When it comes to collegiate volleyball, few programs have enjoyed the sustained success of McNeese State University. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, McNeese State has been a dominant force in the Southland Conference for decades, winning 18 regular season championships and 12 tournament titles.
Editor’s Note:McNeese State volleyball is a prime example of how a strong athletic program can bring recognition and pride to a university and its community. Their success on the court has helped to put McNeese State on the map and has inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.
In recent years, McNeese State has made a name for itself on the national stage, reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and 2019. The Cowgirls are known for their high-powered offense, led by All-American outside hitter Regan Dunn. Dunn is one of the most prolific hitters in the country, and she has helped McNeese State become one of the most feared teams in the Southland Conference.
The Cowgirls are also known for their strong defense, led by libero Emily Hartmann. Hartmann is one of the best defensive players in the country, and she has helped McNeese State lead the Southland Conference in digs per set for the past three seasons.
McNeese State volleyball is a program on the rise. With a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the Cowgirls are poised to make another run at the NCAA Tournament in 2023.
1. Winning Tradition
McNeese State volleyball has a long and storied tradition of success, with 18 regular season championships and 12 tournament titles in the Southland Conference. This success is due to a number of factors, including:
- Strong Coaching: McNeese State has had a number of successful coaches over the years, including current head coach Ryan Maas. Maas has led the Cowgirls to four regular season championships and three tournament titles in his eight seasons at the helm.
- Talented Players: McNeese State has always been able to attract talented players from all over the country. In recent years, the Cowgirls have had a number of All-Americans, including outside hitter Regan Dunn and libero Emily Hartmann.
- Home Court Advantage: The Legacy Center is one of the toughest places to play in the Southland Conference. The Cowgirls have a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat in front of their fans.
- Team Chemistry: The McNeese State volleyball team is always known for its strong team chemistry. The players are all very close-knit, and they play for each other. This team chemistry is a big reason for the Cowgirls’ success.
The McNeese State volleyball team’s winning tradition is a source of pride for the university and the Lake Charles community. The Cowgirls are one of the most successful teams in the Southland Conference, and they are always a contender for the NCAA Tournament.
2. National Recognition
McNeese State volleyball’s success on the national stage has been a major factor in the program’s overall success. The Cowgirls’ two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019 were the first for the program since 2005.
- Increased Visibility: The NCAA Tournament is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country, and McNeese State’s appearances have helped to raise the profile of the program and the university as a whole.
- Recruiting Advantage: The Cowgirls’ success has also helped them to attract top recruits from all over the country. Players want to play for a program that is competing at the highest level, and McNeese State’s NCAA Tournament appearances have shown that they are a program on the rise.
- Community Pride: The Cowgirls’ success has also been a source of pride for the Lake Charles community. The team’s NCAA Tournament appearances have helped to put McNeese State on the map and have inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.
- Financial Benefits: The NCAA Tournament also provides a financial boost to the university. The Cowgirls’ NCAA Tournament appearances have generated revenue for the university, which can be used to support the athletic department and other programs.
McNeese State volleyball’s NCAA Tournament appearances have been a major factor in the program’s overall success. The Cowgirls’ success on the national stage has helped to raise the profile of the program, attract top recruits, and generate revenue. The Cowgirls’ success is a source of pride for the Lake Charles community and has inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.
3. High-Powered Offense
McNeese State volleyball’s high-powered offense is one of the most feared in the Southland Conference. The Cowgirls are led by All-American outside hitter Regan Dunn, who is one of the most prolific hitters in the country.
Dunn is a 6’0″ outside hitter from San Antonio, Texas. She is a three-time All-Southland Conference selection and was named the Southland Conference Player of the Year in 2021. Dunn is known for her powerful hitting and her ability to score from anywhere on the court.
In 2021, Dunn led the Cowgirls to their first Southland Conference regular season championship since 2014. She also led the team to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round to the University of Florida.
Dunn is a key part of McNeese State’s success. Her ability to score points from anywhere on the court makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. She is also a leader on and off the court, and her teammates look up to her.
The connection between McNeese State volleyball and their high-powered offense is undeniable. Dunn is a major part of the Cowgirls’ success, and she is a big reason why they are one of the most feared teams in the Southland Conference.
| Player | Position | Hometown | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regan Dunn | Outside Hitter | San Antonio, Texas |
– 3x All-Southland Conference – Southland Conference Player of the Year (2021) |
4. Strong Defense
McNeese State volleyball’s success is not only due to their high-powered offense, but also to the
ir strong defense. The Cowgirls are led by libero Emily Hartmann, one of the best defensive players in the country.
