2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics
2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics
2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
<strong>2005</strong> <strong>Season</strong> <strong>Preview</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
<strong>2005</strong> Outlook<br />
Junior Jenni Casper remains one <strong>of</strong> the top defensive players in the Southeastern<br />
Conference. The 2003 SEC Defensive Player<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Year totaled 478 digs as a sophomore.<br />
Senior Amy Kaplan led the team in hitting efficiency last season, hitting<br />
.305 for the year. Her 97 blocks were second-most on the team in 2004,<br />
making her both an <strong>of</strong>fensive and defensive threat.<br />
Entering his first season at <strong>Kentucky</strong>,<br />
Coach Craig Skinner feels he has taken the reins<br />
<strong>of</strong> a program that has the potential for unprecedented<br />
success. And for Skinner, the beginning<br />
<strong>of</strong> a new era in UK Volleyball has begun.<br />
"The timeline for our program is now," Skinner<br />
said. "We have high expectations and with the<br />
current team we feel that we can have success."<br />
Skinner feels that a new mental approach<br />
combined with the talent <strong>of</strong> the team's current<br />
players and a tenacious recruiting effort will<br />
result in a realization <strong>of</strong> the team's goals.<br />
Add in first-class facilities, unwavering<br />
administrative support and a dedicated fan base<br />
to the mix and the Wildcats have all the elements<br />
in place to take the volleyball program to a championship<br />
level.<br />
"Any sport that is successful at UK has the<br />
opportunity to create a great following," Skinner<br />
said. "I think volleyball is a sleeping giant."<br />
32 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong><br />
The Wildcats return a core group <strong>of</strong> veteran<br />
leadership to complement its youthful enthusiasm.<br />
The fourth-year trio <strong>of</strong> middle blocker Amy<br />
Kaplan, setter Leigh Marcum and outside hitter<br />
Danielle Wallace provides a powerful punch for<br />
the Cats. Their experience in the rigors <strong>of</strong> Southeastern<br />
Conference play, combined with their<br />
ability to mentor up-and-coming young players<br />
looks to factor into the success equation for the<br />
squad this season.<br />
Outside Hitter<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong> will have big shoes to fill on the<br />
outside in <strong>2005</strong> as the Wildcats will be forced to<br />
compensate for the loss <strong>of</strong> four-year starter Sarah<br />
Spinner, who finished her career as one <strong>of</strong> the top<br />
hitters in UK history. The Satellite Beach, Fla.,<br />
native closed her playing days ranked third alltime<br />
for kills (1,565), attack attempts (4,172)<br />
and digs (1,127).<br />
Wallace returns as the team's leader on the<br />
outside after a stellar junior campaign. A heady<br />
player, Wallace was second on the squad in hitting<br />
percentage with a .256 clip and second in<br />
kills with 395. Wallace, who was named the Most<br />
Valuable Player <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Kentucky</strong> Conference<br />
Challenge last season, will be counted on to<br />
anchor a young outside game.<br />
Junior Melissa Popp returns from a shortened<br />
2004 season, where she saw limited action due to<br />
recurring shoulder problems. Popp, a confident<br />
competitor, showed promise in the team's spring<br />
matches this year. She played in each <strong>of</strong> the<br />
squad's 28 matches her freshman campaign and<br />
was an All-SEC Freshman selection in 2003.<br />
Julie Gagnon saw limited time on the outside<br />
last season after playing primarily in a defensive role,<br />
but looks to make an impact in <strong>2005</strong>. Six-foot freshman<br />
Erin Turner joins the team from Winnetka,<br />
Calif., looking for a starting spot early in her career.
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
"Danielle Wallace has great <strong>of</strong>fensive output.<br />
Melissa Popp is healthy again and will be able to<br />
have a big impact on our success. Julie Gagnon<br />
and our freshmen will have the chance to contribute<br />
at the other outside hitting position. All<br />
three have different strengths that will give them<br />
the opportunity to play and start."<br />
Newcomer Ashlee Fisher joins the Cats from<br />
West Bend, Wisc., and could see immediate playing<br />
time in the UK lineup.<br />
Middle Blocker<br />
Kaplan headlines the <strong>Kentucky</strong> middle in<br />
<strong>2005</strong> with an unmatched determination and<br />
work ethic. Her experience should pay dividends<br />
in refining a talented, yet untested group <strong>of</strong><br />
young players at her position. She hit a squadbest<br />
.305 hitting percentage in 2004 and was the<br />
team's second-leading blocker with 97.<br />
Sophomore Kristen Cunningham gained a<br />
wealth <strong>of</strong> experience last season, starting 24 <strong>of</strong><br />
the 29 matches she played in last year. She led the<br />
team in blocking with 0.94 bpg.<br />
Redshirt freshman Queen<br />
Nzenwa will be counted on to log<br />
major time in the middle this season.<br />
The Baltimore native had a<br />
strong showing in the team's spring<br />
matches after being sidelined with<br />
a leg injury just before the start <strong>of</strong><br />
last season.<br />
"In the middle blocking position,<br />
we have great experience with<br />
Amy (Kaplan). She has led the SEC<br />
in hitting percentage. We have great<br />
physicality in Queen, who is<br />
unproven, but athletically is as good<br />
as anybody. Kristen may be the<br />
hardest working and the most fundamentally<br />
sound middle. So we<br />
have a good core <strong>of</strong> people to help<br />
us be successful."<br />
Setter<br />
The Wildcats can rely on a constant<br />
force at the setter position<br />
with the return <strong>of</strong> the battle-tested<br />
Marcum. Marcum is ranked sixth<br />
all-time at UK for career assists<br />
with 2,615. The Noblesville, Ind.,<br />
native was tops on the squad last<br />
season with 12.36 apg and posted<br />
four double-doubles (assists and<br />
digs) on the year. Marcum played<br />
in each <strong>of</strong> the team's 126 games as<br />
a sophomore and saw the majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> the action last season in a twosetter<br />
rotation.<br />
Canadian Tess Edwards is a 6-<br />
foot freshman who is a two-time<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the Ontario Provincial<br />
team. Edwards, who hails from<br />
Ottowa, Ontario, is armed with credentials that<br />
should more than prepare her for a collegiate<br />
role. She should immediately compete with Marcum<br />
for the starting position.<br />
"Leigh has great experience and a very good<br />
natural ability. She has adjusted to our new system<br />
very well and there has been a smooth transition<br />
in the way we play the game <strong>of</strong>fensively.<br />
Tess is a dynamic player and teammate and has<br />
considerable ability in all skills at the setter position<br />
and will compete to start."<br />
Senior Danielle Wallace had her most impressive season so far in 2004.<br />
Her 3.62 kills per game are the most <strong>of</strong> any returning player.<br />
Libero/Defensive Specialist<br />
Junior Jenni Casper has established herself as<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the leading liberos in the competitive<br />
SEC. Casper will be central to the UK defensive<br />
game in <strong>2005</strong>. The Louisville native led the team<br />
defensively last year with 478 digs (4.31 dpg).<br />
She showed her endurance, playing in 111 <strong>of</strong> the<br />
team's 112 games - the most <strong>of</strong> any Wildcat.<br />
Rookie Alisa Pearce, a two-time All-State<br />
first-team selection from Louisville, is a converted<br />
outside hitter who will see quality time as a<br />
defensive specialist at UK. Pierce, 5-foot-7, has<br />
considerable height for a back-row player.<br />
Sophomore Kathleen Bowler brings extensive<br />
athleticism to the position and has proven that<br />
she can compete for playing time with anyone.<br />
"I think we can be exceptional at the<br />
libero/defensive specialist position. Jenni<br />
(Casper) has a wealth <strong>of</strong> experience. She's led the<br />
SEC defensively the last couple <strong>of</strong> years. Kathleen<br />
(Bowler) is a superior athlete who continues<br />
to improve every week. Alisa (Pierce) has played<br />
at the highest level in club and has the ability and<br />
will compete to start at the position right away."<br />
The Staff<br />
Not only will the Wildcats be looking to<br />
play at a championship level in <strong>2005</strong>, the UK<br />
bench will have a championship feel to complement<br />
the successes on the court. Robert Pulliza,<br />
an assistant coach at perennial-power Texas<br />
and Jenae Dowling, a former four-year letterwinner<br />
and defensive specialist at<br />
Nebraska complete the first coaching<br />
staff for Skinner.<br />
"Robert and Jenae are great people<br />
whom I trust very much," Skinner<br />
said. "Robert is one <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
experienced recruiters in the country<br />
with a great mind for the game. We<br />
will not lose a beat in recruiting with<br />
him on our staff. His enthusiasm for<br />
volleyball and life in general is a great<br />
asset to our program. Jenae is a<br />
young, energetic coach who has<br />
played at the highest level and is really<br />
excited to be starting her coaching<br />
career at UK."<br />
Outlook<br />
The Wildcats begin the <strong>2005</strong> season<br />
with a renewed energy and all the<br />
pieces in place for championship success.<br />
With all the components in<br />
position, <strong>Kentucky</strong> looks to not only<br />
be a national contender but an exciting<br />
team to follow.<br />
"What's important to me is that<br />
when the fans come once, they'll<br />
want to come again," Skinner said. "I<br />
think we're going to put an exciting<br />
team on the floor. They're going to<br />
play with a lot <strong>of</strong> joy and passion. I<br />
think when kids come to watch our<br />
team play they're going to walk away<br />
wanting to be part <strong>of</strong> it."<br />
"We expect to compete in every<br />
match and have a chance to win with<br />
the way we play. My players will have<br />
a winning mentality. Our results will<br />
stem from our work ethic and our<br />
commitment to our philosophy."<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 33
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Television Chart<br />
Melissa Popp<br />
Outside Hitter<br />
1<br />
5-11 – Jr.<br />
Indianapolis, Ind.<br />
(Bishop Chatard)<br />
Kathleen Bowler<br />
Defensive Specialist<br />
2<br />
5-4 – So.<br />
Naperville, Ill.<br />
(Naperville North)<br />
Amy Kaplan<br />
Middle Blocker<br />
3<br />
5-10 – Sr.<br />
Cary, Ill.<br />
(Cary-Grove)<br />
Leigh Marcum<br />
Setter<br />
4<br />
5-8 – Sr.<br />
Noblesville, Ind.<br />
(Noblesville)<br />
Julie Gagnon<br />
Outside Hitter/Def. Specialist<br />
5<br />
5-9 – Jr.<br />
Wheaton, Ill.<br />
(Wheaton-Warrenville South)<br />
Kristen Cunningham<br />
Middle Blocker<br />
7<br />
6-0 – So.<br />
Farifax Station, Va.<br />
(Robinson)<br />
Danielle Wallace<br />
Outside Hitter<br />
8<br />
6-2 – Sr.<br />
Port Charlotte, Fla.<br />
(Out <strong>of</strong> Door Academy)<br />
Ashlee Fisher<br />
Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter<br />
9<br />
5-11 – Fr.<br />
West Bend, Wisc.<br />
(West Bend West)<br />
Jenni Casper<br />
Defensive Specialist/Libero<br />
10<br />
5-3 – Jr.<br />
Louisville, Ky.<br />
(Mercy Academy)<br />
Alisa Pierce<br />
Defensive Specialist/Libero<br />
11<br />
5-7 – Fr.<br />
Louisville, Ky.<br />
(Pleasure Ridge Park)<br />
Erin Turner<br />
Outside Hitter<br />
12<br />
6-0 – Fr.<br />
Winnetka, Calif.<br />
(Bishop Alemany)<br />
Tess Edwards<br />
Setter<br />
14<br />
6-0 – Fr.<br />
Ottawa, Ontario<br />
(All Saints Catholic)<br />
Queen Nzenwa<br />
Middle Blocker<br />
20<br />
6-2 – RS-Fr.<br />
Baltimore, Md.<br />
(Kenwood)<br />
Craig Skinner<br />
Head Coach<br />
Robert Pulliza<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Jenae Dowling<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
34 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
Coaches and Staff
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Head Coach<br />
Craig Skinner<br />
36 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Craig Skinner, the head assistant<br />
coach and recruiting coordinator at the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> Nebraska, was named the <strong>University</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong>'s head volleyball coach on<br />
December 17, 2004.<br />
"This is a wonderful opportunity for my wife<br />
and myself," Skinner said. "We're very excited to<br />
be at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong>. I see special<br />
things happening here and I'm looking forward<br />
to building a great program."<br />
Skinner quickly brought together an<br />
impressive staff after being hired at UK.<br />
Together, Skinner and assistants Robert Pulliza<br />
and Jenae Dowling claim two NCAA National<br />
Championships, eight Final Four appearances,<br />
11 conference titles and 19 NCAA Tournament<br />
appearances.<br />
“Robert (Pulliza) and Jenae (Dowling) are<br />
great people who I trust very much,” Skinner<br />
said. “Robert is one <strong>of</strong> the most experienced<br />
recruiters in the country with a great mind for the<br />
game. Jenae is a young, energetic coach who has<br />
played at the highest level and is really excited to<br />
be starting her coaching career at UK. We will<br />
work hard, enjoy what we do and I think our<br />
players, recruits and fans will feed <strong>of</strong>f that.”<br />
Skinner spent the past five seasons as an assistant<br />
at Nebraska under John Cook and was<br />
named head assistant coach in 2003. During his<br />
tenure, the Huskers have put together a 154-11<br />
record and claimed the 2000 NCAA title with a<br />
perfect 34-0 record. The Huskers made a return<br />
trip to the Final Four in 2001 and advanced to<br />
NCAA regional semifinals or finals in every season<br />
after. In Skinner’s five years, Nebraska compiled<br />
a 97-3 record in Big 12 action and four Big<br />
12 Championships.<br />
"It's exciting to have someone join our program<br />
who brings credentials like Craig," UK<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director Mitch Barnhart said. "He's<br />
had the opportunity to recruit and coach elite<br />
athletes at the highest level <strong>of</strong> women's collegiate<br />
volleyball. That will be a tremendous asset<br />
for <strong>Kentucky</strong> volleyball as we continue to grow<br />
our program."<br />
That excitement has already become evident<br />
after the team competed for the first time under<br />
Skinner during the Spring <strong>2005</strong> season.<br />
“This spring we laid a great foundation for<br />
the future <strong>of</strong> our program our program,” Skinner<br />
said. “Understanding the mentality and<br />
concentration it takes to win championships is<br />
critical. And getting our players to understand<br />
