Lambo Unchained

[1972Shocker]

If you haven't listened to it Paul Suellentrop did a 40 minute sit-down with Lambo talking about the Spring season, who stood out, who he has challenged, talked in general about the incoming freshmen, talked about next season's non-con schedule in detail, talked about being the AAC pioneers, talked about his views on a post-season tournament for the AAC.

Paul did a good job but not sure you find an easier interviewee than Lambo.

https://wichitastate.tv/podcast/roundhouse-podcast-s1e13-with-wichita-state-volleyball-coach-chris-lamb/

[flyingMoose]

I finally had the chance to listen to this.

I had two takeaways: 1) Lambo stated that Emily is the best volleyball player ever at Wichita State. I, of course, understood that she was really, really good, but I don't recall ever hearing someone say that she was that good. Maybe I just haven't been listening closely enough. 2) I was struck by the number of players that he said could be really good if they made the commitment to be really good. Maybe that is the challenge every year.

[1972Shocker]

I finally had the chance to listen to this.

I had two takeaways: 1) Lambo stated that Emily is the best volleyball play ever at Wichita State. I, of course, understood that she was really, really good, but I don't recall ever hearing someone say that she was that good. Maybe I just haven't been listening closely enough. 2) I was struck by the number of players that he said could be really good if they made the commitment to be really good. Maybe that is the challenge every year.

Yes, that comment about Emily being arguably the best volleyball player to ever play for him at WSU, let alone best setter, was interesting although I think he has kind of hinted around about that at times but that's probably one of those things you wait until a player's career is over before makings such a declaration.

To me the most surprising thing far as individual players was how enthusiastic he was about the play this Spring of 5-11 OH Regan Stiawalt out of Ness City. Regan, who I don't think had any playing time last year will be a redshirt sophomore next year. You love to see kids works hard and be rewarded. He also said Kara Bown has looked pretty good at the DS/Libero position. He also things Jenna Mak has a lot of talent as well but apparrently she had some injury issues. Been a nice spring for ball control and not just with the defensive specialists.

Thought his comments about Chase Jackson and Brooke Smith were interesting. Said he had really intended to redshirt them as freshman last year but the concussion to Emma Wright and the abdominal strain to Alex Koon kind of forced his hands but he hinted a redshirt is still a possibility. Emma's consussion was well know but I don't remember hearing about Alex having an abdominal strain which Lambo said is a big deal especially for an outside hitter.

When Paul asked what roles might be available to incoming recruiting class Lambo responed that while he isn't knocking any Freshman in the world, he wants to be a program where a high school senior walking in the door as a true freshman can't make his team better. He wants to be at a level hwere the things his team's do is beyond what any newcomers can offer up. Now that's not always the case and quite often their are opportunities for freshman to contribute. His hope is there is nothing that any of the incoming freshman can help the team with. On paper he thinks that is probably the case but he will wait and see how things go when the bullets start flying.

[WuDrWu]

Always good to hear Lambo, and this was no exception. The Regan comment surprised me as well. I was not surprised, but still it was nice to hear that Emma Wright came back from break with an evolved thought process. What really surprised me was the comment about Kora. While one should never read too much into hints, I personally expected Kora to hit the ground running this spring and explode into Emily's position. That certainly seems at minimum a question mark right now. Combined with his positive comments and praise for Kali Eaken, at least this fan is likely to be surprised who is likely to be the recipient of most of the passes come late August.


Couple of stout weekend tourneys this year too. Creighton and Iowa State are always tough. Just being competitive in those 2 matches would be a win I think.

BYU and Stanford? Yikes...…..those 2 make CU and ISU look cremepuffy by comparison (although BYU may have lost their big AA which would make them less intimidating for sure).

[1972Shocker]

Couple of stout weekend tourneys this year too. Creighton and Iowa State are always tough. Just being competitive in those 2 matches would be a win I think.

BYU and Stanford? Yikes...…..those 2 make CU and ISU look cremepuffy by comparison (although BYU may have lost their big AA which would make them less intimidating for sure).

Lambo said this was the final year of 3-year deal with Creighton and Iowa State. He did not give any indication whether or not this would be renewed. Hopefully, it will.

Are you referring to 6-7 All-American OH Jennifer Hamson who also starred in basketball for BYU and who is now playing in the WNBA? If so she graduated in 2014. However, Jennifer's younger sister Sara, also a 6-7 outside hitter, is a sophomore for BYU this year. Now Sara only played sparingly last year as a freshman so she may not be the dominating force that her older sister was but we will see.

[Shockm]

Yes, that comment about Emily being arguably the best volleyball player to ever play for him at WSU, let alone best setter, was interesting although I think he has kind of hinted around about that at times but that's probably one of those things you wait until a player's career is over before makings such a declaration.

This is a harmless statement because if pressed, with the great Shocker Volleyball history he has had, he could probably name 5-10 other past players that are arguably in the same category as one of the best Shockers.

[1972Shocker]

Here is the non-con schedule based on the info mentioned by Lambo and some of the opponent's 2018 schedules that are already posted with last year's record/RPI:

Fri, 08/24: @ James Madison (23-6 / 54)
Sun, 08/26: @ Howard (16-16 / 224)
Mon, 08/27: @ VCU (30-3 / 35)

Fri-Sat, 08/31- 09/01: @BYU Tournament: BYU (30-3 / 15), Stanford (30-4/5) and West Virginia (21-13 / 63)

Sat-Sun, 09/08-09/09: @ Creighton: Creighton (26-7 / 14), Iowa State (22-7 / 16)

Fri-Sat, 09/14-09/15: @North Texas: Stephen F. Austin (26-8 / 105), North Texas (29-4 / 51) and Cal Poly (27-3 / 22)

Sat, 11/24: Home vs North Texas (29-4 / 51)

Wow! Obviously Lambo is practising what he preaches when it comes to scheduling.

[UCONN_Husky]

I'm all about Lambo taking the leadership role to elevate AAC Volleyball.