Women's Volleyball 2006 - Aurora University

Women’s 

Volleyball 

2006 

SPARTANS

Orchard Road 

Edgelawn Dr. 

Getting to the Gym 2006 Media Guide 

I-88 Tollway 

Galena Blvd. 

N 

Prairie Rd. 

Evanslawn Ave. 

Southlawn Pl. 

AU Field 

Edgelawn Dr. 

Evanslawn Ave. 

Glenwood Pl. 

Prairie Road 

Randall Rd. 

Randall Rd. 

Randall Rd. 

Gladstone Ave. 

Marseillaise Pl. 

Kenilworth Pl. 

Calumet Ave. 

P P 

Gym 

P 

P 

Calumet Ave. 

P 

Oak 

New York 

Lake St. (Route 31) 

Marseillaise Pl. 

Gladstone Ave. 

Kenilworth Pl. 

The bottom map is an enlargement of the Aurora University area. 

Volleyball is played in Thornton Gymnasium, 

located in Alumni Hall. 

Parking areas are shown with a circled P. 

Table of Contents 

Getting to the Gym (maps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover 

AU Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover 

AU Media Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Head Coach Jerry Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Assistant Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Official NCAA Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

2006 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8 

NIIC Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

2005 Game-by-Game Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

2005 Team Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

AU Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

AU Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

This Is Aurora University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

2006 Game Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover 

AU Quick Facts 

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aurora, IL 

Founded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1893 

Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approximately 4,000 

Nickname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spartans 

Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Royal Blue and White 

Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . Northern Athletics Conference 

National Affiliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NCAA Division III 

Gymnasium (Capacity) . . Thornton Gymnasium (2,200) 

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca L. Sherrick 

Director of Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Walsh 

Athletics Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-5110 

Athletics Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-7809 

Head Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Angle 

Coach’s Record All Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 622-415-5 

Coach’s Record at AU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-75 

Assistant Coaches . . . . . . . . . Tina Engel,Mark Engel and 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jamie Walters 

2005 Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-17 

2005 Conference Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 

Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stevie Baker-Watson 

Sports Information Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Kipley 

Sports Information Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-7575 

Sports Information Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-3826 

AU Spartan Sports Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-3838 

Press Box Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-7838 

On the cover: 

Seniors Lindsey Gruber and Sarah Campbell

Media Outlets Meet the Coach 

Local Print 

Aurora Beacon-News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 S. River, Aurora, IL 60506 

Dave Parro, Sports Editor 630-844-5911 

Fax: 630-844-1043 

Kane County Chronicle . . . . . . . . 1000 Randall Rd., Geneva, IL 60134 

Brian Schaumburg, Sports Editor 630-232-9222 

Fax: 630-232-4962 

Fox Valley Labor News . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 4155, Aurora, IL 60507 

Carter Crane, Editor 630-897-4022 

Fax: 630-892-3873 

Daily Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3805-A Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174 

630-587-8623 

Fax: 630-587-8639 

Kendall County Publications . . . . . 222 Bridge St., Yorkville, IL 60560 

630-533-7034 

Fax: 630-533-7085 

Oswego Ledger-Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Box #669, Oswego, IL 60611 

630-554-8565 

Fax: 630-554-7560 

Regional Print 

Chicago Tribune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60611 

Metro Sports 312-222-3474 

Fax: 312-828-9392 

Chicago Sun-Times . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 N. Orleans, Chicago, IL 60654 

College Sports 312-321-2247 

Radio/TV 

WSPY (107.1 fm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Broadcast Center, Plano, IL 60545 

WFXV (TV-30) 630-552-1000 

Greg Burks, Sports Director Fax: 630-552-9000 

Comcast (ch. 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 W. 5th Street, Naperville, IL 60563 

630-552-1000 

Wire Services 

Associated Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60601 

Sports Desk 312-781-0500 

Fax: 312-781-1989 

All requests for interviews should be made through 

Brian Kipley, Director of Sports Information, at 630-844-7575. 

Media should call in advance, as seating in the press area is limited. 

JERRY ANGLE 

Head Coach 

Fourth Season 

Head Coach Jerry Angle brings a 

wealth of knowledge and experience to 

the Aurora University volleyball program. 

He has more than 600 college wins to his 

credit, as well as numerous conference 

and national championships. 

Angle coached both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams 

at his alma mater, George Williams College. The men’s team 

won consecutive National Association of Intercollegiate 

Athletics (NAIA) national championships and the women’s team 

qualified for the national championships three years in a row. 

He was also named NAIA Coach of the Year for two consecutive 

years. 

At Division I Northwestern University, he won two Big Ten 

titles, qualified for the NCAA championships in six seasons and 

coached three All-Americans. He also received Big Ten Coach of 

the Year honors. 

While coaching at Dominican University, the team won 

the most matches in school history, as well as the Chicagoland 

Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) title and qualified for 

the NAIA Nationals. Angle also was selected CCAC Coach of 

the Year. 

Most recently, Angle led Benedictine University to three 

consecutive Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference championships, 

as well as two trips to the NCAA national championships. 

Benedictine was regionally ranked at the time. 

Angle also served as Assistant Coach for the USA Men’s 

National Team, Program Director and Head Coach for the 

Sports Performance Boy’s Volleyball Program and he coached 

both high school and club teams. Under his leadership, the 

women’s club team won the AAU Nationals in the 19-and-under 

age group for two consecutive years. 

