According to Illinois State fifth-year senior volleyball player Jenny Kabbes, there are no secrets to the Redbird sisterhood. It took just a couple of days of preseason camp for Kabbes and her 11 cohorts--including five freshmen--to form a bond which team members believe will improve its chances for success, even in the face of perhaps the toughest schedule in Redbird history.
We have real unity and chemistry, said Kabbes, a Bloomington Central Catholic High School alumnus who already ranks No. 6 in career blocks at Illinois State. There are no cliques. We are working hard together and it doesnt matter who is next to you on the court, how old they are or what year they are in school. Its great fun.
Redbird head coach Sharon Dingman believes the chemistry is genuine, and credits the fast integration of the freshmen into the mix as a key as her team prepares for the season opener Aug. 30 against Florida State in Redbird Arena. The Birds face four nationally-ranked teams in the first eight matches of the season.
This group is cohesive and acts like theyve been together all their lives, said Dingman. Returning players dont see the freshmen as new and the freshmen understand that there are opportunities as well as expectations on the court.
But the best thing is, the chemistry comes naturally. The seniors--Erin (Jones), Lacy (McFarland) and Jenny--are responsible for a lot of it.
Dingman, starting her 12th season as a head coach, detects no senioritis among her three leaders.
Seniors can either decide well, I just have one more year ... I just want to get through it or they can choose to involved and contribute everything they can, said Dingman. Theres no doubt in my mind: Erin, Lacy and Jenny want to be part of it.
To Kabbes, whose younger sister Emily is one of those freshmen, the rookies remind her of how great it is to be a Redbird. She overheard freshman Ashley Grubb, her preseason roommate, talking on the phone. Grubbs conversation included praise for Redbird equipment coordinator Julie Hinthorn, among others.
Ashley was telling someone on the phone we get new shoes ... our practice laundry is done for us ... we wear the coolest spandex ... said Kabbes. Just those simple things we learn to take for granted reminded me of how exciting it is to be part of Redbird volleyball. Our fans, our coaches, the staff ... we have so much support.
Redbird fans can purchase volleyball single-match and season tickets by calling the Redbird Arena Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000.
