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Post by mpr2477 on Nov 20, 2023 18:52:32 GMT -5
Listen, as a lifetime Duke vball fan, it’s hard not to put the last ten year debacle on the coaching!! Every 4 years, we make the tourney, so Nagle gets a pass from administration! Imo, she shoulda been fired years ago! Problem is, Duke is a strange place when it comes to expectation & results of their female coaches! Unless you’re McCallie (WBB), it’s seems as if they have a lifelong contract with no consequences. Even when the results are atrocious! Nagle has consistently shown me she can’t coach players up, even though she gets 1 or 2, OR 3 Prep All Americans or Senior Aces EACH YEAR!! It’s the epitome of underachieving! There is no way in hell Duke should miss 8 out of the last 10 ncaa tournaments! That’s INSANE! Don’t get me wrong, Richardson is an incredible athlete with great hops, a terrific server/back row player. But she is ridiculously AWFUL as the #2 OH!! She prob hitting NEGATIVE for the whole season! NO OTHER TEAM’S OH would be hitting THAT poorly! But Nagel refuses to bring along anyone else to replace her! That is poor coaching / decision making. So yea, the issues for awhile now with Duke vball, have been the coach. I honestly think it’s time to retire. We “might” make the tourney this year, but that’s iffy Love another duke fan on here. I agree 1000% with what you've said. I've tried to be lenient on the coaching this year hoping she was learning, but I learned quickly that wasn't happening once again. Tbh, i believe if we had better coaching, with this roster, we would be squarely in the tournament, not on the bubble because multiple losses this season were caused by Nagel's bad coaching & bad/lack of adjustments. I really don't understand never yanking Rachel either as you said. Personally I think her passing has regressed this season as well. She's struggled all year in SR and our opponents know this and target her at times more than Gracie. Imo this coaching staff should be looking for a 6-ro OH transfer in the portal this year. Hopefully, we find our way to the tourney this year bc next year is looking bleak anyways. Yup, it's been on our COACHING for years now! (At least the last 9 seasons). I mean, how do you EFF away multiple seasons, not making the NCAA tourney, when you have a player like Emily Sklar (ACC POY as a Soph.) for 4 years!!!  SMDH. Looking at other rosters in the ACC, you are absolutely correct that THIS roster should be better. You have Gracie, Kerry, Jess, Emma, plus another solid MH in Lizzie. These are ALL ACC caliber players. What other team in the ACC has that caliber of players, and doesn't make top 4-5? NONE!! As we can see this year, getting a major player in the transfer portal has been key (Jess Robinson was a godsend!) So, I don't know Nagel's thought process, but you'd think we could easily get a 6 rotation OH, OR two, from the transfer portal. Especially with Duke's excellent Fuqua grad school being a very attractive degree for girl's looking to play one more year but prepare for life after v-ball. I'm hoping one of two things. ONE: Nagel dives deep into the portal this year and lands two OH and another MH. (We'll need to replace Jess/Lizzie, Gracie....plus hopefully Richardson too). I'm hoping we aren't going to just waste away Kerry's talent for two years after this season. TWO: Nagel retires! I think this "might" be a close possibility, because he youngest son is in his final season with Duke Lacrosse. PS. we just HAVE to be UNC friday! Otherwise, we're for sure done. |
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Post by mpr2477 on Nov 24, 2023 16:28:59 GMT -5
Un!!!!###$$$!!!inbelievable!
How TH do we blow that 4th set?! 13-4 lead….23-20, 24-22, and we can’t get it done! So infuriating.
Now it’s anyone’s match…. Keefe not hitting well, we’re barely playing Jess. Idkw.
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Post by devilhorns24 on Nov 24, 2023 16:38:00 GMT -5
Un!!!!###$$$!!!inbelievable! How TH do we blow that 4th set?! 13-4 lead….23-20, 24-22, and we can’t get it done! So infuriating. Now it’s anyone’s match…. Keefe not hitting well, we’re barely playing Jess. Idkw. I'm so upset rn.... Jolene needs to accept responsibility for this mess. It seems we are always unlucky playing at UNC sigh. |
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Post by mpr2477 on Nov 24, 2023 16:47:51 GMT -5
!!!!###$$$!!! them!! I am beyond pissed
Why TF do we continue to go to Richardson??! She literally got blocked 3x in a row ffs
Gracie was awful down the stretch as well.
