No Place Like Home
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – “There’s a little more pride when we play at home, at The U, for the University of Miami. That means something,” redshirt junior middle blocker Cameron Dobbs said.
Miami volleyball’s 2019 schedule begins with three straight home matches at the Knight Sports Complex. With a six-match road stint immediately to follow, the Canes and head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara know how important it is to take advantage of playing at home early in the season.
“There’s obviously some comfort of playing at home, especially with the logistics of not having to travel and getting to play in front of our fans,” Gandara said. “It’s a huge advantage to have this opportunity to get to play two more teams at home, and get better with our game preparation and finding the roles of our team.”
With eight Canes hailing from the Sunshine State, plenty of family and friends are always in attendance of home matches. Sophomore defensive specialist Priscilla Hernandez who’s older sister Sylvia played for the Canes from 2014-2017, always has a large crowd at the Knight. You can always count on the ‘Prissy Posse’ to be wearing the orange and green.
“Playing at home is the best experience and not just because we get to practice there every day,” Hernandez said. “It’s because we get to play in front our family and friends. It’s honestly the best feeling for me because it’s not just my immediate family that comes, it’s a constant group of people that have supported me throughout my whole career.”
A low, tricky ceiling for opposing teams, a new court, fresh painted walls and a new season banner hanging in the gym, there’s a lot to look forward to for home matches especially after last season’s showing at home. Miami took care of business at The Knight, winning 75 percent of its matches at home during the 2018 season. With a 9-3 record, the Canes dropped just two conference matches in Coral Gables, including a thrilling Senior Day match to the nation’s then-10th ranked team and eventual 2018 ACC Champions, Pittsburgh.
“We love the new renovations to the gym,” senior Bridget Wallenberger said. “It feels more like home and it’s an even better place to play in. There’s a lot that goes in to playing at home. We were bummed we couldn’t play in Puerto Rico last weekend, but it’s always a great opportunity to play in front of our fans. We have to start taking advantage of being at home though and it starts with this tournament.”
When things are so good at home, the thought of traveling isn’t ideal. The long flights and less time in the gym makes those early home matches that much sweeter.
“Traveling is hard and it’s hard on your body,” redshirt junior middle blocker Madison Dill said. “Being able to stay here, where we practice every day and have the opportunity to study film more, makes it a lot more favorable for us. It’s our environment, the little things, that make it the best. It’s also awesome having our families come to matches and know they are only there to support us.”
It’s safe to say, these next two home matches for the Canes on Sept. 6 against George Washington and Sept. 7 against USF are key components on the fine tuning of the upcoming season for the young Canes squad.
