Southwestern volleyball senior middle blocker Ashley Whitlock isn't superstitious, but she finds comfort in some routine and familiarity. 

"I like to stand where I normally stand on the court next to the same people," Whitlock says. "I like to know who's on either side of me whenever I look." 

For the past few seasons, the same friendly faces have surrounded Whitlock. The Pirates have been one of the youngest teams in the SCAC in recent years, having only two upperclassmen in 2019 and no senior class in 2020, when the pandemic pushed the fall season into a chaotic, condensed spring schedule. 

"We had no seniors last year, and that was a blessing," Southwestern head volleyball coach Don Flora says. "We didn't have anyone who didn't get to have a normal senior year." 

Southwestern now has an experienced roster with a 12-to-7 ratio of upper to lower classmen, including seniors Whitlock, Taylor Baccus, Lauren Crabtree, Ali Grona, Wren Seabolt, and Darby Stowers. 

"With our seniors, Ashley Whitlock, Lauren Crabtree, and Ali Grona have been all-conference," Flora says. "Wren Seabolt brings a great skill set off the bench, and she and Taylor Baccus are great leaders who hold us all accountable. Darby Stowers in the middle has been plenty of starting experience in the past. All have played a role that helps us win points and matches, and they all bring something extraordinary." 

The group has grown together over a few successful seasons, bonding with this year's class of juniors over both groups stepping into leadership roles early. Those friendships are now driving Southwestern as they quickly transition from a spring season to fall without much time in between. 

"We're close to our seniors, so I'm just excited to celebrate them and give them the best season possible," all-conference middle blocker Riley Brantley says. "Most of our team bonding is at away tournaments, so it's going to be great to get away from campus life as a team." 

The past year has been a true test for Southwestern and "the Pirate way." 

"The Pirate way is just being kind and giving your all, even when it's hard and you might not want to," Brantley explains. "And when you see someone who's struggling to do that, it's about lifting them up." 

Southwestern had another successful season at 9-4, winning seven of its final eight matches. But it was a trying year with matches being canceled and the team having to adhere to trying health and safety protocols. 

"It was difficult not being with my teammates in the ways that we're used to. We were always together, going to lunch and everywhere else, and we weren't able to do that," Whitlock says. "We had to stay separate and cut our practices short." 

Still, the Pirates found success. Crabtree posted another strong all-around season while leading the nation in triple-doubles and was selected the AVCA National Player of the Week during the spring 2021 season. Grona emerged as one of the best liberos in the conference, earning All-SCAC second team along with Brantley, who made her second selection in as many years. Whitehead also shook off her snake-bitten first season with an All-SCAC third-team performance. 

"We saw a lot of growth within our attack. Katelyn Whitehead missed most of her freshman year, and it was amazing to see her get back into the gym, be a leader, and become one of the best setters in the conference," Flora exclaims. "We also saw Ali Grona grow into a leadership role and play libero at a high level, with Lauren Crabtree and Riley Brantley having fantastic years. We have a lot of real talent, and now it's just a matter of fine-tuning it all." 

Southwestern appeared to be finding its footing late into the season, getting all-conference performances from the group above, with players like Jessica Kuras or Emma White also providing regular contributions. 

The Pirates eked out a 3-2 win over Texas Lutheran in the first round of the SCAC Tournament. Still, the season ended in something of a cliffhanger when Southwestern forfeited its match against Trinity due to COVID. Now, they'll face a quick turnaround to start the fall season after playing in the spring.

"When you don't have much time off, it can be hard, but we're ready to go," Jessica Kuras says. "When we got back into the gym, it's like we never left." 

The four incoming freshmen have fit right in, looking to make contributions early in their careers. 

"Defensive specialist Geneva Nedrow brings an amazing level of skill, and Claire Romo was the 6A setter of the year last year, so she's quite talented," Flora praises. "Outside hitter Christina Kuras is the younger sister of Jess Kuras, and she has a whip of an arm. She crushes the coconut big time. Right side Erica Otto is a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and softball with fantastic athleticism. You can see the edge in her eyes. She wants to be good right away." 

Whitehead says she spent the summer working out to prepare for this season with all the new arms around her. 

"Most of us on the team are juniors or seniors, so this is the moment we've been waiting for," Whitehead says. "When I came in my freshman year, it was all freshmen and sophomores. Now, it's our time, and I'm so excited to get back, compete, and see how far we can go."