- Digging Ability: Hartmann is an exceptional digger, and she consistently leads the Southland Conference in digs per set. Her ability to dig hard-hit balls and keep them in play is a major reason for the Cowgirls’ success.
- Passing: Hartmann is not just a great digger, she is also a great passer. She is able to control the tempo of the game with her passing, and she can set up her hitters for kills.
- Leadership: Hartmann is a vocal leader on the court. She is always communicating with her teammates and helping them to stay focused. Her leadership is a big reason for the Cowgirls’ success.
Hartmann is a key part of McNeese State volleyball’s success. Her defensive ability and leadership are essential to the team’s success. She is a big reason why the Cowgirls are one of the top teams in the Southland Conference.
5. Talented Roster
McNeese State volleyball has a talented roster that is a mix of experienced and young players. This mix of experience and youth is one of the reasons for the Cowgirls’ success.
- Leadership: The experienced players on the roster provide leadership and mentorship for the younger players. They help to teach the younger players the ropes and how to succeed at the collegiate level.
- Experience: The experienced players also provide a wealth of experience to the team. They have been through the ups and downs of a college volleyball season and know what it takes to win.
- Energy: The young players on the roster provide energy and enthusiasm to the team. They are always eager to learn and improve, and they bring a fresh perspective to the game.
- Potential: The young players also have a lot of potential. They have not yet reached their full potential, but they have the talent and drive to become great players.
The mix of experienced and young players on the McNeese State volleyball roster is one of the reasons for the team’s success. The experienced players provide leadership and experience, while the young players provide energy and potential. This mix of talent and experience is a recipe for success.
6. Dedicated Coaching Staff
McNeese State volleyball’s success is due in part to their dedicated coaching staff, led by head coach Ryan Maas. Maas has been at the helm since 2013, and under his leadership, the Cowgirls have won four regular season championships and three tournament titles in the Southland Conference. Maas has also led the Cowgirls to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Maas is a proven winner, and his success is due to a number of factors. First, he is an excellent recruiter. He has brought in some of the top recruits in the country to McNeese State, including All-American outside hitter Regan Dunn and libero Emily Hartmann.
Second, Maas is a great tactician. He is always prepared for his opponents, and he knows how to put his players in the best position to succeed. He is also not afraid to make adjustments during a match, which has helped the Cowgirls win many close matches.
Third, Maas is a great motivator. He knows how to get his players to play hard and to believe in themselves. He is also a great role model, and his players respect him both on and off the court.
The connection between the dedicated coaching staff and McNeese State volleyball’s success is clear. Maas has built a winning culture at McNeese State, and his players are committed to excellence. The Cowgirls are a team to watch in the years to come, and Maas is a big reason why.
Key Insights:
- A dedicated coaching staff is essential for the success of any athletic program.
- Head coach Ryan Maas has been a key factor in McNeese State volleyball’s success.
- Maas is an excellent recruiter, tactician, and motivator.
- The Cowgirls are a team to watch in the years to come, thanks in part to their dedicated coaching staff.
Practical Applications:
- Athletic directors should invest in their coaching staffs and provide them with the resources they need to be successful.
- Coaches should be committed to developing their players both on and off the court.
- Players should respect and trust their coaches and be willing to work hard for them.
7. Home Court Advantage
McNeese State volleyball enjoys a significant home court advantage at the Legacy Center, which has been a key factor in their success. Here are some of the factors that contribute to this advantage:
- Crowd Support: The Legacy Center is known for its enthusiastic and vocal crowd, which creates an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. The Cowgirls’ fans are passionate and knowledgeable about the game, and they always come out in full force to support their team.
- Familiarity with the Environment: The Cowgirls are very familiar with the Legacy Center, having practiced and played there countless times. They know the court dimensions, the lighting, and the acoustics, which gives them a slight edge over their opponents.
- Comfort and Confidence: Playing at home gives the Cowgirls a sense of comfort and confidence. They are more relaxed and comfortable in their own environment, which allows them to play more freely and aggressively.
- Momentum: The Cowgirls have a strong winning record at the Legacy Center, which gives them a psychological advantage over their opponents. They know that they can win at home, and this belief gives them a boost of confidence.
The combination of these factors makes the Legacy Center one of the toughest places to play in the Southland Conference. The Cowgirls have a distinct advantage when they play at home, and it is a major reason for their success.
8. Fan Support
The connection between fan support and McNeese State volleyball is undeniable. The Cowgirls’ loyal fans are a major part of the team’s success, and they create a home court advantage that is one of the toughest in the Southland Conference.
