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On The Morning Blitz today, Ross and I had the pleasure of hosting Carey Jones, head coach of the Colby Community College Lady Trojan volleyball team. Coming off an incredible 29-5 season and a third-place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament, Coach Jones shared her insights on the team’s journey, challenges, and triumphs.
When asked if she anticipated this level of success at the start of the season, Jones candidly admitted, "No, I think we hoped that...we would be at home for a play-in match and then obviously we would be hosting our region tournament. But I don’t think in my wildest dreams I thought we would be in the semifinals or finish in third place at the national tournament."
The Lady Trojans entered the season ranked 12th, largely based on their previous year’s performance. However, early victories against ranked teams helped boost their confidence. "Maybe midway through the season, I thought, this is a year where we can do something special," Jones reflected.
Tough Competition Breeds Excellence
Colby’s Region VI is among the most competitive in junior college volleyball, and that strength proved invaluable. "I think our conference is a little tougher than what people were expecting," Jones said. That preparation showed during nationals, where Colby faced top teams like Barton Community College and Northeastern Junior College, even avenging earlier losses.
A standout moment was Colby’s victory over Barton in the third-place match. "It was pretty awesome," Jones said. "Obviously, we would have liked to be playing in the championship, but getting a chance to play Barton on a neutral field and getting revenge in some ways was very satisfying."
Unsung Heroes on the Court
Coach Jones also took a moment to spotlight players who might not get the flashiest stats but were critical to the team’s success. She highlighted the setter’s high volleyball IQ, the libero’s leadership as a transfer, and a defensive specialist who excelled in serving during nationals.
"Our setter is so talented, and her volleyball IQ is so high. And Camilla, our libero, brought leadership as a transfer," Jones shared. These players, along with the team’s collective grit, were instrumental in pushing Colby to its highest-ever national finish.
Recruiting and Building for the Future
Jones acknowledged the unique challenges and rewards of recruiting, particularly internationally. "International players bring a higher volleyball IQ in some ways," she explained. "They’ve been training since a young age and often play in more mature settings."
Despite losing a talented sophomore class, Jones is optimistic about the future. "We’re excited about our sophomore class next year, and this season’s success will definitely help with recruiting," she said.
Coach Jones also emphasized Colby’s family atmosphere and outstanding facilities as major draws for recruits. "The community takes our players under their wings, and they get special care that they don’t always get at four-year schools. It’s something that makes Colby really unique," she said.
Reflecting on a Historic Season
Wrapping up our conversation, Coach Jones shared what made this season particularly memorable. "To see their resiliency, their fight, and their drive to get to the highest our team has ever finished—it was really cool," she said. "Our sophomores are great teammates. They love Colby and have so much pride for the program."
With her track record of success and ability to connect with players on and off the court, it’s no wonder Coach Jones has been a mainstay at Colby for 16 years. As she turns her focus to recruiting and preparing for the next season, one thing is certain: the Lady Trojans’ volleyball program is in great hands.
Congratulations again to Coach Carey Jones and the Lady Trojans on an unforgettable season!
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