The Emporia State University Women’s Volleyball team has seen a significant improvement in performance under new head coach Ken Murczek. With a new coach comes new ideas, new relationships, new strategies, and, in this case, a new way to entertain and boost morale. At the beginning of the fall season, Murczek approached the Director of Athletic Bands, Dr. William Woodworth, with a proposition to bring live music to the volleyball court. Like the Hornet Revue at basketball games, the Volleyband is a pep band of music students who play popular tunes and cheer on the Hornets.
Murczek has worked at several schools that had a band playing for volleyball games. “It really made an impression on me, no matter the size of the venue,” he said. He recalled his first coaching opportunity at The University of North Texas and his success in putting together a band to play at their games. “[The musicians] created an awesome atmosphere, and everywhere I’ve been since, I’ve always tried to reach out to students or local musicians to play at our games. I think it’s an absolute game changer for what it does for the event.” Upon taking the head coach position at ESU, one of the first emails he sent was to Woodworth about establishing a Volleyband here. Since then, the Volleyband has played at each home game that didn’t conflict with the music department’s schedule. “There was such a difference between when the band was there on Friday (Nov 3) and when they were gone Saturday (Nov 4). They have completely changed the environment for our game.”
“I know from a players perspective,” said Murczek, “that having that outside energy from the band is completely different to play in front of.” He believes that the Volleyband truly gives them a home-court advantage. Many of the team’s players also feel the energy that the Volleyband exudes, including Sophomore Setter Grace Xu.
“I noticed a big difference in our team’s morale and spirit when the Volleyband was there,” said Xu. “When they weren’t, the overall mood was quieter, and we lacked energy.”
With their new coach and improved morale, the Hornets hope to compete in the MIAA championship in St. Joseph next weekend. This would be the first time since the 2018 season.