TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (August 17, 2022) – There is much to be said about the strength of volleyball in the Scenic West Athletic Conference.
 
Each year, some of the nation's best program battle for bragging rights and national intrigue in-and-around the Rocky Mountains, leading to league matches that are often about so much more than the league. The Salt Lake Community College Volleyball program has long been part of that national discussion, with the Bruins returning to dominance during the 2021 season and a high national ranking in the NJCAA polls.
 
Now looking forward to the 2022 campaign, Bruins coach Shay Goulding Meurer said her program is focused on building off last season's success in its 2022 training camp.
 
"First of all, we are building relationships of trust and working hard to get all of our systems established," she said. "It is important that the foundation and structure of our systems are set so we can build upon them throughout the season. By nature, athletes are very results driven. We are working hard to help everyone let go of results and get so good at the process that results happen naturally."
 
Goulding Meurer is a coaching veteran, having been part of many successful teams. With that experience in mind, she has noted how it is important to mix player development with a healthy amount of off-court experience moving forward.
 
"We make sure we are playing games and competing in every practice," she said. "It is important to always stir the passion for the game. We will be taking a team retreat at the end of our second week to get away from the gym for a few days."
 
Besides its on-court prestige, the Bruins have also created a strong reputation for academic success over the past few seasons. Goulding Meurer stated the importance of maintaining the program's academic prowess through intentional discussion in the team's preseason meetings.
 
"We are putting a heavy focus on being identified as student-athletes this season," she said. "We have set some high standards and have emphasized the importance of not only attending class, but to sit in the front and to get to know their professors. In fact, they will all be taking selfies with their professors in the first week of class." 
 
Looking ahead to the 2022 season, Salt Lake will open play on August 18 with a matchup against longtime national power Miami Dade. SLCC will host the 'UFirst Intermountain Invitational' to open the season, with matches taking place from Thursday through Saturday. 
 
Goulding Meurer said she is excited for the team's prospects this season.
 
"​I am extremely excited for this season," she said. "It is going to be a fun one. This team is already performing at a high level. In just the first week of practice, I implemented things that I normally wait to teach. They are hungry and ready."