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Post by ilalum92 on Oct 11, 2024 11:09:07 GMT -5
This situation is more common than not in the jump from HS to college athletics. In HS you are the star player, getting the accolades, recruited wined & dined by coaches. You get to college and realize that you went from big fish in the small pond to little fish in the big pond. You come in and don't start, realize you are not the star & unless you have the foundation to be able to deal with it, it can destroy an athlete. It's a double edged sword. Glad she had the self -awareness to seek help. I personally think its misguided to suggest that Lily and others can’t adjust to their roles simply because they’ve gone from ‘big fish in a small pond’ to ‘little fish in a big pond.’ That narrative might make sense if the team were performing well, but we’re currently at the bottom of the Big Ten. Our “big fish” in our “big pond” are not looking so big or good right now. For high-performance athletes, watching their team fail repeatedly without the chance to contribute must be incredibly frustrating, especially when they were recruited and had chances to play at other high performing programs in the big 10- teams above us right now. Least of all we brought them here to use their skills and abilities to make an impact. It’s not about struggling to accept a reduced role—I think it’s about talented players being sidelined while the same “cut and paste” lineup underperforms over and over again with no consequences. In a true competitive program, performance should dictate playing time. If the team is not achieving success, it’s time to reconsider the lineup and shake it up. Lily has stepped up/in when asked to and it’s a great example of giving the future of our program some court time and a chance to prove herself. Without the injury/illness by Caroline she would not get a shot. That is where her inclusion in the lineup is “self serving” for Tamas not a developmental opportunity for Lily. I would like to see a much more competitive gym in illinois that is built for true competitive athletes not those who can ride the starting lineup with mediocre performances day in and day out. Sorry to judge but it’s a competitive sport right? That also includes Raina btw if she is not performing. I know that she is considered an “untouchable” but maybe that is the essence of our big problem in Illinois, we have lost sight of what a competitive gym looks like. The standards are set by the Raina and if she is struggling why not give her a break and send a message to the team that even Queen Raina herself has to perform to stay on the court? Let them know that there is equality in that gym and performance is not negotiable. No freebies here! She is certainly not producing like she has in other years and seems to be rising to the same low performance level of our OH/OP. You can’t convince me that our combined average of 115% in B1G 10 conference is the best we have. Pretty sure we are not making any big moves toward the tournament with those numbers. Sitting at 15/18 in the biggie doesn't tell me that we should stick with this plan, maybe it’s time to move the deck chairs around on the titanic and try to avoid a few icebergs. Could it get worse?  Then again, If we lose to Michigan State this weekend I am calling the season. She said so much in the quotes. Especially for the reasons you said. Other getting playing time when she is not. As a former athlete, you get what other athletes are seeing. I am in agreement, I think Tamas sticks with one lineup way too much. Have to mix it up. If someone is having a bad night, try something new. No one is untouchable. We don't use Raina enough in the back row to warrant her bad passing for 2 rotations. |
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Post by kevinmalone on Oct 11, 2024 11:20:06 GMT -5
This situation is more common than not in the jump from HS to college athletics. In HS you are the star player, getting the accolades, recruited wined & dined by coaches. You get to college and realize that you went from big fish in the small pond to little fish in the big pond. You come in and don't start, realize you are not the star & unless you have the foundation to be able to deal with it, it can destroy an athlete. It's a double edged sword. Glad she had the self -awareness to seek help. I personally think its misguided to suggest that Lily and others can’t adjust to their roles simply because they’ve gone from ‘big fish in a small pond’ to ‘little fish in a big pond.’ That narrative might make sense if the team were performing well, but we’re currently at the bottom of the Big Ten. Our “big fish” in our “big pond” are not looking so big or good right now. For high-performance athletes, watching their team fail repeatedly without the chance to contribute must be incredibly frustrating, especially when they were recruited and had chances to play at other high performing programs in the big 10- teams above us right now. Least of all we brought them here to use their skills and abilities to make an impact. It’s not about struggling to accept a reduced role—I think it’s about talented players being sidelined while the same “cut and paste” lineup underperforms over and over again with no consequences. In a true competitive program, performance should dictate playing time. If the team is not achieving success, it’s time to reconsider the lineup and shake it up. Lily has stepped up/in when asked to and it’s a great example of giving the future of our program some court time and a chance to prove herself. Without the injury/illness by Caroline she would not get a shot. That is where her inclusion in the lineup is “self serving” for Tamas not a developmental opportunity for Lily. I would like to see a much more competitive gym in illinois that is built for true competitive