Volleyball in the Zone update

Dr. Mike Hebert, head volleyball coach at the University of Minnesota, wrote a column in our November Omega Zone e-zine about how he eased his players away from pizza and soft drinks and into the Zone. Dr. Sears, who once played college volleyball with Dr. Hebert, flew to Minneapolis to make a presentation to the staff and players. Here’s an update on how Dr. Hebert’s zoned women's team made out this season.

Dear Barry,

Well, the season is over, and it was very successful. We won the Big Ten championship for the first time, ranked in the top 10 all season, and lost in the NCAA Tourney in the Sweet 16. Two players were named All American, three to the All Big Ten team. And everyone returns for next season.

The nutrition aspect of the effort was important. We played very well at the end of long matches. And our focus was good all season. My major concession was to let players ease off their Zone discipline on Sunday-Wednesday, with strict compliance from Thursday-Saturday. (We normally competed on Friday and Saturday.) In the beginning I was asking for all or nothing. This didn’t fly with many. So I tried the “reel-them-in-slowly” approach, and it was much more successful. The bars and capsules have been used successfully by all the players. We begin off-season training Feb. 1 and will go through May 15.

Barry, I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me, my family, and my program.

- Mike