There are several reasons why fan support is so important to McNeese State volleyball. First, the fans provide a sense of community and belonging for the players. They know that they are playing for their fans, and this gives them a boost of confidence. Second, the fans create an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. The Legacy Center is known for its loud and enthusiastic crowd, and this can be a major factor in close matches.
Here are some examples of how fan support has helped McNeese State volleyball achieve success:
- In 2021, the Cowgirls won their first Southland Conference regular season
championship since 2014. They finished the season with a 20-8 record, and they were ranked as high as No. 25 in the AVCA Coaches Poll. The Cowgirls’ success was due in part to their strong home record. They went 12-1 at the Legacy Center during the regular season, and they won both of their home matches in the Southland Conference Tournament. - In 2019, the Cowgirls reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005. They won their first-round match against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, but they lost to No. 1 overall seed Stanford in the second round. The Cowgirls’ success in the NCAA Tournament was due in part to their strong fan support. They played in front of a sellout crowd at the Legacy Center in their first-round match, and their fans gave them a huge boost of energy.
The connection between fan support and McNeese State volleyball is clear. The Cowgirls’ loyal fans are a major part of the team’s success, and they create a home court advantage that is one of the toughest in the Southland Conference.
| Key Insight | Example |
|---|---|
| Fan support provides a sense of community and belonging for the players. | The Cowgirls’ fans are known for their and loyalty. They create a welcoming environment for the players, and they make them feel like they are part of a family. |
| Fan support creates an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. | The Legacy Center is known for its loud and enthusiastic crowd. This can be a major factor in close matches, and it can help the Cowgirls to win games that they might otherwise lose. |
| Fan support has helped McNeese State volleyball achieve success. | The Cowgirls have won several Southland Conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths in recent years. Their success is due in part to their strong fan support. |
9. Community Involvement
The connection between community involvement and the success of McNeese State volleyball is undeniable. The Cowgirls’ players are active in the Lake Charles community, and this involvement has a number of positive benefits for both the team and the community.
First, community involvement helps the Cowgirls to build relationships with the people of Lake Charles. These relationships are important for a number of reasons. They help the Cowgirls to feel connected to the community, and they also help to generate support for the team. When the Cowgirls are involved in the community, people are more likely to come out to their games and cheer them on.
Second, community involvement helps the Cowgirls to develop important life skills. By volunteering their time and working with others, the Cowgirls learn about teamwork, communication, and leadership. These skills are essential for success on the volleyball court, and they are also valuable in other areas of life.
Third, community involvement helps to promote the game of volleyball in Lake Charles. When the Cowgirls are involved in the community, they are helping to raise awareness of the sport and to encourage young people to play volleyball. This is important for the growth of volleyball in Lake Charles, and it is also important for the future of the McNeese State volleyball program.
Here are a few examples of how McNeese State volleyball players are involved in the Lake Charles community:
- The Cowgirls volunteer their time at local schools, where they work with young children and help to teach them about volleyball.
- The Cowgirls participate in community events, such as the annual McNeese State Volleyball Camp and the Lake Charles volleyball tournament.
- The Cowgirls work with local businesses to raise money for charity.
The connection between community involvement and McNeese State volleyball is clear. The Cowgirls’ players are active in the Lake Charles community, and this involvement has a number of positive benefits for both the team and the community.
Key Insights:
- Community involvement helps to build relationships between the Cowgirls and the people of Lake Charles.
- Community involvement helps the Cowgirls to develop important life skills.
- Community involvement helps to promote the game of volleyball in Lake Charles.
Practical Applications:
- Athletic teams should be encouraged to get involved in their local communities.
- Community involvement can help to build team morale and unity.
- Community involvement can help to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity.
10. Academic Success
Academic success is an important part of the McNeese State volleyball program. The Cowgirls have a strong academic record, with many players earning All-Academic honors. This success is due to a number of factors, including:
- Academic support: The McNeese State athletic department provides a number of academic support services to its student-athletes, including tutoring, academic counseling, and study halls.
- Time management: The Cowgirls learn how to manage their time effectively so that they can succeed both in the classroom and on the court.
- Discipline: The Cowgirls are disciplined both on and off the court. They know that they need to work hard in the classroom in order to be successful on the court.
The Cowgirls’ academic success is a source of pride for the university and the Lake Charles community. It shows that the Cowgirls are committed to excellence both on and off the court. It also sets a good example for young people in the community.
Here are a few examples of the Cowgirls’ academic success:
- In 2021, the Cowgirls had a team GPA of 3.5.
- In 2020, four Cowgirls were named to the Southland Conference All-Academic Team.
- In 2019, five Cowgirls were named to the Southland Conference All-Academic Team.