An expert on volleyball, Angle wrote the book, “Modern 

Volleyball Drills,” as well as a number of published articles. 

Angle has conducted numerous coaching clinics around the 

country through USA Volleyball, and he taught for the United 

States Sports Academy in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Recently, 

he served as a consultant to the Penn State volleyball team on 

their tour of Cuba. 

Angle played at George Williams College as a setter and was a 

two-time All-American. As a member of the USA Men’s National 

Team, he competed in the World University Games in Moscow, 

Russia. In 2002, Angle was inducted into the Aurora University/ 

George Williams College Athletic Hall of Fame. 

He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Downers Grove, IL. 

AU Women’s Volleyball 

1

2 

TINA ENGEL 

Assistant Coach 

Fourth Season 

Tina Engel enters her fourth year as 

Assistant Volleyball Coach at Aurora 

University. She was previously at Benedictine 

University, where she served as 

Coach Jerry Angle’s Assistant Coach for 

three years. At Benedictine, she helped 

develop a group of players who won three Northern Illinois- 

Iowa Conference championships and made two appearances 

at the NCAA national championships. 

Engel also was Assistant Coach at St. Francis High School in 

Wheaton, IL, and coached eight years at the Sports Performance 

Volleyball Club, the top junior club program in the Midwest. 

There she coached various age groups, with many of the players 

going on to play Division I volleyball in college. 

As a USA Volleyball-certified Level I and II coach, she 

provides a solid background in the fundamentals of the game 

and possesses the ability to help players improve and enjoy 

playing the game. 

Engel lives in Woodridge, IL, with her husband, Mark. 

JAMIE WALTERS 


First Season 

Jamie Walters enters her first season as 


University. Her volleyball experience is 

extensive both as a coach and a player and 

will help with player development and 

team tactics. 

Jamie was the Head Coach at Dominican University for both 

the women’s and men’s teams. Her men’s team won the 

National Intramural and Recreational Sports Club 

Championship. She also coached at Waubonsee Community 

College and College of DuPage and has been involved in 

coaching and administrating a number of junior club programs. 

As a player, Jamie was a two-time junior College All-American 

at College of DuPage, winning consecutive national 

championships and was an NCAA All-Regional player at 

Benedictine University. The Benedictine team qualified for the 

NCAA championships both seasons and won NIIC conference 

titles. 


Meet the Assistant Coaches 

MARK ENGEL 


Fourth Season 

Mark Engel enters his fourth year as 


University. He was previously at Benedictine 

University with his wife, Tina, 

where he was Coach Jerry Angle’s Assistant 

Coach for three years. At Benedictine, 

he helped develop a group of players who won three Northern 

Illinois-Iowa Conference championships and made two 

appearances at the NCAA national championships. 

Mark also coached in both the boys’ and girls’ programs at 

Sports Performance Volleyball Club, serving as Head Coach and 

Assistant Coach. He earned a Level I and II certification in the 

USA Volleyball Coaches Accreditation Program. 

Engel works for Lucent Technologies as a computer systems 

troubleshooter and lives in Woodridge, IL, with his wife, Tina.

2006 Official NCAA Roster 

No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Hometown High School 

1 Jamie Hansen S 5'8" So North Aurora, IL West Aurora 

2 Cheri Conro L 5'2" So Hampshire, IL Hampshire 

3 Lauren Ruffie MH 5'9" Sr Batavia, IL Batavia 

4 Diane Mennecke S 5'4" So Aurora, IL Central Catholic 

5 Sara Stark L 5'5" Fr Hudson, IL Normal Community 

9 Julia Eggert OH 5'8" Sr Aurora, IL East Aurora 

10 Jill Smart OH 5'8" Fr Round Lake Beach, IL Grayslake 

11 Amanda Hills S 5'6" Fr Kempton, IL Tri-Point 

12 Beth Shimkus L 5'5" Sr Shorewood, IL Reavis 

13 Andrea Buss MH 5'11" So Oswego, IL Oswego 

16 Katy Jefferson OH 5'7" Sr Plymouth, IL Southeastern 

17 Meghan Michalek MB 5'10" Sr West Chicago, IL West Chicago 

18 Sarah Campbell OH 5'7" Sr Lake Villa, IL Grayslake 

20 Christie Ozlanski S 5'6" Fr Hickory Hills, IL Argo 

22 Kristen Peara OH 5'10" So Elgin, IL East Aurora 

23 Lindsey Gruber OH 5'8" Sr Antioch, IL Antioch 

24 Jill Luckenbill MB 5'10" Sr Batavia, IL Batavia 

Head Coach: Jerry Angle 

Assistant Coaches: Tina Engle, Mark Engle and Jamie Walters 


3

The 2006 season should be exciting and memorable for the 

Spartan volleyball team. Coming off the first winning season in 

10 years plus an NIIC tournament championship, the squad 

returns nine players who started and contributed to the team’s 

success in 2005. The team will compete in the newly formed 

Northern Athletics Conference (NAC), a combination of NIIC 

and Lake Michigan Conference teams. A single round robin 

schedule will be played during the season and at season’s end, 

the top six teams will advance to a single elimination 

tournament. The Spartans will play in tournaments in 

Whitewater, Oshkosh and Platteville, Wisconsin and host the 

Jim Coleman Memorial Invitational. 

