In 2006, Belmont Volleyball parlayed years of promise and expectation into the most successful season in program history. Amassing a 24-7 record, three regular season tournament titles, an Atlantic Sun Championship, and the team's first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, 2006 will long be remembered as the year Belmont Volleyball arrived on the national scene. Seven players received honors during the season, highlighted by junior setter Colleen Nilson's recognition as Atlantic Sun Player of the Year and Honorable Mention All-American. Recently, Belmont Athletics Media Relations caught up with Head Coach Deane Webb to reflect on the momentus campaign.

Q): Attempt to put into words the significance of an Atlantic Sun Championship and the volleyball program's first NCAA Tournament berth.

A): “This season was the result of the substantial efforts of the many players, coaches, and administrators that came before. I am thrilled for our team and for taking this important step in the development of our program. We hope there will be many more NCAA tourney trips in the future, but the first trip will always be special.”

Q): Discuss the importance of the early season tournaments and the trip to Missouri late in the year in preparing the team for the conference tournament.

A): ”Getting out and playing difficult teams is always important. Looking back on our season and seeing that we only had one loss to a team not in the top 100 is a good indicator of where we stand nationally. The trip to Missouri was particularly important for our team. We went in to the weekend looking forward to seeing a higher level of team and then seeing how we matched up against them. I had the team mentally prepared to see those teams, but not mentally prepared to win against those teams. When we left that weekend, we all realized that if we played well, we could certainly beat teams in the 20-50 range. That was a good lesson for all of us.”

Q): Was the loss at ETSU the turning point of the season? Did the team rededicate itself to achieving its ultimate goal of the NCAA's?

A): ”I believe it was a wake up call for our team. I think we went away from that knowing that we can’t take anything for granted.”

Q): Discuss the impact of Colleen's play and the significance of her recognition for the program.

A): ”Colleen continues to be an integral part of everything we do, and our program wouldn’t be where it is without her. Her recognition is a great honor for not only Colleen, but for our team, program, and school.”

Q): What were the biggest keys to success this season? Emergence of Cat and Emily as sophomores who became dependable producers? Overall diversity and balance in offense? Improved passing and defense?

A): “I believe our biggest keys to success were winning the first ball contact, and diversity in our offense. Offensive diversity and balance can’t happen without good ball control and a good setter, so it really was a team improvement.”

Q): Discuss the role of the home crowd and building a true home court advantage at the Curb Event Center. The role it played in the conference tournament.

A): ”I can’t say enough how proud of our fans we are. The excitement grows each year, and our team loves playing at home. From Pembroke, to the Mob, to all the other fans – thank you for all that you’ve done to make the Curb a wonderful home court.”

Q): What was learned against Ohio State? How did the returning players feel afterwards?

A): ”There is a often a big difference in a team seeded #11 vs. a team that is ranked in the 25-30 range. It is important for us to continue increasing our RPI, our strength of schedule, and our record to allow us to play a team in the 25-30 range the next time we have the opportunity to go. I believe the returners had a great experience playing there, and hopefully we’re hungry to return.”

Q): How important were Erin and Katie in elevating the program to new heights?

A): ”Katie came in with Colleen, Britt, and Jaye, so having those four come in at one time was an important step in our development. Our right side offense looks very different than most teams, and Katie has made that work well for the last three years. She leaves here as one of the best hitters ever to play at Belmont. Her competitiveness and tenacity were important in the development of our program as well. Erin was my first recruit here. She’s truly seen the lows her freshman year when we started 0-19, and was a significant part of our success the last three years. Her ability to do so many things at a high level were extremely important to our team. She will be difficult to replace.”

Q): What can we expect next year from Belmont Volleyball? New players? Expanded roles for current players?

A): ”It’s hard to say this early what will happen next year for Belmont Volleyball. I know we all want to continue to improve. We’re excited about our progress, but not content with our current level. I never know until preseason what personality the team will take, what leaders will continue to emerge, what players will come back from their summer workouts at a new and improved level, and what we can realistically expect to achieve and exceed. I do know that I am thrilled with the group we have to work with this Spring, and I’m looking forward to helping them grow and improve.”