that was paramount this year. Our staff hasn’t<br />
questioned the work ethic <strong>of</strong> our returning<br />
players - it’s fantastic.”<br />
Skinner clearly understands what it takes to<br />
move this program to the next level. He served as<br />
defensive coordinator at Nebraska and worked<br />
primarily with the middle blockers. He coached<br />
three women to six All-America honors during his<br />
five-year stay, including Melissa Elmer, who<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 37
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
received her second All-America honor in 2004.<br />
The Huskers led the nation in blocking in four <strong>of</strong><br />
the past five seasons.<br />
A 1993 graduate<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ball State, Skinner<br />
was an outside<br />
attacker for the Cardinals<br />
and helped<br />
guide BSU to a 28-<br />
11 record and a<br />
third-place finish at<br />
the 1990 NCAA<br />
Championships. He<br />
was a team captain<br />
his final two seasons.<br />
While attending<br />
Ball State,<br />
Skinner also served<br />
on staff at the Asics<br />
Munciana Volleyball<br />
Club, helping lead<br />
the 18-and-under<br />
squad to the U.S.<br />
Skinner and his wife, Megan,<br />
are the proud parents <strong>of</strong> a oneyear-old<br />
daughter, Sophie Jane.<br />
Volleyball Association national<br />
runner-up finish in 1992.<br />
A native <strong>of</strong> Muncie, Ind.,<br />
Skinner spent three seasons as an<br />
assistant coach under Cook at<br />
Wisconsin, from 1994-96, aiding<br />
the Badgers to a 68-35 record and<br />
three postseason appearances,<br />
including the 1996 NCAA<br />
regional semifinals.<br />
Skinner returned to his alma<br />
mater in 1999, helping guide the<br />
Ball State men to wins over three<br />
nationally ranked teams and an 8-4<br />
record at midseason in 2000 before<br />
leaving for Nebraska. That team<br />
finished the season ranked 13th in<br />
the USA Today/AVCA Top 25.<br />
The 35-year-old Skinner is<br />
married to former Nebraska assistant<br />
women's soccer coach Megan Bechtold<br />
Skinner and the couple has a one-year-old<br />
daughter, Sophie Jane.<br />
Skinner's Year-by-Year Coaching Record<br />
Year School Position Record Conf. Record Accomplishments<br />
1994 Wisconsin Assistant 21-12 11-9<br />
1995 Wisconsin Assistant 22-15 9-11 NIVC Champions<br />
1996 Wisconsin Assistant 25-8 13-7 NCAA Regionals<br />
1999 Ball State Assistant 13-14 8-6<br />
2000 Ball State Assistant 16-15 6-8<br />
2000 Nebraska Assistant 34-0 20-0 NCAA/Big 12 Champs<br />
2001 Nebraska Assistant 31-2 20-0 NCAA Final Four/Big 12 Champs<br />
2002 Nebraska Assistant 31-2 20.0 Big 12 Champs<br />
2003 Nebraska Head Assistant 28-5 17-3 NCAA Regionals<br />
2004 Nebraska Head Assistant 30-2 20-0 NCAA Regionals/Big 12 Champs<br />
Personal<br />
Full Name: John Craigin Skinner<br />
Birth Date: June 4, 1970<br />
Hometown: Muncie, Ind.<br />
High School: Muncie Northside<br />
College: Ball State<br />
Sport Played: Volleyball<br />
Years Lettered: 1990-93<br />
Degree: Bachelor’s – Accounting (1993)<br />
Family: Wife, Megan; Daughter, Sophie (1)<br />
Coaching Career<br />
1990-93<br />
Asics Munciana Volleyball Club<br />
Club Coach<br />
1994-96<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Wisconsin<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
1999-2000<br />
Ball State <strong>University</strong> (Men’s Team)<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
1999<br />
U.S. Men’s Junior National Team<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
2000-04<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Nebraska<br />
Head Assistant Coach<br />
2004-present<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
Head Coach<br />
The Skinner File<br />
Skinner on<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball...<br />
“We expect to compete in every match<br />
and have a chance to win with the way we<br />
play. Our players will have a winning mentality.<br />
Our results will stem from our work ethic<br />
and our commitment to our philosophy.”<br />
Skinner on <strong>Kentucky</strong>...<br />
“One <strong>of</strong> the reasons I wanted to be at<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong> was the people. The people are<br />
what make the <strong>University</strong> and what make the<br />
state. I just had a great gut feeling on the<br />
interview that this is where I want to start my<br />
head coaching career.”<br />
38 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
What They Are Saying<br />
About Skinner...<br />
"I've followed Craig's career since he was a club coach and he's produced<br />
nothing but winners. It won't be long before he has the <strong>Kentucky</strong> program<br />
competing with the best teams in the country."<br />
- Pete Waite,<br />
Wisconsin Head Coach<br />
“Playing for Craig was unbelievable. He made us, as athletes, work hard<br />
and love the game. That motivates me—I want to be the kind <strong>of</strong> coach that<br />
Craig is. He has such a deep knowledge <strong>of</strong> the game and I have learned so<br />
many things about the game both playing for him and coaching with him.<br />
He’s got a great family, he approaches his job with an outstanding work ethic<br />
and he makes work fun.”<br />
- Jenae Dowling,<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong> Assistant Coach<br />
"Craig has enjoyed tremendous success everywhere he has been. With his<br />
leadership and staff, there is no doubt that he will direct <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball<br />
back to the top <strong>of</strong> the SEC and return it to national prominance."<br />
– Jaime Gordon,<br />
Morehead State Head Coach and former <strong>Kentucky</strong> Assistant<br />
“I believe Craig to be a coach <strong>of</strong> great character and integrity. There is no<br />
doubt in my mind that he is one <strong>of</strong> the best coaches in the country! In a day<br />
where winning seems to be everything, Craig has been able to keep a balance<br />
in which our players can maintain their pure love for the game and can enjoy<br />
their college years to the fullest.”<br />
– Robert Pulliza,<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong> Assistant Coach<br />
"I know Craig will do a great job in his new position. His experiences at<br />
Nebraska and Wisconsin, in addition to the tradition at <strong>Kentucky</strong>, make for a great<br />
match. Craig is a great person and will have success leading the Wildcat program."<br />
- Russ Rose,<br />
Penn State Head Coach<br />
“From everything that we’ve heard, <strong>Kentucky</strong> is a perfect place for him.<br />
He’s hired a great staff, and we are proud that two <strong>of</strong> the three staff members<br />
he hired have Nebraska ties. He’s in a tremendous opportunity to build that<br />
program and compete in the Southeastern Conference.”<br />
– John Cook,<br />
Nebraska Head Coach<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 39
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Robert Pulliza<br />
Robert<br />
Pulliza, who<br />
most recently<br />
served a an assistant<br />
coach at<br />
Texas and Wisconsin,<br />
is in<br />
his first year<br />
as the top<br />
assistant<br />
coach for<br />
the <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
volleyball program.<br />
“I'm really excited about being a part<br />
<strong>of</strong> a great university like the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong>," Pulliza said. "This was an opportunity<br />
I couldn't pass up - from the great reputation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> and the wonderful city<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lexington to a coach I respect so much in<br />
Craig Skinner. It was<br />
a deal I couldn't<br />
resist and I<br />
look forward<br />
to<br />
making<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the best volleyball programs in the country."<br />
Pulliza, a native <strong>of</strong> San Juan, Puerto Rico,<br />
joined the <strong>Kentucky</strong> staff as the top assistant<br />
and recruiting coordinator after working with<br />
some <strong>of</strong> the top volleyball programs in the<br />
country. Pulliza spent three seasons as an assistant<br />
at Texas before pursuing a career in private<br />
business in May 2004. While at Texas,<br />
Pulliza helped the Longhorns to two NCAA<br />
Tournament appearances.<br />
"Robert is a great coach and this is certainly a<br />
great addition for the program," Skinner said. "I'm<br />
really excited to have Robert join the UK family.<br />
He brings an incredible ability to<br />
coach and recruit, which will help<br />
us get to the top <strong>of</strong> the SEC<br />
40 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
and become a program on the national scene."<br />
Prior to his move to Austin, Pulliza spent two<br />
years on the Wisconsin staff and helped the team<br />
to the 2000 Big Ten title and a spot in the<br />
NCAA title match against Nebraska. Seated on<br />
the bench opposite Pulliza was Skinner, who was<br />
in his first year as assistant coach for the<br />
Huskers. At Wisconsin, Pulliza coached All-<br />
America setter Lizzie Fitzgerald.<br />
Pulliza spent the 1998 season at Northern<br />
Illinois, where he assisted the Huskies to the<br />
Mid-American Conference Championship and<br />
Pulliza and his wife Jamie<br />
reside in Lexington with their<br />
dog, Zoey.<br />
the second round <strong>of</strong> the<br />
NCAA Tournament. Prior to<br />
his stint at NIU, he coached<br />
two years as an assistant at<br />
James Madison while pursuing<br />
his master's degree in administration<br />
and coaching.<br />
The 32-year-old Pulliza<br />
began his coaching career as an<br />
assistant coach at Burris High<br />
School in Muncie, Ind. Burris<br />
claimed two state titles and was<br />
named the national runner-up<br />
by USA Today in 1994.<br />
Pulliza has international<br />
coaching experience as well,<br />
serving as an assistant coach<br />
for the US National A2 Team<br />
in 2003 and the US Girls<br />
Youth National Team in 2000<br />
and 2001. The 2000 team claimed a silver medal<br />
at the NORCECA Zonal Championships. Pulliza<br />
is a 1996 graduate <strong>of</strong> Ball State with a degree<br />
in general studies and sports administration. He<br />
served as team captain for two seasons as Ball<br />
State advanced to the NCAA Final Four in both<br />
1994 and 1995. Pulliza also was a member <strong>of</strong><br />
BSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Board and<br />
earned dean's list honors in 1995-96.<br />
Pulliza and Skinner were teammates on the<br />
Cardinals' volleyball team for two seasons. Pulliza<br />
and his wife, Jamie, reside in Lexington.<br />
Personal<br />
Full Name: Robert Pulliza Garcia<br />
Birth Date: February 6, 1973<br />
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico<br />
High School: Academia Nuestra<br />
Senora de la Providencia<br />
College: Ball State<br />
Sport Played: Volleyball<br />
Years Lettered: 1994-96<br />
Degrees: Bachelor’s – General Studies<br />
and Sports Administration (1996)<br />
Master’s — <strong>Athletics</strong> Administration<br />
and Coaching (1998)<br />
Coaching and<br />
Playing Career<br />
1994-96<br />
Ball State<br />
Player<br />
1996-97<br />
James Madison<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
1998<br />
Northern Illinois<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
1999-2000<br />
Wisconsin<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
2001-04<br />
Texas<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
2004-Present<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
Assistant Coach<br />
The Pulliza File<br />
Skinner on Pulliza:<br />
“Robby is one <strong>of</strong> the most experienced<br />
recruiters in the country. He brings a level <strong>of</strong><br />
experience, enthusiasm that will be contagious<br />
with our players, fans and recruits.”<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 41
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Assistant Coach<br />
Jenae Dowling<br />
Personal<br />
Full Name: Jenae Lynn Dowling<br />
Pronunciation: juh-NAE DOW-ling<br />
Birth Date: September 8, 1981<br />
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Ind.<br />
High School: Northrop<br />
College: <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Nebraska<br />
Sport Played: Volleyball<br />
Years Lettered: 2000-03<br />
Degree: Bachelor’s – Finance (2004)<br />
Coaching and<br />
Playing Career<br />
2000-03<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Nebraska<br />
Libero/Defensive Specialist<br />
<strong>2005</strong>-present<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
Assistant Coach<br />
The Dowling File<br />
Skinner on Dowling:<br />
“Jenae’s work ethic and passion for the<br />
sport <strong>of</strong> volleyball will be a huge asset for our<br />
program. She’s played at the highest level,<br />
which will help our players understand what<br />
it takes to win championships.”<br />
Dowling on the transition<br />
from playing to coaching…<br />
“I grew up with a passion for volleyball<br />
and always knew I wouldn’t be able to stay<br />
away; but when I graduated college I was out<br />
<strong>of</strong> the mix for a while. I missed the game,<br />
missed the camaraderie, and missed being<br />
part <strong>of</strong> a team. Coaching has brought back<br />
that passion and I’m looking forward to sharing<br />
it with and passing it on to our athletes<br />
this fall.”<br />
42 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong><br />
C r a i g<br />
Skinner has<br />
completed his<br />
first coaching<br />
staff by naming<br />
former Nebraska<br />
defensive player<br />
Jenae Dowling<br />
assistant coach in<br />
January.<br />
“I’m so thankful<br />
to have been<br />
given this coaching opportunity,” Dowling<br />
said. “I can’t imagine anything I would love<br />
doing more. We have great athletes, unbelievable<br />
support from the fans and athletic department,<br />
a great conference, and a beautiful city. I<br />
couldn’t be happier, and I’m really looking forward<br />
to this season.”<br />
Dowling, a native <strong>of</strong> Fort Wayne, Ind., was a<br />
four-year letterwinner at Nebraska, helping the Huskers to three Big 12 titles and the 2000<br />
NCAA Championship. The<br />
5-6 libero walked on at<br />
Nebraska in 2000 and<br />
appeared in 93 matches during<br />
her career. She was named<br />
a co-captain during her senior<br />
season <strong>of</strong> 2003 and split time<br />
at the libero position.<br />
Dowling shined in the<br />
classroom, earning first-team<br />
All-Big 12 honors three times<br />
and was a six-time member <strong>of</strong><br />
the Big 12 Commissioner's<br />
Honor Roll. She majored in<br />
finance and graduated with a<br />
bachelor's degree in business<br />
in May 2004.<br />
"Jenae is exactly what we<br />
are looking for in people that<br />
we want to be part <strong>of</strong> our program<br />
here at <strong>Kentucky</strong>," Skinner<br />
said. "She is enthusiastic,<br />
hard working and passionate<br />
about the sport <strong>of</strong> volleyball.<br />
She has played at the highest<br />
level and won a national<br />
championship, which will<br />
help us continue building for<br />
championships <strong>of</strong> our own."<br />
Dowling, 23, is the daughter<br />
<strong>of</strong> Jim and Sue Dowling <strong>of</strong><br />
Fort Wayne, Ind.