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Post by devilhorns24 on Nov 24, 2023 16:51:09 GMT -5
that was depressing... thank you to our seniors. have done a hell of a lot this season. third straight year losing our season finale. sigh.
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Post by mpr2477 on Nov 24, 2023 17:15:10 GMT -5
that was depressing... thank you to our seniors. have done a hell of a lot this season. third straight year losing our season finale. sigh. It’s unacceptable |
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Post by devilhorns24 on Nov 24, 2023 17:19:11 GMT -5
that was depressing... thank you to our seniors. have done a hell of a lot this season. third straight year losing our season finale. sigh. It’s unacceptable it really is. |
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Post by InfoBot on Nov 24, 2023 21:19:20 GMT -5
Love another duke fan on here. I agree 1000% with what you've said. I've tried to be lenient on the coaching this year hoping she was learning, but I learned quickly that wasn't happening once again. Tbh, i believe if we had better coaching, with this roster, we would be squarely in the tournament, not on the bubble because multiple losses this season were caused by Nagel's bad coaching & bad/lack of adjustments. I really don't understand never yanking Rachel either as you said. Personally I think her passing has regressed this season as well. She's struggled all year in SR and our opponents know this and target her at times more than Gracie. Imo this coaching staff should be looking for a 6-ro OH transfer in the portal this year. Hopefully, we find our way to the tourney this year bc next year is looking bleak anyways. Yup, it's been on our COACHING for years now! (At least the last 9 seasons). I mean, how do you EFF away multiple seasons, not making the NCAA tourney, when you have a player like Emily Sklar (ACC POY as a Soph.) for 4 years!!! SMDH. Looking at other rosters in the ACC, you are absolutely correct that THIS roster should be better. You have Gracie, Kerry, Jess, Emma, plus another solid MH in Lizzie. These are ALL ACC caliber players. What other team in the ACC has that caliber of players, and doesn't make top 4-5? NONE!! As we can see this year, getting a major player in the transfer portal has been key (Jess Robinson was a godsend!) So, I don't know Nagel's thought process, but you'd think we could easily get a 6 rotation OH, OR two, from the transfer portal. Especially with Duke's excellent Fuqua grad school being a very attractive degree for girl's looking to play one more year but prepare for life after v-ball. I'm hoping one of two things. ONE: Nagel dives deep into the portal this year and lands two OH and another MH. (We'll need to replace Jess/Lizzie, Gracie....plus hopefully Richardson too). I'm hoping we aren't going to just waste away Kerry's talent for two years after this season. TWO: Nagel retires! I think this "might" be a close possibility, because he youngest son is in his final season with Duke Lacrosse. PS. we just HAVE to be UNC friday! Otherwise, we're for sure done. What is Duke's investment in volleyball? If they do decide to move on from Nagel and/or she finally retires, how much money are they willing to throw at a candidate? |
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Duke 2024
Nov 25, 2023 8:49:33 GMT -5
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Post by deepsouthfan on Nov 25, 2023 8:49:33 GMT -5
Yup, it's been on our COACHING for years now! (At least the last 9 seasons). I mean, how do you EFF away multiple seasons, not making the NCAA tourney, when you have a player like Emily Sklar (ACC POY as a Soph.) for 4 years!!! SMDH. Looking at other rosters in the ACC, you are absolutely correct that THIS roster should be better. You have Gracie, Kerry, Jess, Emma, plus another solid MH in Lizzie. These are ALL ACC caliber players. What other team in the ACC has that caliber of players, and doesn't make top 4-5? NONE!! As we can see this year, getting a major player in the transfer portal has been key (Jess Robinson was a godsend!) So, I don't know Nagel's thought process, but you'd think we could easily get a 6 rotation OH, OR two, from the transfer portal. Especially with Duke's excellent Fuqua grad school being a very attractive degree for girl's looking to play one more year but prepare for life after v-ball. I'm hoping one of two things. ONE: Nagel dives deep into the portal this year and lands two OH and another MH. (We'll need to replace Jess/Lizzie, Gracie....plus hopefully