Come the fall of 2021, Tara Callahan expected to be grinding away in graduate school, likely living outside the state of Nebraska. Only the unique circumstances brought about by the 2020-21 ‘COVID year’ could have altered that path and allowed for a fifth year of collegiate competition. Callahan’s return to Concordia has been a Godsend for a Bulldog volleyball team that has experienced a wide range of emotions while seemingly putting the pieces together at just the right time.
Over her five seasons, Callahan has played in 478 sets across 133 matches. She’s also been in two national tournaments, including eight national tournament matches. It wasn’t just the love of the game that brought her back, but also the love for her teammates.
Said Callahan, “Honestly, being able to see the girls out here on the court with me flourish as players (is why I’m back). We’ve done a couple firsts that I had not done in my first four years, like beating Northwestern in Orange City. During that match, I pulled the girls in and I was like, ‘I stayed here for a fifth year for a reason – and it was you guys.’ Being able to see them mature as people is the best feeling.”
Callahan could have ridden off into the sunset following last season’s program first run to the national quarterfinals. The Brady, Neb., native graduated with her degree in Psychology back in May. The rest of the senior class she came in with in the fall of 2017? All gone. Each has moved on to different chapters in their lives. While here in Seward, Callahan keeps adding to a résumé that had already placed her among the program’s all-time greats. Not long ago, the two-time First Team All-GPAC and two-time Honorable Mention All-American setter surpassed 4,500 career assists and became the program’s all-time assists leader during the modern era of rally scoring.
In 2017, Callahan entered the program along with the likes of fellow standouts such as Marissa Hoerman and Kara Stark. Hoerman got her degree in Biology and is currently in graduate school at the University of Oklahoma while Stark earned degrees in History and English and is in law school at Creighton University. They’re all doing big things in life, each carving out their own paths.
“The players I came in with freshman year are truly amazing people, and will be Bulldogs forever,” Callahan said. “They knew that I wasn’t ready to be done and fully supported me in my decision to stay. I’m so happy that they are having success in the next step of their lives, and they’ll always be some of my best friends.”
Callahan was here when Ben and Angie Boldt first arrived prior to the 2018 season. Tara’s been a rock for the program and a major figure, front and center, in its rise to prominence. Callahan found her way to the court immediately as a freshman – and still hasn’t left it. She’s experienced the highs and the lows and understands how to bounce back when adversity hits. After all, she has an interest in sports psychology.
Her presence has been a steadying influence. The 2021 Bulldogs could have ripped apart at the seams when they lost seven five-set matches in a row. Concordia persevered and got over the hump by knocking off both No. 15 Dakota Wesleyan and No. 14 Northwestern in five sets. Those two wins could prove crucial in terms of potentially extending this season into the national tournament.
Said Callahan following the win over Hastings in the regular season finale, “We had a few kinks to work through. This whole season we’ve spent trying to put people in the right places where they’ll shine. I think we’ve finally found that in this team. We all love each other so much that it doesn’t matter who’s playing where or who we’re playing anymore, we’re just really focused on what we’re doing. It’s working – it’s been fun.”
Of course, no loss on the court could ever compare to the loss Tara experienced in June 2020 when her father Tim passed away. Thankfully, Callahan has a world class support system that includes her teammates and coaches at Concordia.
“My teammates were incredibly supportive in dealing with the loss of my father,” Callahan said. “The last two seasons have been incredibly difficult without him physically being at my games, but the support system that has surrounded me has been unreal. I know he’s up there, looking down, incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.”
In return for such support she’s received, Tara has offered it right back. She puts the team first. Sometimes that means splitting time in a two-setter system so that the Bulldogs can regularly employ three attacking options instead of two. Callahan has embraced having another strong setter in Bree Burtwistle on the team. It’s not about who gets the credit.
Callahan’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Said teammate Arleigh Costello prior to this season, “I feel like we have a pretty great and special relationship. She’s such a great leader. It’s awesome to have her out there again.”
Ultimately, this season may wind up being just as rewarding as any Callahan has enjoyed. She’s been able to mentor a new group of freshmen while pulling the Bulldogs through some of the disappointing results. After a five-set loss on Oct. 9, Concordia stood at 4-6 in conference play. Now entering the GPAC tournament, the Bulldogs are soaring with confidence having won five out of six and three in a row.
Said Ben Boldt of Callahan’s influence, “Obviously she’s been a cornerstone of what we’ve been here for a long time. She’s looking to set an example for the next group coming up.”
Late in the season, Callahan has helped this team gel while it bids for a third national tournament appearance in a row. No, she won’t be able to play a sixth year, but Callahan is a Bulldog for life.
Said Callahan, “This season has been challenging in ways, but there has never been a doubt in my mind that this team has the talent and skill to win a GPAC championship and battle for a national championship. This entire freshman group and new players to the court have been amazing in their ability to grow and adapt in the game. They continue to impress me every day with their level of competitive play. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be seen as the veteran player and lead them this year. I know only great things are waiting this Concordia program for years to come.”