Mayville, N.D. – A media day was held on August 15^th for the Mayville State Women's Volleyball team. Head coach Katie Aasen, Libero Natalie Hadrava and Setter/Outside Hitter Elora Passa sat down to discuss the upcoming 2023 season.

When asked what the three were most excited for in the upcoming season, Coach Aasen said "I am excited to get into the gym and the game atmosphere. We have a lot of veterans on our team that know how to compete." Hadrava emphasized the energy at home games, and Passa is fired up about an experienced team.

Players have been on campus for over a week and Coach Aasen said, "Right now our focus mainly is finding out who we are as a team, who we want to be and focusing on our strengths." When asked about those team strengths, Coach Aasen mentioned both the overall experience and leadership on the team as well as the team culture.

The entire volleyball coaching staff is new, with Coach Aasen taking the head coaching job this summer. Kortney Carney joins Mayville State from UND, and her well-rounded coaching skills have helped and will help the entire team. Adding to her "do it all" resume, Elora will also be a Graduate Assistant coach for the season.

When asked about how Comet Volleyball builds their culture, Hadrava mentioned "We have done a lot of fun activities so far, we had a team barbeque and we went to the football scrimmage." Passa added "We have done a lot of things off the court that have helped us on the court. We are really trying to get the upperclassman to connect with the transfers and freshman."

The Comets traveled to Valley City last Monday to participate in a scrimmage. Coach Aasen was pleased with the effort and physical condition of the team, particularly on the defensive side. Natalie noted Sam Passa had an outstanding game and Elora complimented Natalie on her leadership on the back line and Peyton Richter's performance at setter.

Notable Returners include Elora and Natalie, who were both All-Americans last year, in addition to hitters Samantha Passa and Abby Cox.

To listen to the full press conference visit: https://youtu.be/liQdZP66BHM 

The Comets season begins on August 26^th in Madison, S.D. against Dordt and Mount Marty.

The Comets first home stand is Wednesday September 27^th against Dakota State and Friday September 29^th versus preseason #17 Bellevue.

Visit www.msucomets.com/sports/womens-volleyball for more information.