athletes not those who can ride the starting lineup with mediocre performances day in and day out. Sorry to judge but it’s a competitive sport right? That also includes Raina btw if she is not performing. I know that she is considered an “untouchable” but maybe that is the essence of our big problem in Illinois, we have lost sight of what a competitive gym looks like. The standards are set by the Raina and if she is struggling why not give her a break and send a message to the team that even Queen Raina herself has to perform to stay on the court? Let them know that there is equality in that gym and performance is not negotiable. No freebies here! She is certainly not producing like she has in other years and seems to be rising to the same low performance level of our OH/OP. You can’t convince me that our combined average of 115% in B1G 10 conference is the best we have. Pretty sure we are not making any big moves toward the tournament with those numbers. Sitting at 15/18 in the biggie doesn't tell me that we should stick with this plan, maybe it’s time to move the deck chairs around on the titanic and try to avoid a few icebergs. Could it get worse? Then again, If we lose to Michigan State this weekend I am calling the season. The issue is you are talking about performance in a match - there is also performance in practice where most of playing time is determined - if a starter is clearly out performing a non starter in practice what would lead a coach to believe that it would be any different in a match. Non volleyball people certainly make a lot of assumptions off a 2 hour window twice a week when really more time is spent in the practice gym where playing time is earned. |
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Post by therefisblind on Oct 11, 2024 13:00:59 GMT -5
Bit harsh to say it was a fitness issue when really the team gave everything.the unfortunate truth was our inexperience in that moment caused us to come up short. Nebraska were a very seasoned team and they were able to turn it around. We should have got it done but the ladies on that team gave everything that year and I will never fault them. The home game against Wisconsin was one of the greatest atmospheres seen in Huff. JQ was definitelty not jumping as high at the end of the match and looked a little winded. Thats not on her. Thats on the conditioning coach. The Wisco match was amazing. Seeing JP take charge when CWelsh had to rotate into the front row. And we still won the set in extra points! Masterclass in leadership We will have to disagree on JQ as I just think she was gassed because of the load she carried throughout the season. It definitely becomes harder to jump and do anything when the tide gets turned. We were definitely a fit and tough team that season so definitely not on coach Emily. Now as for the JP comment i couldn’t agree more with you..amazing to see live. I don’t think I will ever understand when they didn’t go after Caroline in the front row..maybe they couldn’t believe she was there because i couldn’t 😂. That was such a fun team to watch |
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Post by Chewblocka on Oct 11, 2024 15:09:38 GMT -5
ilalum92 I personally think its misguided to suggest that Lily and others can’t adjust to their roles simply because they’ve gone from ‘big fish in a small pond’ to ‘little fish in a big pond.’ That narrative might make sense if the team were performing well, but we’re currently at the bottom of the Big Ten. Our “big fish” in our “big pond” are not looking so big or good right now. For high-performance athletes, watching their team fail repeatedly without the chance to contribute must be incredibly frustrating, especially when they were recruited and had chances to play at other high performing programs in the big 10- teams above us right now. Least of all we brought them here to use their skills and abilities to make an impact. It’s not about struggling to accept a reduced role—I think it’s about talented players being sidelined while the same “cut and paste” lineup underperforms over and over again with no consequences. In a true competitive program, performance should dictate playing time. If the team is not achieving success, it’s time to reconsider the lineup and shake it up. Lily has stepped up/in when asked to and it’s a great example of giving the future of our program some court time and a chance to prove herself. Without the injury/illness by Caroline she would not get a shot. That is where her inclusion in the lineup is “self serving” for Tamas not a developmental opportunity for Lily. I would like to see a much more competitive gym in illinois that is built for true competitive athletes not those who can ride the starting lineup with mediocre performances day in and day out. Sorry to judge but it’s a competitive sport right? That also includes Raina btw if she is not performing. I know that she is considered an “untouchable” but maybe that is the essence of our big problem in Illinois, we have lost sight of what a competitive gym looks like. The standards are set by the Raina and if she is struggling why not give her a break and send a message to the team that even Queen Raina herself has to perform to stay on the court? Let them know that there is equality in that gym and performance is not negotiable. No freebies here! She is certainly not producing like she has in other years and seems to be rising to the same low performance level of our OH/OP. You can’t convince me that our combined average of 115% in B1G 10 conference is the best we have. Pretty sure we are not making any big moves toward the tournament with those numbers. Sitting at 15/18 in the biggie doesn't tell me that we should stick with this plan, maybe it’s time to move the deck chairs around on the titanic and try to avoid a few icebergs. Could it get worse? Then again, If