“This is the most experienced group of players I have had at 

Aurora. Last year, about half way through the season, we started 

to get into a great rhythm and understood what it takes to play 

competitive volleyball,” Coach Jerry Angle said. “Now we need 

to take those experiences and use them to develop better 

consistency and toughness on the court. Our NAC opponents 

will be tough and we will have to play our best in every match 

we play.” 

The outside hitting position will be anchored by seniors 

Sarah Campbell and Lindsey Gruber. Both NIIC All-Conference 

selections, they led the team in kills per game and digging. 

Backing up the duo will be senior Julia Eggert, who was ill 

much of last season but has seen considerable playing time her 

first two years, and sophomore Kristen Peara. 

Sophomore Andrea Buss will start at one middle blocking 

position. She led the team in hitting percentage (.258) and 

blocks per game (1.06) as a freshman. Senior Meghan Michalek 

returns as the other starting middle blocker. An All-American in 

junior college, she started most of the season and brings the 

4 


2006 Spartans’ Review 

experience of a veteran player to the team. 

On the right side, senior Jill Luckenbill returns as a starter. 

She gives the team strong blocking and hitting and, if needed, 

can play the middle blocking position. Freshman Jill Smart will 

see playing time at the other right-side hitting position. 

The Spartans setting position will be inexperienced and must 

mature quickly. Sophomores Diane Mennecke and Jamie 

Hansen return, and freshmen Amanda Hills and Christine 

Ozlanski will be given the opportunity to compete for starting 

position. “The setter touches more balls than any other player 

on the court and dictates the tempo of both the offense and 

defense. How quickly the setting position develops,” Angle said, 

“will determine how good a team we can become.” 

The libero position is secure. Senior Beth Shimkus and 

freshman Sarah Stark will back up the defensive position. “With 

the graduation of Jamie McPherrin, both players must come in 

and give us great passing and consistent digging. It is a position 

that will determine how strong a ball control team we will 

have.” 

“To have a good year and compete for the Northern Athletics 

championship, we will need to improve our team defense so we 

can get better swings in transition,” Angle said. “It will take 

consistent blocking both in the middle and the outside and 

better digging on the right side and tip coverage. Our setters will 

need to get comfortable setting quicks and combinations and 

still be consistent with the left side. With a consistent serve 

receive, our offense will get us the sideouts necessary to stop 

the other team from scoring. We play some strong teams both 

in conference and out of conference and those teams will give 

us the opportunity to be a good team.”

#13 ANDREA BUSS, 5'11", So, Middle 

Blocker, Oswego, IL/Oswego HS 

College as a Freshman (’05): Appeared in 131 

games, she had 162 kills, 44 digs and 139 total 

blocks. High School: Attended Oswego High 

School. Played two years of varsity volleyball 

under Coach Heather Schaper and was 

named team MVP, All-Conference and Captain as a senior. 

Played varsity basketball under Coach Heath Wilson and was 

the team captain. Personal: Born on 9/9/86 in Oswego, IL. 

Family: Eric and Bonnie Buss. She has one sister, Jena. Majors: 

English and Secondary Education. 

AU Career Statistics 

Year Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks 

2005 162 1.24 27 0.21 44 139 

Career 162 1.24 27 0.21 44 139 

#18 SARAH CAMPBELL, 5'7", Sr, OH, 

Lake Villa, IL/Grayslake Community HS 

College as a Junior (’05): Appeared in 134 

games, recording 454 kills, 668 digs and 35 

blocks. She was named Northern Illinois- 

Iowa Conference All-Conference, AU Co- 

MVP and Jim Coleman Classic Tournament. 

College as a Sophomore (’04): Attended 

College of Lake County and was named All-Conference and All- 

Area. College as a Freshman (’03): Attended College of Lake 

County and was named All-Conference and All-Area. High 

School: Played two years of varsity volleyball under coaches 

Mika Robinson and Karen Steuer. She was named Second Team 

All-State and Third Team All-Area as a junior and team MVP as a 

senior. Personal: Born on 5/24/85 in Waukegan, IL. Family: 

John and Cathy Campbell. She has two sisters, Tracey and Kelly. 

Hobbies: Shopping and eating. Major: Communication. Minor: 

Sociology and Psychology. 



2005 454 3.39 20 0.15 668 35 

Career 454 3.39 20 0.15 668 35 

#2 CHERI CONRO, 5'2", So, DS, 

Hampshire, IL/ Hampshire HS 

College as a Freshman (’05): Was primarily a 

member of the junior varsity squad. High 

School: Attended Hampshire High School and 

played two years of varsity volleyball under 

Coach Jen Kremer. Named team’s best 

defensive player as a senior. Personal: Born 1/29/87 in Elgin, IL. 

Family: Geraldine Conro. She has one brother, Nick, and one 

sister, Tami. Hobbies: Showing dairy cattle at fairs. Major: 

Physical Education. Minor: Health Education. 

Meet the Spartans 

#9 JULIA EGGERT, 5'8", Sr, Outside Hitter, 

Aurora, IL/East Aurora HS 


games, recording 24 kills, 29 digs and three 

blocks. College as a Sophomore (’04): Played 

in 90 games, had 183 kills, 250 digs and 25 

blocks. College as a Freshman (’03): Played 

in 125 games, had 230 kills, 207 digs and 53 

blocks. High School: Attended East Aurora High School. Named 

Athlete of the Year as a senior. Played three years of varsity 

volleyball under Coach Pam Miller and was named team MVP 

her junior and senior seasons. Ran track two years under Coach 

Scott Martens and was team MVP her junior year. Personal: 

Born 9/4/84 in Downers Grove, IL. Family: Paul and Giuliana 

Eggert. She has two sisters, Jennifer and Erin, and one brother, 

William. Hobbies: Dirt racing. Major: Elementary Education. 