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Volleyball Support Staff<br />
Sara Sjuts<br />
Administrative Support Associate<br />
Sara Sjuts enters her first season with <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
volleyball as the administrative support<br />
associate after spending the last four years in a<br />
similar student role at Nebraska.<br />
Sjuts is responsible for managing daily <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
functions, coordinating team travel and administrating<br />
summer camp programs. She also assists in<br />
recruiting functions and budget management and<br />
oversees the <strong>of</strong>fice’s student workers.<br />
Sjuts, 23, spent her entire undergraduate<br />
career at Nebraska working as an assistant to the<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Volleyball Operations. While with the<br />
Huskers, Sjuts worked closely with UK coach<br />
Craig Skinner and assistant Jenae Dowling. She<br />
was on staff in 2000 when Nebraska claimed the<br />
NCAA title as well.<br />
She graduated from Nebraska in December<br />
2004 with a degree in business administration<br />
and took a position with a publishing company<br />
before coming to UK. Sjuts plans to pursue her<br />
Master’s degree in business administration while<br />
in Lexington.<br />
A native <strong>of</strong> York, Neb., Sjuts was active in volleyball,<br />
basketball, s<strong>of</strong>tball and track in high<br />
school. She is the daughter <strong>of</strong> Dave and Linda<br />
Sjuts.<br />
Philip Bennett<br />
Team Manager<br />
Philip Bennett is in his second season as a<br />
team manager for the volleyball program. A<br />
junior at UK, Bennett handles day-to-day management<br />
<strong>of</strong> practice setup, equipment and gameday<br />
duties, including videography and statistical<br />
assistance.<br />
Bennett hails from Knoxville, Tenn., and<br />
graduated from Carter High School. He is working<br />
toward a degree in kinesiology and exercise<br />
science and plans to pursue a career in coaching.<br />
Bennett was a member <strong>of</strong> UK’s club volleyball<br />
team for two years before joining the varsity<br />
women’s staff.<br />
Bennett, 28, is the son <strong>of</strong> Chyral and Michael<br />
Clark <strong>of</strong> Knoxville, Tenn. He is married to Jessica<br />
Walker <strong>of</strong> Louisville, Ky., who is an electrical<br />
engineer and a UK graduate.<br />
The couple resides in Lexington.<br />
Abbey Buchert<br />
Team Manager<br />
The <strong>2005</strong> season marks Abbey Buchert’s second<br />
year as team manager for the volleyball program.<br />
A junior at UK, Buchert handles<br />
day-to-day management <strong>of</strong> practice setup, equipment<br />
and game-day duties, including videography<br />
and statistical assistance.<br />
Buchert, a native <strong>of</strong> Orlando, Fla., graduated<br />
from <strong>University</strong> High School in June 2003 and is<br />
pursuing a degree in elementary education at UK.<br />
While in high school, Buchert played volleyball,<br />
basketball and was president <strong>of</strong> the student government<br />
association.<br />
Buchert, 21, is a member <strong>of</strong> the Alpha<br />
Gamma Delta social sorority and serves as the<br />
intramural chair for the group.<br />
Buchert is the daughter <strong>of</strong> Gerald and Shauna<br />
Buchert. She resides in Lexington.<br />
Lindsay Columna<br />
Team Manager<br />
Lindsay Columna is in her first season as a<br />
team manager for the volleyball program. A<br />
junior at UK, Columna handles daily <strong>of</strong>fice<br />
responsibilities for the volleyball staff, including<br />
recruiting duties and camp administration. She<br />
also will assist in practice setup and equipment<br />
and game-day duties.<br />
Columna is from Fishers, Ind., and graduated<br />
from Hamilton Southeastern High School. She is<br />
majoring in psychology and plans to pursue a<br />
career in counseling. She also hopes to coach volleyball<br />
at the high school level. Columna is a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority<br />
and the UK Women’s Choir.<br />
Columna, 20, is the daugher <strong>of</strong> Tom and Beth<br />
Roberts.<br />
Paul Graves<br />
Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer<br />
Paul Graves is in his first season as the graduate<br />
assistant athletic trainer for the volleyball program.<br />
The York, N.Y., native is pursuing his<br />
master’s degree in athletic training after earning a<br />
bachelor’s degree in the same field from Canisius<br />
College in Buffalo, N.Y. in May <strong>2005</strong>.<br />
While at Canisius, Graves worked with men’s<br />
basketball, men’s hockey and women’s lacrosse.<br />
Graves also worked with the Buffalo Bills and the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Buffalo football teams during his<br />
undergraduate years.<br />
Graves, 22, is the son <strong>of</strong> Dan and Donna<br />
Graves. He resides in Lexington.<br />
Jill Kindy<br />
Team Nutritionist<br />
Jill Kindy joined the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
staff in August 1998 as a registered dietitian and<br />
serves as a nutrition consultant for the entire<br />
athletics department. She also co-coordinates<br />
UK CARES about Eating Disorders, a student<br />
organization.<br />
Kindy came to <strong>Kentucky</strong> from Auburn, Ala.,<br />
where she spent a year serving as the program<br />
coordinator for hte Alabama Department <strong>of</strong> Public<br />
Health and a year working as a clinical dietitian<br />
at the East Alabama Medical Center.<br />
The Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native earned<br />
her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State in<br />
1993 before earning a master’s degree in health<br />
education from Alabama in 1995.<br />
Kindy, formerly Jill Bigman, also served as a<br />
graduate assistant athletic trainer at Alabama. She<br />
is married to David Kindy, a native <strong>of</strong> Port Washington,<br />
N.Y. The couple resides in Lexington and<br />
has two children - son Andrew, 5, and daughter<br />
Lauren, 3.<br />
Jamie Moberly<br />
Event Manager<br />
Jamie Moberly begins his 14th year with the<br />
UK <strong>Athletics</strong> Association. He serves as the event<br />
manager for volleyball and also manages special<br />
events in Memorial Coliseum and UK’s many<br />
other athletics facilities.<br />
Moberly, a native <strong>of</strong> Lexington, received his<br />
bachelor’s degree from <strong>Kentucky</strong> in 1991 and<br />
earned a master’s degree in sport management<br />
from UK in 1994.<br />
Moberly and his wife Esther have a three-yearold<br />
son, Ethan.<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 43
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Tracy Cayson<br />
Official Scorekeeper<br />
Don Deluca<br />
Stats Crew<br />
Stephanie Tracey<br />
Strength & Conditioning Coach<br />
Stephanie Tracey begins her fourth season<br />
with the <strong>Kentucky</strong> volleyball team after coming<br />
on staff as the head Olympic sport strength and<br />
conditioning coach in August 2002.<br />
The Huntsville, Ohio native has extensive volleyball<br />
knowledge after playing as an outside hitter<br />
for four years (1993-96) at Ohio <strong>University</strong> in<br />
Athens. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in<br />
journalism and a master’s degree in physical education<br />
from OU.<br />
Tracey began her career in strength and<br />
conditioning as a graduate assistant at her alma<br />
mater from 1997-98. She was hired in the<br />
same role at UCLA in 1998 and left the Bruins<br />
as the associate head strength and conditioning<br />
coach last fall.<br />
In addition to working with volleyball,<br />
Tracey works with the men’s and women’s<br />
swimming & diving, s<strong>of</strong>tball and men’s soccer<br />
teams at UK and oversees all other Olympic<br />
sports with the assistance <strong>of</strong> Assistant Strenth<br />
Coach Jeff Sydes.<br />
Tracey is a certified strength and conditioning<br />
specialist and a United States Weightlifting Association<br />
Level I Club Coach. She is the daughter <strong>of</strong><br />
Steve Tracey and Jan Lambert.<br />
UK Media Relations Directory<br />
Don Hart<br />
PA Announcer<br />
Sharon McCauley<br />
Stats Crew<br />
Scott Stricklin<br />
Assistant <strong>Athletics</strong><br />
Director<br />
stricklin@uky.edu<br />
Tony Neely<br />
Media Relations<br />
Director<br />
tneely@uky.edu<br />
Susan Lax<br />
Associate Media<br />
Relations Director<br />
slax0@uky.edu<br />
Mandy Polley<br />
Assistant Media<br />
Relations Director<br />
anpoll0@uky.edu<br />
Patti Stanton<br />
Official Timer<br />
Scott<br />
Dean<br />
Assistant Media<br />
Relations Director<br />
sdean1@uky.edu<br />
Amy<br />
Ratliff<br />
Assistant Media<br />
Relations Director<br />
aaratl00@uky.edu<br />
Matt<br />
Steinke<br />
Assistant Media<br />
Relations Director<br />
mstei2@uky.edu<br />
Meredith<br />
Mendez<br />
Office<br />
Coordinator<br />
mnelson@uky.edu<br />
Andrew<br />
Lange<br />
Media Relations<br />
Assistant<br />
TBA@uky.edu<br />
Jeffrey<br />
Salmon<br />
Media Relations<br />
Assistant<br />
TBA@uky.edu<br />
David<br />
Coyle<br />
Staff<br />
Photographer<br />
Craig<br />
Hornberger<br />
Publications<br />
Director<br />
chorn3@uky.edu<br />
Kim<br />
Troxall<br />
Creative<br />
Director<br />
tba@uky.edu<br />
44 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
Meet the Wildcats
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
<strong>2005</strong> UK Volleyball Rosters<br />
By Class<br />
Freshmen<br />
5<br />
Tess Edwards<br />
Ashlee Fisher<br />
Queen Nzenwa<br />
Alisa Pierce<br />
Erin Turner<br />
Sophomores<br />
2<br />
Kathleen Bowler<br />
Kristen Cunningham<br />
Juniors<br />
3<br />
Jenni Casper<br />
Julie Gagnon<br />
Melissa Popp<br />
Seniors<br />
3<br />
Amy Kaplan<br />
Leigh Marcum<br />
Danielle Wallace<br />
By Position<br />
Defensive<br />
Specialists<br />
3<br />
Kathleen Bowler<br />
Jenni Casper<br />
Alisa Pierce<br />
Middle<br />
Blockers<br />
3<br />
Kristen Cunningham<br />
Amy Kaplan<br />
Queen Nzenwa<br />
Outside Hitters<br />
5<br />
Ashlee Fisher<br />
Julie Gagnon<br />
Melissa Popp<br />
Erin Turner<br />
Danielle Wallace<br />
Setters<br />
2<br />
Tess Edwards<br />
Leigh Marcum<br />
Alphabetical Roster<br />
No. Name Position Hgt. Class Hometown/Previous School<br />
2 Kathleen Bowler DS/L 5-4 So. Naperville, Ill./Naperville North<br />
10 Jenni Casper DS/L 5-3 Jr. Louisville, Ky./Mercy<br />
7 Kristen Cunningham MB 6-0 So. Fairfax Station, Va./Robinson<br />
14 Tess Edwards S 6-0 Fr. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada/All Saints Catholic<br />
9 Ashlee Fisher MB/OH 5-11 Fr. West Bend, Wisc./West Bend West<br />
5 Julie Gagnon OH 5-9 Jr. Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South<br />
3 Amy Kaplan MB 5-10 Sr. Cary, Ill./Cary-Grove<br />
4 Leigh Marcum S 5-8 Sr. Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville<br />
20 Queen Nzenwa MB 6-2 RS-Fr. Baltimore, Md./Kenwood<br />
11 Alisa Pierce DS/L 5-7 Fr. Louisville, Ky./Pleasure Ridge Park<br />
1 Melissa Popp OH 5-11 Jr. Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard<br />
12 Erin Turner OH 6-0 Fr. Winnetka, Calif./Bishop Alemany<br />
8 Danielle Wallace OH 6-2 Sr. Port Charlotte, Fla./Out <strong>of</strong> Door<br />
Numerical Roster<br />
No. Player Pos. Hgt. Cl. Hometown/High School<br />
1 Melissa Popp OH 5-11 Jr. Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard<br />
2 Kathleen Bowler DS/L 5-4 So. Naperville, Ill./Naperville North<br />
3 Amy Kaplan MB 5-10 Sr. Cary, Ill./Cary-Grove<br />
4 Leigh Marcum S 5-8 Sr. Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville<br />
5 Julie Gagnon OH 5-9 Jr. Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South<br />
7 Kristen Cunningham MB 6-0 So. Fairfax Station, Va./Robinson<br />
8 Danielle Wallace OH 6-2 Sr. Port Charlotte, Fla./Out <strong>of</strong> Door<br />
9 Ashlee Fisher MB/OH 5-11 Fr. West Bend, Wisc./West Bend West<br />
10 Jenni Casper DS/L 5-3 Jr. Louisville, Ky./Mercy<br />
11 Alisa Pierce DS/L 5-7 Fr. Louisville, Ky./Pleasure Ridge Park<br />
12 Erin Turner OH 6-0 Fr. Winnetka, Calif./Bishop Alemany<br />
14 Tess Edwards S 6-0 Fr. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada/All Saints Catholic<br />
20 Queen Nzenwa MB 6-2 RS-Fr. Baltimore, Md./Kenwood<br />
Head Coach: Craig Skinner (Ball State ‘93)<br />
Assistant Coaches: Robert Pulliza (Ball State ‘96), Jenae Dowling (Nebraska ‘04)<br />
Pronunciations<br />
Jenae (Ju-NAY) Dowling<br />
Julie Gagnon (GAAN-yon)<br />
Queen Nzenwa (Nuh-zen-wah)<br />
Alisa (Uh-LEE-sa) Pierce<br />
Robert Pulliza (Poo-leez-uh)<br />
46 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Wildcats by State<br />
