Nov. 21, 2002

Head volleyball coach Brian Hosfeld sat down Thursday afternoon and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.

For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.

Stephen - Waco: For next year, are you going to continue to use the 2 setter system or will you go to a 1 setter system?

Brian Hosfeld: We'd like to go to the one-setter system. We feel there's more consistency in having one person deliver the ball, and it gives us more options offensively.

John (Dallas): What ever happened to that player Amy Wallace? She was awesome?

Brian Hosfeld: Amy Wallace is at Texas A&M-Commerce. I think she's the MVP of that conference, but she's close to home where she needed to be.

Bill(Milwaukee): Hey Brian. Can you ask Sarah Braga to marry me? Thanks.

Brian Hosfeld: Sorry; you're going to have to get in touch with her yourself.

whit fox Dubai UAE: I was Woundering Do yall Think yall can be in the top 10 nationaly in womeon's vollyball. if yes be very specific explasin why u think so.

Brian Hosfeld: Yes, on any given year. With the scoring the way it is these days, anybody can beat anybody, but to win consistently, you need depth, which we are in the process of creating with this year's recruiting class.

Johnny Rotten (U.K.): What are the disadvantages to recruiting quality student-athletes to Baylor? Why are so many of the Fall programs "down"?

Brian Hosfeld: There aren't really any disadvantages to speak of, other than the number of quality student volleyball players that can come in and impact a program right away are few and far between. Breaking into the top tier programs (of which there are only nine that have won national championships) is going to be tough, but we are committed to making that happen. As far as the fall sports, for us, unfortunately, there's been injuries involved, but other than that, I'm not sure.

Kathryn- Waco: Will Stevie Nicholas be able to get a medical waiver or two more years of eligibility?

Brian Hosfeld: Stevie was a few matches past receiving a medical redshirt year when she got hurt. Time will tell with her rehabilitation on how much she will play to finish out her career.

Jon (Midland): I've followed the Baylor program this season and noticed that you've lost 5 different starters to various reasons: illness, injury, or personal reasons. What do you think the biggest setback of the season was?

Brian Hosfeld: They've all been big setbacks. This year has been a character-builder for all of us, and we continue to find ways to improve and be competitive within the conference.

Sue (Odessa): After Stevie Nicholas' knee injury, are you anticipating her to return to play either this spring or next fall?

Brian Hosfeld: We'll know more as we get into her rehab. We're not looking for her to be back in the gym this spring, but hopefully soon after.

Stephanie (Dallas): Your freshman had a unique opportunity this year; they probably saw more playing time than many college freshmen do. Which freshman developed the most through their opportunity to be on the floor in their first season, in your opinion?

Brian Hosfeld: It's tough to say one vs. another, because they've all developed in so many ways. Hopefully this will lead to success in the very near future.

Jonathan (Ft. Worth): What is your plan of attack for getting Baylor volleyball back to the NCAA Tournament next season?

Brian Hosfeld: We've already signed an outstanding class in the early period. We're continuing to work on a few others for the late period. Along with our strength and conditioning program, our spring training program will be rigorous in preparing us for the next season.

Brian (Austin): I have heard that you signed three recruits in the early signing period. Can you comment on them, the positions they play, or the impact you expect them to make next year?

Brian Hosfeld: It's all in the release on BaylorBears.com - http://baylorbears.ocsn.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/112002aaa.html. Hopefully that will give you all the information you need.

Karen (San Antonio): What is your impression of the level of play in the Big 12 Conference this year? How many Big 12 teams do you think will make the NCAA Tournament? Do you think Nebraska has a shot at the National Championship?

Brian Hosfeld: The play, as usual, is very competitive. I see at least six teams going to the tournament, with Nebraska having a legitimate shot at making the Final Four.

Lauren (Abilene): What would it take for you guys to pose a threat to Nebraska when you play them on Saturday?

Brian Hosfeld: We'd have to serve extremely tough and well, play defense like there's no tomorrow, and we'd have to pass really well for our offense to be close to being in rhythm.

Kiersten (Houston): Will you be attempting to sign any more recruits in the late signing period? What positions are you looking for?

Brian Hosfeld: We're looking for more depth in the middle position, as well as the outside hitter position. We could have potentially two or three more signees in that period.

Megan (Waco): How difficult has it been to restore your team's confidence after so much adversity this season?

Brian Hosfeld: It's been one of the bigger challenges in my young coaching career. When you're playing top 25 teams night in and night out, you're not often rewarded for good play with wins, so you've got to pull confidence out of recognizing when you are playing well, but the other team is just playing that much better. What hasn't killed us is gonna make us that much stronger.

Brian Hosfeld: Thanks. Come watch us take on No. 5 Nebraska Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Ferrell Center.