Young SU volleyball club readies for season

How does Southern’s longest-tenured head coach usher in his 30th season?
With a youth movement, along with a milestone on the horizon.
Volleyball head coach Nathaniel Denu added seven freshmen in the offseason after finishing fourth in the SWAC Western Division last season. Southern posted an 8-17 overall record, going 2-6 in conference play.
SU opens the season Sept. 3 on the road at Alabama State before hosting Nicholls State Sept. 7. Denu, Louisiana’s winngest active volleyball coach, is four wins away from his 500th career victory. When asked the key to his longevity, Denu offered a simple reply.
“Glory be to God, first,” he said.
The group of seven includes three sets of former high school teammates. Middle blocker/outside hitter Amber Shelby and setter Megan Gauthier played together locally at Redemptorist. Another setter, Chanda Journet, teamed with middle blocker/outside hiter Payton Mitchell at Cecilia.
The third pair, outside hitters Simone Beasley and Michelle Williams, came from Houston’s Westfield High. The pair joins another former Mustang, senior outside hitter Morgan Broussard, at SU.
“No pressure will be placed on any player to lead the team,” Denu said. “I expect every member of the team to exhibit leadership, discipline and hard work.”
The seventh member of the group, outside hitter Jacquia Bell, prepped at Marion (Ark.) High. Bell and Shelby earned All-State honors as high school seniors.
The team returns another senior, defensive specialist Lourena Beathley, who finished eighth in the SWAC in digs last season.
“I am excited about developing professional-level players, but my main focus is for all of my athletes to become graduates,” Denu said.
 
Sept. 3 at Alabama St.
Sept. 4 at Clark-Atlanta
Sept. 7 NICHOLLS ST.
Sept. 11 at Nicholls St.
Sept. 14 TEX. SOUTHERN
Sept. 16 SE LOUISIANA
Sept. 21 at Ark.-Pine Bluff
Sept. 24-25 at MVSU Harris Classic
Sept. 28 at Jackson St.
Oct. 4 GRAMBLING ST.
Oct. 6 ARK.-PINE BLUFF
Oct. 12 PRAIRIE VIEW
Oct. 15-16 SU INVITATIONAL
Oct. 18 SUNO
Oct. 19 UL-LAFAYETTE
Oct. 21 at Prairie View
Oct. 22 at Tex. Southern
Oct. 25 at Grambling St.
Oct. 27 JACKSON ST.
Oct. 29 at Alcorn St.
Nov. 2 at SUNO
Nov. 4 ALCORN STATE
Nov.18-20 SWAC Tournament