Eagles collect third national title in as many years
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HUNTINGDON -- Juniata College accomplished the ultimate goal of winning its third consecutive national title in women's volleyball during the 2024 season.
Juniata finished the year undefeated at 35-0. The Lady Eagles didn't lose a set in 29 of their matches.
Eagles head coach Heather Pavlik noted that her program left big marks at the Division III level.
"This program has been at the top of Division III for four decades but this is probably the most dominant the program has ever been. Three in a row is special in Division III overall as only a couple of other programs have accomplished this feat. Our back-to-back undefeated seasons are the first in Division III history," Pavlik said.
Most of the season was smooth sailing for the Eagles, but in the NCAA Championship and semifinals, there were certainly some rough tides.
In the national final, Wisconsin-Whitewater rallied from a 2-0 deficit to tie the Eagles. Juniata would take the last set. In the national semis, Juniata came back from a 2-0 hole to tie Hope before eventually winning the match, 3-2.
"This team (Juniata) is a group of fighters and there is no way that they wanted many of their careers to end that way. They had that mentality both of the nights where we went five games to win. Yes, it is a little sweeter when you really have to battle in order to win," Pavlik explained.
Juniata senior Lily Podolan, who recorded 11 kills against Hope and 14 against Whitewater, said her teammates wanted to play their game no matter the outcome.
"The emotions were intense. Especially us seniors, we knew it could be our last game together ever. After the first two sets that Hope won, we came together and talked about going out there and giving it our all for every point so we would be proud of how we ended. No matter what the score is, we stay aggressive and play together. Every point I celebrated because every point mattered. Honestly, we were stressed when we were down. But you can’t let fear and stress stop you from playing exactly how you would play any other time, so we told each other to stay aggressive at all times," Podolan said.
"Both games we knew that we were capable of winning, so we were motivated to prove it to ourselves. It was exciting the whole way through, even when we were down, because it pushed us to work harder.
It was not how I expected either of those matches to go, but that made our win that much more special. To know we were faced with adversity and pushed and came out on top makes me so proud of my team."
What is it like winning a third national title?
"I still don’t have the words to explain what each of my three national titles have meant. It feels surreal. It is an absolutely incredible feeling when all of your dedication and hard work has paid off. I have never been prouder of my team and what we have accomplished. We soak each moment in. We celebrate with each other and family. This one is different, since it is my last time playing collegiate volleyball," Podolan explained.
"There were many tears at the end of the game and later that evening because of our win, our last time playing together, and our love for each other. The other championships were celebrated, and then we strived to do it again. This one, I can finally step back and look at my career and every single accomplishment my team has and be filled with pride. I can’t think of any moments throughout my career that do not make a national championship worth it. I would do it all again a million times if I could."
There were several big-time performers for the Eagles during their title season. Olivia Foley (graduate) had 1,125 assists and Mackenzie Coley (senior) recorded 354 kills. Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez (graduate) posted 491 digs. Podolan had 250 kills during the season.
Podolan added that her teammates help her become a better athlete. Their effort on and off the court play a crucial role.
"My teammates are my biggest inspiration. They pushed me to be better by working hard themselves. When I see my teammates continuing to give 100% of their effort on the court or in the weight room, it motivates me to do the same. We all have the same goal we want to reach, so we support each other and constantly set the standard of what this program should look like," Podolan said.
"All of my teammates are not just great volleyball players, but genuine friends. When you have a bond off of the court, you trust your teammates that much more and understand the kind of player they are. My teammates got to know me and learned how to support and motivate me, therefore pushing me to be better everyday."
During tougher matches Pavlik helps her team by staying the course and not riding with the highs and lows.
"Coach Pavlik helps our team through tough matches and sets by staying calm and reminding us of what we are capable of. Never once has she yelled at the players on the court or gotten frustrated at us having a tough set. These things are bound to happen in volleyball, and teams need encouragement to get through them. She would always call us together and help us understand that half the battle is mental," Podolan highlighted.
"We knew we had the talent, but she would provide opportunities to take a breath, focus in, and simply enjoy every moment we were playing volleyball. If individual directions were needed, she talked to that player one-on-one and would always end it with a “you got it” or “go kill it." I knew that if we gave 100% of our effort in those matches, then Coach Pavlik would always be proud of us."
The Eagles can celebrate for a whole offseason as they sit atop the women's volleyball landscape as national champions. Whatever next season brings, Juniata will definitely be ready.