Chiles’ intensity lifts Lancers

By Laura Clark

Published: September 10, 2008

Starting junior Renesha Chiles often single-handedly changes the momentum of the game with her powerful spikes and stuff blocks. After scoring a point, the 5-foot-10 middle blocker sets her chin and broad shoulders firm, as if to challenge her opponents.

“She can be a little bit intimidating as she stands up there,” Lancer coach Dennis Gilbar said. “We’ve seen a couple of 6-footers that don’t have the athleticism she has.”

‘I never really thought about it as being the youngest or thrown in. I always thought of myself as an athlete who can go and play anywhere.’
— Renesha Chiles, on starting for varsity as a freshman

Chiles’ intensity on the front row has grown steadily since she began playing varsity as a freshman under former coach Jennifer Fielder. In those two years, Chiles said she improved her mental game.

“I’m pretty sure I was a little spacey. (Fielder) did a good job teaching me to focus. And teammates helped me with where I was supposed to be,” Chiles said. “I know how to work in a stressful situation. I try to keep my team up.”

In many ways, Chiles runs the Lancer offense, telling first-year setter Taylor Garrison where to pass the volleyball. Gilbar said the team is more comfortable with Chiles out there.

“Some people you don’t have to make captains to be leaders,” Gilbar said. “She will get vocal on the court if she needs to do that.”

On the court, Chiles works closely with outside hitter and younger sister Nia.

Nia, a freshman, is as tall as Chiles but has yet to develop consistent strength in hitting and blocking.

“People usually think we’re arguing on the court when we’re playing, but it’s just a discussion,” Chiles said. “When I came, nobody pacified me. They told me when I was in the way. I try to do the same for her. I think it’s pretty cool that we play together.”

While Chiles can seem serious during games, Nia is apt to break into a grin and says her big sister’s “discussions” are usually encouraging despite how it may look from the stands.

“She’s goofy, so when we’re down, she helps me focus and get back up,” Nia said. “I watch what she does, and I learn from that.”

Chiles can learn from Nia too, who makes great digs and passes. Gilbar is rotating Chiles on the back row to help increase her speed and defensive skills. Plus, it will help her be more effective on the front row in her own blocking and hitting.

“When she works behind the block, she’ll be able to get a better perspective,” Gilbar said.

Gilbar is pushing to make Chiles a better all-around player in case she chooses to play in college. A starter for the Lancer softball team as well, Chiles spends more time with softball. She said it would be cool to play both, though she has not made a formal decision. Her attitude in center field or at third base translates to playing front-and-center at the volleyball net.

“I try to stay relaxed and calm. I smile when I play,” Chiles said. “I hit it hard. I get frustrated, but I try not to let it bother me because once you let it consume you, you don’t play as hard.”

Chiles saves her smiles for her teammates, like when they huddle together in timeouts or after a great play. For Lancer opponents, Chiles projects nothing but confidence through the net.

“When she spikes the ball, it’s like wow. They know they have to get ready,” Nia said. “I think I would be intimidated if I had to play against her.”

Renesha Chiles, left, and sister Nia enjoy an Amherst point.