By Taylor Cotie

History is being written inside Hanes Gymnasium. The Greensboro College volleyball team has been unstoppable, with an undefeated conference record of 15-0 and an impressive overall record of 22-2. The Pride recently broke the volleyball program record for most consecutive wins. With only a few games remaining in the regular season, the team is now focused on the ultimate goal – winning the USA South Conference Championship.

After falling short to the Meredith College Avenging Angels in the 2023 USA South Conference Championship match, the Pride are hungry to finish and bring the title home to Greensboro. The Pride are excelling this season under new leadership, led by first-year head coach, Dan Bozarth.

Despite their current undefeated record, Bozarth said the players are not letting the pressure get to them.

“I do not think being undefeated in conference play is something we have focused on as a team, so we are not necessarily feeling that pressure,” Bozarth said. “We know that being ranked second in preseason and having the success we have had means we are getting everyone’s best game each time we play. The biggest takeaway for us is to approach every game with the right mindset and not take anything for granted.

Bozarth also commended the team’s energy and culture, big reasons why they play so well together.

“Our team loves to have fun. They are positive. They are encouragers. I think every one of us enjoys coming to practice daily. They are motivated to do special things this year and come with that focus every day as well.”

Bozarth credited much of the team’s success to strong leadership.

“One of the biggest keys has been our leadership. We have outstanding captains and a phenomenal group of seniors. The combination of the veteran presence and strong performances from the newcomers has propelled the team. Payton Shiflet and Morgan Mayfield specifically have been highlighted by our conference multiple times for USA South Player of the Week honors.”

A significant part of this success comes from the nine seniors on the roster. Senior and setter Jaylyn Templeton has been a central part of the team’s success over the past four years. Templeton recently reached a major milestone in her collegiate athletic career – her 3000th career assist.

“I feel the key this year has been stacking good practices and having overall good team chemistry. Being able to have fun and work together towards a goal has been a huge part to how we play,” said Templeton.

After three years of playing under former head coach, Kevin Troup, Templeton reflected on the transition to new leadership this season.

“I think having a new coach was a tough transition especially for us seniors, but he has stepped in wonderfully and given us new ways to look at volleyball. He has always implemented ways to keep things fun for us while also being serious about our goals.”

As her senior year comes to an end, Templeton hopes to reflect on the future of the Greensboro College volleyball program.

“I hope that the girls below me and the ones coming in years to come know that hard work and commitment is key to building a championship program,” she said. “Not every day is easy, but if you really love the sport and what you are doing, everything will be worth it in the end.”

After defeating Salem on October 28, the Pride extended their winning streak to 17 consecutive matches, adding to their historic season as they inch even closer to a championship title.