University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Dig U: Southern Miss Defense Continues Recent Success
10/18/2019 11:16:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – When Madison Lawler dished out 28 digs against Alabama State on Oct. 2, it came as no surprise for second-year head coach Stephanie Radecki and the former Golden Eagles that were in Lawler's shoes.
Radecki has always preached about the importance of defense, which was one of the same reasons Lawler chose Southern Miss. Although the two came to Hattiesburg at different times, each knew Southern Miss had a rich tradition at the defensive specialist and libero positions when they arrived in Hattiesburg.
"The defensive specialist and libero positions have always been competitive throughout my time here and I am super thankful for that," Lawler said. "I think that Southern Miss has always had a lot of girls that are gritty on defense and make each other better every day."
Not only did Radecki inherit a talented defensive group in her first season, she then added to that group this season. All you have to do is look at the numbers to realize how talented the group is. Southern Miss currently ranks fourth in Conference USA with an average of 16.02 digs per set. Individually, Lawler's 4.30 digs per set rank her sixth amongst all C-USA players.
"Defense has always been really important to me and it's a big part of the staff's coaching philosophy," Radecki said. "I'm really proud of our defense and our defensive players for stepping up."
At her current directory, Lawler is on pace to leave her name all over the Southern Miss record book. As a junior, the Grapevine, Texas native is only 156 digs away from joining the 1,000 digs club and 354 digs from cracking the programs Top 10 all-time digs list.
That list is another strong example of the success the program has had defensively. Since 2010, five Golden Eagles have reached that Top 10 all-time digs list. Also, since 2010, only six Golden Eagles have recorded more digs than Lawler's 28 against the Hornets.
Lawler's success has come in large part because of the depth the Golden Eagles have at the libero and defensive specialist position. Kellie Garraway, Lindsey Legg, and Ashley Chapman have all taken a step forward while competing for time on the floor.
"The past two years the DS/L position has been extremely deep with talent," Garraway said. "This, of course, is an awesome thing for the team, but it also means that some very talented people may not play all the time.
"This ends up being a really good thing because it pushes all of us to work harder and make improvements on our game when otherwise without this push, we would have likely remained stagnant. It is a really beneficial dynamic because all of the DS/L's have each other's backs while also pushing each other to become the best that we can be."
The group has combined for 640 digs, nearly 65 percent of the Golden Eagles' total digs. All four have at least 100 digs and are averaging at least two digs per set.
"The depth has been the backbone of where our success has been in the past as coaches," Radecki said. "[Madison] has done a great job really stepping up and solidifying that position, but Lindsey, Kellie, and Ashley have continued to push her and are doing a nice job supporting her, but still pushing to be in that role too."
Although Chapman is still listed as a defensive specialist, the senior has made the jump to outside hitter. After sliding into her new position late last season, Chapman took it in stride this season. The Mobile, Ala. native has 41 kills after recording just two kills over her first three years playing in the black and gold.
Radecki has used Chapman as a wild card in terms of what opponents are expecting. With the ability to play multiple positions, Radecki has been able to slot Chapman into various situations depending on who's available at that point in the game.
"She's done a great job of just staying ready," Radecki said. "She's obviously gotten the itch back to wanting to hit and I totally respect that.
"I'm always excited knowing that she can step in wherever we need her, whether it's a defensive or hitting role."
Whether it's defensive specialist, outside hitter, or libero, the four are ready to push each other to the next level. More importantly, they are ready to continue the defensive success Southern Miss is historically known for.
Radecki has always preached about the importance of defense, which was one of the same reasons Lawler chose Southern Miss. Although the two came to Hattiesburg at different times, each knew Southern Miss had a rich tradition at the defensive specialist and libero positions when they arrived in Hattiesburg.
"The defensive specialist and libero positions have always been competitive throughout my time here and I am super thankful for that," Lawler said. "I think that Southern Miss has always had a lot of girls that are gritty on defense and make each other better every day."
Not only did Radecki inherit a talented defensive group in her first season, she then added to that group this season. All you have to do is look at the numbers to realize how talented the group is. Southern Miss currently ranks fourth in Conference USA with an average of 16.02 digs per set. Individually, Lawler's 4.30 digs per set rank her sixth amongst all C-USA players.
"Defense has always been really important to me and it's a big part of the staff's coaching philosophy," Radecki said. "I'm really proud of our defense and our defensive players for stepping up."
At her current directory, Lawler is on pace to leave her name all over the Southern Miss record book. As a junior, the Grapevine, Texas native is only 156 digs away from joining the 1,000 digs club and 354 digs from cracking the programs Top 10 all-time digs list.
That list is another strong example of the success the program has had defensively. Since 2010, five Golden Eagles have reached that Top 10 all-time digs list. Also, since 2010, only six Golden Eagles have recorded more digs than Lawler's 28 against the Hornets.
Lawler's success has come in large part because of the depth the Golden Eagles have at the libero and defensive specialist position. Kellie Garraway, Lindsey Legg, and Ashley Chapman have all taken a step forward while competing for time on the floor.
"The past two years the DS/L position has been extremely deep with talent," Garraway said. "This, of course, is an awesome thing for the team, but it also means that some very talented people may not play all the time.
"This ends up being a really good thing because it pushes all of us to work harder and make improvements on our game when otherwise without this push, we would have likely remained stagnant. It is a really beneficial dynamic because all of the DS/L's have each other's backs while also pushing each other to become the best that we can be."
The group has combined for 640 digs, nearly 65 percent of the Golden Eagles' total digs. All four have at least 100 digs and are averaging at least two digs per set.
"The depth has been the backbone of where our success has been in the past as coaches," Radecki said. "[Madison] has done a great job really stepping up and solidifying that position, but Lindsey, Kellie, and Ashley have continued to push her and are doing a nice job supporting her, but still pushing to be in that role too."
Although Chapman is still listed as a defensive specialist, the senior has made the jump to outside hitter. After sliding into her new position late last season, Chapman took it in stride this season. The Mobile, Ala. native has 41 kills after recording just two kills over her first three years playing in the black and gold.
Radecki has used Chapman as a wild card in terms of what opponents are expecting. With the ability to play multiple positions, Radecki has been able to slot Chapman into various situations depending on who's available at that point in the game.
"She's done a great job of just staying ready," Radecki said. "She's obviously gotten the itch back to wanting to hit and I totally respect that.
"I'm always excited knowing that she can step in wherever we need her, whether it's a defensive or hitting role."
Whether it's defensive specialist, outside hitter, or libero, the four are ready to push each other to the next level. More importantly, they are ready to continue the defensive success Southern Miss is historically known for.
The Golden Eagles will be back in action on Friday night when they host UTSA at 6 p.m.
Players Mentioned
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DS/L
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