The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of collegiate athletics, especially what goes on behind the scenes. Recruiting high schoolers has become a challenge, as many coaches prefer to see their prospects in person. Central Volleyball head coach Jeanne Czipri says that amidst all the phone calls and Zoom meetings with her prospects, she’s been able to find out an important characteristic: how they respond to adversity.

“It’s been interesting to hear how the recruits are working through this, because I think that says a lot about their character and their home life and their foundations and who they want to be. So it’s been an interesting bonus getting an idea of who they are, because now you get to really see what they do when things aren’t easy. That’s going to be life when they graduate. The real world is going to kick your butt a little bit, but how can you kick back?”

Central has locked in most of this year’s high school seniors, as well as some transfers. The Dutch are slated to begin the 2020 season on September 1st with a home match against Graceland.