping them along. After the first couple of minutes, we broke the ice, and it went smoother after that.
Â
Q: Any of the returnees stand out on this first day of practice?
Â
A: The whole group – the seniors especially – did a great job and made sure people were doing the right things, being in the right areas. Adjuwa and Hannah also did a nice job. They were trying to pull others along and get them going. They had some good voices out there, and that was exciting to see.
Â
Q: What was the focus today – and what will be in these early practices – that helps this team move forward?
Â
A: We're seeing what players can do at different positions. We didn't have that ability with our small roster in the spring. We're now able to move players from the left to right side, move middles from the middle of the court to the right side, and get our defenders playing in different areas in the backcourt. That's exciting to see. We also were able to implement some back-row attacking. Our volleyball IQ and level of play set a good standard, and we're excited to move forward with that.
Â
Q: And, you're 16 days away from the season starting …
Â
A:Â (Laughing)Â It's here. It is right around the corner, but it's exciting because there is a window of opportunity to get better between now and August 24. We have work to do, and the players are ready to work.
Â
The sounds of practice, though, were a little different than the past 17 seasons with the Finch Center serving as the primary residence for the Tigers men's basketball team from 2000-17. Instead of hearing dribbles and dunks as in years past, there were noises of digging and diving this afternoon.
Â
The volleyball team, under first-year head coach Sean Burdette, went through a two-plus hour practice with a full roster of players for the first time since his arrival in January. Last spring, the Tigers had eight players listed on the roster, but competed with only six in many of its matches.
Â
"I thought we had a good practice," Burdette said after Wednesday's practice. "We were pleased with the level of intensity. We had a good group effort today."
Â
The Tigers' veterans welcomed seven newcomers, including two transfers and an international graduate transfer.
Â
"We've added several new players and a couple of new coaches," said senior Sarah Marlatt. "It's going well. We've been here all summer, and the bonding process is going really well."
Â
Memphis continues practice Thursday. The following highlights some key dates leading up to the season opener:
Â
| Date/Day | Event |
| Aug. 11/Saturday | Fan Fest on Park Avenue Campus – 4-6 pm |
| Aug. 18/Saturday | Intrasquad scrimmage – 11 am Elma Roane Fieldhouse |
| Aug. 24/Friday | Season Opener – 7 pm vs. Stephen F. Austin/Memphis Invitational |
Five Quick-Takes with Coach Burdette
Â
Q: What was it like to work with a full roster for the first time since you took over the program (Tigers had a limited roster in spring practice)?
Â
A: We have more options to work with, and we also can play 6-on-6, which is great. It's great to be able to work with different combinations. We can see the players in different positions, and we weren't able to do that last spring due to our roster limitations. It's exciting to see the new faces, and also watch the returnees accept them and bring them up-to-speed.
Â
Q: How does this first day of practice at Memphis compare to other first practice days at your other coaching stops?
Â
A: Every team is different, every first day (of practice) is different. There's always some level of nervousness that comes with the first day. We certainly had some that didn't know what to expect, but that (nervous feeling) subsided fairly quick. Our veterans did a nice job of embracing the newcomers, knowing what it was going to be like and helping them along. After the first couple of minutes, we broke the ice, and it went smoother after that.
Â
Q: Any of the returnees stand out on this first day of practice?
Â
A: The whole group – the seniors especially – did a great job and made sure people were doing the right things, being in the right areas. Adjuwa and Hannah also did a nice job. They were trying to pull others along and get them going. They had some good voices out there, and that was exciting to see.
Â
Q: What was the focus today – and what will be in these early practices – that helps this team move forward?
Â
A: We're seeing what players can do at different positions. We didn't have that ability with our small roster in the spring. We're now able to move players from the left to right side, move middles from the middle of the court to the right side, and get our defenders playing in different areas in the backcourt. That's exciting to see. We also were able to implement some back-row attacking. Our volleyball IQ and level of play set a good standard, and we're excited to move forward with that.
Â
Q: And, you're 16 days away from the season starting …
Â
A:Â (Laughing)Â It's here. It is right around the corner, but it's exciting because there is a window of opportunity to get better between now and August 24. We have work to do, and the players are ready to work.
Players Mentioned
MB
/ Women's VolleyballWolfchase Toyota Insider: Volleyball Edition - October 25, 2023
Wednesday, October 25
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Volleyball Edition - October 11, 2023
Wednesday, October 11
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Volleyball 12/1/22
Thursday, December 01
Wolfchase Toyota Insider: Volleyball 10/24/22
Tuesday, October 25