VB at Clarke | L 1-3 | Coach
Molly Karagyaurov's thoughts on the game and season...
"It's never the plan to lose. Even in a post-season match as the underdog on the road to a team who already beat us; I never plan on losing. Clarke is a strong team with some great players who showed up today. We struggled to score consistently offensively and had some bad periods in reception which hurt us. But I was incredibly proud of the poise and showing we had considering our last practice.
Thursday's practice came to an abrupt end when our starting setter,
Kourtney Hansen, went down injured. Friday morning, we had to get on the bus without her to go play in the biggest match of the year. Now,
Gracie Myers stepped into the role of a 5-1 like a champ. I'm so proud of her. She had only done that in one other set this season and she did a great job!
When I look at this season as a whole, I'm proud of this team. It was more than just a coaching change. It was a culture change. I require a lot from them. I asked them to do things which were new, different, and difficult. I got this job in April but really wasn't able to sink my teeth into them until August. Since then, each of these young women has pushed themselves as athletes and competitors. I really couldn't have asked for a better group of women to lead. They were excited and eager to learn. Their hard work this season paid off by a winning season, qualifying for the post-season and finishing top half of the conference.
Individually, we saw athletes step into different positions, new leadership roles, and battle injuries. Yes, it wasn't all good. There were several moments of shock, frustration and emotion. At one point this season, my Bulgarian kid,
Tanya Bonkova, came into my office claiming "we are cursed or something coach!" in her beautiful thick accent. But this group took it in stride, kept their heads down and worked. We had several kids hit statistically milestones in their careers which is so fun!
I want to thank my staff, who runs a tight ship. They worked hard to develop the culture and to mentor this new group of kiddos. They kept me grounded when I wanted to lose it. They knew when to push it and when to lead quietly. They spoke truth to me and challenged me. I'm blessed and grateful to have them! A special shout out to Coach Megan who was inducted into the MNU Athletics Hall of Fame this year. It's special as a head coach to have the honor to be a part of that induction for any program. And it's just a bonus that she's my best friend and the absolute bomb.
My first year as a head coach is done and I can tell you it's just the beginning. I'm so grateful to Todd for hiring me and giving me this opportunity. I'm proud to coach at MNU. I'm proud to represent this university and mentor young women in life as well as teach them a little volleyball."
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