California<br />
1<br />
Erin Turner (Winnetka)<br />
Canada<br />
1<br />
Tess Edwards (Ottawa, Ontario)<br />
Florida<br />
1<br />
Danielle Wallace (Port Charlotte)<br />
Illinois<br />
3<br />
Kathleen Bowler (Naperville)<br />
Julie Gagnon (Wheaton)<br />
Amy Kaplan (Cary)<br />
Indiana<br />
2<br />
Leigh Marcum (Noblesville)<br />
Melissa Popp (Indianapolis)<br />
<strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
2<br />
Jenni Casper (Louisville)<br />
Alisa Pierce (Louisville)<br />
Maryland<br />
1<br />
Queen Nzenwa (Baltimore)<br />
Virginia<br />
1<br />
Kristen Cunningham (Fairfax Station)<br />
Wisconsin<br />
1<br />
Ashlee Fisher (West Bend)<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 47
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#3 • Amy Kaplan<br />
Senior • 3VL • 5-10 • Middle Blocker • Cary, Ill. • Club Team: Sky High • Cary-Grove HS • Major: Education<br />
Career Highs<br />
Kills: 21, vs. Ole Miss (10/17/04)<br />
Attacks: 41, vs. Arkansas (10/22/04)<br />
Hit %: 1.000, vs. Fairfield (8/31/02)<br />
Aces: 3, vs. N.C. State (9/6/02)<br />
Blocks: 10, vs. Eastern <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
(9/1/04)<br />
Digs: 10, vs. Tennessee (11/7/03)<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Kills: 21, vs. Ole Miss (10/17)<br />
Attacks: 41, vs. Arkansas (10/22)<br />
Hit %: .625, vs. Ole Miss (10/17)<br />
Aces: 2, Three times<br />
Blocks: 10, vs. Eastern <strong>Kentucky</strong> (9/1)<br />
Digs: 8, Twice<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“I chose <strong>Kentucky</strong> because there is no place better<br />
to be. There is no where else you can be a complete<br />
student athlete. I chose <strong>Kentucky</strong> because I saw<br />
a place that I could call my second home, I saw an<br />
athletic program that could make me the best I could<br />
be. I chose <strong>Kentucky</strong> because I saw a <strong>University</strong> that<br />
would take care <strong>of</strong> me in the present, and prepare me<br />
for my future. I chose <strong>Kentucky</strong> because they have<br />
some darn good sweet tea.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Kaplan:<br />
“Amy is one <strong>of</strong> the most impressive attackers <strong>of</strong>f one<br />
foot that I have coached. She will be a major part <strong>of</strong> our<br />
<strong>of</strong>fense in her final campaign. We're really looking forward<br />
to her having an outstanding year in <strong>2005</strong>.”<br />
2004 – Played in 29 matches as a junior, playing in<br />
107 games ... Led the team in hitting percentage and<br />
ranked sixth in the league with a .305 accuracy ... Averaged<br />
3.02 kills per game, which ranked fourth on the<br />
squad ... Had 97 blocks on the year, second best for the<br />
Wildcats ... Totaled a career-best 21 kills against Ole<br />
Miss, while hitting a season-high .625 ... Posted a careerbest<br />
10 blocks in the season opener against Eastern <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
... Hit .380 in league play, ranking third in the<br />
conference ... Hit .300 or better 17 times on the season<br />
and topped .400 hitting on seven occasions.<br />
2003 – Played in 25 matches as a sophomore, totaling<br />
81 games ... Missed seven matches due to injury ...<br />
Had a season-high 11 kills on .455 hitting against No. 2<br />
Hawaii ... Had a career-best 10 digs against Tennessee in<br />
Lexington ... Had a solid match against UNLV in the<br />
season’s final tournament, recording eight kills, seven<br />
digs and six blocks ... Was named to the Southeastern<br />
Conference Academic Honor Roll.<br />
2002 – Had a solid freshman campaign, playing in 30<br />
matches with 26 starts… Was second on the team in hitting<br />
percentage with a .238 average… Recorded 150 kills<br />
and 54 digs, while ranking third on the team in blocks<br />
with 103… Accounted for 230.5 points on the season,<br />
including a season-best 15.5 against LSU with 13 kills on<br />
.455 hitting and five blocks… Followed the performance<br />
with 13 kills on .480 hitting against Morehead State…<br />
Topped .400 hitting 10 times on the season.<br />
High School – Led the Trojans to the 2001 Fox Valley<br />
Conference title and the Illinois State Super Sectional…<br />
Led her team to a 36-2 record during her senior<br />
year, earning All-Conference and All-Area honors… Was<br />
named All-State honorable mention by the Chicago Tribune<br />
and the Champaign Register… Named secondteam<br />
All-State by the Chicago Tribune in 2001… Ended<br />
career as school’s all-time leading blocker… Also played<br />
basketball and s<strong>of</strong>tball and ran track for Cary-Grove<br />
where she was a four-year varsity letter winner and twotime<br />
captain for the basketball squad… Was named All-<br />
Conference and All-Area in basketball in 2001 and 2002<br />
and finished career with 1,217 points… Was named<br />
third-team All-State, All-Area and All-Conference for<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tball in 2001, while winning the state batting title…<br />
Won the Fox Valley Conference Championship in the<br />
shot put, discus and high jump in 2002 and qualified for<br />
state competition… Was also a member <strong>of</strong> the National<br />
Honor Society and the a cappella choir... Coached in<br />
high school by Patty Langanis… Played club volleyball<br />
at Sky High under Coach Scott Harris.<br />
Personal – Full name is Amy Kristine Kaplan ...<br />
Daughter <strong>of</strong> Bruce and Debbie Kaplan… Born April 25,<br />
1984 in her family home in Cary, Ill… .Has three brothers,<br />
Brian (26), Kevin (24) and Jacob (17) ... Has been<br />
named to the dean’s list four times at UK.<br />
Kaplan’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2002 101-30 150 68 344 .238 1.49 3 0.03 1 24 21 3 54 0.53 10 93 103 1.02<br />
2003 81-25 118 51 325 .206 1.46 4 0.05 2 13 17 1 71 0.88 7 41 48 0.59<br />
2004 107-29 323 208 705 .305 3.02 9 0.08 2 19 12 1 104 0.97 6 91 97 0.91<br />
Totals 289-84 591 227 1374 .265 2.04 16 0.06 5 56 50 5 229 0.79 23 225 248 0.86<br />
48 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#4 • Leigh Marcum<br />
Senior • 3VL • 5-8 • Setter • Noblesville, Ind. • Noblesville HS • Club Team: Munciana • Major: Arts Administration<br />
Career Highs<br />
Assists: 71, vs. LSU (10/17/03)<br />
Kills: 7, Twice - Last vs. Auburn<br />
(11/12/04)<br />
Attacks: 14, vs. Alabama (9/24/04)<br />
Hit %: 1.000, vs. Florida (11/16/03)<br />
Aces: 3, Six times<br />
Blocks: 6, Three times<br />
Digs: 18, Twice -<br />
Last vs. Valparaiso (9/10/04)<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Assists: 67, vs. Purdue (9/18)<br />
Kills: 7, vs. Auburn (11/12)<br />
Attacks: 14, vs. Alabama (9/24)<br />
Hit %: .800, vs. Long Beach State<br />
(11/26)<br />
Aces: 3, vs. South Caronlina (10/31)<br />
Blocks: 6, vs. Eastern <strong>Kentucky</strong> (9/1)<br />
Digs: 18, vs. Valparaiso (9/10)<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> has a great deal <strong>of</strong><br />
tradition. All the banners, the retired jerseys, the trophy<br />
cases, and the plaques on the wall remind me <strong>of</strong><br />
what a great school and what a great athletic program<br />
I have the privilege to be a part <strong>of</strong>. The support the<br />
community gives to athletics is second to none, and<br />
every athlete here at UK should be proud to be a part<br />
<strong>of</strong> something so special.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Marcum:<br />
“Leigh's experience and natural ability will help us<br />
to immediately be able to do some exciting things<br />
<strong>of</strong>fensively this season. We have dramatically changed<br />
the <strong>of</strong>fense system since last year, and Leigh has handled<br />
it very well.”<br />
2004 – Played in 23 matches, totaling 76 games ...<br />
Averaged 12.32 assists per game to lead the team and<br />
rank fourth in the conference ... Also contributed 2.25<br />
digs per game and 0.64 blocks per game ... Matched her<br />
career high with seven kills against Auburn ... Also tied<br />
her career-best digs with 18 against Valparaiso ... Totaled<br />
936 assists on the year to bring her career total to 2,615,<br />
which ranks sixth on the UK career charts ... Was named<br />
to the Dean’s list for the Spring <strong>2005</strong> semester.<br />
2003 – Played in all 126 games as UK’s only setter ...<br />
Averaged 12.39 assists per game and totaled 1,561 assists<br />
on the year, which ranks third in the single-season<br />
records at UK ... Moved into the top-10 for career assists<br />
with 1,679, which ranks eighth after only two seasons ...<br />
Was named Most Valuable Player <strong>of</strong> the Cyclone Challenge<br />
... Totaled a career-high 71 assists in a 3-2 win over<br />
LSU ... Recorded a career-best 18 digs against Virginia ...<br />
Had two six-block games to set a new career best ...<br />
Topped the 60-assist mark six times ... Was named to the<br />
SEC Academic Honor Roll and the dean’s list for the<br />
spring semester.<br />
2002 – Played in 12 matches as the reserve setter in<br />
2002, earning two starts… .Recorded 13 kills in her<br />
first year <strong>of</strong> collegiate volleyball, averaging a .235 hitting<br />
percentage… Averaged 3.93 assists per game and<br />
1.4 digs per game… Her best match <strong>of</strong> the season<br />
came on Sept. 21 vs. Oral Roberts where she recorded<br />
four kills, 34 assists and nine digs while hitting .273…<br />
Was named to the Southeastern Conference Academic<br />
Honor Roll.<br />
2001 - Redshirt season.<br />
High School - Received second-team All-State honors<br />
in Indiana her senior season in leading Noblesville<br />
to a 24-10 record... She was a four-time all-conference<br />
and all-county selection and two-time county player <strong>of</strong><br />
the year... Marcum was chosen as the Indianapolis<br />
Metro North Co-Player <strong>of</strong> the Year both her junior<br />
and senior seasons ... Also played forward on her High<br />
School basketball team for two seasons and was named<br />
first team All-County, Conference and Metro North...<br />
Coached in high school by her father, Joe Marcum…<br />
Played club volleyball at Munciana under Coach Dave<br />
Pilkington.<br />
Personal - Full name is Leigh Allison Marcum ...<br />
Daughter <strong>of</strong> Joe and Debbie Marcum… Born May 13,<br />
1983 in Noblesville, Ind. ... Has one younger sister,<br />
Lynn (19).<br />
Marcum’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2002 30-12 13 5 34 .235 0.43 118 3.93 15 6 9 5 42 1.40 1 5 6 0.20<br />
2003 126-32 88 37 228 .224 0.70 1561 12.39 66 26 38 2 234 1.86 3 48 51 0.40<br />
2004 76-23 54 21 155 .213 0.71 936 12.32 39 14 26 1 171 2.25 7 42 49 0.64<br />
Totals 232-67 155 63 417 .221 0.67 2615 11.27 120 46 73 8 447 1.93 11 95 106 0.46<br />
50 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#8 • Danielle Wallace<br />
Senior • 3VL • 6-2 • Outside Hitter • Port Charlotte, Fla. • Out <strong>of</strong> Door Academy • Club Team: White Sands • Major: Pharmacy<br />
Career Highs<br />
Kills: 27, vs. Central Michigan<br />
(9/18/04)<br />
Attacks: 60, vs. Purdue (9/18/04)<br />
Hit %: 1.000, Twice -<br />
Last vs. Ole Miss (10/5/03)<br />
Aces: 2, Four times -<br />
Last vs. American (11/27/04)<br />
Blocks: 7, vs. LSU (10/24/04)<br />
Digs: 15, vs. LSU (10/17/03)<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Kills: 27, vs. Central Michigan (9/18)<br />
Attacks: 60, vs. Purdue (9/18)<br />
Hit %: .615, vs. Indiana State (9/11)<br />
Aces: 2, Three times -<br />
Last vs. American (11/27/04)<br />
Blocks: 7, vs. LSU (10/24)<br />
Digs: 9, vs. South Carolina (10/1)<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“I say <strong>Kentucky</strong> because <strong>of</strong> the amazing support<br />
system that surrounds this athletic program. I truly<br />
feel like people are looking out for my well-being and<br />
care about me. The support extends past my teammates<br />
and coaches and I think that's something<br />
unique about this school. Every person I interact<br />
with in the department has been so sincere and helpful<br />
in making my time here go as smoothly as possible.<br />
So, why <strong>Kentucky</strong>? Because I wouldn't be happy<br />
anywhere else!”<br />
Coach Skinner on Wallace:<br />
“Dani has an opportunity to be one <strong>of</strong> the leading<br />
attackers in the SEC. Her physicality and arm speed will<br />
allow her to be one <strong>of</strong> the elite players in this conference.<br />
She has worked extremely hard since January to make an<br />
impact in her senior season.”<br />
2004 – Saw action in all 30 matches and played in<br />
109 games ... Was second on the team in hitting percentage<br />
with a .256 mark ... Averaged 3.62 kills per game<br />
