Simpson Women’s volleyball is off to a hot start with an 11-3 record, ranked third in the American Rivers Conference.
The team is coming off a 9-16 record last year, and according to senior captain Morgan Denbeste they’re looking to make a new name for themselves this season.
“We’re starting fresh, so this year there’s nothing to lose,” said Denbeste. “The energy this year is so fun, and everyone is silly, but we bring it together in matchplay, allowing us not to feel as much pressure and tension.”
The last time the volleyball program had a record with three or fewer losses in the first 15 games was 2013.
This historic start on the right foot may be in part due to the team’s new head coach, Dani Kahot Lynch. She returns to the conference with extensive experience and a history of success at both the high school and collegiate levels.
In her new position, Kahot Lynch is bringing a fresh start and refreshing energy the team needs, but with a humble attitude.
“I’ve told the girls after every single win we don’t let those wins go too close to our heads, and the losses go too close to our hearts,” Kahot Lynch said. “Records are records, we treat every day as a blank slate. 6-1 I’ll take that any day of the week, so be proud of it, but don’t be satisfied by it.”
According to Peyton Mitchell, another senior captain, the success represents the bond the team shares.
“This is the best team I’ve ever been on, all the girls want to do everything for each other. You’re doing everything for that person next to you,” Mitchell said. “Our team motto is ‘for each other,’ and we’re just pushing for each other. We have great team chemistry, love each other, and work hard for each other.”
The team’s new motto, “for each other,” was created by Kahot Lynch, who said it’s the biggest motivator they have had this year.
“We’re gonna be nothing without each other, it’s a team sport, we can’t do it with one person, we need every person on this team,” Kahot Lynch said. “So, ‘for each other’ is something that we integrated right from the get-go with everyone. I think they’ve done a really good job at incorporating that every single day, and that’s what brings us energy.”
Women’s volleyball has 10 matches left in the regular season, and its first conference match Sept. 24 against Buena Vista University. They hope to take as much as they can from the beginning matches to be prepared for the rest of conference play.
“The non-conference matches this preseason have shown us what we need to work on and how we can grow to be better to win those conference games,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell’s point about growth through early challenges was reinforced by Denbeste, who highlighted how tough preseason opponents built the team’s confidence.
“Playing at Wisconsin schools, which are good teams, sometimes ranked top 25, prepares us like, ‘hey, we know what we’re doing, we are confident,’ which allows us to be ready for conference play,” said Denbeste.
The last time Simpson volleyball were conference champions, conference tournament champions or made an NCAA postseason appearance was 2009. The team had a 21-14 record, was 8-7 through the first 15 games, and made it to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
“We were picked to finish seventh, so great, we don’t have a target on our back, and let’s go,” Kahot Lynch said.
“I hope we’re in the conference tournament and I hope we’re fighting in the conference championship for a championship this year,” Denbeste said. “It’s so doable with this team. We just have to remember all the work we put in here and never forget it every day.”
Kahot Lynch said no matter how the season ends, she wants the team to be remembered by the special bond they have formed.
“I just want them to be proud of everything they’ve accomplished,” Kahot Lynch said.“Win, lose, whatever, that’s not how they’re going to be remembered. How they’re going to be remembered by their teammates, their coaches, by the Simpson community, that’s what I want them to remember. Wins are just extra perks. At the end, I hope they remember how much they love each other, and I think the wins will come with that, but that’s going to be the heartbeat of the team.”
