The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/368728
SEPTEMBER 2014 ■ 63 That certainly won't be the case this year. Soon after his team assembled for the start of practice this summer, Bunn brought in "The Program" — which has previously worked with the Wolfpack football team — to spend two days with the squad. The team was put in tough situations that stressed them mentally and physi- cally, in addition to placing an emphasis on teamwork. Bunn said the coaches saw areas that needed work — but, more im- portantly, different leaders stepped up to the challenge. "It's very military-type training where they put you under duress to see how you react and what your leadership skills are like when it gets tough," he explained. "It's hard to emulate that kind of game-like pressure during practice, so it's nice to have someone come in that's not associated with the team to put them into that type of physical and emotional distress. They re- ally worked their tails off. "We saw a lot of growth over those two days." In addition to 10 returning letter win- ners, including five seniors, the Pack will welcome seven newcomers this season — six freshmen and a junior college transfer. Bunn noted that competition is at an all- time high now. "We're going to much deeper this year than we've ever been," he said. "We'll be three or four deep at all positions, we're five-deep in the middle." As last year proved, the team is not where they want to be yet. Reaching the NCAA Tournament is the goal every year, and the team also has their sights on a top- three finish in the league while they con- tinue their quest for an ACC trophy. "We're heading where we want to head," Bunn noted. "There has been tremendous growth [in his four years at the helm]. "All of those wins help with recruiting. Our classes in 2015 and 2016 are really good. We have a really good freshman class right now." Now it's just a matter of getting those newcomers, who bring a bigger physical presence than previous NCSU classes but are also athletic, to mesh with the return- ing players. "You can't teach size or talent," the coach said of his rookie class. "They bring that and also a lot of experience playing at a very high level in club ball." Senior outside hitter Dariyan Hopper, the top returning point scorer from each of the past two seasons, combines with class- mates Rachel Buckley, who has started for the majority of her time on campus, and Alesha Wilson, who has steadily improved each campaign, to provide the leadership. Fellow fourth-year Nikki Glass is also experienced — she didn't miss a set over the past two years — but is a bit of a wild card, while trying to make her way back from injury. "We have a lot of experience," Bunn said. "You can't beat experience. "Having all of those people back that played a big role last year helps us in terms of how fast we can progress with teaching this year. It also helps to have returners who can help the newcomers grow." The culture of the NCSU program has changed in Bunn's time. He noted that the hardest part was making sure his team ex- pected to win; now it's time for the next step. "We have the talent [to get back to the NCAA Tournament]," he said. "The thing I challenge them with is are you going to commit to the behaviors necessary for us to do that? "It's easy to set a goal, but you have to do it. Do you have the volition to make the right choices — to be in bed when you are supposed to be in bed, to study ahead of time so you don't have to stress about a test or paper, to not wait until the last minute? Those are the things that they have to buy into so that they're prepared to win. "You have to prepare yourself and that's part of the growing process." ■ ■ By The Numbers 5 th was NC State's ACC finish in 2013. 35 ACC wins have come during Bunn's four years at the helm; the Pack combined for just 35 league victories in the 20 years prior to his hire. 1,199 career digs recorded by senior libero Alston Kearns, who currently ranks eighth in school history. Noting The Pack • NC State has quickly moved up the conference standings under head coach Bryan Bunn. There are only three ACC programs that they have not finished ahead of in at least one of his four seasons — Florida State, Miami and North Carolina. • The Wolfpack was one of just four teams to beat ACC champion Duke in the regular season last year. • The squad went 12-4 at historic Reynolds Coli- seum in 2013. Players To Watch Senior outside hitter Dariyan Hopper In 2011, she became the first NCSU player to be named to the ACC All-Freshman team since 2003 after she ranked third on the team with 244 kills. She has paced the squad in the statistic in each of the past two campaigns and is the strongest player on the squad. Senior opposite Rachel Buckley The Carrollton, Texas, native has made her presence felt in each of her first three years on campus, and tied for second on the squad with 238 kills last year despite missing time with injury. She served as a team captain in 2013 and is a crucial leader on and off the court. Senior middle blocker Alesha Wilson Head coach Bryan Bunn noted the Keller, Texas, native needs to become more consistent but added, "she has the potential to be a very, very good player." She ranked second in 2013 with 88 blocks and also notched 219 kills, which was fourth on the team. Wilson and Buckley were club teammates in high school. Newcomer To Watch Freshman outside hitter Julia Brown — Brown comes from a Wolfpack family — both parents are NC State alums, and her older brother currently attends school in Raleigh. Her father, Tony, has also raised enough money with the Wolfpack Club to endow a scholarship for the program. Now it's time for the 6-1 rookie to make her impact on the program. Middle blocker Kaitlyn Kearney is also sure to play immediately. Senior outside hitter Dariyan Hopper has led the Wolfpack in scoring each of the past two seasons, racking up a combined total of 660 kills (325 in 2012 and 335 in 2013). PHOTO BY LARRY BLANKENSHIP