and 0.72 blocks per contest ... Her 395 kills for the year<br />
were the second-most on the squad ... Posted a careerhigh<br />
27 kills against Central Michigan ... Had a personal-best<br />
seven blocks against LSU in October ... Had<br />
double-figure kills on 21 occassions, including 13 <strong>of</strong> the<br />
first 14 matches <strong>of</strong> the year ... Her kills average ranked<br />
10th in the conference.<br />
2003 – Played in 26 matches as a sophomore totaling<br />
70 games ... Averaged 3.13 kills per game on .237 hitting<br />
for the season ... Posted a career-high 23 kills on .260 hitting<br />
against Auburn ... Recorded double-figure kills on 10<br />
occassions including 19 kills on .533 hitting at Tennessee<br />
... Also had six double-doubles on the year including a 16-<br />
kill, 13-dig performance at UNLV in the season’s final<br />
tournament ... Had a career-best 15 digs against LSU ...<br />
Was named to the Southeastern Conference Academic<br />
Honor Roll and represented volleyball on UK’s Student-<br />
Athlete Advisory Committee ... Was named to the CoSI-<br />
DA Academic All-District second team.<br />
2002 – Played in eight matches with one start in her<br />
first season… Saw her first collegiate action against<br />
Western Michigan, recording two kills, four digs and<br />
three blocks… Had eight kills, a career-best, against Oral<br />
Roberts on Sept. 21… Averaged 1.31 kills per game and<br />
0.85 digs per game.<br />
High School – A two-year letter winner at Out <strong>of</strong> Door<br />
after lettering her sophomore season at Charlotte… Was a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> district championship squads at both schools<br />
and was named team MVP at ODA ias a junior and senior<br />
… Named Herald-Tribune Player <strong>of</strong> the Year for the quadcounty<br />
area as a senior and first-team All-State… Also was<br />
named to the Herald-Tribune All-County team and Team<br />
Florida, comprised <strong>of</strong> the top-12 players from the state…<br />
Was an AAU All-American for the under-17 division in<br />
2000… Also played basketball, s<strong>of</strong>tball and ran track during<br />
high school… Was a member <strong>of</strong> the National Honor<br />
Society.. Coached in high school by Jeff Horr… Played club<br />
volleyball at Whitesands under Coach Sean Ford.<br />
Personal – Full name is Danielle Loren Wallace ...<br />
Daughter <strong>of</strong> Wayne and Nina Wallace… Born Sept.<br />
30, 1984 in North Miami, Fla. ... Has one younger sister,<br />
Caitlyn (7) ... Has been named to the dean’s list six<br />
times at UK ... Was accepted to UK’s College <strong>of</strong> Pharmacy<br />
in the spring <strong>of</strong> <strong>2005</strong> and will begin the four-year<br />
program in Fall <strong>2005</strong>.<br />
Wallace’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2002 13-8 17 15 53 .038 1.31 1 0.08 1 0 3 2 11 0.85 1 2 3 0.23<br />
2003 70-26 219 97 514 .237 3.13 8 0.11 1 6 16 9 116 1.66 2 19 21 0.30<br />
2004 109-30 395 147 969 .256 3.62 27 0.25 8 7 30 4 74 0.68 6 73 73 0.72<br />
Totals 192-64 631 259 1536 .242 3.29 36 0.19 10 13 49 15 201 1.05 9 94 103 0.54<br />
52 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#10 • Jenni Casper<br />
Junior • 2VL • 5-3 • Libero/Defensive Specialist • Louisville, Ky. • Mercy Academy • Club Team: KIVA • Major: Undeclared<br />
Career Highs<br />
Digs: 33, vs. Auburn (11/2/03)<br />
Kills: 4, vs. American (11/27/04)<br />
Attacks: 18, vs. American (11/27/04)<br />
Hit %: 1.000, vs. Florida (10/24/03)<br />
Assists: 6, Twice -<br />
Last vs. South Carolina (10/1/04)<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Digs: 30, vs. South Carolina (10/1)<br />
Kills: 4, vs. American (11/27)<br />
Attacks: 18, vs. American (11/27)<br />
Hit %: .111, vs. South Carolina (10/1)<br />
Assists: 6, vs. South Carolina (10/1)<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“I chose <strong>Kentucky</strong> because it felt like home and<br />
it was close to home. UK was the perfect place for<br />
me, because it gave me an opportunity to succeed in<br />
athletics and in academics. I am so happy with my<br />
decision, I love it here!”<br />
Coach Skinner on Casper:<br />
“Jenni is a very talented athlete who has proven that<br />
she can play the libero position with the best. She has led<br />
the conference in digs for most <strong>of</strong> her<br />
career and will be relied on heavily<br />
again this year.”<br />
2004 – Played in all 30 matches as<br />
a sophomore, including a team-high<br />
111 games ... Totaled 478 digs on the<br />
season, which ranked second in the<br />
conference ... Her 4.39 dpg average in<br />
league play was best in the SEC ...<br />
Had double-figure digs in all but four<br />
matches ... Topped the 20-dig mark<br />
on 11 times on the season ... Also<br />
totaled 17 service aces on the year,<br />
including three at Arkansas ... Has<br />
totaled 951 career digs, which already<br />
ranks ninth in school history.<br />
2003 – Was named the first-ever<br />
SEC Defensive Player <strong>of</strong> the Year ...<br />
Also was named to the All-SEC First<br />
Team and the All-SEC Freshman<br />
Team ... Totaled 473 digs on the season,<br />
the third-highest single-season<br />
total in UK history ... Her single-season<br />
total was the most by a Wildcat<br />
since 1993 ... Had a season-best 33<br />
digs in UK’s win at Auburn ... Had<br />
double-figure digs in 25 <strong>of</strong> UK’s 32<br />
matches and topped the 20-dig mark<br />
seven times ... Recorded a season-high<br />
six assists in UK’s win over Mississippi<br />
State in October ... Had one kill<br />
against Florida, a then-career-best.<br />
High School – Was named second-team<br />
All-State as a senior while<br />
earning All-Region and All-District<br />
honors… Also was recognized as honorable<br />
mention Academic All-State in 2003… As a<br />
junior, was named All-Region and All-State while being<br />
named an AAU All-American… Played high school volleyball<br />
under coach Ken Garvey… Finished her club<br />
career at the <strong>Kentucky</strong>-Indiana Volleyball Academy<br />
under Coach Dan Palmer.<br />
Personal – Full name is Jennifer Marie Casper ...<br />
Daughter <strong>of</strong> Will and Judy Casper… Born Nov. 8, 1984<br />
in Louisville, Ky… Has one older sister, Kelly (25)…<br />
Her father played college basketball and ran track at<br />
Lambuth College… Her uncle, Virgil Casper, played<br />
college basketball at Indiana <strong>University</strong>-Southeast.<br />
Casper’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2003 126-32 1 4 45 -.067 0.01 48 0.38 3 0 0 56 473 3.75 0 0 0 0.00<br />
2004 111-30 6 9 68 -.044 0.05 41 0.37 5 17 61 41 478 4.31 0 2 2 0.02<br />
Totals 237-62 7 13 113 -.053 0.03 89 0.38 8 17 61 107 951 4.01 0 2 2 0.01<br />
54 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
#5 • Julie Gagnon<br />
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Junior • 2VL • 5-9 • Outside Hitter • Wheaton, Ill. • Wheaton Warrenville South HS • Club Team: West Suburban • Major: Elementary Education<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“In my search for a college, <strong>Kentucky</strong> seemed like<br />
a good fit for me. I was looking for a big school that<br />
was far enough away from home that my parents<br />
couldn't come visit me every weekend:) When I<br />
came to visit UK, I felt <strong>Kentucky</strong> would give me a<br />
fun college volleyball experience as well as give me an<br />
opportunity to satisfy my academic goals.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Gagnon:<br />
"Julie has an incredible work ethic and is a great<br />
example <strong>of</strong> the blue-collar attitude that we<br />
are developing within our program. I predict<br />
she will have a breakout year in <strong>2005</strong><br />
at both the defensive specialist and outside<br />
hitter positions."<br />
2004 – Saw playing time in 27<br />
matches and 87 games ... Was an important<br />
defensive reserve player ... Totaled<br />
177 digs on the season to go with 42<br />
kills ... Recorded a career-high 13 digs<br />
twice in SEC play ... Had a career performance<br />
against American in the season<br />
finale, notching 14 kills and 10 digs for<br />
her first career double-double ... Had<br />
nine kills on .421 hitting in the SEC<br />
closer at Alabama.<br />
2003 – Played in 20 matches as a<br />
freshman, totaling 40 games, primarily<br />
in a defensive specialist role ... Had a<br />
season-high eight digs and two kills<br />
against Hawaii ... Had five digs against<br />
South Carolina in Columbia and vs.<br />
Western Illinois at the Cyclone Challenge<br />
... Was named to the dean’s list for<br />
the spring semester.<br />
High School – Was named All-State<br />
by the Illinois High School <strong>Athletics</strong><br />
Association in 2002 and earned All-Tournament<br />
team honors after leading her<br />
team to a fourth-place finish in the state<br />
tournament … Was unanimously named<br />
All-Conference in 2001 and 2002 …<br />
Was recognized as the 2002 Illinois<br />
Gatorade Player <strong>of</strong> the Year … Was a<br />
Chicago Tribune All-State honorable<br />
mention as a junior and a senior … Was named<br />
Defensive Player <strong>of</strong> the Year for her team as a senior as<br />
well as Best Digger, Best Passer and Best Hitter as a<br />
junior and a senior … Played high school volleyball for<br />
Bill Schreier … Played club volleyball at West Suburban<br />
Volleyball Club under Coach April Carroll …<br />
Also was named Scholastic All-Conference.<br />
Personal – Full name is Julie Kristine Gagnon ...<br />
Daughter <strong>of</strong> Bob and Heidi Gagnon ... Born Sept.<br />
28, 1984 in LaGrange, Ill. ... Has an older sister,<br />
Jacqueline (22), and two younger sisters, Megan (18)<br />
and Morgan (7) ... Has been named to the Dean’s list<br />
twice at UK.<br />
Career Highs<br />
Kills: 14, vs. American (11/27/04)<br />
Attacks: 30, vs. American<br />
(11/27/04)<br />
Hit %: 1.000, Twice -<br />
Last vs. Purdue (9/18/04)<br />
Aces: 2, vs. East Tennessee St.<br />
(9/17/04)<br />
Blocks: 3, vs. Alabama (11/14/04)<br />
Digs: 13, Twice - Last vs. South<br />
Carolina (10/31/04)<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Kills: 14, vs. American (11/27)<br />
Attacks: 30, vs. American (11/27)<br />
Hit %: 1.000, Twice -<br />
Last vs. Purdue (9/18)<br />
Aces: 2, vs. East Tennessee St. (9/17)<br />
Blocks: 3, vs. Alabama (11/14)<br />
Digs: 13, Twice - Last vs.<br />
South Carolina (10/31)<br />
Gagnon’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2003 40-20 4 1 11 .273 0.10 4 0.10 1 0 2 9 42 1.05 0 0 0 0.00<br />
2004 87-27 42 21 120 .175 0.48 26 0.30 6 9 16 19 177 2.03 0 5 5 0.06<br />
Totals 127-47 46 22 131 .183 0.36 30 0.24 7 9 18 28 219 1.72 0 5 5 0.04<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 55
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#1 • Melissa Popp<br />
Junior • 2VL • 5-11 • Outside Hitter • Indianapolis, Ind. • Bishop Chatard HS • Club Team: Circle City • Major: Biology<br />
Career Highs<br />
Kills: 21, Four times<br />
Attacks: 52, vs. Tennessee<br />
(11/7/03)<br />
Hit %: .500, vs. Tennessee<br />
(10/29/04)<br />
Aces: 5, vs. Iowa (9/6/03)<br />
Blocks: 4, Twice -<br />
Last vs. South Carolina (10/8/03)<br />
Digs: 16, Twice -<br />
Last vs. South Carolina (10/1/04)<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Kills: 11, Twice - Last vs. LSU<br />
(10/24)<br />
Attacks: 37, vs. South Carolina (10/1)<br />
Hit %: .500, vs. Tennessee (10/29)<br />
Aces: 2, Twice - Last vs. Arkansas<br />
(10/22)<br />
Blocks: 3, vs. Auburn (9/26)<br />
Digs: 16, vs. South Carolina<br />
(10/1)<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“On October 27, 2002, I sat in the stands in<br />
Memorial Colesium and watched as the <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
volleyball team defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in a<br />
close five-game match. Despite what was happening<br />
on the court, the best part, for me, was what was<br />
going on in the stands. The fans were amazing. Students<br />
were cheering and getting rowdy over the littlest<br />
plays, parents were starting all the cheers, and<br />
most importantly the team seemed to be playing for<br />
not only themselves, but for the pride <strong>of</strong> all <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
athletics. I knew then, that there was no other place<br />
for me. <strong>Kentucky</strong> would be home and I would make<br />
it my job to continue the UK tradition and make our<br />
fans proud.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Popp:<br />
"Melissa is extremely excited to get back on the<br />
court healthy again. She will be an integral part <strong>of</strong><br />
what we do this season. Melissa sees the game at a very<br />