Richardson too). I'm hoping we aren't going to just waste away Kerry's talent for two years after this season. TWO: Nagel retires! I think this "might" be a close possibility, because he youngest son is in his final season with Duke Lacrosse. PS. we just HAVE to be UNC friday! Otherwise, we're for sure done. What is Duke's investment in volleyball? If they do deside to move on from Nagel and/or she finally retires, how much money are they willing to throw at a candidate? It’s not only enough… it’d attract established successful coaches. This is not the issue… the issue is that admin wants a puppet at this position that won’t ruffle the almighty feathers of basketball. It’s a shame because it could easily be a top 25 program every year. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2023 9:02:31 GMT -5
that was depressing... thank you to our seniors. have done a hell of a lot this season. third straight year losing our season finale. sigh. sounds like it’s time for a new ship captain |
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Post by gibbyb1 on Nov 25, 2023 11:58:33 GMT -5
Yup, it's been on our COACHING for years now! (At least the last 9 seasons). I mean, how do you EFF away multiple seasons, not making the NCAA tourney, when you have a player like Emily Sklar (ACC POY as a Soph.) for 4 years!!! SMDH. Looking at other rosters in the ACC, you are absolutely correct that THIS roster should be better. You have Gracie, Kerry, Jess, Emma, plus another solid MH in Lizzie. These are ALL ACC caliber players. What other team in the ACC has that caliber of players, and doesn't make top 4-5? NONE!! As we can see this year, getting a major player in the transfer portal has been key (Jess Robinson was a godsend!) So, I don't know Nagel's thought process, but you'd think we could easily get a 6 rotation OH, OR two, from the transfer portal. Especially with Duke's excellent Fuqua grad school being a very attractive degree for girl's looking to play one more year but prepare for life after v-ball. I'm hoping one of two things. ONE: Nagel dives deep into the portal this year and lands two OH and another MH. (We'll need to replace Jess/Lizzie, Gracie....plus hopefully Richardson too). I'm hoping we aren't going to just waste away Kerry's talent for two years after this season. TWO: Nagel retires! I think this "might" be a close possibility, because he youngest son is in his final season with Duke Lacrosse. PS. we just HAVE to be UNC friday! Otherwise, we're for sure done. What is Duke's investment in volleyball? If they do deside to move on from Nagel and/or she finally retires, how much money are they willing to throw at a candidate? The fact they haven’t moved on speaks to their investment. |
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Post by devilhorns24 on Nov 26, 2023 19:12:36 GMT -5
Welp, as expected, the UNC loss did us in, as this is the fifth straight year of missing the big dance. From who we have left on the roster + the addition of SMU, Cal & Stanford, next year doesn't look encouraging. Nagel needs to go portal hunting badly. On the bright side, we are probably heading to the NIVC.
Edit: welp i was wrong there. no NIVC. season is over.
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Post by devilhorns24 on Dec 11, 2023 19:17:03 GMT -5
DUKE 2023 RECAPIt's been a few weeks since the season ended and while this season had some good moments, overall, it's hard not to be disappointed with barely missing the tournament. The two reasons why we missed The Big Dance this year was our passing & OH production.
In regards to passing, I think Madison Bryant was remarkable at libero. I know she didn't win any postseason awards, but she was a huge reason this team was as good as they were. Her presence in the back row elevated this team significantly, and she will be missed dearly. I thought Gracie Johnson passed better this year, but it looked like Rachel Richardson and the DS that came in for her, Nikki Underwood, struggled quite a bit this season. They were probably the two best passers last year, so I was shocked by this. This wasn't a problem that began in ACC play, it was noticeable in non-conference, and the staff didn't decide to address it until ACC, putting in sophomore Sydney Tomlak at DS. This was the right change, but I think they should have tried this in non-conference play. She would have had more time to mesh with the starters. Underwood was the libero in 2022 so maybe going from libero to DS affected things, but really one of them needed to be replaced before conference play.
In regards to the OHs, the Gracie/Rachel duo didn't work. It didn't really work last year and trying again wasn't the best decision. To put this in perspective, I don't think there was a single at-large bid to the NCAA tournament that had their OH duo hit where ours did, Gracie was .189, Rachel was 0.091. When Rachel struggles, more balls are pushed to Kerry & Jess. I feel like Jess got blocked more and more as conference went on because teams would know the slide was coming and be prepared on the right. I think the reason why Rachel wasn't benched at all this season was because we needed her in serve receive. If benched, it would force us to either a.) put Kerry in SR or b.) put an underclassman in SR. To note, near the end of the season, Kerry started being inserted at times in SR. Neither outcome is great but I wish we tried something different instead of never taking her out. Also, with how Rachel was struggling in SR, I wish we would have tried one of Atkinson, Thrower or Ingram. Every team knew Rachel loves to hit cross court and they were prepared. Again, until she learns how to vary her shot more consistently and hit off hands more, i don't think she should be one of our OHs next season.
Unto the good, I thought Emma Worthington did a pretty good job setting this season. Arriving in the summer and doing as well as she did was impressive. I think our middles, Jess Robinson and Lizzie Fleming had amazing final years. Both had to be relied on more as our outsides would struggle and there's multiple instances where you would see them deliver. The blocking for Duke was very good imo and a lot of the credit goes towards our middles. I don't think either of them could have done more. Gracie was Gracie and had some incredible performances over the season. Last but not least, Kerry Keefe. This was a remarkable season for her. 350+ kills, hitting over .300, and was second on the team in aces. She was so consistent this year for Duke. Only thing I'll say is that if Duke can get great setting next year, Kerry could be on another level. Gracie was Gracie. All the fifth-years had very good seasons. They really did what they could to get this team to the tournament.
Now, 2024... this team is probably losing seven players. Five with no eligibility remaining and two that I don't think will be taking their fifth year here, (if they are taking it). I think for sure, Kadel (MB) and Keefe will start but the coaching staff has to figure out who will be around them. Millie Muir (RS Sophomore) looks to be the starting setter, but she still can be inconsistent with her set placement at times. If she can work on her placement, she has the tools to be a great setter for Duke. The staff really needs to work with the OHs, as losing Gracie leaves a lot of questions over there. Ideally, I think they should get a grad OH and pair them with one of the underclassman. I think they really need a graduate DS/L transfer as well, as I'm unsure about our passing going into next season. Getting Madison from TN worked out well, so I hope they are looking in the portal for one. We only have 3 MBs on the roster, one that played RS for the majority of the year when we went into a 6-2 (Ngozi Iloh), so I wouldn't be shocked if the staff went after a MB transfer.
Overall, while this season finished a bit tragically, I think there's hope for the future. Hopefully, this team can build around Keefe, bring in some transfers, and be competitive in the ACC. |
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Post by devilhorns24 on Dec 19, 2023 22:51:23 GMT -5
Duke has been very quiet to begin the portal season, but seem to awake now. Priority looks to be a setter and a joining other ACC teams with looking for a middle. Interested in Bella D'Amico from GT, Tiffany Paalman from Green Bay, and Ella Sandt from Saint Mary's. Tiffany Paalman could be very interesting. Had 300+ kills as a middle last season.
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Post by caarmadillovb on Dec 20, 2023 8:05:50 GMT -5
Duke has been very quiet to begin the portal season, but seem to awake now. Priority looks to be a setter and a joining other ACC teams with looking for a middle. Interested in Bella D'Amico from GT, Tiffany Paalman from Green Bay, and Ella Sandt from Saint Mary's. Tiffany Paalman could be very interesting. Had 300+ kills as a middle last season. How about they develop a setter from on of the younger ones on the Roster. Getting a Grad transfer setter in each year hasn't done anything - and using one this year will put them behind another 2 - 3 years more, considering the extra Covid year is gone. How about they develop a setter from on of the younger ones on the Roster. Getting a Grad transfer setter in each year hasn't done anything - and using one this year will put them behind another 2 - 3 years more, considering the extra Covid year is gone. |
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SMDH. 
