Baily inked as new head volleyball coach

A losing record may be a statistic that can be disheartening to coaches and players alike, but the newly signed Chadron State head volleyball coach Janel Baily is already moving forward to next season.

“The biggest goal is to be more competitive and obviously win more games,” Baily said. “It’s going to be an uphill battle as we compete in the toughest Division II conference in the country.”

Even with the competition looming in the distance, Baily is set on improving on the 5-24 overall record the Eagles achieved this past season while she was interim head coach. Two of those wins were conference wins, the first ones for the Eagles in over two years.

As of Tuesday, Baily was named head coach for the Eagles. However, she has been working to improve the team since the 2012 season ended by recruiting future players.

So far Baily’s efforts have brought seven athletes to commit to be an Eagle, and there may be one or two more who sign with Chadron State.

“I am definitely looking forward to being more competitive next season,” Baily said.

Coming to play her first season, freshman setter of Phoenix, Ariz., Justine Ackie has the same mind set as coach Baily.

“I’m excited that Baily is head coach, it’ll be a fun season and a definite turn around from last season. She’s the mommy of the team and has an effective way of talking and coaching us,” Ackie said.

Transferring schools and athletic programs can be stressful for an athlete, but sophomore transfer from Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan., Hanna Flaming looks forward to the coaching change.

“I like her [Baily] a lot, she is a lot better than the coach I’m coming from, I’m excited. Baily is always positive and encouraging,” Flaming said.