Katie Scherer played sparingly for Maryland volleyball at the start of the season, appearing in matches throughout nonconference play but without a major role. The freshman didn’t play at all in October.
Then, sophomore outside hitter Sydney Bryant suffered a season-ending injury. Scherer’s playing time abruptly increased. Coach Adam Hughes even implemented her into the starting lineup on Nov. 7.
Since Bryant’s injury, Scherer has averaged 7.5 kills per match, including many in high-leverage situations.
She helped the Terps end a losing streak that spanned almost a month. Scherer executed the final kill in the team’s three sets won against Michigan State, aiding Maryland in back-to-back Big Ten wins for the first time this year.
“I’m on the court with a lot of seniors and fifth-years and their experience and their composure helps me stay composed,” Scherer said. “Their confidence in me allows me to do those things in those moments.”
[Maryland volleyball couldn’t handle Penn State’s monstrous late-set runs]
Scherer’s calmness in tense spots is a product of a game the Terps play in their practices.
In practice, the roster is split into two teams that compete to reach 25 points first after starting at 18. If a team records an error, their score goes back to the start. Scherer believes the competition creates a stressful environment, emulating late-game tension.
Scherer has made errors when her team was at 24 both in practices and matches. Her teammates’ unwavering confidence motivated her to remain attacking, no matter the result of the previous point.
“Every point is a new point, really nothing before or after matters except for staying in the present,” Scherer said. “I really think that staying in the present is something that I’ve improved a lot on this year.”
The location and patience of Scherer’s shots have also improved.
[Maryland volleyball gets one set, obliterated in other 3 by No. 4 Penn State]
In high school, the pin hitter frequently threw off defenders with her fast shots. She’s become more intentional in her placement for the Terps, where she faces more challenging defenders.
Scherer’s consistent film studies have aided her development. She focuses on her mannerisms and attitude when watching footage of herself. If she was timid during a point, she looks for the reason behind any hesitation and uses the miscue for future improvement.
Scherer has endured inconsistencies since entering the starting lineup, hitting below .100 multiple times, but also recording at least nine kills in three matches. After not playing in Maryland’s final set against Indiana — recording four errors with no kills in the first two sets — she’s played every set in each of the Terps’ last four matches.
Scherer’s progression has impressed Hughes. The coach feels she’ll play a major factor in the program’s future.
“Now she’s just worried about being her best … when it’s her time she’s been ready to go,” Hughes said. “I think she’s really utilized this season as saying ‘I need to be a signature player.”’
