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MARSHALL -- SMSU volleyball has built a reputation as one of the premier programs in the region, and fifth-year head coach Tyler Boddy is continuing that tradition.
Boddy recently reached 100 career wins as the Mustangs' head coach, earning the milestone in a five-set road victory over the University of Sioux Falls on Sept. 24. At the time of writing, Boddy owns a career record of 101-28 as head coach.
Despite the significance of the milestone, Boddy said it did not fully hit him until after the match.
"It was fun how our team made the win special," Boddy said. "It made me think about all of the matches being here ten years as an assistant, and now as head coach, how fortunate me and my family have been, and all the fun times. The wins are fun, but the connections we have made through the last 15 years made me reflect on how fun it has all been."
Even with more than 100 victories to his name, Boddy said he does not have one particular win that stands above the rest.
"Every year is so different, having different teams and kids who go through the program," he said. "We have had so many fun groups and been able to win a lot. It is so cool to have our alumni come back and continue those relationships."
For Boddy, reaching the milestone with this year's team made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
"Doing it on the road is fun, because USF is a great team," Boddy said. "We really had to battle through that, and I thought it showed the epitome of what this program tries to be, to be gritty and show teams we never give up. We know we are going to lose some sets here or there, and the team made our staff feel like we were always in the game."
Boddy added that while some players were having particularly strong performances, one of the biggest strengths of the group was the coaching staff's ability to trust players who may have been having an off night.
That resiliency has been a defining characteristic of this year's team, according to Boddy.
"I feel like we have had some great resiliency to us where we have been great at ends of games," he said. "We have been down towards the ends of games and found ways to win."
Boddy also pointed to the influence of two coaches who helped establish the culture he now works to continue at SMSU.
"That is an easy one for me. Terry Culhane and Paul Soupir are key components of our program," Boddy said. "I was able to learn so much from the two of them and how SMSU volleyball operates. I have tried to carry on a lot of what those two did."
SMSU has had just five head coaches in program history, something Boddy said has helped create a strong connection between current and former players and coaches.
Boddy said it has been rewarding to take over a program that was already firmly established by Culhane and Soupir while continuing to build on that foundation.
Another part of the job Boddy appreciates is the support surrounding the program, particularly the Mustangs' fan base.
"Getting to play in front of the amount of people that we get to play in front of is unmatched, and it is very neat for our team," he said. "Those fans will travel too, and to have that excitement for our team is great."
Now, with 100 wins officially behind him, Boddy and the Mustangs will look to continue their strong season. SMSU enters its upcoming stretch ranked No. 11 in the country and with a loaded slate of matches ahead.