Bailey takes over for Eagles volleyball team

The Chadron State Eagles volleyball team begins the season with a new coach and new perspective. Janel Bailey, recent interim head volleyball coach, has spent some time with the Eagles prior to the resignation of former head coach Natasha Marquis.

Bailey was assistant coach in 2009 and 2010 under former head coach Amy Spruiell. Even with taking the 2011 season off, Bailey’s knowledge of the game is very satisfactory. Janel played for the Western State Mountaineers for three seasons. Then she stayed involved in the sport by being full-time assistant coach for the Mountaineers. Coach Marquis was offered an assistant coaching job for Southern Illinois that she took towards the end of July. On such short notice Bailey was overwhelmed with the looming duties as head coach. “I was out of volleyball for a time, focusing on my kids, so it was a bit to handle at first. But as soon as I heard about the position I knew I wanted to do it, knew deep down that [volleyball] is my love,” Bailey said. Last season the Eagles went 0-18 in conference and 5-25 overall. Janel Bailey has some new goals for improvement this season. “You can only go up after going 0-18 in conference last season. This team has had to deal with going from coach to coach, I knew they were looking for good leadership. I work to be that for them because they are all fighters.” The team’s motto for the season is “To Rise Above.”

“They definitely rise to the occasion and I feel that they will rise above the adversity this season,” Bailey said. Chadron State will play in the Northern State Tournament for their season opener on August 31. The tournament is a two day tournament giving the Eagles a chance to play against four teams, including RMAC member Black Hills State.