high level which enables her to do things on the court<br />
which others can't."<br />
2004 – Played in just 14 matches and 36 games due<br />
to reccuring shoulder problems ... Had a season-high 11<br />
kills on two occassions, including a .417 hitting performance<br />
against Auburn at home ... Followed with eight<br />
kills and a career-best 16 digs at South Carolina ... Played<br />
her last match <strong>of</strong> the year against No. 16 Tennessee on<br />
Oct. 29, recording six kills on .500 hitting - a career best.<br />
2003 – Was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team<br />
... Played in all 32 matches as a freshman, totaling 120<br />
games ... Was third on the team in kills (369), second in<br />
assists per game (0.52) and third in points (426.5) ...<br />
Was named to the <strong>Kentucky</strong> Conference Challenge All-<br />
Tournament team after totaling 40 kills and 30 digs in<br />
the three-match event ... Had a season-high 21 kills on<br />
four occasions ... Had a career-best 16 digs against SMU<br />
... Totaled 21 kills on .405 hitting against Mississippi<br />
State ... Had double-figure digs 13 times ... Had 11 double-doubles<br />
as a freshman ... Scored a season-best 26.5<br />
points for UK in the win over LSU in Lexington ...<br />
Underwent <strong>of</strong>fseason shoulder surgery.<br />
High School – A four-year varsity letter winner and<br />
two-year co-captain for Bishop Chatard … Was named<br />
the 2003 City Athlete <strong>of</strong> the Year for all sports by the<br />
Indianapolis Star after leading the Trojans to a 34-3<br />
record … Also was named the 2001 and 2002 City Volleyball<br />
Player <strong>of</strong> the Year by the Star … Named firstteam<br />
All-State and All-City in 2000, 2001 and 2002 …<br />
Was named to the first-team <strong>of</strong> the area Super Team in<br />
2001 and 2002 and was named Player <strong>of</strong> the Year for<br />
the team in 2002 … Earned 2002 North Suburban<br />
Player <strong>of</strong> the Year honors and to the 2001 and 2002<br />
Indiana South All-Star teams … Also earned three varsity<br />
letters in basketball and was twice named All-City<br />
in both the media and coaches' poll … Led the Indianapolis<br />
metro area in scoring and rebounding as a<br />
junior and a senior … Was a four-year varsity letterwinner<br />
in track as well … Her high school coach was Jill<br />
Starliper, who played high school volleyball under UK<br />
coach Jona Braden … Played club volleyball at Circle<br />
City for Coach Mark Britner.<br />
Personal – Full name is Melissa Blair Popp ... Daughter<br />
<strong>of</strong> Rich and Betty Popp … Born March 22, 1985 in<br />
Billings, Mont. … Has a younger sister, Whitney (18)<br />
and a younger brother, Drew (17) ... Has been named to<br />
the dean’s list twice at UK.<br />
Popp’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2003 120-32 369 197 984 .175 3.08 63 0.52 4 36 0.30 26 249 2.08 2 39 41 0.34<br />
2004 36-14 49 31 182 .099 1.36 8 0.22 0 4 0.11 6 63 1.75 0 11 11 0.31<br />
Totals 156-46 418 228 1166 .163 2.68 71 0.46 4 40 0.26 32 312 2.00 2 50 52 0.33<br />
56 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
#2 Kathleen Bowler<br />
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Sophomore • 1VL • 5-4 • DS/Libero • Naperville, Ill. • Naperville North HS • Club Team: GLC Select • Major: Undeclared<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“Walking into Memorial Coliseum, it is acknowledged<br />
that the dedicated scholar athletes before me<br />
have poured their hearts into every aspect <strong>of</strong> intercollegiate<br />
competition. Blue pride is passed down as<br />
a tradition and a way <strong>of</strong> life because every Wildcat<br />
holds themselves accountable to expectations. I cannot<br />
see myself anywhere but <strong>Kentucky</strong> and am honored<br />
to be wearing blue today.”<br />
Coach Skinner<br />
on Bowler:<br />
“Kathleen has the heart<br />
<strong>of</strong> a lion and incredible<br />
athletic ability. We anticipate<br />
her being a great contributor<br />
for us defensively.<br />
She puts in overtime in<br />
practice to improve all<br />
parts <strong>of</strong> her game.”<br />
2004 – Walk-on player<br />
who saw important time in<br />
23 matches for the Wildcats<br />
... Had 75 digs on the<br />
year, including a seasonbest<br />
12 against American in<br />
the season closer ... Had 11<br />
digs against Fresno State<br />
early in the season ...<br />
Played two games at libero<br />
against 23rd-ranked<br />
Louisville, adding eight<br />
digs for UK.<br />
High School – Was<br />
named most valuable player<br />
on her team as both a<br />
junior and senior, while<br />
guiding her team to two<br />
conference championships<br />
… Was named honorable<br />
mention All-Area by the<br />
Daily Herald… Helped<br />
guide the Huskies to the<br />
2004 regional, sectional<br />
and super sectional titles<br />
and a fifth-place finish in<br />
the Illinois State Championship … Also was named<br />
honorable mention All-Conference as a senior …<br />
Served as a captain for the track team as a senior, while<br />
finishing 15th in the 4 x 400 relay at the state championships<br />
… Played high school volleyball under coach<br />
Ric Krebs … Played at GLC Select Volleyball Club<br />
under coach Adam Beck.<br />
Personal – Daughter <strong>of</strong> Pat and Pam Bowler …<br />
Born Aug. 5, 1986 in Arlington Heights, Ill. … Has<br />
two sisters – Amy (25) and Kelsey (15), and one<br />
brother, Kevin (21). Sister Amy played college volleyball<br />
at Arizona State.<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Kills: 1, vs. Fresno State (9/4)<br />
Attacks: 2, vs. Fresno State (9/4)<br />
Hit %: .500, vs. Fresno State (9/4)<br />
Aces: 2, Twice - Last vs. American<br />
(11/27)<br />
Blocks: None<br />
Digs: 12, vs. American (11/27)<br />
Bowler’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2004 57-23 1 3 9 -.222 0.02 9 0.16 3 5 10 11 75 1.32 0 0 0 0.00<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 57
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#7 Kristen Cunningham<br />
Sophomore • 1VL • 6-0 • Middle Blocker • Fairfax Station, Va. • Robinson Secondary School • Club Team: Wilson Metro Virginia • Major: Marketing<br />
2004 Highs<br />
Kills: 8, Twice - Last vs. American<br />
(11/27)<br />
Attacks: 19, vs. Alabama (9/24)<br />
Hit %: .667, vs. East Tennessee St.<br />
(9/17)<br />
Aces: 1, vs. Eastern <strong>Kentucky</strong> (9/1)<br />
Blocks: 9, vs. Middle Tennessee St.<br />
(9/4)<br />
Digs: 3, vs. Mississippi St. (10/15)<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>? The question should be correctly<br />
stated as ‘Why anywhere else?’ <strong>Kentucky</strong> has<br />
it all—the people, the excitement, the atmosphere,<br />
the history. From its strong academic base to its<br />
prestigious, nationally acclaimed academics program,<br />
UK meets and exceeds the expectations and<br />
standards <strong>of</strong> a Class A university. Being able to be<br />
a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball and to contribute to<br />
such a divine school was an opportunity I just<br />
couldn’t give up.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Cunningham:<br />
“Kristen is our most fundamentally<br />
sound blocker at the middle position. Her<br />
blocking will allow our defense to go to<br />
another level. She also has a tremendous<br />
work ethic which help her reach new levels<br />
each season.”<br />
2004 – Played in 29 <strong>of</strong> UK’s 30 matches<br />
as a freshman, totaling 109 games ... Led<br />
the team in blocking with a 0.94 per game<br />
average ... Had 23 blocks in three matches<br />
early in the year ... recorded a season-high<br />
nine blocks against Middle Tennessee ...<br />
Posted a season-best eight kills on two occassions<br />
and had her best hitting performance<br />
against East Tennessee State with a .667<br />
mark ... Had three solo blocks and two block<br />
assists in the season finale against American<br />
... Also added eight kills on .412 hitting in<br />
the closer.<br />
High School – Played just two years <strong>of</strong><br />
high school volleyball after a standout career<br />
as a basketball player and swimmer …<br />
Helped guide her team to the Final Four <strong>of</strong><br />
the state championships in 2003, earning alldistrict<br />
and all-region tournament honors …<br />
Was the leading blocker for Robinson and<br />
becomes the first volleyball athlete from her<br />
school to earn a Division I scholarship …<br />
Earned the Team Spirit Award and was a<br />
four-year scholar athlete … Was heavily<br />
involved in the student marketing association<br />
and taught swimming to youngsters in<br />
the summer … Played high school volleyball<br />
under coach Jill Pearson and club volleyball at Metro<br />
Virginia under coach Brian Whitney.<br />
Personal – Full Name is Kristen Anne Cunningham<br />
… Daughter <strong>of</strong> Rob and Linda Cunningham … Born<br />
July 2, 1986 in Fairfax, Va. … Has one brother Cliff (24)<br />
and one sister Cara (9) … Her mother, Linda, was an All-<br />
American diver at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Texas … Her father,<br />
Rob, was a part <strong>of</strong> the Texas basketball team which<br />
claimed the 1978 NIT Championship … Grandfather<br />
Bob was captain and starting guard for the 1957 NCAA<br />
Champion North Carolina Tar Heels … Grandmother<br />
Minna Hamner is a former Olympic swimmer … Pete<br />
Hamner, Kristen’s uncle, was a pitcher for the New York<br />
Mets ... Has been named to the Dean’s list once at UK.<br />
Cunningham’s Career Stats<br />
Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG<br />
2004 109-29 85 48 272 .136 0.78 5 0.05 3 1 3 2 18 0.17 8 94 102 0.94<br />
58 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#20 • Queen Nzenwa<br />
RS Freshman • HS • 6-2 • Middle Blocker • Baltimore, Md. • Kenwood HS • Club Team: Time Out • Major: Biology<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“<strong>Kentucky</strong> is a place with friendly people. It provides<br />
good education and an excellent athletic volleyball<br />
program. It is where you find amazing athletes<br />
with the heart <strong>of</strong> “go-getters,” who bust their tails<br />
everyday to make winning possible. These athletes<br />
understand the concept <strong>of</strong> “pain is temporary and<br />
pride is forever.” UK provides lots <strong>of</strong> opportunities<br />
during and after your years in <strong>Kentucky</strong>. It is a great<br />
place to expand continuously in anything you set<br />
your mind to. And most <strong>of</strong> all, it has the coolest mascot<br />
anybody would ever encounter, and besides blue<br />
and white looks good on me. So go ahead and answer<br />
the call <strong>of</strong> the WILDCAT, and bleed blue too.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Nzenwa:<br />
"Obviously, Queen has the athletic ability to be a difference-maker<br />
in this sport. We are going to put her in<br />
positions and situations to take advantage <strong>of</strong> her physicality<br />
at the net."<br />
2003 – Sat out season as a redshirt ... Underwent<br />
surgery in the fall and returned to practice with the team<br />
during the spring season.<br />
High School – Was twice named the MVP <strong>of</strong> her<br />
high school squad … Was named All-Baltimore<br />
County/City First Team in 2003 and to the second<br />
team in 2002 … Helped guide the Bluebirds to the<br />
2003 and 2004 regional titles ... Was a member <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Senior All-Stars squad in 2004 … Also was four-time<br />
MVP <strong>of</strong> her high school track team … Earned the<br />
Baltimore County high jump title in each <strong>of</strong> her four<br />
years, while earning two shot put titles and twice<br />
earning regional high jump championships … Was<br />
named MVP <strong>of</strong> her high school basketball squad as a<br />
senior, while earning top rebounding honors three<br />
times … Was a member <strong>of</strong> National Honor Society,<br />
Students Against Destructive Decisions and Sports<br />
Science Academy … Was coached in high school by<br />
Dennis Shields … Played club volleyball at Time Out<br />
under coach Ian Blanchard.<br />
Personal – Daughter <strong>of</strong> Okechukwu and Gloria<br />
Nzenwa … Born Feb. 20, 1986 in Lagos, Nigeria.<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 59
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#14 • Tess Edwards<br />
Freshman • HS • 6-0 • Setter • Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • All Saints Catholic HS • Club Team: National Capitals/Ottawa Kangaroos • Major: Communications<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“If I was going to come south, I wanted to make<br />
