"It’s All We Need": Brian Smith's Volleyball Preview
9/4/2025 4:00:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - With key starters graduating including their four-year record-breaking setter Emma Ludwig, Coach Brian Smith's team looks different this season. A large and athletic freshman class is stepping into key roles, while the two new senior captains are providing leadership. With a young and experienced roster and high expectations, Smith sat down to discuss the team's preseason progress.
How has your team changed since last season?
Brian Smith (BS): There are two major ways the team has changed since last season. We graduated our libero and top defensive player. We had to figure out who to bring in as freshmen to handle the passing. We lost Emma Ludwig, a four-year starting setter, so we brought in several new setters. So, you know, we need to hand over the offense. That's made the first few weeks of the season interesting. We also brought in a lot of hitters, it's the largest freshmen class since I've been here, so we had to work through things and I'm very pleased with where we are.
What have you seen from the new players and from your returning seniors?
BS: I think the seniors have stepped up. Caroline Halsey and Taylor Welter are the captains, their both experienced players. Taylor came in as a sophomore and she's started every single year, and Caroline's been starting since she was a freshman as our middle hitter. The freshman class is very athletic, so it's a matter of them trying to learn how to communicate with the older players they haven't played with before. They all seem to be moving in the right direction pretty quickly.
What has been the biggest focus of this preseason?
BS: The biggest focus has just been trying to get a sense of where the girls are, their skill levels, their athleticism, and where they would fit into our system.
What lessons did your team learn from last year?
BS: Last year we made playoffs but we had a few errors that we struggled with throughout the season. One was serve receive and the other was defense at the net. That was one of the reasons for bringing in some larger blockers and hitters. You know, you learn something every single season. It is almost like a brand new team, even though we have a significant number of returners. We have a lot of playing experience and two or three freshmen that will probably make an impact right away. It's perfect. It's all we need.
The Marauders open their season on September 5th against the Chargers from Dominican University (N.Y.) at 4:00 p.m. in West Chester, Pa.
How has your team changed since last season?
Brian Smith (BS): There are two major ways the team has changed since last season. We graduated our libero and top defensive player. We had to figure out who to bring in as freshmen to handle the passing. We lost Emma Ludwig, a four-year starting setter, so we brought in several new setters. So, you know, we need to hand over the offense. That's made the first few weeks of the season interesting. We also brought in a lot of hitters, it's the largest freshmen class since I've been here, so we had to work through things and I'm very pleased with where we are.
What have you seen from the new players and from your returning seniors?
BS: I think the seniors have stepped up. Caroline Halsey and Taylor Welter are the captains, their both experienced players. Taylor came in as a sophomore and she's started every single year, and Caroline's been starting since she was a freshman as our middle hitter. The freshman class is very athletic, so it's a matter of them trying to learn how to communicate with the older players they haven't played with before. They all seem to be moving in the right direction pretty quickly.
What has been the biggest focus of this preseason?
BS: The biggest focus has just been trying to get a sense of where the girls are, their skill levels, their athleticism, and where they would fit into our system.
What lessons did your team learn from last year?
BS: Last year we made playoffs but we had a few errors that we struggled with throughout the season. One was serve receive and the other was defense at the net. That was one of the reasons for bringing in some larger blockers and hitters. You know, you learn something every single season. It is almost like a brand new team, even though we have a significant number of returners. We have a lot of playing experience and two or three freshmen that will probably make an impact right away. It's perfect. It's all we need.
The Marauders open their season on September 5th against the Chargers from Dominican University (N.Y.) at 4:00 p.m. in West Chester, Pa.
Players Mentioned
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