ECC Volleyball Ready For State Playoffs That Begin Tuesday Night

Head Coach Josh Burrs Reflects on Team’s Preparation, Growth, and Pride

The Elk County Catholic Lady Crusaders are once again heading to the PIAA State Playoffs — marking their second appearance in three seasons after capturing the 2023 State Championship. Under first-year head coach Josh Burrs, the Crusaders have battled through a challenging schedule and emerged as one of District 9’s most resilient teams.

Below, Coach Burrs shared his thoughts heading into the state tournament.

How is the team feeling heading into the state playoff match?

Our team is excited and focused. There’s definitely some healthy nerves, but it’s the kind that comes from caring deeply about what you do. We’ve built a lot of trust in each other over the season, and we know when we play together, we’re capable of competing with anyone. The energy in practice has been incredible — this group is ready to embrace the moment.

What has been the team’s biggest focus in practice this week?

We’ve been zeroing in on serve-receive consistency and first-ball contact. When we control the ball, our offense really opens up. We’ve also emphasized staying disciplined defensively and communicating through every rally. At this level, it’s often the little things — one more dig, one cleaner pass, one smarter swing — that make the difference, so we’re sharpening those details.

Are there any players or strategies you expect to be key against Frazier?

Frazier is a strong, well-balanced team with good ball control and experience, so we’ll need to be disciplined and play our style of volleyball. For us, it starts with serve and pass — if we can stay aggressive from the service line and keep them out of system, that changes the rhythm of the match.

Offensively, Rachael will be crucial in keeping the tempo fast and the attack unpredictable. We’ll look to establish our middles early to open up the pins, and when we’re in system, I like our chances to score from anywhere.

Our outside hitters, Payton and Bailey, will play a huge role in setting the tone offensively. They’ve been consistent all season — capable of scoring in big moments, passing under pressure, and providing the energy our team feeds off. Their ability to adjust to different defensive looks will be key against Frazier’s disciplined block and coverage.

On the right side, Maddie and Grace have shared time in the opposite position, and having both of them available gives us great flexibility. Grace’s net play brings a strong blocking presence and quick reads that can change the momentum of a rally, while Maddie’s swing and coverage give us offensive punch and steadiness in transition. Both players can set out of system, which adds an extra layer to our offense and helps us stay composed when plays break down. Being able to rotate between the two based on what Frazier is doing gives us the ability to adapt and attack in different ways.

Defensively, our back row has been the heart of this team all season — Brynn’s leadership and communication anchor everything we do, while Addy and Bella bring the energy that fuels our transitions. At the net, Lena and Sofi will be key in controlling Frazier’s hitters and setting the tone physically. They’ve been steady all year, and their ability to block, read, and transition quickly gives us an edge.

And I can’t say enough about players like Ava, Katelyn, and Jenna — they’re always ready when called upon. Their preparation, focus, and team-first mentality make us deeper and more confident in every situation.

Ultimately, it’s going to take all of us staying connected, trusting each other, and playing fearless volleyball from start to finish.

How would you describe the growth of your team from the start of the season to now?

When I first took over the program, I met the team just five days before the start of mandatory practices — so from the beginning, we were learning each other on the fly. The growth since then has been tremendous — not just in skill, but in confidence, chemistry, and understanding.

Early in the year, we were figuring out who we were and how we wanted to play. Now, we play with purpose. Each player understands their role, trusts the person next to them, and believes in what we’re building together. That’s what makes this group so special — they’ve turned uncertainty into unity and grown into a true team in every sense of the word.

How do you motivate the team before a big game like this?

We talk about motivation all the time — the importance of keeping it, protecting it, and carrying it with us no matter what the scoreboard says. Motivation can’t depend on momentum or circumstance; it has to come from within. I remind the girls that it’s ours to hold, and once we have it, we can’t give it away.

A perfect example came in the district playoffs against Keystone. We were down 2 sets to none on their home court, but this team never lost its motivation to win. They kept battling, point by point, with total belief in each other. That mindset — refusing to let go of our motivation when things get tough — is what brought us all the way back to win the match and keep our season alive.

I stress to them all the time that when the other team loses their motivation, we don’t let them get it back. That’s where heart, discipline, and belief take over. We talk about playing for each other, staying composed, and keeping that fire no matter what’s happening around us. That’s what defines this group — they compete with grit, purpose, and pride every single point.

What does it mean for the program to make it to the state playoffs?

It means a great deal — not just for our players and coaches, but for the entire ECC community. This program has a strong tradition of excellence, and to return to the state playoffs for the second time in three seasons — after capturing a state title in 2023 — speaks volumes about the culture that’s been built here.

For me personally, in my first year at ECC, it’s incredibly special to be part of continuing that legacy. From day one, the focus has been on maintaining the high standard this program is known for while also building relationships and trust within the team. The players have completely bought in — they’ve worked hard, supported one another, and embraced the challenge of living up to that championship standard.

For the community, it’s a reminder of what makes ECC Volleyball so special: pride, faith, and family. These girls understand that they’re representing more than just themselves — they’re carrying on something bigger, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve done it.

What has been the most rewarding part of coaching this team?

The most rewarding part has been watching these girls truly believe in themselves. When I came in, everything was new — new coach, new staff, new system — and we were all learning who we were together. There was a lot of trust that had to be built, and from day one, this group chose to buy in. They didn’t just accept the change — they embraced it.

Over the course of the season, I’ve seen them transform from a group trying to figure things out into a family that plays with confidence, pride, and belief. They’ve learned how to lead, how to communicate, and how to respond when things get hard. Seeing players step into leadership roles, pick each other up, and play for one another instead of themselves — that’s what coaching is all about.

Wins and trophies are great, but the real reward has been watching them grow as people — seeing their character shine through in how they compete, how they support their teammates, and how they carry the ECC name with pride. To see them believe they belong on this stage and realize how much they’ve accomplished together — that’s something I’ll never forget.

What do you hope this season builds for the future of ECC Volleyball?

This season has been about laying a foundation — not just for wins, but for culture. We’ve worked to build something lasting: a standard of accountability, unity, and pride in representing ECC. My hope is that younger players watching see how this team carried themselves and want to be part of that.

This season has added a new chapter to the proud tradition of ECC Volleyball. The culture, standard, and energy these girls have brought every day will continue to strengthen that legacy for years to come.

What are you hoping fans take away from watching this match?

I hope they see a team that plays with heart, unity, and pride in wearing “Lady Crusaders” across their jerseys. Win or lose, I want our fans to leave feeling proud of how hard these girls compete and how they carry themselves. This program is built on family, faith, and fight — and that’s exactly what we’ll bring to the court.

Coach’s Closing Message:

“This team has worked too hard and grown too much to hold anything back now. They’ve earned this moment, and we’re going to make the most of it. I couldn’t ask for a better group to represent ECC Volleyball.

Come out and support these girls on Tuesday, November 4, at 6:30 PM at Elk County Catholic High School. They’ve earned this opportunity, and it means the world to have our community behind them.”