Today is Opening Day all around the country for women's collegiate volleyball. From program to program, optimism is running high as we begin the 2021 spring season. For all of the schools that postponed their fall action completely, this has been a very long time coming. One of those clubs is new WAC opponent Tarleton. It is a very historic day for the Tarleton Texans for when they walk onto the floor at 1 PM to face off against Louisiana Tech it will be as a Division I program for the first time.
Tarleton hasn't had a volleyball match in 414 days. Yes, COVID-19 has taken a lot from us all in the world of sports - and in the world, period - but today is a triumph of sorts. You'll have to forgive anyone associated with Tarleton State Athletics if there is just a little extra pride in wearing the colors given that they have waited for so long to see this jump to DI volleyball officially come to fruition.
Last night at the Tarleton team hotel, I caught up with longtime head coach Mary Schindler. Each veiled in now commonly worn masks, we chatted for about 15 minutes about the WAC, the process of moving from DII to DI, the addition of four Southland Conference schools to the WAC and what's changed for Coach Schindler during her tenure in Stephenville.
I think you'll enjoy listening to this chat as it will give you a view toward a future opponent and another perspective from a veteran coach. Many thanks to Coach Schindler for her graciousness with her time and it was a pleasure to begin building new relationships around our new league.
Everyone has a lot to celebrate in Week 1 of the spring 2021 season, but for Tarleton the emotions are riding just a notch higher! You can listen to the entire conversation here at this link.