It’s a new era in Tecumseh volleyball starting this fall, as Nathan Matthews takes over the Arrows program that has enjoyed tremendous success the past few years. Although Matthews is new to the job, he plans to come in and pick up right where things left off, and is hoping for the same success.
“I was blown away by the structure ow what is already there with their success,” Matthews said. “The first couple of months was me just observing and there isn’t a lot I want to change. We are really young this year with seven underclassmen, so I expect a lot of growth. It’s not about wins or losses, just competing each night.”
Matthews knows a lot about the youth movement, as he comes to Tecumseh as a Wittenberg student and 2015 Gahanna Lincoln graduate. While he is easily the youngest head volleyball coach in the area, he brings some experience.
The coach has also coached a lot of club volleyball, along with coaching at various college camps including the University of Kentucky and Illinois.
“I have had an interest in coaching for awhile, and jumped into this earlier than most people,” he said. “When I moved to Springfield to college, I was basically the assistant coach on the mens team, which game me great experience and solidified my interest. I found out about the Tecumseh job and the interview went really well.”
Matthews returns only one senior this year, as Lucy Eier returns to play the outside this year after playing defensive specialist in the past.
“She has a live arm and is one of the best passers and defenders in the conference,” Matthews said. “She is a great leader and decision maker.”
A trio of key junior look to make contributions this year, including Kirsten Nartker.
“She will be a huge part of our offense,” Matthews said. “She has good size for her position and she gives us a huge advantage being a leftie.”
Zoey Dysinger also will play the outside with Eier. “It is good to have her back, she is solid on the offensive side of the ball, and a good passer.”
Also junior Kenzie Nabil will play the libero position for the Arrows this year.
“Kenzie is great defender,” Matthews said. “She hasn’t seen a lot of playing time in the past, but she is polished and I expect her to do a good job.”
Sophomore Mackenzie Drews will play the setter position, as will fellow sophomore Corinne Thomas.
“Both bring something different,” Matthews said. “Mackenzie is a great decision maker and is a natural at this position. Corinne is more athletic and I expect both to battle and contribute a lot.”
Also sophomore Jillian Williams is the team’s top blocker according to Matthews.
“She is a big presence out there,” he said. “She will help on the offensive end.”
Macy Berner is another sophomore, who is in a battle with freshman Ava Ehlinger for middle hitter, and according to Matthews Berner brings size and Ehlinger is athletic and quick.
Freshman Zoe Dean will also see time as a defensive specialist.
“Most of these girls haven’t played together a lot, and from the first practice to now has been leaps and bounds,” Matthews said. “We have run a lot of 6 on 6 to get game touches to get them game speed. I am comfortable heading into regular season after seeing the progress.”