absolutely sure that I would be coached by the very<br />
best people in a program where the athletes and the<br />
team were well supported by the school. <strong>Kentucky</strong><br />
has such a great sporting reputation and Craig, Robbie<br />
and Jenae are just exactly the type <strong>of</strong> people that<br />
I wanted to spend the next few years <strong>of</strong> my life with.<br />
Coaches! Conference! Cats! <strong>Kentucky</strong>!”<br />
Coach Skinner on Edwards:<br />
“Tess is a gifted player and a great teammate. She<br />
will do whatever it takes to make an impact in our<br />
program right away and compete to be our starting<br />
setter. She is one <strong>of</strong> only a few setters at the Division<br />
I level who has the ability to excel in all areas <strong>of</strong> the<br />
setting position.”<br />
Games in 2004 and was one <strong>of</strong> only 20 athletes invited<br />
to train with the 2004 Canadian Junior National Team<br />
... Was awarded the <strong>2005</strong> Evelyn Holick Award, presented<br />
annually at the Ontario Championships to a female<br />
youth-division athlete who demonstrates the qualities <strong>of</strong><br />
determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship<br />
and fair play ... Is left-handed ... Club coach was<br />
Cathy O’Doherty.<br />
Personal – Full name is Tessa Louise Audrey Edwards<br />
... Daughter <strong>of</strong> Paul and Eva Edwards… Born Dec. 4,<br />
1987 in Ottawa, Ontario … Has four sisters - Christina<br />
(19), Laura (14), Grace (7) and Holly (4) and one brother<br />
- Dean (12).<br />
High School – Was a four-time Ontario Volleyball<br />
Association Award <strong>of</strong> Excellence recipient ... A two-time<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the Ontario Provincial team ... Served as the<br />
captain for her club teams for five <strong>of</strong> six seasons ... Was<br />
a member <strong>of</strong> the Region 6 Team at the Ontario Summer<br />
#9 • Ashlee Fisher<br />
Freshman • HS • 5-11 • Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter • West Bend, Wisc. • West Bend West HS • Club Team: Milwaukee Sting • Major: Undeclared<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“I chose <strong>Kentucky</strong> because this place simply fits<br />
me. The girls on the team were so friendly and<br />
made me feel at home right away. I really liked the<br />
campus, and Lexington itself is so beautiful with all<br />
the horse farms around. I knew right away I wanted<br />
be a part <strong>of</strong> UK.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Fisher:<br />
"Ashlee has great jumping ability and has just begun<br />
playing outside hitter this year. We believe that she can<br />
play that position very well in college and we look forward<br />
to coaching her."<br />
Played for the Milwaukee Sting club program and<br />
helped guide her 15-Open team to a third-place finish at<br />
nationals and her 16-Open team took second at nationals<br />
in 2003, where she earned All-America honors ... Was<br />
coached at West Bend West by Laurie Scholemer ... Was<br />
coached at Milwaukee Sting by Doug Hext.<br />
Personal – Daughter <strong>of</strong> Mark and Laura Fisher …<br />
Born Sept. 27, 1986 in Fort Washington, Wisc. ... Has<br />
two sisters - Hilaree (13) and Emilee (8) and one brother<br />
- Jonathan (10).<br />
High School – Helped guide her squad to the Wisconsin<br />
state title match in 2004, earning all-tournament<br />
team honors ... Was named second-team All-Conference<br />
in the Little Ten and earned All-County recognition as a<br />
senior ... Also was named West Bend West's most valuable<br />
player in 2004 ... Was named fifth-team All-State by<br />
the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches’ Association in 2004<br />
... Was a three-year letterwinner in volleyball and also<br />
earned a high school letters in track and basketball ...<br />
60 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
#11 • Alisa Pierce<br />
Freshman • HS • 5-7 • Libero/Defensive Specialist • Louisville, Ky. • Pleasure Ridge Park HS • Club Team: KIVA • Major: Pre-Pharmacy<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“I chose <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> because it's a<br />
school rich in tradition. I'm excited to be able to play<br />
near my hometown <strong>of</strong> Louisville, so I can see my<br />
family more <strong>of</strong>ten. The coaches are amazing and I<br />
couldn't imagine playing volleyball for anyone else. I<br />
know it's an exciting time to be a Wildcat!”<br />
Coach Skinner on Pierce:<br />
“Alisa has the mentality and competitiveness that<br />
we are looking for in the libero position. She has<br />
played club at the highest level which will help her<br />
come in and compete for immediate playing time.”<br />
her high school all four years ... Was coached at PRP<br />
by cousin Leslie Drury Prather ... Was coached at<br />
KIVA by Annie Filley.<br />
Personal – Full name is Alisa Shayne Pierce ...<br />
Daughter <strong>of</strong> Monica Tabor and Jim Pierce … Born Dec.<br />
21, 1986 in Louisville, Ky. ... Her mother played college<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tball at Louisville … Her cousins, Lesley Drury<br />
Prather and Sarah Drury, both played volleyball at<br />
Louisville ... Sarah was a two-time member <strong>of</strong> the US<br />
National Team ... Her aunt, Joan Burks, played s<strong>of</strong>tball<br />
and basketball at Louisville.<br />
High School – Played outside hitter in high school,<br />
but will transition to a defensive role at <strong>Kentucky</strong> ...<br />
Was a two-time first-team All-State selection and a<br />
standout club player at <strong>Kentucky</strong> Indiana Volleyball<br />
Association ... Was named to the All-District and All-<br />
Region teams in each <strong>of</strong> her four seasons as a Panther<br />
and was a second-team All-State selection in 2001 ...<br />
Was named a Junior Olympic All-American in 2004<br />
and 2002 ... Also been a member <strong>of</strong> the honor roll at<br />
#12 • Erin Turner<br />
Freshman • HS • 6-0 • Outside Hitter • Winnetka, Calif. • Bishop Alemany HS • Club Team: Santa Monica Beach Club • Major: Physical Therapy<br />
Why <strong>Kentucky</strong>?<br />
“I picked <strong>Kentucky</strong> for the challenge <strong>of</strong> playing at<br />
a top Division I school while also experiencing a different<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the country. When I visited <strong>Kentucky</strong>,<br />
the campus and city <strong>of</strong> Lexington were beautiful. I<br />
love the sense <strong>of</strong> community at the school and was<br />
very impressed with the athletic department and all<br />
the people I met.”<br />
Coach Skinner on Turner:<br />
“Erin is a complete volleyball player who can execute,<br />
at a high level, the skills <strong>of</strong> an outside hitter. We are looking<br />
forward to seeing her blossom as a Wildcat.”<br />
High School – Earned four varsity volleyball letters at<br />
Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, Calif. ...<br />
Finished her career by being named first-team All-Mission<br />
League in 2004, while earning her team’s Best<br />
Offensive Player award ... Won the Vincent Zarcone<br />
Memorial Scholarship, awarded to the top female scholar-athlete<br />
in the school ... Also received the President’s<br />
Award for Educational Excellence as a senior ... Was<br />
named first-team All-Mission League as a junior in 2003<br />
while earning her team's Most Valuable Player award ...<br />
Was a second-team All-Mission League seledtion in<br />
2002 ... Was named a Scholar Athlete in 2001, 2002 and<br />
2003 and was selected as the Best JV Offensive Player in<br />
2001 ... Played club volleyball for Santa Monica Beach<br />
Club where her 17-1 team finished seventh at the Volleyball<br />
Festival in Reno, Nev. in 2004 ... Her 16-1 team<br />
finished 14th overall at the Southern California Volleyball<br />
Association Tournament in 2003 ... Was given a citizenship<br />
award at her school in 2004 for coordinating a<br />
special presentation to the family <strong>of</strong> a volleyball teammate<br />
who was killed in a car accident ...<br />
Personal – Full name is Erin Nicole Turner ... Daughter<br />
<strong>of</strong> Kerry and Kina Turner … Born April 29, 1987 in<br />
Van Nuys, Calif. ... Has one brother - Karl (15) ... Her<br />
father, Kerry, was on the crew team at UCLA.<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 61
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
UK Volleyball: Off the Court<br />
Below: The team<br />
threw t-shirts to the<br />
crowd at a football<br />
game last year.<br />
Above: The group enjoys the rides <strong>of</strong><br />
Disneyland on a trip to<br />
Southern California in November.<br />
Below: These Wildcats enjoyed a<br />
spring break trip together.<br />
Above: Future stars? The Wildcats visited<br />
the HollywoodWalk <strong>of</strong> Fame last year.<br />
Below: The team was in the holiday mood as<br />
the 2004 season winded down.<br />
The squad is<br />
always in the mood<br />
to stop and pose<br />
for a photo.<br />
62 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong>
<strong>2005</strong> Opponents
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
<strong>2005</strong> Opponents<br />
Alabama<br />
Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 20,000<br />
Nickname: Crimson Tide<br />
Colors: Crimson & White<br />
Arena (Capacity): The CAVE (1,000)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Mal Moore<br />
Head Coach: Judy Green<br />
Record at School (years): 147-141 (9 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 543-215 (19 years)<br />
2004 Record: 21-9<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 10-6<br />
(T-1st West)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/3<br />
Newcomers: 5<br />
Volleyball SID: Chris Woodfin<br />
Office Phone: (205) 348-7496<br />
E-mail: cwoodfin@ia.ua.edu<br />
SID Fax: (205) 348-8841<br />
Website: www.rolltide.com<br />
Arkansas<br />
Location: Fayetteville, Ark.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 17,269<br />
Nickname: Lady Razorbacks<br />
Colors: Cardinal & White<br />
Arena (Capacity): Barnhill Arena (9,000)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Bev Lewis<br />
Head Coach: Chris Poole<br />
Record at School (years): 267-117 (11 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 501-186 (18 years)<br />
2004 Record: 17-16<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 10-6<br />
(T-1st West)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/2<br />
Newcomers: 4<br />
Volleyball SID: Jeri Thorpe<br />
Office Phone: (479) 575-5037<br />
E-mail: jthorpe@uark.edu<br />
SID Fax: (479) 575-7410<br />
Website: www.ladybacks.com<br />
Auburn<br />
Location: Auburn, Ala.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 23,152<br />
Nickname: Tigers<br />
Colors: Burnt Orange & Navy<br />
Arena (Capacity): Student Activities Center<br />
(1,320)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Jay Jacobs<br />
Head Coach: Laura Farina<br />
64 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong><br />
Record at School (years): 22-61 (3 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 68-110 (6 years)<br />
2004 Record: 11-16<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 6-10<br />
(4th West)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 6/4<br />
Newcomers: 6<br />
Volleyball SID: Carol White<br />
Office Phone: (334) 844-9800<br />
E-mail: whitecr@auburn.edu<br />
SID Fax: (334) 844-9807<br />
Website: www.auburntigers.com<br />
Brown<br />
Location: Providence, R.I.<br />
Conference: Ivy League<br />
Enrollment: 5,711<br />
Nickname: Bears<br />
Colors: Seal Brown,<br />
Cradinal Red & White<br />
Arena (Capacity): Pizzitola Memorial<br />
Sports Center (2,800)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: David T. Roach<br />
Head Coach: Diane Short<br />
Record at School (years): 144-179 (12 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 144-179 (12 years)<br />
2004 Record: 8-17<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 5-9 (6th)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 11/3<br />
Newcomers: 6<br />
Volleyball SID: Christina O’Brien<br />
Office Phone: (401) 863-6069<br />
E-mail: Christina_OBrien@brown.edu<br />
SID Fax: (401) 863-1436<br />
Website: www.brownbears.ocsn.com<br />
Cincinnati<br />
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio<br />
Conference: Big East<br />
Enrollment: 33,000<br />
Nickname: Bearcats<br />
Colors: Red & Black<br />
Arena (Capacity): Fifth Third Arena (13,176)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Bob Goin<br />
Head Coach: Reed Sunahara<br />
Record at School (years): 119-44 (5 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 138-84 (7 years)<br />
