With the start of volleyball season just around the corner, a handful of the Milligan College Buffs took part in a Q&A where they shared some of their thoughts on the upcoming 2015 season. From their own perspectives, seniors Savannah Benton (Kingsport) and Emilee Linkous (Morristown), sophomore Marissa Langford (Cleveland) and freshman Alora Ricker (Greeneville) discuss what they look forward to, give some preview to the season, and share some of the team’s goals and overall keys to success.

What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming season?

Benton: This is my senior year, so I’m looking forward to giving it my all and competing with a great group of teammates. I also can’t wait to show everyone how hard we’ve been working.

Ricker: I’m really looking forward to competing at the collegiate level and just getting back on the volleyball court for the season. I can’t wait to experience a wonderful season with a great group of girls!

Langford: I am looking forward to being reunited with my team. Those girls are my family, and I can’t wait to get back on the floor with them.

Is there a certain game or stretch of games you look forward to? I.E. a game close to your family/home, a game against a rival, a game against someone you know, etc.

Benton: I think the Union College games home and away are going to be the biggest games I look forward to. Union knocked us out of the tournament last year, and it is always a big rivalry game.

Ricker: Although I look forward to every game we play, I absolutely love postseason play. There’s just something about playing in the tournament that excites me!

Langford: Honestly I don’t get too wrapped up in all the rivalries, but I am looking forward to playing games close to Cleveland so I can see my family.

Where do you see the team finishing in the conference?

Ricker: I definitely think our team has the ability to win the conference this season if we play to our full potential. We’ve worked as hard as anyone this off season, and I definitely think it will show on the court.

Benton: I have very high hopes for this team. I think winning the conference tournament and going to nationals has always been a goal, and I believe this is the year we can do it.

What are your personal goals this season?

Linkous: To become the best leader (spiritually and physically) on and off the court and lead my team to be the conference champs.

Langford: My personal goals are to stay healthy the whole season and help out my team as much as possible. I want to play my best every game we have.

Benton: My goals for this season are simple. I want to give my all every game and every practice. I want to help my team win in any way I can, and I don’t want to have any regrets my last season.

Ricker: I really hope to help the team out in any way I possibly can and to contribute to our success this season.

What are the team’s goals this season?

Benton: I think our goal last year of keeping God first in every aspect as a team will also be a goal this year. Getting a ring is the number one goal for our team on the court.

Linkous: To be consistent and to be ALL IN. That’s what I want our saying to be for this season, and I want each player to really mean it. Another goal is to be sisters in Christ and work with one another to better ourselves and each other with our walk with the Lord!

Ricker: I think one of our team’s main goals this season is to win as many games as possible. It’s always a goal to win conference and then make it as far as we possibly can into the postseason. Another one of our team’s goals is definitely just to grow as a team not only on the court but in all aspects of our lives.

How does this year’s team compare to last year’s? What areas will be improved?

Linkous: I believe we will have more leadership on the court physically. We have all been working really hard during this summer and the captains seem to be on the same page. Last year was great, but this year is going to be the most successful year yet! A lot of areas such as physical and mental abilities will be on the court and it will constantly work to our advantage.

What do you see as the biggest challenge/obstacle to overcome this season?

Linkous: I believe it will be traveling. We have several games at the beginning which consist of us being on the road which will mean we will get tired QUICKLY. Traveling to games has always been our weakness ever since I was a freshman. I want us to be consistent on the road and at home. That is what a true team is. They are consistent no matter where they are playing! And this is what we signed up for so enjoy every bit of it because it can be gone just like that!

Benton: I think this season is going to be harder on our bodies because we play everyone home and away this year. Traveling, especially at the beginning when we are constantly away, is going to be the most difficult.

What will be the key to success for the team this season?

Linkous: To be ALL IN. All in at practice, in the weight room, in a game, in class, in your relationships with your teammates, and your relationship with God. If we can do this and bond more than ever, we will be the 2015 conference champions!

Ricker: I think the key to success this season is to work hard in practice and push each other to be the best we can be. If we can make each other better every single day, there’s no limit to things we can accomplish.

Benton: I think everyone playing their role and contributing in the way they do will be the key to our success.

Langford: Making sure we don’t lose sight of things, and keeping God first in our lives.