SARASOTA, Fla. - New College volleyball prepares for their home opener exhibition match against Millennia Atlantic University as they enter their first season in the Sun Conference.
With a new conference comes a new head coach, as the Banyans bring in Lynn Burnett, a head coach who brings with her 30 years of coaching experience along with several accolades, to lead the team.
"First season in the Sun Conference, my expectation, number one, is that we become family," Burnett expressed when asked about playing in the new conference. "And as we are developing our skills, our team offense, and our team defense, that it's one team. Each and every individual makes each other better. It's really team centered, building the foundation for years to come."
After bringing the team together, Burnett emphasized a desire to get to know her roster while identifying potential strengths and weaknesses. Now nearly three weeks into practice, the head coach has a clear view of where this team will be able to succeed. "We have a really strong defensive team," shared Burnett. "We have some incredible talent when it comes to running the offenses. It's going to be fun to see the offense expand, but from what I've seen, this team will excel in defense."
The home opener comes on the heels of a short stint on the road where the team competed in the IRSC tournament, followed by meetings with FSW (exhibition) and Webber International. All of this action should prime the roster for a hot start at home, which will mark the beginning of a five game stretch before the team's first Sun Conference matchup of the program, where Coach Burnett has high hopes for her team's success.
"Our goal is to dominate as a group in this conference and make a way for this program to be known nationally."
According to Burnett, this is a goal she knows her players share. "They see the vision. They're hungry for it. And that's probably the biggest takeaway is having a team that can grab that vision so early. I'm excited and looking forward to things to come."
New College will play their home opener in an exhibition match against Millennia Atlantic University on August 24th.
