The University of St. Thomas volleyball team shifts gears from early-season invitationals and tournaments into Summit League play, opening conference action against the University of Missouri-Kansas City on Thursday at Schoenecker Arena.
The Tommies are coming off a loss against Campbell University in the Northwestern Tournament that snapped their seven-game win streak. Players and coaches stressed that the biggest takeaway wasn’t about the result, but the lessons it provided.
“The lesson would just be resilience and response,” assistant coach Jackie Richter said. “We’re not there yet, but we shouldn’t be. We’re working on it.”
Junior outside hitter Ellie Gustafson, ranked 12th in the Summit League with 2.74 kills per set, remains focused on consistency and approach.
“The biggest lesson is that no matter the team, it’s good competition. You treat everyone the same,” Gustafson said.
She said the Tommies rely on a steady routine to stay grounded and energized before matches.
“We pray, we give each other positive energy, and we make sure we’re all in the same winning mindset,” Gustafson said.
That routine reflects the broader culture of the program — something Richter credits coach Thanh Pham for.
“Coach Thanh established an amazing culture with the team,” Richter said.
Building on that culture, Richter points to the Tommies’ depth and leadership as major strengths heading into conference play. The Tommies have had 15 players in rotation so far this season, 11 of which being upperclassmen.
“We’re very controlled in all positions, with amazing leadership,” she said. “I can send anybody in with full confidence.”
As the Tommies enter conference play, the message is clear: resilience, confidence, and consistency will be the keys to sustaining success in one of the toughest stretches of the season, with two of last year’s top three conference teams on the schedule in their first four games.
Reagan Boschulte can be reached at bosc3829@stthomas.edu.
