After reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history last year, new coach Rick Nold and the Auburn volleyball team have been preparing to repeat the feat in 2011.
"It's one of those things that I think coming off a good year, the girls have very high expectations, as we do," Nold said. "We just need to take care of ourselves."
The Tigers are coming off a 21-13 (11-9 SEC) record from 2010.
Auburn has 12 letter-winners returning, including four of six starters, which is why Nold lists depth and balance as the two strongest points of the team.
"We're almost the same team as last year," said Sarah Bullock, junior outside hitter. "We're all best friends. We've really bonded, and that's going to show when we play."
As Nold enters his first season coaching the Tigers, he said he immediately saw the hard work and competitiveness of the team.
"I think we're just excited about the mindset that they have coming in," Nold said. "They work hard, and that's exactly what we like to see."
Nold arrived on the Plains after coaching nine years at Jacksonville State, where he produced successful seasons.
He led the Gamecocks to an Ohio Valley Conference regular season or tournament championship in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009, winning both in 2006, while compiling a 24-5 record.
The assistant coaches are Eysha Ambler, who followed Nold from Jacksonville State, and Floyd Deaton, former head coach at Xavier.
Deaton is also the all-time winningest volleyball coach in Xavier history.
"Auburn's a great place," Deaton said. "They support their athletic department. They support the University. They expect you to win, but they give you the means to get it done."
Auburn was picked to finish fourth in the SEC West for the 2011 season.
"Our team goal is definitely Sweet 16 and win the West," Bullock said. "Pretty much, beat everybody."
Nold said if the team is ready and plays hard, things will take care of themselves.
The new coaching staff has brought in new techniques to attempt to accomplish their goals.
Bullock said a new defense, new technique on passing, setting, serving and hitting are all being put into place.
Deaton also mentioned a faster offense is being worked on.
"It's always been an intense team, and we want to carry that over," Nold said. "We just want to make a few tweaks here and there. Obviously, they're coming off a great year, so you don't want to lose that, but at the same time, we want to go further than last year, so we have to add a few things in."
Conference play is one of the major reasons Auburn is making adjustments.
"Once we get into conference, they're all big games," Nold said. "We play everybody in our conference at home. Which one's next is going to be most important."
However, Deaton stressed to not underestimate teams on the non-conference schedule..
"They're on the scene," Deaton said. "They're winning a lot of matches. They're getting in the NCAA (tournament)."
Nold said Auburn's first opportunity to play in front of a home crowd is a big match.
"Every match to us is going to be important," Nold said. "So, Alabama A&M on Aug. 30 is going to be important for us to come out and be ready to go."
Deaton said he's excited to see what the Tigers are doing and how it compares to other teams.
"Watch out because we're coming," Bullock said.
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