Last December, Baylor fired head volleyball coach Jim Barnes, who coached 11 years at Baylor and compiled a record of 181-170 – the most wins in program history. The change to the new coaching staff came as a shock to some, but first year head coach Ryan McGuyre and his players have seemingly had a smooth transition.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” senior setter Amy Rosenbaum said. “It’s really different and so fast paced, but honestly it’s the first time that I’ve enjoyed working hard.”
The former NAIA Men’s and Women’s National Coach of the Year has an optimistic outlook for a squad that has suffered two straight losing seasons. McGuyre will bring his expertise and attempt to lead the Bears to a successful season.
“We know the principles and things we need to do to take us to the next level,” McGuyre said.
McGuyre is trying to implement the same system of winning that made Baylor Director of Athletics Ian McCaw so confident in his ability to achieve a championship level of play.
“Ryan is a truly exceptional coach, recruiter, leader and mission fit. We look forward to him building a championship program at Baylor,” McCaw said.
The intensity of the new head coach is apparent by his practice schedules. Senior outside hitter Andie Malloy is excited about all of the extra work being put in to improve this team from a year ago.
“[The practices] average about three hours… but it’s definitely worth it,” Malloy said.
The Bears’ first game will be played on Aug. 28 as they participate in the Rams Volleyball Classic tournament in Colorado. After the tournament, the team will return home to play their first home game on Sept. 4. After a successful spring and hard-working summer, McGuyre said his squad will be ready to go.
“We’ll be ready. We’re young in some positions but I like how the young ones are progressing and I’m pretty confident,” McGuyre said.