Nov. 18
November 18, 2008
Catherine "Cat" Jacobs
November 20, 2008
It is written that no one can predict the future. But the authors of those books never met Nicholls State Lady Colonels volleyball coach Chris Laird.
Before the 2008 season started, Laird predicted this year would be special.
“This is the best overall team that I’ve had since I’ve been here,” he told SportsNet in an earlier interview. “The coaching staff is very anxious to see how well we become a team and about starting the upcoming season.”
Little did he know how right he was.
After successfully navigating the conference slate, the Lady Colonels are set to compete at the Southland Conference Tournament this weekend for the first time since 2003.
The Lady Colonels made back-to-back appearances in 2002 and 2003.
Then they hit a dry spell.
This season, Laird’s team has played competitively, with a 10-15 overall record (7-9 in SLC play).
For Laird, the wait has been too long. The coach is making his first trip to the tournament since he arrived in Thibodaux four years ago. He feels his players are finally buying into his system.
The relieved coach credits the success of this season to his seniors – Chelsey Adams, Enjoli Ford and Mallory McInnis – for helping to teach that system to his younger players.
“This one is good for the seniors,” he boasted. “They were here with me every step of the way and can finally see all of their hard work pay off.
“At the same time, it’s vindication for everyone’s hard work. Hopefully we’re peaking at the right time and will only continue to peak,” he added.
The Lady Colonels clinched a berth in the tournament two weeks ago after defeating Texas-San Antonio and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on consecutive nights.
This past weekend the Lady Colonels hosted the McNeese State Cowgirls and the Stephen F. Austin Lady Jacks in their final two games of the season.
For Laird, it was nice to play for seeding instead of needing to win the final two games to get in.
“It was a lot less pressure knowing we were already in,” he said. “We didn’t have to rely on someone losing or have to wait and see. We knew we were already in. It was just a matter of bettering ourselves in seeding.”
Not that the seeding wasn’t important. Before this past weekend the Colonels were a three seed. By the time the weekend ended, they were a seven seed and now must play a No. 2 seed Lamar.
Even as they board the buses to leave tomorrow, Laird believes his team is ready.
He said he’s not going to change anything. He plans on using the same formula that got them to the tournament.
“We’re going to go out and do what we are supposed to do,” he said. “We’re going to do the best we can. At the end of the day that’s all we can do.”
Once they return home from the tournament, trophy or not, the coach said a lot can be learned from this season, both on and off the court.
“These girls have bonded together so well,” he said. “They believe in the system. They believed in what the coaches are telling them; they believed in each other. I think that has been the biggest thing.”
He added, “When I said at the beginning I felt this was the best team I’ve had, I wasn’t just saying that. I really believed it.”
If this season’s results are any indication of the future of Nicholls State volleyball, things could be turning around, and Laird is just thrilled to be a part of it.
“This will help recruiting,” he said. “I can’t even explain how proud I am of these girls. It’s been a rough first couple seasons, but we’re even more excited about our possibilities in the future.”
Junior Manieka Golden is one of the key players who helped lead the Lady Colonels into the SLC Tournament this weekend. The Lady Colonels make their first trip to the tournament since 2003. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER
