It is hard to believe the 2014 season is already over. It was a tough year for the Lady Vols. (And speaking of things it’s hard to believe, how about the fact that this was the last season the team gets to use that name?) After a large potion of the team left in late-2012/early-2013, the coaches had to scramble to put a full roster on the court. It was no surprise that last season was one of the worst in program history. This season the staff had the luxury of time when it came to recruiting new players. In a real sense this year, not last, was the first full year of rebuilding for Tennessee. And it showed! But with 14 players on the 16 person roster having been on the court in Knoxville for one season or less, it wasn’t completely unexpected. It took time to build up to where the Lady Vols were in 2011. And after the events of 2012 it will take time to build back up to that level. There will be rough patches like we saw this season. There will probably be more premature goodbyes (with only one player graduating from the 16 person roster and at least three more on their way next year, something will probably have to give). But whatever happens in the off season and next year, volleyball will be successful at Tennessee eventually. How do I know? Tradition, coaching, and fans.

We have a winning tradition: this was only the fifth losing season at UT in the last two decades, and the first back-to-back losing seasons since 1994-95. Volleyball may not have been one of the most popular sports at the university, but it has been one of the most consistently successful.

We have a coaching staff accustomed to success: Rob Patrick has two national championships as an assistant coach at Stanford, two SEC championships with Tennessee, and two national coach of the year awards. Rachel Cooper still has the third most career kills in school history from her playing days at Mississippi State, was an assistant coach at ETSU during their best season on record, and helped the Lady Vols to an SEC championship her first year on the job. The AVCA also recognized her with their 30 Under 30 award for up-and-coming coaching talents. Erica Lear still stands at number two in UT history for career assists, won the Danish Professional League Championship, and as an assistant at Emory helped the team to the University Athletic Association championship and a 6th place final national ranking. If any staff can find and train elite players it’s these coaches. (We just need to hope no one steals them away!)

We have a fast growing volleyball community in Knoxville: Attendance at Tennessee volleyball matches has tripled since 15 years ago, Knoxville is up to three big volleyball clubs in town from just one ten years ago, and this year four city high schools made it to the state semi-finals or better (Catholic lost in the semis, Farragut lost in the finals, and CAK and Webb won state). Fans in Knoxville want successful volleyball and will do what they can to support it.

So we have the tradition, the coaches, and the community behind the team. The coaches will take care of the players. All that is needed now is time. And that’s the hardest thing — being patient while all the pieces come together.

To wrap up the 2014 season, I’d like to thank everyone who takes the time to visit this site. I’d probably do it even if you didn’t come, but it’s more rewarding knowing others enjoy it too! Thanks to all the coaches and staff who put in the long hours of hard work to put together something the rest of us are able to enjoy as a leisure time activity. Thanks to all the families who allow their children to come join us here in Knoxville. And thanks to all the players who literally give blood, sweat, and tears — we know you are doing your best and we appreciate you so much. Seeing the way you represent Tennessee even when things aren’t going the way you might like makes us all the more proud of you.