After a disappointing 2011 season, the Albion Volleyball team will look to its new coach for a fresh start.
Last season the Lady Brits finished a forgettable 3-24. Next season they look to rebound as first year coach Kristin Slamer works to instill a strong team mindset.
“It is a great privilege to work for such a great institution,” Slamer said. “To come back and work for your alma mater is the dream of many coaches.”
Slamer was a stalwart for the Britons from 2004-2007. She set school records in kills per four-set match and career digs with 27 and 985 respectively. These records are particularly impressive considering digs are a defensive statistic while kills are offensive statistics.
“Last season we had a part time coach; she dedicated half of her time to volleyball and the other half to athletic program.” Said Jalyn Ingalls, Ellsworth sophomore. “We are excited for Kristin to be 100% dedicated to the team and our growth and success.”
Slamer, before being named Albion’s head coach, worked as an assistant coach for Northern Michigan University for two years. While there, NMU had two 20 win seasons and took part in the NCAA Division II national championship tournament.
Besides with serving as an assistant coach at Northern Michigan, Slamer has worked as a health teacher and head volleyball coach at Loy Norrix high school in Kalamazoo. In only her second season there, Slamer nearly doubled the school’s win total.
“I think that [Slamer] is going to be much tougher on us in terms of conditioning; I don’t think she will put up with us slacking or walking around,” said Haley Gitre, Commerce Township sophomore. “We really want her to push us, especially in games, to keep our heads up and fix mistakes.
Coach Slamer has an important task in rebuilding the volleyball team. Many await the end result with great anticipation.
Photo courtesy of Albion College Sports Information
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