2005 24 1.50 0 0.0 29 3 

2004 183 2.03 4 0.04 250 25 

2003 230 1.84 15 0.12 207 53 

Career 437 1.89 19 0.08 486 81 

#23 LINDSEY GRUBER, 5'8", Sr, OH, 

Antioch, IL/ Antioch Community HS 


games, had 509 kills, 588 digs and 58 blocks. 

She was named Northern Illinois-Iowa 

Conference All-Conference, AU Co-MVP and 

Jim Coleman Classic All-Tournament. 

College as a Sophomore (’04): Attended 

College of Lake County and played volleyball. Named All-Area 

and All-Conference. College as a Freshman (’03): Attended 

College of Lake County and played volleyball. Named All-Area 

and All-Conference. High School: Attended Antioch Community 

High School. Played two years of varsity volleyball under 

coaches Gwen Varney and Bob Schemke. Named team MVP and 

All-Conference as a senior and Honorable Mention All- 

Conference as a junior. Personal: Born 12/4/84 in Lake Forest, 

IL. Family: Thomas and Joan Gruber. She has one brother, Kevin. 

Major: Elementary Education. 



2005 509 3.83 10 0.08 588 58 

Career 509 3.83 10 0.08 588 58 


5

#1 JAMIE HANSEN, 5'8", So, Setter, 

North Aurora, IL/West Aurora HS 

College as a Freshman (’05): Played in 

8 games, had 35 digs. High School: Attended 

West Aurora High School and played varsity 

volleyball under Coach Larson. Named team 

captain two years. Played varsity softball 

under Coach Proctor and was named Most Improved Player. 

Personal: Born 5/2/87 in Aurora, IL. Family: John and Carolyn 

Hansen. She has two brothers, Eric and Kelton. Hobbies: 

Teaching swimming and working with kids. Major: Elementary 

Education. 



2005 0 0.00 2 0.25 35 0 

Career 0 0.00 2 0.25 35 0 

#11 AMANDA HILLS, 5'6", Fr, Setter, 

Kempton, IL/Tri-Point HS 

High School: Attended Tri-Point High School. 

Played two years of varsity volleyball under 

Coach Don Mayr. As a senior she was named 

Honorable Mention Mid-State. Personal: 

Born 8/14/88 in Chicago. Family: George and 

Martha Hills. She has one sister, Brittany. 

Hobbies: Reading, television, raising and showing rabbits and 

rattlesnakes. Major: Biology. 

#16 KATY JEFFERSON, 5'7", Sr, OH, 

Plymouth, IL/Southeastern HS 

College as a Junior (’05): Appeared in two 

games and had three digs. College as a 

Sophomore (’04): Played in 10 games, had 

one kill, 35 digs and one block. College as a 

Freshman (’03): Played in 11 games, had one 

kill and three blocks. High School: Attended Southeastern High 

School. Played two years of varsity volleyball under Coach Tim 

Kerr. Named All-County First Team her junior and senior years 

and Honorable Mention All-Area her senior year. Personal: 

Born 5/16/85 in Macomb, IL. Family: Joe and Rita Jefferson. She 

has one brother, Steve, and one sister, Sarah. Major: Psychology. 

Minor: Business Administration. 



2005 0 0.00 0 0.00 3 0 

2004 1 0.10 0 0.00 35 1 

2003 1 0.09 2 0.18 2 3 

Career 2 0.08 2 0.08 40 4 

6 



#24 JILL LUCKENBILL, 5'10", Sr, OH, 

Batavia,IL/Batavia HS 

College as a Junior (’05): Played in 131 games, 

had 175 kills, 94 digs and 132 blocks. College 

as a Sophomore (’04): Attended Waubonsee 

Community College and played volleyball. 

Named All-Conference. College as a 

Freshman (’03): Attended Waubonsee Community College. 

Played volleyball and was named All-Conference and received 

the Coaches Award. High School: Played three years of varsity 

volleyball under Coach Trippi-Payne. Personal: Born on 4/27/84 

in St. Charles, IL. Family: William and Barbara Luckenbill. She 

has two sisters, Julie and Tracy. Hobbies: Animals, reptiles and 

rock climbing. Major: Psychology. Minor: Criminial Justice. 



2005 175 1.34 39 0.30 94 132 

Career 175 1.34 39 0.30 94 132 

#4 DIANE MENNECKE, 5'4", So, Setter, 

Aurora, IL/Aurora Central Catholic HS 


games, had three kills and 103 digs. High 

School: Attended Aurora Catholic High 

School. Played two years of varsity volleyball 

under Coach Randy Hewitt. Played varsity 

basketball under Coach Scott Bieller and was 

named team MVP and captain. Also ran one year of varsity track 

under Coach Troy Kerber. Personal: Born on 3/9/87 in Aurora, 

IL. Family: Judy Mennecke. She has two sisters, Brenda and 

Lisa. Major: Criminal Justice. 



2005 3 0.05 364 5.97 103 0 

Career 3 0.05 364 5.97 103 0 

#17 MEGHAN MICHALEK, 5'9",Sr,MB, 

West Chicago, IL/West Chicago HS 

College as a Junior (’05): Was a team captain 

and played in 89 games, had 78 kills, 83 digs 

and 80 blocks. College as a Sophomore (’04): 

Attended College of DuPage and played 

volleyball. Named Academic All-American, 

National Player of the Week, All-Conference, All-Region and All- 

Regional Tournament. College as a Freshman (’03): Attended 

College of DuPage and played volleyball. Named All- 

Conference, All-Region and All-Regional Tournament. High 

School: Attended West Chicago High School and played three 

years of varsity volleyball under Coach Kris Hasty. Personal: 

Born on 2/25/84 in Lombard, IL. Family: Ron and Holly 

Michalek. She has one brother, Ronnie. Hobbies: Movies, 

swimming, music and coaching volleyball. Major: Biology. 



2005 78 0.88 12 0.13 83 80 

Career 78 0.88 12 0.13 83 80

#20 CHRISTIE OZLANSKI, 5'6",Fr, Setter, 

Hickory Hills, IL/Argo HS 

High School: Attended Argo High School. She 

played two years of varsity volleyball under 

Coach Shelly Picha. As a senior was named 

MVP, All-Conference and All-Area. As a junior 

was named All-Conference Honorable 

Mention. She played four years of varsity soccer under Coach 

Pete Ress. Personal: Born 10/19/87 in Chicago, IL. Family: 

Stanley and Donna Ozlanski. She has one brother, Thomas. 

Hobbies: Volleyball, friends, and scrapbooking. Major: 

Elementary Education. 

#22 KRISTEN PEARA, 5'10", So, OH, 

Elgin, IL/East Aurora HS 

College as a Freshman (’05): Was primarily a 

member of the junior varsity squad. High 

School: Attended East Aurora High School 

and played three years of varsity volleyball 

under Coach Pam Miller. Was named 

Academic All-Conference all three years, 

Most Outstanding Player as a senior and Most Dedicated Player 

as a sophomore. Personal: Born on 1/12/87 in Elgin, IL. Family: 

Bob and Karen Peara. She has two sisters, Rachel and Sarah. 

Hobbies: Working out, reading and listening to music. Major: 

Athletic Training. 

#3 LAUREN RUFFIE-5'9", Sr, MH, 

Batavia, IL/Batavia HS 

College as a Junior (’05): Attended Aurora 

University but did not play volleyball. 

College as a Sophomore (’04): Played in 42 

games, had 24 kills, 19 digs and 27 blocks. 

College as a Freshman (’03): Attended 

Illinois State University. High School: 

Attended Batavia High School. Played two years of varsity 

volleyball under Coach Trippi-Payne. Named Most Improved as 

a senior. Personal: Born 12/11/84 in Downers Grove, IL. Family: 

Patricia and Ronald Ruffie. She has one sister, Amy. Hobbies: 

Working out, snowboarding and vacations. Major: Elementary 

Education. Minor: Spanish. 



2004 24 0.57 3 0.07 19 27 

Career 24 0.57 3 0.07 19 27 


#12 BETH SHIMKUS, 5'5", Sr, Libero, 

Shorewood, IL/ Reavis HS 

College as a Junior(’05): Played in 13 games, 

had 13 kills, 10 digs and 6 blocks. College as a 

Sophomore (’04): Attended Joliet Junior 

College. College as a Freshman (’03): 

Attended Joliet Junior College. High School: 

Attended Reavis High School. Played two years of varsity 

volleyball under Diane Lee. Was named Honorable Mention All- 

Conference as a junior. Personal: Born on 12/4/81 in Palos 

Heights, IL. Family: Ronald and Shari Shimkus. She has two 

brothers, Mike and Rob, and three sisters, Chris, Gen and 

Therese. Hobbies: Sports. Major: Elementary Education. 

#10 JILL SMART, 5'8", Fr, OH, 

Round Lake Beach, IL/Grayslake HS 

High School: Attended Grayslake High 

School. Played three years of varsity 

volleyball under Coach Jeanna Beerbower. 

Was captain as a senior and MVP and All- 

Conference as a junior. Personal: Born 

8/21/88 in Waukegan, IL. Family: Patrick and 

Patty Smart. She has one brother, Joe. Hobbies: Sports, wake 

boarding and music. Major: Nursing. 

#5 SARA STARK, 5'5", Fr, Libero, 

Hudson, IL/Normal Community HS 

High School: Attended Normal Community 

High School. Played four years of varsity 

volleyball. Personal: Born on 12/29/87 in 

Bloomington, IL. Family: Jon Stark and Susan 

Albea. She has two brothers, Adam and Eric. 

Hobbies: Reading, volleyball and hanging out with friends. 

Major: Nursing. 


