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If this has been gone over ad naseum, my apologies, I didn't see it...

But the fact that the volleyball team's season didn't include a post-season trip is absolutely a crime. They won 26 of 32 matches, a ridiculous .812 winning percentange. And, by the way, four of those six losses came to teams that qualified for the NCAA tournament. That is simply staggering!

This underscores Coach V's preseason lament about the lack of postseason options. Unlike basketball where you can go to the NIT if you don't make The Dance, in volleyball, you either make the NCAA tourney or you sit at home. Even if you have a 26-6 record.

Here is something that Coach V has no control over. Yet, selfishly, I wonder if it will have a negative impact on her place in BGSU athletic history. I mean, when folks look back at her accomplishments in 30 years, they could easily say, "sure, she had a nice winning percentage, but she didn't get them to the NCAA tournament." Just doesn't seem right. I feel strongly that she's one of the best things that ever happened to BG athletics, certainly the best thing that ever happened to our volleyball program.

In the back of my mind, I've been wondering about what happens when Coach V retires. I have significant built-in biases, but I believe she deserves a place of honor in the pantheon of BGSU athletic history. What does that mean, though? Do they name a building after her? I don't know.

Anyway, just rambling.

Hats of to Coach V and the squad. As someone who watched Coach V's rookie season first-hand, it's gratifying to see this type of success.

I agree that it was a crime they didn't get selected. UK was picked, with a 19-12 record. 6 more losses than BG. They did however beat Ohio (3-2) in the first round which BG couldn't do in 3 tries, if that means anything.

But if we can't figure a way to beat OU and win the MAC Tourney outright we won't be dancing anytime soon it appears sadly. Ohio just owns the Mac right now, with their recruiting and dominence over the past 4-5 years.

1987alum wrote:I believe she deserves a place of honor in the pantheon of BGSU athletic history.

Because you used the word "pantheon", she deserves nothing. Coach V, you may track Karl down if such honors never come.

And she did get them to the NCAA I believe, in 91 or 92.


(But I see what you're sayin'.)

TG1996 wrote:

1987alum wrote:I believe she deserves a place of honor in the pantheon of BGSU athletic history.

Because you used the word "pantheon", she deserves nothing. Coach V, you may track Karl down if such honors never come.

And she did get them to the NCAA I believe, in 91 or 92.


(But I see what you're sayin'.)

I believe you're right. I guess I was thinking of this year, but even so, in the context of such a long career, a few more NCAA appearances would look pretty sweet.

I totally agree. A total crime that BG was not selected but it seems to happen all the time to MAC schools.

Coach Van De Walle deserves induction into the BG Athletic HOF, IMO. Her record speaks for itself.

Next year, BG has everyone back but loses Chrissy Gothke, which is a BiG loss. But the Falcons will be back again next year. Gotta find a way to beat Ohio.

I agree with everyone that the Women' Volleyball team was ............. when it came to a berth in the tourney. ou is a pain in our sides---hopefully the coach will go to IU & take a hitter with him.
August thru the end of the season was a fun ride----I just hate committees

hockeysue wrote:I agree with everyone that the Women' Volleyball team was ............. when it came to a berth in the tourney. ou is a pain in our sides---hopefully the coach will go to IU & take a hitter with him.
August thru the end of the season was a fun ride----I just hate committees

Is IU looking for a coach? A former co-worker of mine left last year to take an assistant coaching job at IU, I hope she still has work!