we lose to Michigan State this weekend I am calling the season. The issue is you are talking about performance in a match - there is also performance in practice where most of playing time is determined - if a starter is clearly out performing a non starter in practice what would lead a coach to believe that it would be any different in a match. Non volleyball people certainly make a lot of assumptions off a 2 hour window twice a week when really more time is spent in the practice gym where playing time is earned. Sure, you’re right—practice performance is important. But last I checked, matches are where wins and losses happen, not practice scrimmages. If the stats in actual games are showing underperformance, why not switch things up. Adjust playing time, rotate positions—something. ‘Chemistry’ is great, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to keep rolling out the roster that is not delivering when it counts. Right now, we’ve got a coach who sees the lower performance numbers but sticks with the plan anyway. If someone’s not showing up in games, maybe their ‘stellar’ practice isn’t translating to match pressure. But hey, if the coaching philosophy values things other than performance, then practice or game results don’t really matter, do they? IMO what Illinois really needs is to get back to a results-driven, mindset where actual performance, not subjective feelings about chemistry, dictates who gets on the court. I am all for holding hands, building chemistry and loving each other, but can we please be wickedly compensative while we do it? |
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Post by Chewblocka on Oct 11, 2024 15:22:34 GMT -5
The issue is you are talking about performance in a match - there is also performance in practice where most of playing time is determined - if a starter is clearly out performing a non starter in practice what would lead a coach to believe that it would be any different in a match. Non volleyball people certainly make a lot of assumptions off a 2 hour window twice a week when really more time is spent in the practice gym where playing time is earned. Sure, you’re right—practice performance is important. But last I checked, matches are where wins and losses happen, not practice scrimmages. If the stats in actual games are showing underperformance, why not switch things up. Adjust playing time, rotate positions—something. ‘Chemistry’ is great, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to keep rolling out the roster that is not delivering when it counts. Right now, we’ve got a coach who sees the lower performance numbers but sticks with the plan anyway. If someone’s not showing up in games, maybe their ‘stellar’ practice isn’t translating to match pressure. But hey, if the coaching philosophy values things other than performance, then practice or game results don’t really matter, do they? IMO what Illinois really needs is to get back to a results-driven, mindset where actual performance, not subjective feelings about chemistry, dictates who gets on the court. I am all for holding hands, building chemistry and loving each other, but can we please be wickedly compensative while we do it? Oops- I mean competitive ..guess that’s what happens when I post without my glasses on.. worse its in italics (rofl) |
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Post by Chewblocka on Oct 11, 2024 15:33:19 GMT -5
ilalum92 I personally think its misguided to suggest that Lily and others can’t adjust to their roles simply because they’ve gone from ‘big fish in a small pond’ to ‘little fish in a big pond.’ That narrative might make sense if the team were performing well, but we’re currently at the bottom of the Big Ten. Our “big fish” in our “big pond” are not looking so big or good right now. For high-performance athletes, watching their team fail repeatedly without the chance to contribute must be incredibly frustrating, especially when they were recruited and had chances to play at other high performing programs in the big 10- teams above us right now. Least of all we brought them here to use their skills and abilities to make an impact. It’s not about struggling to accept a reduced role—I think it’s about talented players being sidelined while the same “cut and paste” lineup underperforms over and over again with no consequences. In a true competitive program, performance should dictate playing time. If the team is not achieving success, it’s time to reconsider the lineup and shake it up. Lily has stepped up/in when asked to and it’s a great example of giving the future of our program some court time and a chance to prove herself. Without the injury/illness by Caroline she would not get a shot. That is where her inclusion in the lineup is “self serving” for Tamas not a developmental opportunity for Lily. I would like to see a much more competitive gym in illinois that is built for true competitive athletes not those who can ride the starting lineup with mediocre performances day in and day out. Sorry to judge but it’s a competitive sport right? That also includes Raina btw if she is not performing. I know that she is considered an “untouchable” but maybe that is the essence of our big problem in Illinois, we have lost sight of what a competitive gym looks like. The standards are set by the Raina and if she is struggling why not give her a break and send a message to the team that even Queen Raina herself has to perform to stay on the court? Let them know that there is equality in that gym and performance is not negotiable. No freebies here! She is certainly not producing like she has in other years and seems to be rising to the same low performance level of our OH/OP. You can’t convince me that our combined average of 115% in B1G 10 conference is the best we have. Pretty sure we are not making any big moves toward the tournament with