Otterbein head volleyball coach Monica Wright strives for a championship mindset after the team’s 201st win against their rival, Capital University. Wright was awarded for her 200th win before the game vs Capital on September 29.
Wright began her Otterbein career in 2007, previously coaching at Mount Union where she served as the assistant volleyball coach. While at Mount Union, the program improved from a record of 15-16 in 2005 to 22-10 in 2006. Wright graduated from Wittenberg University, the top division III volleyball team in the U.S.
The Otterbein Volleyball team had an overall record of 4-26 in 2007.
"Our first season was a little rough, but I had great girls that worked hard," said Wright.
Under Wright, Otterbein won its first Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) title in 2012, ending the season with a record of 26-6.
In 2010 the program made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in Otterbein history. Wright was selected as the 2010 OAC Coach of the Year. The team would go on to win their first OAC championship in 2012.
"I think those that were around in the beginning knew I was a little more hardcore and a little tougher," said Wright.
The program as of October 23 has an overall record of 23-3. Wright said she is excited that they are having a great season and the team is thinking about a conference championship.
While the team has enjoyed the success of their season, their focus has been working on doing things the right way and having championship culture.
"I just want them to know how to relate volleyball to life and to take their challenges into the real world and build confidence through their struggles on the court," said Wright.