2004 Record: 22-11<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 10-3 (T-2nd)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/5<br />
Newcomers: 4<br />
Volleyball SID: Shawn Sell<br />
Office Phone: (513) 556-0618<br />
E-mail: TBA<br />
SID Fax: (513) 556-0619<br />
Website: www.ucbearcats.com<br />
Clemson<br />
Location: Clemson, S.C.<br />
Conference: Atlantic Coast<br />
Enrollment: 16,911<br />
Nickname: Tigers<br />
Colors: Burnt Orange &<br />
Northwest Purple<br />
Arena (Capacity): Jervey Gym (2,000)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Dr. Terry Don Phillips<br />
Head Coach: Jolene Jordan Hoover<br />
School Record (years): 253-143 (12 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 345-174 (15 years)<br />
2004 Record: 20-14<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 7-9 (T-8th)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 3/4<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 8/6<br />
Newcomers: 5<br />
Volleyball SID: Philip Sikes<br />
Office Phone: (864) 656-1985<br />
E-mail: philips@clemson.edu<br />
SID Fax: (864) 656-0299<br />
Website: www.clemsontigers.com<br />
Connecticut<br />
Location: Storrs, Conn.<br />
Conference: Big East<br />
Enrollment: 25,842<br />
Nickname: Huskies<br />
Colors: National Flag<br />
Blue & White<br />
Arena (Capacity): Gampel Pavilion (10,167)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Jeffrey Hathaway<br />
Head Coach: Holly Strauss<br />
School Record (years): First <strong>Season</strong><br />
Overall Record (years): First <strong>Season</strong><br />
2004 Record: 17-11<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 6-4 (5th)<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/5<br />
Newcomers: 3<br />
Volleyball SID: TBA<br />
Office Phone: (860) 486-4486<br />
E-mail: TBA<br />
SID Fax: (860) 486-5085<br />
Website: www.uconnhuskies.com
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Eastern Illinois<br />
Location: Charleston, Ill.<br />
Conference: Ohio Valley<br />
Enrollment: 11,651<br />
Nickname: Panthers<br />
Colors: Blue & Gray<br />
Arena (Capacity): Lantz Arena (5,300)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Dr. Richard McDuffie<br />
Head Coach: Lori Bennett<br />
School Record (years): 0-0 (First year)<br />
Overall Record (years): 0-0 (First year)<br />
2004 Record: 25-6<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 15-1 (T-1st)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 10/2<br />
Newcomers: 4<br />
Volleyball SID: Ben Turner<br />
Office Phone: (217) 581-7020<br />
E-mail: bwturner@eiu.edu<br />
SID Fax: (217) 581-6434<br />
Website: www.eiu.edu/panthers<br />
Florida<br />
Location: Gainesville, Fla.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 48,673<br />
Nickname: Gators<br />
Colors: Orange & Blue<br />
Arena (Capacity): O’Connell Center (12,000)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Jeremy Foley<br />
Head Coach: Mary Wise<br />
School Record (years): 459-48 (14 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 540-111 (18 years)<br />
2004 Record: 28-5<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 15-1 (T-1st)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/4<br />
Newcomers: 3<br />
Volleyball SID: Mike Vietti<br />
Office Phone: (352) 375-4683 ext. 6120<br />
E-mail: mikev@gators.uaa.ufl.edu<br />
SID Fax: (352) 375-4809<br />
Press Row: (352) 367-1801<br />
Website: www.gatorzone.com<br />
Georgia<br />
Location: Athens, Ga.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 33,405<br />
Nickname: Bulldogs<br />
Colors: Red & Black<br />
Arena (Capacity): Ramsey Center (2,400)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Damon Evans<br />
Head Coach: Steffi Legall<br />
School Record (years): First Year<br />
Overall Record (years): 57-95 (5 years)<br />
2004 Record: 18-12<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 9-7<br />
(3rd East)<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 10/2<br />
Newcomers: 4<br />
Volleyball SID: Tyler Sabo<br />
Office Phone: (706) 542-1621<br />
E-mail: tyler@sports.uga.edu<br />
SID Fax: (706) 542-9339<br />
Website: www.georgiadogs.com<br />
LSU<br />
Location: Baton Rouge, La.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 31,582<br />
Nickname: Tigers<br />
Colors: Purple & Gold<br />
Arena (Capacity): Pete Maravich Assembly<br />
Center (14,164)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Skip Bertman<br />
Head Coach: Fran Flory<br />
School Record (years): 108-101 (7 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 218-215 (14 years)<br />
2004 Record: 17-12<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 8-8<br />
(3rd West)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/4<br />
Newcomers: 6<br />
Volleyball SID: Melissa Reynaud<br />
Office Phone: (225) 578-8226<br />
E-mail: mreynaud@lsu.edu<br />
SID Fax: (225) 578-1861<br />
Website: www.lsusports.net<br />
Louisville<br />
Location: Louisville, Ky.<br />
Conference: Big East<br />
Enrollment: 22,000<br />
Nickname: Cardinals<br />
Colors: Red & Black<br />
Arena (Capacity): Cardinal Arena (840)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Tom Jurich<br />
Head Coach: Leonid Yelin<br />
School Record (years): 225-64 (9 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 339-100 (14 years)<br />
2004 Record: 30-3<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 13-0 (1st)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/2<br />
Newcomers: 3<br />
Volleyball SID: Nancy Worley<br />
Office Phone: (502) 852-6581<br />
E-mail: nasmit01@louisville.edu<br />
SID Fax: (502) 852-7401<br />
Website: www.u<strong>of</strong>lsports.com<br />
Location: Oxford, Miss.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 16,080<br />
Nickname: Lady Rebels<br />
Colors: Cardinal Red<br />
& Navy Blue<br />
Arena (Capacity): Gillom Sports Center (1,000)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Pete Boone<br />
Head Coach: Joe Getzin<br />
School Record (years): 28-60 (3 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 63-119 (5 years)<br />
2004 Record: 10-18<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 2-12<br />
(6th West)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/4<br />
Newcomers: 5<br />
Volleyball SID: Bill Bunting<br />
Office Phone: (662) 915-7522<br />
E-mail: wbunting@olemiss.edu<br />
SID Fax: (662) 915-7006<br />
Website: www.olemisssports.com<br />
Location: Starkville, Miss.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 15,934<br />
Nickname: Bulldogs<br />
Colors: Maroon & White<br />
Arena (Capacity): Newell-<br />
Grissom Building (3,500)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Larry Templeton<br />
Head Coach: Tina Seals<br />
School Record (years): 14-16 (1 year)<br />
Overall Record (years): 14-16 (1 year)<br />
2004 Record: 14-16<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 5-11<br />
(5th West)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/1<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 7/5<br />
Newcomers: 6<br />
Volleyball SID: Joe Dier<br />
Office Phone: (662) 325-0540<br />
E-mail: jbdier@athletics.msstate.edu<br />
SID Fax: (662) 325-3654<br />
Website: www.mstateathletics.com<br />
Location: Morehead, Ky.<br />
Ole Miss<br />
Mississippi State<br />
Fall <strong>2005</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball 65
K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l<br />
Morehead State<br />
Conference: Ohio Valley<br />
Enrollment: 9,509<br />
Nickname: Eagles<br />
Colors: Blue & Gold<br />
Arena (Capacity): Wetherby<br />
Gym (5,000)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Brian Hutchinson<br />
Head Coach: Jaime Gordon<br />
School Record (years): 30-31 (2 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 110-58 (5 years)<br />
2004 Record: 9-20<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 8-8<br />
(6th)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 8/3<br />
Newcomers: 3<br />
Volleyball SID: TBA<br />
Office Phone: (606) 783-2500<br />
E-mail: TBA<br />
SID Fax: (606) 783-8550<br />
Website: www.morehead-st.edu<br />
Northwestern<br />
Location: West Lafayette, Ind.<br />
Conference: Big Ten<br />
Enrollment: 38,847<br />
Nickname: Boilermakers<br />
Colors: Old Gold & Black<br />
Arena (Capacity): Intercollegiate Athletic Facility<br />
(1,696)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Morgan J. Burke<br />
Head Coach: Dave Shondell<br />
School Record (years): 14-17 (1 year)<br />
Overall Record (years): 14-17 (1 year)<br />
2004 Record: 14-17<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 7-13<br />
(8th)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 7/0<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 13/3<br />
Newcomers: 5<br />
Volleyball SID: Wendy Mayer<br />
Office Phone: (765) 494-3919<br />
E-mail: wbroker@purdue.edu<br />
SID Fax: (765) 447-5447<br />
Website: www.purduesports.com<br />
South Carolina<br />
Location: Columbia, S.C.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 23,700<br />
Nickname: Gamecocks<br />
Colors: Garnet & Black<br />
Arena (Capacity): Volleyball Competition<br />
Facility (1,500)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Eric Hyman<br />
Head Coach: Nancy Somera<br />
School Record (years): First Year<br />
Overall Record (years): 77-98 (6 years)<br />
66 <strong>Kentucky</strong> Volleyball Fall <strong>2005</strong><br />
2004 Record: 12-15<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 5-11<br />
(4th East)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 6/1<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/2<br />
Newcomers: 3<br />
Volleyball SID: Ayanna Wakefield<br />
Office Phone: (803) 777-8017<br />
E-mail: ayanna@gwm.sc.edu<br />
SID Fax: (803) 777-2967<br />
Website: www.uscsports.com<br />
Southern Illinois<br />
Location: Carbondale, Ill.<br />
Conference: Missouri Valley<br />
Enrollment: 21,598<br />
Nickname: Salukis<br />
Colors: Maroon & White<br />
Arena (Capacity): Davies Gym (1,250)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Paul Kowalczyk<br />
Head Coach: Brenda Winkeler<br />
School Record (years): 0-0 (First year)<br />
Overall Record (years): 82-22 (5 years)<br />
2004 Record: 9-21<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 6-12<br />
(T-7th)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 10/3<br />
Newcomers: 3<br />
Volleyball SID: Shalae Schulte<br />
Office Phone: (618) 453-7102<br />
E-mail: sschulte@siu.edu<br />
SID Fax: (618) 453-2648<br />
Website: www.siusalukis.com<br />
Tennessee<br />
Location: Knoxville, Tenn.<br />
Conference: Southeastern<br />
Enrollment: 25,058<br />
Nickname: Lady Volunteers<br />
Colors: Orange & White<br />
Arena (Capacity): Stokely <strong>Athletics</strong> Center<br />
(5,000)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Joan Cronan<br />
Head Coach: Rob Patrick<br />
School Record (years): 166-86 (7 years)<br />
Overall Record (years): 166-86 (7 years)<br />
2004 Record: 32-3<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 15-1<br />
(T-1st)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 6/1<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 10/2<br />
Newcomers: 5<br />
Volleyball SID: Matt MacDonald<br />
Office Phone: (865) 974-4275<br />
E-mail: mmacdon5@utk.edu<br />
SID Fax: (865) 974-8875<br />
Website: www.utladyvols.com<br />
Western Carolina<br />
Location: Cullowhee, N.C.<br />
Conference: Southern<br />
Enrollment: 9,000<br />
Nickname: Catamounts<br />
Colors: Purple & Gold<br />
Arena (Capacity): Ramsey Activity Center<br />
(7,826)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Chip Smith<br />
Head Coach: Stephanie Dragan<br />
School Record (years): First Year<br />
Overall Record (years): 189-137 (9 years)<br />
2004 Record: 12-16<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 8-8<br />
(3rd North)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 4/3<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 8/3<br />
Newcomers: 4<br />
Volleyball SID: Daniel Hooker<br />
Office Phone: (828) 227-2336<br />
E-mail: dhooker@wcu.edu<br />
SID Fax: (828) 227-7688<br />
Website: www.catamountsports.com<br />
Wright State<br />
Location: Dayton, Ohio<br />
Conference: Horizon League<br />
Enrollment: 16,729<br />
Nickname: Raiders<br />
Colors: Hunter Green & Gold<br />
Arena (Capacity): McLin Gymnasium (500)<br />
<strong>Athletics</strong> Director: Dr. Michael Cusack<br />
Head Coach: Trina Smith<br />
School Record (years): First Year<br />
Overall Record (years): First Year<br />
2004 Record: 4-26<br />
2004 Conference Record (Finish): 2-12<br />
(7th)<br />
Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2<br />
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 10/3<br />
Newcomers: 2<br />
Volleyball SID: Matt Zircher<br />
Office Phone: (937) 775-2831<br />
E-mail: matt.zircher@wright.edu<br />
SID Fax: (937) 775-2818<br />
Website: www.wsuraiders.com