Given the rigorous nature of DePauw University academics and the dedication required to succeed in any sport, thriving academically and athletically at DePauw requires substantial effort. DePauw’s volleyball team has epitomized maintaining high athletic and academic standards having won the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s “Team Academic Award” four out of the past five years.
This recognition is given to teams that maintain a 3.3 grade point average for the entire school year, and DePauw’s team has earned it while also qualifying for the NCAA Tournament four out of the past five years as well.
Juniors Kaylee Nichols, a Biochemistry major, Olivia Hartman, a Kinesiology major, and Meghan Etling, an English Literature Major and History minor as well as Head Coach Deb Zellers provided a view into how the team is able to maintain such high academic standards.
All three athletes came to the conclusion that being on a team helps keep them focused and that time management is key. “My teammates push me to get work done when I should. We have occasional study tables to keep us motivated and productive,” Hartman said.
Etling focused on the importance of time management skills. “Staying ahead of schoolwork allows you your best performance on the court as well as in the classroom,” Etling said.
“I balance my academics and athletics by getting my homework assignments in advance and working on them when on the road,” Hartman said. “I also put aside time every evening after practice and do what needs to be done for the next day and even two days in advance.”
Coach Zellers described how the coaching staff supports the athletes. “We try hard to get our players to connect what is really important to them to the way they are using their time daily,” Zellers said, explaining that the players use individual goal sheets to hold themselves accountable.
On advice for first-year athletes the team had much to say. “Build good relationships with professors and go to office hours,” Nichols said. “They are generally very understanding about the busy life of a student athlete.”
Hartman said that first-year athletes should take advantage of DePauw’s small classroom environment. “The closer I am to my professors the more likely I am to engage in class and put forth that extra effort to ask questions,” Hartman said.
Zellers agreed with her athletes’ advice saying, “We encourage our players to communicate well with their professors and to take advantage of study sessions and office hours.”
On how they believe academics help them in sport, the three had similar ideas. “Both require hard work and have highs and lows,” Nichols said. “Working through issues on both sides has helped me be better as a student and an athlete.”
“Sports have given me the opportunity to challenge my mind and my body in ways I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise,” Etling said.
Zellers explained the value she sees in having smart players on the court. “I have found that players who are diligent in the classroom tend to be more detail oriented and hardworking on the volleyball court too,” said Zellers. “I am extremely proud of the players in our program for their successes both on and off the court.”
DePauw Volleyball plays again this weekend at home in the DePauw Tigers Invitational, starting off against Muskingum at 6 p.m. on Friday.
