The Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) volleyball team achieved a landmark victory by securing their first-ever NCAA Division II national championship on December 13, 2023. This triumph, which culminated a season of unprecedented success, can be traced back to a pivotal moment in August, when the team engaged in a unique retreat focused on mental preparation and identity.
During this retreat in Grand County, Colorado, head coach Jenny Glenn and her players gathered around a campfire to confront their fears and aspirations. Skyler Michael, a team captain and outside hitter, emphasized the significance of this gathering, stating, “We just had to unwrap all our fears, and bring them out into the light.” This moment marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would redefine the team’s approach to competition.
Glenn recognized the need for a shift after the team faced disappointments in the regional finals for four consecutive years. To elevate the program, she enlisted the help of mental coach Trisha Kroll, who had previously worked with the team but took on a more central role this season. Kroll guided the players in exploring their “true identities,” helping them articulate their core values and strengths, which became instrumental in their performance on the court.
With Kroll’s guidance, players began to identify and embrace their unique roles. For instance, Glenn discovered she is a “leader of hearts,” while Michael considered herself a “wayfinder.” All-American Annika Helf identified as a “joyful warrior protector of faith over fear,” and setter GabriElle Brewer saw herself as a “commander of belief.” These identity revelations laid the groundwork for a cohesive team dynamic that propelled the Roadrunners throughout the season.
Despite facing setbacks, including two losses to Colorado Mesa and Colorado School of Mines in early October, the team rebounded with remarkable resilience. Following those defeats, the Roadrunners went on an impressive 23-match winning streak, culminating in a program-record 32 victories. This included clinching the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) regular-season title, the conference tournament, and the regional tournament before arriving at the national championship.
Kroll, who played collegiate volleyball herself, explained the psychological journey of the team. “We’re only born with two fears: fear of loud noises and the fear of falling. All other fears we learn along the way,” she noted. The Roadrunners channeled this understanding, transforming their approach to pressure situations. They focused on their internal strengths rather than the external pressures of competition.
The national championship, held at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, saw the Roadrunners face off against Concordia-St. Paul, a formidable opponent with nine Division II titles to their name. Despite the odds, MSU Denver maintained their composure and executed their game plan effectively. They concluded the match with a decisive 3-1 victory, marking a historic achievement for the program.
Glenn reflected on the significance of this title, stating, “Our ability to do what we did superseded all of that because we knew who we were as a team.” The Roadrunners’ success was not solely defined by their championship win; it was also about the journey of personal and collective growth they experienced throughout the season.
The team’s mental training was particularly evident in the way they handled adversity. After losing Helf to a knee injury in the Elite Eight, Megan Hagar stepped up, leading the team with her first career double-double in the championship match. Hagar attributed her performance to the mental strategies they had practiced throughout the season, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the team over individual accolades.
As MSU Denver looks ahead, they will only graduate Helf, hinting at a bright future for the program. Glenn expressed optimism about the potential for continued success, asserting that the identity they forged during their August retreat will remain a cornerstone of their approach. “That identity, as a team and individually, was formed in our retreat in August. And it’s exactly who we were on December 13th winning the national championship,” she concluded.
The Roadrunners’ victory not only engraved their name in the history books but also illustrated the profound impact of mental resilience and self-discovery in sports. The journey from the mountaintop to national champions stands as a testament to the power of teamwork and the human spirit.
