-USU Eastern Athletics-
Price, UT – This week’s team highlight is the USU Eastern’s women’s volleyball team. Catching up with head coach Danielle Jensen, we asked her a few questions about her memorable season:
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE GOALS GOING INTO THE 2019 VOLLEYBALL SEASON?
“This year our team went into the season with a goal of improving on each milestone that we had reached the year prior. We made the goal to be “all out, all game, all season.” This included being dressed, warmed up, and fully ready for our practice to begin allowing us to take advantage of every minute on the court in preparation for our next game.”
WHAT WERE THE GOALS OF THE COACHING STAFF?
“Prior to the season starting we met as a coaching staff to discuss what our team would need to take the program to the next level. Our goal was the be focused and intentional; taking every opportunity to challenge the athletes and help them achieve their full potential both on and off the court.”
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR HISTORIC SEASON?
“We played 36 games in the season with a record of 27-9 defeating multiple nationally ranked programs. We ended the season ranked 12th in the nation for the first time in school history. After finishing the season 2nd place in conference standings, the team represented the university in the SWAC championship game for the first time in school history. Two athletes received national player of the week as well as USU Eastern’s first volleyball All American in Kiara Richardson.”
WHAT DID YOU LEARN AS A COACH?
“As a coach I always learn so much from my players, the game and about myself. This season one of the things that stands out the most would be recognizing the crucial moments of the season. Being able to approach each practice and game as if that moment is the game changer.”
WHO WILL BE RETURNING TO THE VOLLEYBALL TEAM THIS FALL, 2020?
“6 sophomores will be returning to the program this Fall in hopes of taking the program to the national tournament: OPP – Sunny Perry, OH – Alyssa Simmons, L/DS – Avery Best, L/DS – Emma Ricks, MB – Kahea Nihipali, and DS – Kennedy Poulton. Joining them will be 8 new freshmen.”
WHAT ARE YOUR OVERALL THOUGHTS ON THE VOLLEYBALL SEASON?
“As I reflect on last season and all of the accomplishments of the team, I can’t help but think about the coach/athlete relationships that were built last year. These girls always become a part of our family and we consider them our own while they are here. We had so many successes together on the court, off the court, and just life in general. It was truly a fun year of volleyball, one in which I was sad to see the season come to an end. I always feel blessed and grateful to be be a part of of this University, program, and these athlete’s lives.”
Looking to expand on a highly successful 2019 season, Danielle Jensen is set to enter her fifth campaign as head coach of the USU Eastern volleyball team.
Since taking over the program in 2016, Coach Jensen has put together three consecutive winning seasons, including a 27-9 mark in 2019. The recent success has set the bar for a new standard within the volleyball program on and off the court.
Coach Jensen has accumulated a record of 72-46 overall in her four seasons at the helm. After finishing 10-17 in 2016, the Lady Eagles improved to 18-10 in 2017, setting a school record for wins in a season. Another school record would fall in 2018 as the team beat four nationally ranked opponents and recorded eight conference wins.
Rising success in Jensen’s first three years at the helm set the stage for an unforgettable 2019. The Lady Eagles shattered the school’s previous record for wins in a season as they ended 27-9. USU Eastern climbed to No. 12 in the NJCAA Rankings, finished second in the highly competitive Region 18 standings and advanced to the conference championship game for the first time in school history.
Before coming to USU Eastern Jensen served as head coach of the Carbon High School volleyball program for three years. She was also an assistant coach at Canyon View High School in Cedar City.
Coach Jensen, a Price native, played basketball and volleyball for Carbon High School with both USU Eastern women’s basketball coaches Chelsey Warburton and Morgan Nelson. With ties to Carbon County, Coach Jensen understands the importance of community involvement within the program.
“When I took over the program I felt that there was a lack of connection with the community, for whatever reason,” said Jensen. “Getting involved and helping out within the community is something that we take a lot of pride in.”
The future is certainly bright for the Lady Eagles. Seven new freshman will join seven returning sophomores in hopes of building upon the record-breaking 2019 season.
“We’re very excited about the caliber of athletes that we have coming in this upcoming season,” said Jensen. “We have drawn from some of the best programs in Utah and the surrounding states. Not only are they exceptional on the court but they are focused on their academics which we hope will be a win-win for our program and the University.”