those numbers. Sitting at 15/18 in the biggie doesn't tell me that we should stick with this plan, maybe it’s time to move the deck chairs around on the titanic and try to avoid a few icebergs. Could it get worse? ??? Then again, If we lose to Michigan State this weekend I am calling the season. She said so much in the quotes. Especially for the reasons you said. Other getting playing time when she is not. As a former athlete, you get what other athletes are seeing. I am in agreement, I think Tamas sticks with one lineup way too much. Have to mix it up. If someone is having a bad night, try something new. No one is untouchable. We don't use Raina enough in the back row to warrant her bad passing for 2 rotations. I know right! Sadly I think Raina is untouchable, at least they play her that way. Don’t get me wrong here, I am a FAN but I am a bigger fan of our team succeeding and us having a competitive foundation for our whole team. I found this quote awhile back and I know it is from a top NCAA coach but I am sorry I can’t find the author to give credit: “ When a top player becomes “untouchable,” even when performance is below expectations, it can disrupt the entire dynamic of the team. As coaches, we value star players for their leadership and talent, but if their place on the court is guaranteed regardless of performance, it sends a dangerous message. It tells the rest of the team that effort, improvement, and results in practice or matches don’t matter as much as status. This can weaken the competitive environment, limit player development, and ultimately hurt the program’s depth and performance. For any program to truly excel, playing time has to be earned through consistent, high-level performance—not simply based on past accolades” |
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Post by ilalum92 on Oct 11, 2024 16:57:09 GMT -5
She said so much in the quotes. Especially for the reasons you said. Other getting playing time when she is not. As a former athlete, you get what other athletes are seeing. I am in agreement, I think Tamas sticks with one lineup way too much. Have to mix it up. If someone is having a bad night, try something new. No one is untouchable. We don't use Raina enough in the back row to warrant her bad passing for 2 rotations. I know right! Sadly I think Raina is untouchable, at least they play her that way. Don’t get me wrong here, I am a FAN but I am a bigger fan of our team succeeding and us having a competitive foundation for our whole team. I found this quote awhile back and I know it is from a top NCAA coach but I am sorry I can’t find the author to give credit: “ When a top player becomes “untouchable,” even when performance is below expectations, it can disrupt the entire dynamic of the team. As coaches, we value star players for their leadership and talent, but if their place on the court is guaranteed regardless of performance, it sends a dangerous message. It tells the rest of the team that effort, improvement, and results in practice or matches don’t matter as much as status. This can weaken the competitive environment, limit player development, and ultimately hurt the program’s depth and performance. For any program to truly excel, playing time has to be earned through consistent, high-level performance—not simply based on past accolades” Her serving is great and we defintiely need her in the 3 front row rotations but I would experiment pulling her from the back row for 2 rotations. This would be once Barnes is healthy. |
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Post by exit237a on Oct 11, 2024 20:01:46 GMT -5
HUGE win, Illinois! Everyone contributed in big ways. Great job, Illini!
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Post by illinivbfan1992 on Oct 11, 2024 22:24:56 GMT -5
I didn't hear most of tonight's match, but for a good reason. I went to the Illini Hall of Fame ceremonies at State Farm Center, where Laura DeBruler Costa dos Santos was among the entrants. Noticed Don and Kim Hardin (who still live in town) speaking with her before the awards: They then sat down a couple rows in front of me.
Congrats to Laura. I don't remember if anyone previously posted her official blurb, but here's what was in the bulletin and in the press release:
Laura DeBruler Costa dos Santos, Volleyball, 2007-10
One of the most celebrated volleyball players in Illinois history, Laura DeBruler was named First-Team All-American in 2009 after earning Second-Team recognition in 2008. She was also unanimous First-Team All-Big Ten in 2008 and 2009. After a strong start as a senior in 2010, DeBruler suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury. She was named to 12 all-tournament teams, including MVP of three during her Illini career. DeBruler Santos finished her Illini career with the second-highest kills total (1,833) all-time at Illinois. She also ranked first in career attacks (4,806) and eighth in career digs (1,117). DeBruler was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, earned eight Big Ten Player of the Week honors and was a finalist for the LOWE's Senior Class Award. After graduation, she played for the NUC Volleyball Club in Neuchatel, Switzerland, and competed in the National 'A' League, the highest league in Switzerland, as well as the CEV Cup against other European teams. After several years coaching collegiately, DeBruler Costa dos Santos is the Assistant Director of Recruitment and Student Success at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
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Post by Pasquale on Oct 11, 2024 23:25:12 GMT -5
DeBruler is my all-time favorite Illini. She was so dynamic and exciting. The 2010 team with DeBruler, Bartsch and Ward was a serious contender to win it all until DeBruler's season-ending injury. Congrats to Laura on her induction to the Illini Hall of Fame.
