When Worlds Collide: Portal Season and Derby Week Mean 2x Duty for Meske

Derby Week is in Louisville, and it has always meant a lot to Dan Meske.  "Oh yeah, ever since we arrived, Derby Week has been a huge deal for us.  We know what it means to the community, and we have been a part of the celebration since day 1.  Family and friends every year."  So naturally, now that Meske is head coach of Cards Volleyball, the week will take on greater importance, getting out and repping the program, the university, in a more important role.  

But Derby Week also happens to fall on another fairly important week for a college volleyball coach's year: the start of the Spring Transfer Portal. These are the first days when second-semester transfers can announce they are leaving and begin looking for new schools. So, in essence, it's a three-day whirlwind of chaos and recruiting some of the top veteran players in the country. Sometimes, some of the top players go quickly.

So we caught up with Coach Meske and asked him what it has been like trying to juggle the enjoyment and entertainment of Derby Week with the work and stress and recruiting of the Transfer Portal and here is what coach had to say. "Derby week in the 'Ville is an absolute blast and something we look forward to every year.  With the portal opening the same week, it's not that big of a change for us because we've always looked at the portal as a way to complement our team, not to build it.  This year is no different.  If we have to take some calls under the Twin Spires, we are prepared to do that!

So it's fun and business as usual, which is what we are quickly becoming used to from this Louisville program and staff, Derby or no Derby.

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**Portal News and Notes:

It is important to try to sift through all of the noise that is out there. With Louisville being a top program, they will be linked to more and more names with any rumor that flows. Here are my educated guesses and advice on Louisville, the portal news, and the players.

1. Setter: Absolutely NO
2. OH: NO
3. Kmart rumors: NO. I don't think she fits their culture at all, and I think they like the options they are going to have with their players. This staff is very loyal to "in-house" and, like the coach said, won't beg anyone to come here. That's kind of what Martin's agent is asking.
4. Middle: I can see them making a run for Singletary, but again, they won't get in a bidding war if that is what her agent is trying for. She will have options, but it's hard to believe many are better than Louisville. I could see this being a great fit if volleyball is first on her priority list.
5. Libero: Tough one, both Meske and Chamberlain have previous relationships with Schumacher's club coach at Munciana (Mike Lingefelter). Lola appears to be all about program culture (which may have been why she left Wisconsin).  I have talked about how amazing Louisville Culture is, but for some reason, I don't understand why Schumacher is interested in attending a Natty Contending program.  So I don't think Louisville is a favorite for her, even though you put her and Kam back together, wow that's an instant + for Louisville!

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So I think the only possibility would be Singletary, and that is 50/50 on her WHY for playing right now.  Should find that out in the next 48 hours.  But, if any of you 165,000 fans at Churchill today see Dan Meske talking on his phone under the Twin Spires, let us know, it could be the sure sign ofa  transfer signing for the 'Cards:)