By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Illinois State junior middle blocker Jaelyn Keene is embracing the captain role her teammates gave her.
“They voted for it, it wasn’t like the coaches picked, so it was really nice to know they believe that I could help us achieve what our goals are,” Keene said.
PODCAST: Listen to WJBC’s interview with Myers.
Keene is a two-time Missouri Valley Conference First-Team selection who also received preseason all-conference honors this week.
ISU coach Melissa Myers said stepped into the captain role with her play on the court, and her leadership off the court.
“The process she has worked toward in being able to demand from her teammates, to be able to hold them accountable, to be able to set high standards for herself and for others,” Myers said. “That was clear. I think her teammates saw that and that’s no question the reason she has that role.”
Keene shrugs off the number 5 preseason ranking in the MVC.
“It’s not something we really truly look at and are upset about, but it’s also something we need to show we are better than that.”
The Redbirds are coming off their first back-to-back 20 win seasons in two decades. ISU went 22-10 last year despite bringing on nine newcomers.
“They look more experienced, they looked more confident, they look like they know what they are doing and so we are looking forward to a good season,” Myers said.
The Redbirds open the season at the Loyola Marymount Invitational in Los Angeles on Friday. ISU will play the No. 21-ranked hosts and then will play No. 21 UCLA and Niagra on Saturday.
WJBC.com will have live coverage of Redbird volleyball all season long.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
