Briar Cliff University, located in Sioux City, Iowa, has a rich athletic tradition, and its volleyball team is no exception. The Chargers, as they are known, have a long history of competing at a high level, with a strong focus on developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the court. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Briar Cliff University volleyball team, including its history, current roster, coaching staff, and schedule.
A Brief History of Briar Cliff University Volleyball
The Briar Cliff University volleyball team has been in existence since the 1970s, with the program experiencing its fair share of ups and downs over the years. However, in recent times, the team has enjoyed a significant amount of success, with multiple conference championships and national tournament appearances. The Chargers compete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) and have consistently been one of the top teams in the league.
Current Roster
The current roster for the Briar Cliff University volleyball team features a talented group of student-athletes from across the country. The team is led by a strong group of seniors, including outside hitters, middle blockers, and setters. The Chargers also have a number of younger players who are expected to make significant contributions to the team's success.
Key Players to Watch
- Senior outside hitter, Emma Hansen, who was named to the All-GPAC First Team last season
- Junior middle blocker, Taylor Reiners, who led the team in blocks per set last season
- Sophomore setter, Maddie Dieter, who averaged over 9 assists per set as a freshman
Coaching Staff
The Briar Cliff University volleyball team is led by Head Coach, Lindsay Mangan, who is in her 5th season at the helm. Coach Mangan has a wealth of experience, both as a player and coach, and has led the Chargers to multiple conference championships and national tournament appearances. She is assisted by a strong group of assistant coaches, including Ashley Smith and Ashley Bloom.
Coaching Philosophy
- Emphasis on developing student-athletes who excel both on and off the court
- Focus on building a strong team culture and camaraderie
- Encouraging players to be active in the community and give back through volunteer work
Schedule
The Briar Cliff University volleyball team competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), which features some of the top teams in the NAIA. The Chargers play a 20-match conference schedule, with home and away matches against each of the other 10 teams in the league. In addition to their conference schedule, the team also competes in a number of non-conference tournaments and matches.
Notable Matches
- Home opener against Morningside College on August 25th
- Road match against Dakota Wesleyan University on September 1st
- Conference tournament championship match on November 12th
We hope you have enjoyed this overview of the Briar Cliff University volleyball team. With their rich history, talented roster, and experienced coaching staff, the Chargers are sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the Great Plains Athletic Conference and beyond.
What conference does Briar Cliff University volleyball team compete in?
+The Briar Cliff University volleyball team competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).
Who is the head coach of the Briar Cliff University volleyball team?
+The head coach of the Briar Cliff University volleyball team is Lindsay Mangan.
What is the Briar Cliff University volleyball team's home stadium?
+The Briar Cliff University volleyball team plays its home matches at the Newman Flanagan Center.