7

8 


Meet the Spartans

Final 2005 NIIC Standings 

Place School NIIC NIIC TOURN. Overall 

1. Benedictine University 5-0 2nd 24-14 

2. Aurora University 3-2 1st 19-17 

3. Eureka College 3-2 4th 19-12 

4. Clarke College 2-3 3rd 8-25 

5. Concordia University 2-3 5th tie 8-24 

6. Rockford College 0-5 5th tie 3-24 

2005 All-NIIC Team 

Sarah Campbell ............................. Aurora University 

Lindsey Gruber .............................. Aurora University 

Liz Frelund............................... Benedictine University 

Jessica Tuchowski.................... Benedictine University 

Danielle Mikos......................... Benedictine University 

Candy Anderson ................................... Eureka College 

Kaci Davis.............................................. Eureka College 

Lauren Sandrik...................................... Eureka College 

Amber Naumann................................... Clarke College 

Sarah Steinke.............................. Concordia University 

Jessica Nahnsen ......................... Concordia University 

Paula Jones......................................... Rockford College 

Player of the Year 

Jessica Tuchowski, Benedictine University 

Newcomer of the Year 

Kaci Davis, Eureka College 

Coach of the Year 

Jerry Angle, Aurora University 

2005 Spartans’ Stats 

Past NIIC Champions 

2005...........................................Benedictine University 


2003.....................................................Rockford College 


Rockford College 




1997 ........................................................Eureka College 

1996.................................................Aurora University 

Eureka College 

Benedictine University 

1995 .............................................Concordia University 

1994 ........................................Benedictine University* 

















1977.................................................Aurora University 

Benedictine University* 

*then known as Illinois Benedictine College 


9

Date W/L Opponent Score Scores Record/NIIC 

9/2 W Marian College 3-2 27-30, 33-31, 30-26, 30-32, 15-7 1-0/0-0 

9/2 L Wheaton College 0-3 25-30, 26-30, 24-30 1-1/0-0 

9/3 W Carroll College 3-2 27-30, 30-26, 25-30, 30-26, 15-7 2-1/0-0 

9/3 L University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 0-3 17-30, 17-30, 22-30 2-2/0-0 

9/9 L Wheaton College 1-3 22-30, 22-30, 30-27, 30-32 2-3/0-0 

9/9 L St. Norbert College 2-3 23-30, 30-25, 30-27, 12-30, 18-20 2-4/0-0 

9/10 W North Park University 3-0 30-25, 30-20, 30-21 3-4/0-0 

9/10 W University of Chicago 3-2 30-16, 30-21, 23-30, 25-30, 15-10 4-4/0-0 

9/16 W Augsburg College 3-1 27-30, 30-19, 30-26, 30-21 5-4/0-0 

9/16 L Augustana College 2-3 30-24, 30-18, 21-30, 27-30, 8-15 5-5/0-0 

9/17 L Monmouth College 0-3 27-30, 25-30, 23-30 5-6/0-0 

9/17 L Macalester College 0-3 22-30, 25-30, 16-30 5-7/0-0 

9/23 W Wheaton College 3-0 30-18, 30-20, 30-25 6-7/0-0 

9/23 L Judson College 2-3 30-21, 30-19, 22-30, 13-30, 13-15 6-8/0-0 

9/24 L Franklin University 2-3 20-30, 32-30, 17-30, 30-24, 7-15 6-9/0-0 

9/24 L University Chicago 2-3 25-30, 31-29, 31-29, 28-30, 7-15 6-10/0-0 

9/27 L Benedictine University 0-3 24-30, 30-32, 22-30 6-11/0-1 

10/1 W North Park University 3-2 30-21, 24-30, 16-30, 30-23, 15-7 7-11/0-1 

10/1 W Lake Forest College 3-0 30-24, 30-17, 32-30 8-11/0-1 

10/4 W Clarke College 3-1 27-30, 30-26, 30-18, 30-13 9-11/1-1 

10/6 W Beloit College 3-1 30-26, 30-28, 28-30, 30-15 10-11/1-1 

10/11 L Concordia University (IL) 1-3 23-30, 25-30, 30-27, 25-30 10-12/1-2 

10/14 L Colorado College 0-3 18-30, 18-30, 23-30 10-13/1-2 

10/12 L Colorado College 0-3 14-30, 27-30, 24-30 10-14/1-2 

10/18 W Rockford College 3-0 30-14, 30-24, 30-28 11-14/2-2 

10/21 W North Central College 3-0 30-28, 30-22, 30-27 12-14/2-2 

10/21 W Luther College 3-0 30-23, 30-28, 30-20 13-14/2-2 

10/22 L University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 0-3 26-30, 25-30, 24-30 13-15/2-2 

