“We’re going into [the game] thinking that we’re going to beat the other team.”
Those are the words of Idaho State University’s Breanne Van Every. Van Every, a Highland High School graduate, is one of the centerpieces of ISU volleyball.
As a senior, Van Every has had the opportunity to watch the Bengals as they have transitioned from one of the worst programs in the Big Sky to a perennially good team. The change has come partly because of attitude.
“We have more swagger. When I first started it felt like we were underdogs, we were always trying to prove ourselves. Now we know we’re good,” said Van Every.
In the first tournament of the season ISU was able to make a big impression on those who closely follow the Big Sky.
After dismantling University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and losing to Arizona State University (ASU) in five sets, Van Every was named to the El Paso Sports Commission Invitational’s All-tournament team.
The tournament was just a starting point for the Bengals and despite the pressure of having new teammates and starting a new season they were able to hang tough against competition with much greater resources.
The tournament was a good chance to help develop some chemistry among her teammates.
“I think that we’re going to be nervous in our first real game. But it’s not conference play and there’s nothing to lose,” said Van Every of the experience.
The Arizona State game in particular was one that the Bengals can be proud of.
“It was a really fun game and I thought we did really well. We played our hearts out,” said Van Every.
Despite making strides early in the season, there is one area where Idaho State needs to improve.
“We need to be more emotionally tough. We got wore out and weren’t able to play at a high level the whole time, “ said Van Every.
Had they played the entire ASU game the way they started, they would have one more victory.
Van Every sees developing that mental edge as the key to a good season and a strong showing at the upcoming Portland Nike Invite.
This season is one in which the Bengals have high expectations for success.
“I feel like the girls that we have are stronger,” said Van Every when comparing this year’s team to last year’s. With a strong crop of players there is very little to do in order to have a strong conference showing.
“It’s all about having the right chemistry with each other and everyone doing their job,” said Van Every.
Idaho State is a developing program that offers several advantages to potential players. Van Every chose ISU because of its proximity to her hometown of Chubbuck, but other players come for different reasons.
“A lot of girls come here because they have been overlooked by other schools but they’re good enough to play at a high level. It’s funny because we’re able to turn around and play those teams and beat them,” said Van Every about ISU’s recruiting practices.
With a team consisting of a large amount of returning players and plenty of talent there really is only one goal in the mind of ISU volleyball.
“We want to get that Big Sky Championship and we’re going to do all we can to get it,” said Van Every.
