The Wildcats volleyball team is going through their offseason practices and workouts until the season starts in September, because getting better and staying strong are the keys to success.

Anuhea Kaiaokamalie is a defensive specialist and outside hitter for the team.

“We really need to focus on what we struggled with last season,” Kaiaokamalie said. “We emphasize things like leg work and vertical jumping.”

Kaiaokamalie doesn’t find it difficult to stay focused.

“We try and keep the big picture in mind,” she said. “We have a lot of seniors on this team and they really want to make the playoffs. They help us stay motivated everyday.”

Natalie Nordahl, who plays opposite for the team, would like to improve on her hitting form and get stronger.

“I think it helps work with our fundamentals and it breaks down our technique,” Nordahl said. “All of our practicing is going to make us better.”

Shannon Cotton, who plays defensive specialist, said the team is getting stronger because they have weights three days a week.

“I was a redshirt this year so I never got to play,” she said. “It’s just the fact that I get to play next season is what makes me want to train and work really hard.”

Cotton’s legs are a key element of her game.

“It makes my job a lot easier once I get stronger in my legs,” she said. “I see progress in my leg strength and it makes me keep on going.”

Cotton evaluates her play and recognizes that she needs to improve.

“In order for me to play a lot more next year, I need to get my serve receive better,” Cotton said.

Shannon Boling, a defensive specialist on the team, explains how offseason training is also meant to keep players from getting injured.

“In the fall we don’t lift, we mainly do cardio,” Boling said. “The muscle mass we build in the spring is supposed to keep us from getting injured.”

The women’s volleyball team is hoping to beat last season’s 16-13 record, which was not good enough for the playoffs.

“In the springtime you breakdown your individuals, so during fall we are all on the same page and foundation,” Boling said.

Angelo Boscacci can be reached at [email protected] or @Boscacci6 on Twitter.