By FRED STURRUP, NG Associate Editor, frederick@nasguard.com, frobertsturrup@gmail.com

The Bahamian head volleyball coach at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, is upping the ante for his team. He is meeting the challenge of his Liberty Flames squad, advancing beyond the historic first round victory last season. In a year, one season removed from when he crafted a Big South Conference title

and won a prestigious regional Coach of the Year award, Coach Shane Pinder is putting his status on the line.

He could easily ride the huge success of last season for another three, even if they are sub-par ones, and certainly if he maintains his level as a coach and continues to take the Flames to the NCAA Tournament each season, his market value will increase. But, the fire in his system would not let him settle for the previous season, as good as it was - no, not Coach Pinder.

He has made an interesting decision. He is already looking to the NCAA Championship Tournament with his focus on a good seed.

Accordingly, he has opted for a tough schedule that will see the Flames tested in every match. Included are some non-conference teams other coaches in the identical position would conveniently duck. He will send the Flames up against Pac-10 and ACC Division teams. Dropped from the Flames' list this time around are easy foes like Winthrop College, Highpoint and UNC Ashville. The three schools would be almost certain victories, but, Coach Pinder has a gutsy reasoning.

While victories over the aforementioned teams will look nice from a statistical point of view, wins against non-conference opponents would look even better.

The rationale?

When it comes to NCAA seeding, those persons matching the teams will look kindly at the Flames if they can do quite well against Pac-10 and ACC foes. Their positioning among the seeds would be reflected. The Flames in such a scenario would have a more favorable first round match and be thus better situated to advance further toward the national championship.

The coach is aware that because of the excellent last season, the Flames will be targeted.

Why would a coach opt for uncertain results when it seems clear that his team is much better than most in his conference? His decision could be the difference between a break-even (.500) season, a losing one or one as good or better than the last. Nevertheless, he thinks to take the bull by the horn and see just what his girls can give him and Liberty University.

His mind was firm but he felt the need to consult with his five top players who will be expected to deliver and keep him on course for the elusive national championship. His five returning players were summoned and asked whether they felt could "handle" the tough schedule or preferred a more modified one.

"Bring it on Coach."

The words were like music to his ears. Coach Pinder found out what he thought all along. His Flames were warriors of the highest order. Coach Pinder badly wants a national title. He'll probably get it at some point and desire counts for a lot. In an earlier interview with Coach Pinder, he talked about the special quality of the Flames, those who are gone, the remaining five and the incoming first year ladies.

"I am so proud of my girls. They know just when to dig down deep. That's the difference between an above-average group of players and a team just ready to settle into a niche."

Coach Pinder wants that national title badly. Will the new season be as successful as the last? Will he step a bit closer to the NCAA title?

Go for it Coach!