Volleyball Growing Together
9/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 6, 2004
When the calendar turned to 2004 and the Baylor volleyball team returned from the holidays, it didn't know what to expect from newly-named head coach Jim Barnes. Barnes' first objective was to instill a sense of confidence and pride to a group that will head into the season with no senior leadership.
The Bears hit the ground running in the spring as Barnes implemented a new strength and conditioning program to turn a team known for its raw talent and physical presence into a more disciplined, focused and cohesive unit.
"The players have responded very well to what we are asking of them and it showed throughout our spring scrimmages," Barnes said. "We are not only better technically and physically, but most importantly, mentally. We played with improved teamwork and confidence. We are learning how to play with a winning attitude, and our effort was extremely good."
Baylor will be an experienced squad despite not having any seniors. Juniors Emily Huston, Stella Odion and Kelly Spriggs were pressed immediately into action as freshmen due to injuries and have seen a lot of floor time over the past two seasons. Sophomore Nicole LeBlanc was one of only three players, and the only underclassman, to start all 34 matches. Sophomore Desiree Guilliard-Young is now in her third year in the program, and with a redshirt year and a full season under her belt, could emerge as a force. Junior Maggie Chlebana will be settling into a new position, while junior Adeline Meira and redshirt freshman Kristen Schramek will look to make an impact after sitting out the entire 2003 season with injuries.
"Every player has emerged as a leader in one area or another for our team on and off the court," Barnes said. "Even with the improvement in our skills, execution and teamwork, what I am most proud of is the selfless and positive attitude of our players."
The Bears would seem to be thin on the bench this season with six players with game experience and six players with no game experience returning. Baylor was prepared for the departures of Stevie Nicholas and Tisha Schwartz, last year's seniors and both All-Big 12 performers and members of Baylor's 25th Anniversary Team. However, the team was dealt a couple of blows in the summer as defensive specialist Marisa Kersten, who also had an outstanding serve, was forced to retire due to a back injury. Hungarians Eszter Kovacs and Andrea Vakulya returned home in July, leaving the Bears thin at the outside positions.
"It was unfortunate news when our two Hungarian players, who were both starters, chose not to return for this season," Barnes said. "Though our depth is now a concern, the returning players have stepped up and responded in a very determined way. Their pride and commitment for Baylor has set the groundwork for the future success of this program."
Setter
Junior Emily Huston (Santa Rosa, Calif.) started all but one match last year and played in all but three games as she posted the second-highest single-season assist total (1,532) as well as the fourth-highest assists per game average (11.88) in school history. Huston will be the most experienced player on the floor and should be comfortable setting the tone for the team. Barnes points out that she has worked hard on every part of her game and is quickly learning how to be a threat at the net and run a consistent offensive scheme.
Freshman Amanda Modglin (Houston, Texas) was touted as one of the nation's top setters coming out of high school. Barnes believes she has the attitude and knowledge to become a great player and will benefit from working with Huston. Modglin is also capable of playing other positions and could see action elsewhere due to the Bears' lack of depth.
Outside
Junior Stella Odion (Houston, Texas) was on a mission in the offseason after losing her starting position early in the 2003 campaign, becoming a stronger, quicker, more explosive presence. Barnes said she had an incredible spring and emerged as a leader, even as she adjusted to her new outside hitter position. Odion was dominant offensively during the scrimmages and will play a big part in all fascets of the game.
Junior Kelly Spriggs (Houston, Texas), who showed her potential last year with 20 kills in an upset of No. 9 Kansas State, has also made a great improvement offensively and has become a better blocker. She is learning how to attack different options, which will help the Bears run a more balanced offense.
Freshman Krystle Everett (Crandall, Texas) is a solid all-around player, who as a lot of potential and a great team attitude. She could gain valuable experience this season due to the lack of depth.
Middle
With sophomores Desiree Guilliard-Young (Berkeley, Calif.) and Nicole LeBlanc (Tampa, Fla.), the Bears see their attacking and blocking in the middle as their greatest strength. Both players had tremendous rookie seasons, emerging as two of the most accurate hitters and intimidating blockers in the Big 12.
Guilliard-Young tied for sixth in the conference with a .320 attacking percentage and recorded 139 total blocks to rank third with 1.18 per game. LeBlanc was ninth in the Big 12 with a .309 attacking percentage and was among the leaders with 127 total blocks for a 0.98 per game clip. LeBlanc played with maturity and consistency beyond her years last season, joining last year's seniors Tisha Schwartz and Stevie Nicholas as the only three players to start all 34 matches.
Junior Adeline Meira (Sao Paulo, Brazil) has recovered well from knee surgery, which kept her out of action the entire 2003 season. She started to show strides toward the end of spring and had a great summer. Meira will be expected to contribute early and will see some time in the middle and the right side.
Freshman Karin Peer (Meredith, N.H.) has a big learning curve, but all the physical tools to play in the middle. Her great attitude will accelerate her maturing process playing behind Guilliard-Young and LeBlanc.
Defensive Specialist/Libero
Junior Maggie Chlebana (Calgary, Alberta) has steadily improved at libero after moving to the position from backup setter. She is a tough competitor and will play a large role on defense and serve receive.
Freshman Kristen Schramek (San Antonio, Texas) was nearly fully recovered from foot surgery toward the end of last season, even well enough to travel and suit up for matches, but decided the best option was to redshirt and play a full four seasons. She was able to play all spring and summer and will help with ball control. Schramek, who is willing to do whatever is best for the team, could end up being the Bears' jack-of-all-trades to make up for the lack of depth with her ability to play defensive specialist, libero and outside hitter.
Freshman Heather Marcus (Grand Prairie, Texas) is a tremendous defensive player and motivator. She will push for playing time at libero and defensive specialist and will be a great player for Baylor in the future.
Schedule
The Baylor volleyball team will play in two tournaments and take on non-conference foes from around the region in addition to the rigorous Big 12 Conference slate.
"Our non-conference schedule will get us ready for a tough Big 12 Conference schedule," Barnes said. "The conference schedule alone is what will help us get in the NCAA Tournament. We are looking forward to the challenges of the Big 12 and reaching the NCAA Tournament in our first season together."
The Bears begin the season on the road against Texas-Arlington on Sept. 1, before hitting the road for the Ole Miss Tournament Sept. 3-4. Baylor returns home on Sept. 8 against Texas-Pan American, before traveling to the Sam Houston State Tournament Sept. 10-11. Baylor opens Big 12 play by hosting Texas on Sept. 15. October will be a challenging month for the Bears as they play back-to-back Big 12 road matches on three occasions. However, the team can settle in at home in November with five of seven matches at the Ferrell Center to end the year.
With a spring practice and nearly eight months together, Barnes is pleased with the direction of the program so far. The team and coaching staff has had time to adjust to each other and implement most of its offensive and defensive schemes.
"From the beginning, back in January, I have been very impressed with each player on this team and with Baylor University," Barnes said. "The coaching staff, my family and I already feel very much at home. This team, if we work together and compete like winners, can work its way into the upper echelon of the Big 12."