10/22 L St. Norbert College 0-3 26-30, 31-33, 20-30 13-16/2-2 

10/25 W Eureka College 3-0 30-22, 30-20, 30-26 14-16/3-2 

10/28 L Elmhurst College 2-3 30-27, 23-30, 30-27, 28-30, 5-15 14-17/3-2 

10/28 W Beloit College 3-2 30-26, 25-30, 21-30, 30-27, 15-13 15-17/3-2 

10/29 W Dominican University 3-0 30-21, 30-15, 30-24 16-17/3-2 

10/29 W Concordia Wisconsin 3-1 30-20, 23-30, 30-20, 30-23 17-17/3-2 

11/5 W Eureka College 3-1 30-21, 35-37, 33-31, 30-21 18-17/4-2 

11/5 W Benedictine University 3-0 33-31, 30-28, 30-22 19-17/5-2 

10 


2005 Game-by-Game Results

2005 Team Totals 

|---------------------ATTACK---------------------| 

|-------SET-------| 

|----------SERVE----------| 

## Name GP-MP K K/Game E TA PCT A A/Game SA SA/Gm SE 

13 Andrea Buss 131 34 162 1.24 48 442 .258 27 0.21 1 0.01 0 

18 Sarah Campbell 134 36 454 3.39 200 1419 .179 20 0.15 35 0.26 18 

3 Lindsey Gruber 133 36 509 3.83 229 1599 .175 10 0.08 48 0.36 27 

23 Courtney Lillard 178 29 109 1.40 50 349 .169 29 0.37 0 0.00 2 

14 Lindsay Augustine 161 20 1 0.02 0 6 .167 270 4.43 10 0.16 9 

6 Meghan Michalek 189 29 78 0.88 48 243 .123 12 0.13 11 0.12 15 

5 Breann Kukurin 152 20 55 1.06 34 181 .116 17 0.33 9 0.17 8 

15 Brook Sunleaf 133 35 126 .095 84 441 .095 478 3.59 31 0.23 12 

4 Diane Mennecke 161 17 3 0.05 2 11 .091 364 5.97 8 0.13 20 

24 Jill Luckenbill 131 36 175 1.34 126 636 .077 39 0.30 15 0.11 16 

9 Julia Eggert 116 10 24 1.50 19 109 .046 0 0.00 3 0.19 4 

12 Beth Shimkus 113 05 13 1.00 11 47 .043 12 0.92 0 0.00 0 

21 Jamie Hansen 008 07 0 0.00 0 1 .000 2 0.25 1 0.12 5 

16 Katy Jefferson 002 01 0 0.00 0 3 .000 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 

20 Shauna Harlan 010 04 10 1.00 11 43 -.023 1 0.10 0 0.00 3 

7 Kayla Holmbeck 006 05 13 2.17 17 58 -.069 1 0.17 0 0.00 3 

1 Dina Kyriakoulis 087 29 0 0.00 2 8 -.250 416 4.78 24 0.28 17 

11 Jamie McPherrin 129 36 1 0.01 4 9 -.333 18 0.14 29 0.22 21 

10 Katie Wyss 001 1 0 0.00 1 1 -1.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 

AURORA UNIVERSITY VB 137 36 1733 12.65 886 5606 .151 1716 12.53 226 1.65 177 

|-------DIG-------| 

|---------------------BLOCKING---------------------| 

## Name G RE DIG Dig/G BS BA Total B/Game BE BHE 

13 Andrea Buss 131 3 44 0.34 36 103 139 1.06 10 6 

18 Sarah Campbell 134 57 668 4.99 8 27 35 0.26 1 2 

3 Lindsey Gruber 133 58 588 4.42 6 52 58 0.44 2 4 

23 Courtney Lillard 78 0 20 0.26 13 46 59 0.76 8 4 

14 Lindsay Augustine 61 0 81 1.33 0 0 0 0.00 0 7 

6 Meghan Michalek 1 89 8 83 0.93 17 63 80 0.90 9 1 

5 Breann Kukurin 52 2 35 0.67 7 22 29 0.56 2 2 

15 Brook Sunleaf 133 2 185 1.39 4 25 29 0.22 1 26 

4 Diane Mennecke 61 0 103 1.69 0 0 0 0.00 0 22 

24 Jill Luckenbill 131 2 94 0.72 29 103 132 1.01 9 5 

9 Julia Eggert 1 16 6 29 1.81 1 2 3 0.19 1 1 

12 Beth Shimkus 1 13 0 10 0.77 1 5 6 0.46 1 1 

21 Jamie Hansen 8 13 35 4.38 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 

16 Katy Jefferson 2 0 3 1.50 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 

20 Shauna Harlan 0 10 1 1 0.10 1 3 4 0.40 0 0 

7 Kayla Holmbeck 0 6 6 30 5.00 1 0 1 0.17 0 0 

1 Dina Kyriakoulis 0 87 1 171 1.97 0 0 0 0.00 0 18 

11 Jamie McPherrin 129 82 672 5.21 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 

10 Katie Wyss 00 1 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 

TEAM 00 1 

AURORA UNIVERSITY VB 137 242 2852 20.82 124 451 349.5 2.55 44 99 


11

12 

AU Directory 

(All numbers are 630 area code) 

Sport/Department Coach/Contact Phone 

Director of Athletics Mark Walsh 844-5111 

Athletics Business 

Manager Lisa Wisniowicz 844-4574 

Athletic Trainer Stevie Baker-Watson 844-5114 

Asst. Athletic Trainer Terry Smith 844-6173 

Baseball Shaun Neitzel 844-6515 

Basketball, Men James Lancaster 844-5144 

Basketball, Women Michelle Roof 844-5112 

Cross Country and 

Track and Field James Kluckhohn 844-4573 

Events/Equipment 

Manager Jason Smith 844-6891 

Football Rich Duncan 844-5115 

Golf, Men John Donofrio 844-3855 

Golf, Women Chad Johansen 844-3849 

Soccer, Men Pete Watkins 844-5268 

Soccer, Women Kanute Drugan 844-4207 

Softball Mike McKenzie 844-4939 

Sports Information Brian Kipley 844-7575 

Tennis, Men and Women Paul Heinkel 844-5152 

Volleyball Jerry Angle 844-5261 

Other Important Numbers 

Admission 844-5533 

Alumni Office 844-5486 

Physical Education Office 844-6181 

Campus Safety 844-5450 

Training Room 844-4891 

University Communications 844-5481 

Wellness Center 844-5434 

Brian Kipley 

Sports Information 

Director 


AU Administration 

Rebecca L. Sherrick 

President 

Currently in her seventh year as Aurora 

University President, Rebecca Sherrick is 

a true Spartan booster and often attends 

athletic events. She earned her B.A. from 

Illinois Wesleyan University and Ph.D. 

from Northwestern University. 