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Post by liberovb10 on Oct 12, 2024 8:54:06 GMT -5
DeBruler is my all-time favorite Illini. She was so dynamic and exciting. The 2010 team with DeBruler, Bartsch and Ward was a serious contender to win it all until DeBruler's season-ending injury. Congrats to Laura on her induction to the Illini Hall of Fame. This would have been a lethal team - and one that i had the privilege of watching live before the unfortunate ACL tear. To think how far that team could have gone because of the depth and strength at every position. Ward/DeBruler -OH Bartsch- Opp Hillary Haen - S Bangert/Johnson - MB JBO - Lib Feldman/Wolfe/Ambrahamovich - DS Dorn - MB Lurhsen - S Jendryk - MB/OH Orozco - OH/Opp |
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Post by Chewblocka on Oct 12, 2024 9:58:38 GMT -5
Big win yesterday - nice to see us get into some rhythm. Blocking on-point and everyone contributing. This is the team we like to see. I am thrilled however I am also aware Michigan played probably the worst I have ever seen them play.. BUT I’ll take it! That doesn’t negate all the good things we put together
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Post by ilalum92 on Oct 12, 2024 11:53:12 GMT -5
DeBruler is my all-time favorite Illini. She was so dynamic and exciting. The 2010 team with DeBruler, Bartsch and Ward was a serious contender to win it all until DeBruler's season-ending injury. Congrats to Laura on her induction to the Illini Hall of Fame. This would have been a lethal team - and one that i had the privilege of watching live before the unfortunate ACL tear. To think how far that team could have gone because of the depth and strength at every position. Ward/DeBruler -OH Bartsch- Opp Hillary Haen - S Bangert/Johnson - MB JBO - Lib Feldman/Wolfe/Ambrahamovich - DS Dorn - MB Lurhsen - S Jendryk - MB/OH Orozco - OH/Opp They would have made the final 4 that year if DeBruler didnt get hurt. Jendryk, her brother is on the National Team but she never played a match while at ILL. Was player of the Year in the state too. |
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Post by oldmanvb on Oct 12, 2024 13:45:43 GMT -5
Big win yesterday - nice to see us get into some rhythm. Blocking on-point and everyone contributing. This is the team we like to see. I am thrilled however I am also aware Michigan played probably the worst I have ever seen them play.. BUT I’ll take it! That doesn’t negate all the good things we put together Our blocking had a lot to do with their hitting errors. We did a much better job penetrating on the block and our middles did a terrific job of working pin to pin. Our back row did a much better job of keying off the block. Our better play had a lot to do with their poor play. Let’s take the momentum built by a solid victory and start a winning streak, beginning this afternoon! |
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Post by illinivbfan1992 on Oct 12, 2024 18:52:21 GMT -5
What an exhausting day! Two Illini teams (volleyball and football), two games that on paper look like they should be decisive wins, two games that turned out to be anything but, with two opponents who were desperate for a win and who got a chance to feel good about their chances. At least volleyball wasn't quite the down-to-the-last-play heart-stopper that football was. I fully expected to lose that one on the last play before Roziek and co. bailed us out.
But I was worried about Michigan State even before we started. It was the quick-turnaround schedule: Night game at Michigan, then on the road (even if fairly briefly), then get in to a hotel late, then up and prepping to play in mid-afternoon. Felt like we wouldn't be mentally sharp, and we weren't. MSU's fast start was no surprise. Just kept thinking, "We'll shake off the fog in time." Barely in time,as it worked out, but in time nevertheless. For all our service errors, we made none past the middle of the fourth set (Reilly for MSU's 16th point) -- but we did have three more aces after that. For all MSU's blocks, they had none in the fifth set.
So we can check this off as a productive weekend. Bad loss avoided and pretty good win the night before (on the road against #37 RPI Michigan). If we keep winning the ones we "should" win and get an upset or two, our tournament drought should be over.
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Then again, If we lose to Michigan State this weekend I am calling the season. 