The connection between academic success and McNeese State volleyball is clear. The Cowgirls are committed to excellence both on and off the court. Their academic success is a source of pride for the university and the Lake Charles community.
Key Insights:
- Academic success is an important part of the McNeese State volleyball program.
- The Cowgirls have a strong academic record, with many players earning All-Academic honors.
- The Cowgirls’ academic success is due to a number of factors, including academic support, time management, and discipline.
- The Cowgirls’ academic success is a source of pride for the university and the Lake Charles community.
Practical Applications:
- Athletic departments should provide academic support services to their student-athletes.
- Student-athletes should learn how to manage their time effectively.
- Student-athletes should be disciplined both on and off the field.
| Year | Team GPA | Number of All-Academic Team Members |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3.5 | – |
| 2020 | – | 4 |
| 2019 | – | 5 |
FAQs about McNeese State Volleyball
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about McNeese State volleyball. These FAQs are intended to provide factual information and address common concerns or misconceptions surrounding the program.
Question 1: What is McNeese State volleyball’s winning tradition?
McNeese State volleyball has a long and storied winning tradition, with 18 regular season championships and 12 tournament titles in the Southland Conference. The Cowgirls have also made two NCAA Tournament appearances, in 2018 and 2019.
Question 2: What are the strengths of the McNeese State volleyball team?
McNeese State volleyball is known for its high-powered offense, led by All-American outside hitter Regan Dunn. The Cowgirls also have a strong defense, led by libero Emily Hartmann. In addition, the Cowgirls have a talented roster that is a mix of experienced and young players, and they are led by a dedicated coaching staff.
Question 3: What is the home court advantage like for McNeese State volleyball?
The Legacy Center is one of the toughest places to play in the Southland Conference. The Cowgirls have a strong home court advantage, and they are always tough to beat in front of their fans.
Question 4: How does McNeese State volleyball support its community?
McNeese State volleyball players are active in the Lake Charles community. They volunteer their time at local schools, participate in community events, and work with local businesses to raise money for charity.
Question 5: What is the academic record of the McNeese State volleyball team?
The Cowgirls have a strong academic record, with many players earning All-Academic honors. This success is due to a number of factors, including academic support, time management, and discipline.
Question 6: What are the future prospects for McNeese State volleyball?
The future is bright for McNeese State volleyball. The Cowgirls have a talented roster and a dedicated coaching staff. They are poised to make another run at the NCAA Tournament in 2023 and beyond.
Summary: McNeese State volleyball is a successful program with a winning tradition, strong players, and a dedicated coaching staff. The Cowgirls are active in the community and have a strong academic record. The future is bright for McNeese State volleyball.
Transition: For more information about McNeese State volleyball, please visit the official website of the McNeese State athletic department.
Tips for Following McNeese State Volleyball
McNeese State volleyball is one of the most successful programs in the Southland Conference, and they have a loyal following of fans. If you’re interested in following the Cowgirls, here are a few tips:
Tip 1: Attend home games at the Legacy Center. The Legacy Center is one of the toughest places to play in the Southland Conference, and the Cowgirls have a strong home court advantage. The atmosphere is electric, and you’re sure to have a great time.
Tip 2: Follow the Cowgirls on social media. McNeese State volleyball has a strong presence on social media, and they frequently post updates on the team, upcoming games, and other news. You can follow the Cowgirls on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Tip 3: Read the local newspaper. The Lake Charles American Press is the local newspaper in Lake Charles, and they provide extensive coverage of McNeese State volleyball. You can read the newspaper online or in print.
Tip 4: Listen to the radio broadcasts. McNeese State volleyball games are broadcast on KVHP 100.9 FM in Lake Charles. You can also listen to the games online at the KVHP website.
Tip 5: Watch the games on ESPN+. ESPN+ is a streaming service that offers live and on-demand coverage of a variety of sports, including McNeese State volleyball. You can sign up for a subscription to ESPN+ at the ESPN website.
Summary: By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information about McNeese State volleyball. The Cowgirls are a great team to follow, and they have a lot of exciting things to look forward to in the future.
Transition: To learn more about McNeese State volleyball, please visit the official website of the McNeese State athletic department.
Conclusion
McNeese State volleyball is a successful program with a winning tradition, strong players, a dedicated coaching staff, and a loyal following of fans. The Cowgirls are active in the community and have a strong academic record. The future is bright for McNeese State volleyball, and they are poised to continue their success in the years to come.
The Cowgirls’ success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and fans. McNeese State volleyball is a source of pride for the university and the Lake Charles community. The Cowgirls are a role model for young athletes and a positive force in the community.
