Redbirds Embrace New Energy Despite Tough Weekend at Linda Herman Classic

Image via Redbird Athletics

NORMAL, Ill. – Despite an overall rough weekend, the Redbirds look to the 2024 season with positivity and renewed energy after the Linda Herman classic this weekend at the CEFCU arena.

Though the Redbirds went (1-2) over the weekend, Head Coach Allie Matters feels energized by her players. The Birds brought in 11 new players in the off-season including six freshmen, which has been a theme for the Redbirds over the last few years, but this year with five new transfers coming aboard confidence is high.

When asked about the team chemistry, Coach Matters said, “It’s just so incredibly powerful to just see new people and, you know, seniors, respecting freshmen and transfers, respecting returners … practices are just a joy, and coaching them is just a joy, and it’s just, it’s an energy that we have unfinished business.”

That unfinished business was a 10-8 record in the conference that ended just short of winning the MVC championship. With several team leaders graduating last May, players like Aida Shadewald and Hannah Reichensberger stepped into leadership roles with the younger players and veteran transfers.

“I love Khenedi and Ruth. Just watching them get kills and do fun things, and it helps balance out our team, you really can’t do anything but smile, and that’s just a testament to the chemistry that we’ve built,” said Shadewald.

Khenedi Guest is just one of six freshmen recruited by the Birds in the off-season to bolster an offense that is trying to replace the production of players like Emily Webber and Cassie Jordan.

Guest has a list of accomplishments from her time at Benton High School, including two all-star selections and being a three-time letter winner. She hit .347 her senior year and blocked over 100 balls making her a force up front both offensively and defensively.

The Redbirds will look to right their ship this weekend as they begin a two-week road trip before opening up the season against MVC opponents at CEFCU arena.