It’s a new era for WT volleyball this season.  Gone are the likes of Melissa Harper, Natalie Johnson, Katie Rickwartz and Laura Prinsen. But, stepping up to the plate are familiar faces.  Teresa Dunn and Lauren Thedford are the only seniors on a WT squad that last year was the national runner-up. While being thrust into a leadership position might feel like a lot of pressure, that doesn’t seem to be the case for these veterans.

“I am really enjoying it so far,” Dunn said. “It’s nice to share my experience with the younger kids and sort of help them to become better every day.”

Thedford she says her experience has prepared her for this moment and she has enjoyed the challenge.

“I have enjoyed stepping into the role as a leader,” Thedford said. “I have worked hard to be on the court for my first three years, and I hope to show those under me the hard work it takes to attain such great levels like we do here at WT.”

Now being a senior means much more than playing time — it means developing the underclassmen,which can be difficult at times.

“Our biggest challenge has been developing so many new and young players,” Thedford said.

Not only have new freshmen been introduced to the team, but also upperclassmen.

“We only have five upperclassmen, two of which have never played here before, so it has been difficult trying to get everybody on the same page as us,” Dunn said.

Apart from developing skills as a player, it’s also important to buy into the system.  WT has created a new style throughout the years that has helped them be successful.

“We have to get everyone working in our system and doing the little things right,” Thedford said.  “When you come to WT you have to change and do things the WT way, the right way. We have to get everyone doing our defenses, our plays, our sets, everything, to ensure that the game runs smoothly.”

Second year head coach Jason Skoch added that its important to exercise team unity.

“If the seniors get frustrated and put themselves off on their own separate island, then we’re not going to be unified,” Skoch said.  “The seniors aren’t going to win by themselves they need everyone around them to win and be successful.”

Most important, however, at least to these senior standouts, is the lasting memories they will take away from their time as West Texas A&M volleyball players.

“I will always remember the girls,” Dunn said. “They have made me the person I am today. We have been through so much together on and off the court.”

For Thedford she remembers the serious and the funny things as well.  “From broken down buses and scary hotels at 4 a.m. to playing in the national championship, those experiences are nothing without the people in them,” she said.

For Coach Skoch, the memories of these two standouts will be from the character they have shown on and off the court.

“The thing I will remember the most about Teresa is that she stayed with the team to develop as a player, even though she wasn’t getting a lot of playing time,” Skoch said. “She is one of the few players that gutted it out and stuck with it when there are a lot of players that would have left in that situation.”

As for Thedford, he said, “I’ll remember Lauren’s ability to play and adapt to any situation and style no matter who were playing,” Skoch said. “This year is a little different for her because she is having to help the underclassmen out and I think she’s done a good job of that so far and that’s important for us this season.”