Senior Leadership The Key For 2016 Bulldog Volleyball

Leadership. It's something that's earned, never given. It's a reflection of the countless hours of hard work, blood, sweat and tears poured into obtaining a goal.

For the 2016 edition of Mississippi State volleyball, the distinction of being the team leaders, the "captains," has been bestowed upon the five Bulldog seniors: Chelsea Duhs, Jazmyne Johnson, Bali Leffall-Young, Evie Grace Singleton and Cheyenne Spell.

"We have five seniors on this team and the most extraordinary thing is how each is beyond qualified to be captain," MSU coach David McFatrich said. "They have all been through ups and downs and know what it takes to be successful. A key to being one of the top teams in the country is solid leadership and players who know how to fight through adversity. Those are the qualities you want your players to have and that's what we have in our senior class."

For McFatrich, the process of naming his 2016 team captains was not an easy one. Every coach knows the importance of a team captain. It's not just a title bestowed upon your most respected or talented player. It's the responsibility of keeping the team together, of rallying the troops when times get rough.

In the spring, McFatrich began to toss around ideas of who to identify as the team's captain. After going back and forth, the Bulldogs' second-year head coach landed on a perfect idea.

"This past spring, we took the five seniors through an eight-week servant-leadership class," McFatrich said. "They went through a different lesson each week, but it was more than just learning how to be a servant and a leader. We had interactive activities to help them build on these skills."

"They each had so much to contribute. It was cool to see them interact with each other. At the end we wanted to know what their biggest takeaway was and it was that the best leaders are also the greatest servants."

The class opened up McFatrich's eye to a new, unorthodox manner of naming his 2016 team captains. After debating it a little more, the Bulldog leader landed on a final decision: the entire senior class.

"Each one of these girls deserves to carry this honor," McFatrich said. "They've each worked so hard to get to this point. They've fought through adversity and rough times, both on and off the court. And most of all, their chemistry, as well as the entire team's, is incredible. It was a perfect fit."

For Evie Grace Singleton, this is the second-straight year she's earned team captain status, as the Little Rock, Ark., native was given the responsibility last season. Since her arrival from Central Arkansas last year, Singleton has been the Bulldogs' leader in kills, aces and points, pacing a dangerous MSU attack that continues to make strides towards being the top offensive squads in the nation.

"Many people know that Evie and I are in our eighth year together as a coach-player duo and it has been so much fun to watch her grow over the years," McFatrich said. "She is one of the best players I've had the honor to coach and she stepped into the leadership role the moment she arrived at State last season. Players listen to her and I trust her implicitly. I always know what I'm going to get out of her…all-out effort all the time."

Jazmyne Johnson, like Singleton, is in her second season with the Bulldogs, having transferred in from Middle Tennessee before the start of the 2015 campaign. Her time with the Dogs hasn't come without a couple challenges, as Johnson had to make a position change at the beginning of her first year in Starkville. Regardless, State's leading blocker faced the challenges head on and has grown into one of MSU's key leaders.

"Jaz had to go through a position change almost as soon as she walked in the door here at MSU. That's something that is never easy on a player," McFatrich said. "The key is that she did it without a single complaint. She's a natural leader and has been since she started here. She knows the pulse of team, speaks up when needed and can rally the team in an instant. She's the kind of leader every coach wants on their team."

From Diana, Texas, Cheyenne Spell is a third-year senior, having made her way to Starkville a year before McFatrich's arrival. In her three seasons, Spell has experienced a coaching change, a revamping of playing style and a number of other obstacles, but there's never been a challenge the senior defensive specialist has not taken head on with a smile. While she may not light up a stat sheet, Spell's contributions on the court are as crucial to MSU's success as anything else.

"Cheyenne is incredible to coach because she goes all out on every single play and always has a smile on her face, whether on or off the court," McFatrich said. "She's one of the hardest-working players I've ever had the joy to coach and it shows in every match and practice. What's even better is how important it is to her to be a great teammate and constantly keep the team encouraged. She's vital to our success on a number of fronts."

Rounding out the Bulldogs' senior class are the only two seniors that have donned the Maroon and White since 2013: Chelsea Duhs and Bali Leffall-Young.

Duhs has developed into one of MSU's primary offensive weapons, but it has not come without several position changes along the way.

"Chelsea is on her third position here at State. For many kids, that's a tough task to take on. However, for Chelsea, she just wants to do what's best for the team," McFatrich said.

In her time as a Bulldog, Duhs has quietly developed herself into one of State's top offensive threats. While she may not always highlight the stat pages, Duhs has become one of MSU's most consistent contributors, whether on the attack or the block.

"Chelsea is the greatest definition of a student-athlete. This summer she stayed in Starkville to work on her MBA but also on her volleyball game. Now she's playing the best volleyball of her career while excelling each day in the classroom. She's one of the hardest-working players we have and pushes herself to be the best in whatever she does."

Leffall-Young is a second-generation Bulldog, as her father, Robert Young, played football for MSU from 1987-1990. The California native saw limited action in 2013, but since then has worked endlessly to develop her talents and become one of the Bulldogs' primary middle blockers. Even in her final season, Leffall-Young is constantly looking for ways to improve not only her own game, but her teammates as well. And that is something her coaches picked up on quickly.

"Bali is a special young lady. She struggled to improve there for a little bit and once said to me 'Please don't ever give up on me, coach.' I haven't, I wouldn't and I don't see how anyone could," McFatrich said. "She takes advantage of every single moment to get better and has improved more in a year than any player I've ever had. You compare where she was four years ago to now or even last year to now, it's remarkable. That is a testament to how dedicated she is to this game."

As the Bulldogs get set for conference play, there is one thing that is for sure. They are equipped with five leaders who have the talent and the character to take them further than they ever have. And as McFatrich tells all his players, even when their time as college volleyball players comes to an end, they will always remain a part of the Bulldog volleyball family.

"A coach could not ask for a better group of senior leaders. Whatever they decide to do after college, whether it be professional volleyball, a business leader, whatever, I know they will each be successful. And they will always have a place within this family here at Mississippi State. It's a honor to be able to coach these young ladies."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Senior Leadership The Key For 2016 Bulldog Volleyball

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Chelsea Duhs

Jazmyne Johnson

Bali Leffall-Young

Evie Grace Singleton

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