A Preview of Women’s Volleyball 2022

As the Bluefield University women’s volleyball team starts its 2022 season, much is expected from the Lady Rams this fall. In fact, according to the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) pre-season poll, the Lady Rams are predicted to finish fourth in the league.

But head coach Buddy Gallemore, in his eighth season at Bluefield, said the team needs to prove itself first.

“It’s hard to predict,” Gallemore said. “Each season brings on a whole new set of challenges, because the make-up of each team is different. We just need to trust in the process of improving and the rest will take care of itself.”

Gallemore has led the Lady Rams to three consecutive winning seasons, and as he prepares for another his goals are to “win a conference championship, have a better record than last season, and to trust the process and improve every practice.”

Team captain Leslie Flores, the 2021 AAC Player of the Year, returns as a graduate student to help the Lady Rams team Gallemore’s goals. She said she feels “confident about the pre-season” and looks “forward to the remaining season.”

Joining Flores as a key returning player is Lauren Sotomayor. Key newcomers include Adriana Soto Alvarez and Nayerly Jimenez, who have already proven to be a force to be reckoned. For example, Jimenez has already earned an AAC Setter of the Week honor with 173 sets in one weekend tournament.

The Lady Rams hope to build on the momentum from last season’s 20-12 record, but they know they will be facing many challenging teams this season. 

“I think all the teams in the conference will be a challenge,” said Gallemore, who thinks the Lady Rams are definitely a team to watch out for this season, “but the biggest challenge for us will be developing team chemistry, remaining consistent with our attitude and effort, and improving everyday.”