UNC Greensboro Athletics: From The Vault

Greensboro NC

12 August, 2021

6:21 PM

Description

Press release from UNC Greensboro Athletics: 8/12/2021 9:05:00 AM Story Links This is the latest in what will be a series of first-person narratives throughout the 2021-22 academic year. GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro soccer fields and volleyball courts are buzzing with activity. The beautifully branded hallways of the Coleman Building are full of smiling student-athletes in sweat-soaked shirts walking to and from the locker rooms, training room, or the Bodford Family Speed, Strength & Conditioning Center. Spoiler, video coming of the renovations soon. It's a terrific sight to see our student-athletes training for the upcoming 2021-22 athletics campaign. It's fantastic to witness our smiling coaches strategizing. The support staff is working hard behind the scenes to safely ensure our athletes can compete at the highest levels this year. Speaking to wide-eyed student-athletes during preseason meetings has made my heart leap with excitement and energy. I just keep singing the chorus of former rapper Mase's "Welcome Back" in my head. I know the youngsters may not get this reference as I am showing my age. Volleyball head coach Corey Carlin turned a presentation into an impromptu interview session in front of the team. My assistant director of strategic communications Jesika Moore and I took turns asking Brittany Wood, Grey Breen, and Daija Jackson questions. That was fun and the first time in my 16-year career that a preseason meeting featured a live interview. BTS from yesterday's practice with interviews from head coach Corey Carlin, Taylor Robertson, Jenna Wiggs, and Gabriela McHugh ??#letsgoG pic.twitter.com/RVrhaQMJrq — UNCG Volleyball (@UNCGVB) August 11, 2021 Last year, all preseason meetings took place over Zoom. So, this represents progress. We are blessed to have a group of dedicated, passionate, and determined student-athletes in our department. Seeing the joy in their expressions as their faces light up like sunshine is special. Men's soccer, women's soccer, and volleyball practices are already crackling with intensity, electricity, and hustle. The clanking of weights provides a perfect summer soundtrack. The post-practice smoothies and nutrition station have offered the perfect fuel after a grueling workout. The 1st-morning session of practice is in the??! We have exclusive insider access with pictures, words, videos, thoughts & more. #letsgoG ??? https://t.co/7Ngmb2TYvO ?? https://t.co/rSUNXJqeRe ?? https://t.co/yItPrOtYRP pic.twitter.com/LV4hj4idCh — UNCG Women's Soccer (@UNCGWSoccer) August 3, 2021 The women's soccer program kicks off the 2021-22 UNCG sports campaign by hosting High Point on Thursday, August 19 at 7 p.m. The contest is part of the University's Welcome Week and what's more, is the first 200 students in attendance will receive a free Chik-Fil-A sandwich and UNCG tank top. Talk about a come-up! Free food and gear. This makes me want to rewind the clock to my college years because I would be first in line for this opportunity. The men's soccer team, which is already receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches' preseason top 25 poll, hosts Campbell a week later Thursday, August 26 at 7 p.m. The next day, you get to gas up your car for the 90-minute drive across Interstate 40 to Boone as the volleyball team begins its season with a tournament at Appalachian State. The Spartans' first test is against Radford at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 27. Men's and women's cross-country will begin their preparations for their upcoming campaign soon. It'll be exciting as they have five scheduled meets this fall starting on Friday, September 3 at Elon. Last year, they were the first UNCG athletic team to compete in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that postponed fall seasons into the spring. The men's and women's golf teams are close to returning to campus as they begin preparations for their seasons. The men's golf program begins the 2021-22 season at the Rod Myers Invitational hosted by Duke. Meanwhile, the women's golf program starts the same weekend in South Carolina at the Golfweek Challenge. The spring semester featured lots of non-stop action along with three championships. Our student-athletes competed with resilience, character, and heart while showcasing true Spartan grit during a difficult year. It seemed like yesterday that our softball program ended the strange 2020-21 campaign. Now we're gearing up for another year. It's exhilarating. I am pumped. VIDEO: Check out the SoCon champions' 1st-day of training. We believe it's going to a special season. pic.twitter.com/9FHRanyNU2 — UNCG Men's Soccer (@UNCGMensSoccer) August 11, 2021 Print Friendly Version This press release was produced by UNC Greensboro Athletics. The views expressed here are the author's own.