This is an entry in my volleyball coaching log for 2015-16.
Last week I talked about being offered the use of the apartment of one of the returning players when I have to move out of my place in England (she’ll be up north with her family for the Summer). That arrangement has been made. I’m going to fly to Copenhagen on the 23rd, where the club’s Sports Director will pick me up and drive me across the bridge in to Sweden and on to Svedala.
I’m not entirely sure what will happen from there. The club is still working on making arrangements for my housing. Since I won’t be paying rent in England, I’ve offered to help cover any expense for August since technically my contract doesn’t start until September. If they can’t find anything until September 1st, though, it shouldn’t be a big deal since I’m planning to spend most of August in Germany.
Regardless, I’ll be looking to use this initial stint in Svedala to start to learn my way around town, get to know the folks at the club, and do whatever administrative stuff needs doing. Of course I’ll also look to meet up with any of the players who will be in the area at the time. I think that’s most of the returners.
Filling out the squad
I found out on Monday that one of the “package” players we were expecting to sign has put pen to paper on her contract. We were just waiting on the other player to do likewise. That happened on Wednesday, or at least that’s when I heard. The official announcements have been made, so I can now provide some of the details.
One of the players is Camryn Irwin, who played for Washington State. She is a 5’11” (180cm) setter who ended here college career in 2013 with nearly 3400 assist, which is good for 4th on the school’s career list. Camryn spent the second half of the 2013-14 season playing for ASKO Steg-Linz in Austria. I spoke with her last evening. She was a volleyball commentator during the 2014 women’s college season, but assures me she’s continued to train and workout while finishing up her degree requirements. The plan was to return to pro volleyball for the second half of last season, but nothing worthwhile developed. She also said she’s read some of the this blog. Hi Camryn! 🙂
The other new signing is Chelsey Bettinson, a 6’1″ (185cm) middle who is a former teammate of Camryn’s at Washington State. The two have been long-time housemates. Chelsey just finished her senior year where she was second on the team in both kills and total points, and was second in the PAC-12 in blocks. Having a combo pack of a setter and middle with lots of experience working together definitely has meaningful benefits. I’ll speak with her later today.
Here are their smiling faces. I am going to have VERY blonde team! 🙂
That leaves one more foreigner spot to be filled. I was told an American player we had offered a contract to has decided to coach instead, so our focus is shifting to others who remain available.
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