Carolyn McKeon Head Women's Volleyball Coach | Penn College Wildcats
Carolyn McKeon Head Women's Volleyball Coach | Penn College Wildcats
After taking over the Pennsylvania College of Technology women's volleyball program, head coach Carolyn McKeon faced the challenge of rebuilding a team with only two wins in its previous two full seasons. The Wildcats showed improvement last year, doubling their win total and demonstrating growth against top teams in the United East Conference.
Entering her third year as head coach, McKeon is optimistic about the expanded playoff format following the United East's merger with the Colonial States Athletic Conference. "The hope is always to make it to playoffs," she stated. "While we are still building the program, we do have the talent if we are firing on all cylinders. That is the goal this year."
Key returning players include senior setter Cheyenne Stein and senior outside hitter Coryn Oswald, both of whom ranked in the top 10 in several United East statistical categories last season. Junior middle hitters Hailey DeBrody and Lauren Hergert also return to bolster the lineup.
Newcomers Marianna Dariychuk and Anna Reed are expected to contribute significantly this season. Despite having a smaller roster than desired, McKeon emphasizes that "we have players who want to be there and want to work hard."
The Wildcats' schedule includes six matches in the first nine days of their season, providing ample opportunity for assessment before conference play begins in October. McKeon commented on this intensive start: "It will force the athletes to be prepared and hopefully flush out where we need to push harder before we start conference play."
The team will compete in a 17-team conference divided into two divisions. The top six teams will advance to postseason play beginning November 4, culminating in a match on November 11 that determines which team will qualify for the NCAA Division III Championship tournament.
Reflecting on their competitive environment, McKeon noted, "We are in the tough division in the United East Conference. They are all strong teams, and we will be working hard to close the gap on points and set wins."
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