Centenary Volleyball Enters a New Era
Hannah Dimmel, a senior volleyball player at Centenary, views the coming of a new head coach as more than just picking up a new approach. Dimmel sees Coach Claire Hiler's arrival as a chance for the program to build something unique after several coaching changes during her time at Centenary.
Senior Hannah Dimmel (left) and sophomore Zoe Garcia (right) playing in the Gold Dome during the 2025-2026 season. Garcia and Dimmel are two of the handful of players that stayed for the 2026-2027 season.
Hiler initially struck Dimmel as being prepared to lay "a new, fresh foundation for Centenary Volleyball." After the program was down to only four returning players, Hiler pushed right away to get to know the players and assess the team's mentality.
The change occurred at a crucial moment for Centenary volleyball. Hiler has spent the summer rebuilding the roster and setting a fresh path for the Ladies following a period of uncertainty about the program's future.
In what will be her last season as a Lady, Dimmel is experiencing such changes. After recovering from surgery, theNavasota, Texas native is back for her final year. Dimmel participated in 23 games and 63 sets in 2025, recording 73 digs and 25 aces. She also won a Leadership Award and was named the team's Defensive MVP.
Dimmel's top priority for her final season is to return to the court after working with physical therapists during the summer.
"Getting back on the court to finish the sport I love that started when I was little will be my biggest accomplishment this season," Dimmel stated.
However, Dimmel's goals go beyond her own comeback. She wants to make a good impression on the younger players joining the program as one of the few returning players.
"I'm hoping to enjoy this season and make a positive impact on the girls," Dimmel stated.
Alana Teixeira, who is starting her first season of collegiate volleyball at Centenary, is one of that freshman group. Teixeira's decision to go with Centenary wasn't very difficult. She said that before touring the campus, she wasn't sure where she wanted to attend, but the experience made it clear to her that Centenary was the place for her. Teixeira stated, "I wasn't really thinking about other schools."
Teixeira had a positive initial impression of Hiler. She said Hiler spent time getting to know her personally, including her goals for college. Teixeira remarked "She was really kind and wanted to know about me and my goals for my college career. She was just really sincere and encouraged me to pursue my goals." Hiler's plan for the program can heavily depend on the relationship between the coach and the player.
According to Teixeira, Hiler has already discussed bringing in a significant roster of players and making adaptations for the coming season. Teixeira expressed optimism about the group's potential as a rookie joining a team in transition. Teixeira stated "I hope to contribute my love and passion for the game not only for myself but also for my teammates. I genuinely can't wait to begin practicing with everyone."
For Teixeira, a winning season is not the sole purpose. She wants the group to form the kind of bond that will carry the program forward “and become a team of sisters."
Dimmel also believes that taking action will encourage that sense of unity. She said that communication and a willingness to learn helped her adapt after experiencing a variety of coaching philosophies during her Centenary career. Being coachable and taking responsibility to understand a coach's viewpoint could help with those transitions, even if each coach may have a different philosophy, according to Dimmel. Dimmel now believes that Hiler can offer stability that goes beyond a single season. Dimmel stated, "I'm hoping she can keep the girls here after the season is over so they have that foundation for the next recruiting class." According to Dimmel, such a foundation might allow Centenary volleyball to build its own identity and showcase the program's potential.
For one senior, the season to come is her last chance to play her favorite sport and make a lasting impression. It marks the start of a freshman's college career and an opportunity to help build something new. Hiler sees it as a chance to unite those two groups and lay the groundwork that will last beyond this season.