Andrew Manion 

Provost 

Previously Dean of the College of Arts 

and Sciences from 1998 to 2000, Andrew 

Manion earned his B.A. from Saint Norbert 

College and his Ph.D. in experimental 

psychology from Adelphi University. 

Michael Moser 

Vice President for Student Life 

Michael Moser assumed the duties of Vice 

President for Student Life in March 2004. 

He has a B.A. from North Central College 

and a Master of Divinity from Garrett- 

Evangelical Theological Seminary 

Mark Walsh 

Director of Athletics 

Mark Walsh was named Director of 

Athletics in 1998. Previously, Walsh was 

AU’s Head Baseball Coach from 1992 to 

2002 and Assistant Coach from 1987 to 

1992. Walsh led the Spartans to nine NIIC 

championships and nine NCAA Tournament 

appearances while posting a 320-85 (.790) won-lost 

record in 10 seasons. Walsh also served as Assistant Football 

Coach at AU from 1986 to 1996 and was part of the coaching 

staff who reinstated football after it had been dropped in 

1952. Walsh earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees 

from Aurora University.

This Is Aurora University 

Eckhart Hall 

Aurora University traces its origins to the 1893 founding of a seminary in 

the small town of Mendota, IL. Though established initially to prepare graduates 

for ministry, the institution soon adopted a broader mission and moved to a 

new campus on the western edge of the nearby community of Aurora. With this 

change came a different name and a growing enrollment. In 1985, the institution 

was rechristened Aurora University. 

In 1992, the Aurora and George Williams College traditions blended when the 

two institutions entered into the affiliation agreement that paved the way for a 

merger eight years later. 

Today Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission 

of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, 

and doctoral levels. The institution enrolls approximately 4,000 degree-seeking 

students a year on its Illinois and Wisconsin campuses. 

The Aurora campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs through 

the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education and the College of 

Professional Studies (including the Dunham School of Business, School of 

Nursing, School of Social Work and School of Health and Physical Education.) 

The graduate programs offer areas of specialization, leading to master’s degrees 

in business administration, mathematics, recreation administration, teaching 

and social work, as well as a doctorate in education. 

At AU, academic programs are enhanced through learning opportunities. The 

Dunham Scholars Program incorporates service learning and extracurricular 

activities into its business curriculum. The Honors Program offers students 

advanced coursework, innovative seminars and participation in special events. 

May Term is a three-week program offering opportunities to study abroad, 

research a science topic on campus or travel to Chicago to explore the city’s culture. 

AU offers its undergraduates a wide range of on- and off-campus learning 

experiences. Students participate in more than 60 musical, literary, religious, 

social and service organizations and play active roles in campus governance. 

The university also fields18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic teams. The 

Spartans boast a winning tradition with 44 conference titles in recent years and 

25 regular appearances in national tournaments. 

The Alumni Hall of Physical Education features a racquetball court, climbing 

wall, complete locker room facilities, training room, weight room, aerobic-activities 

room, classroom and coaches’ offices. 

Aurora University is located in west Aurora, within an hour’s drive of Chicago 

and at the western end of the Illinois Research and Development Corridor. It is 

accessible via Interstate 88 at the Orchard Road exit. 

When you can’t 

attend games, catch 

ALL the scores on the 

SPARTAN SPORTS 

HOTLINE 

630-844-3838 

touchtone phone required 

statistics 

highlights 

upcoming games 

For Complete 

NAC 

Conference Standings, 

Results, Directions 

and News 

LOG ON TO 

www.northernathleticsconf.com

2006 Aurora University 

Spartans Volleyball Schedule 

Date/Day Opponent Time 

Sept. 1, Fri UW-Whitewater Tournament 

vs. UW-Whitewater 3 p.m. 

vs. Wheaton College 5 p.m. 

Sept. 2, Sat UW-Whitewater Tournament 

vs. Baldwin-Wallace College 10 a.m. 

vs. UW-River Falls 2 p.m. 

Sept. 8, Fri AU Coleman Memorial Tournament 

vs. Wheaton College 3 p.m. 

vs. St. Norbert College 7 p.m. 

Sept. 9, Sat AU Coleman Memorial Tournament 

vs. Millikin University 10 a.m. 

vs. Ripon College 2 p.m. 

Sept. 12, Tue Concordia University, IL* 7 p.m. 

Sept. 15, Tue University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Tournament 

vs. UW-Oshkosh 5 p.m. 

vs. Loras College 7 p.m. 

Sept. 16, Sat University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Tournament 

vs. TBA 10 a.m. 

Sept. 20, Wed Dominican University 7 p.m. 

Sept. 26, Tue Benedictine University 7 p.m. 

Sept. 29, Fri University of Wisconsin-Platteville Tournament 

vs. Cornell College 4 p.m. 

vs. Elmhurst College 6 p.m. 

Sept. 30, Sat University of Wisconsin-Platteville Tournament 

vs. Lakeland College 10 a.m. 

vs. Clarke College 2 p.m. 

Oct. 4, Wed Lakeland College* 7 p.m. 

Oct. 6, Fri Concordia University, WI* 7 p.m. 

Oct. 7, Sat Alverno College* 2 p.m. 

Oct. 10, Tue Wisconsin Lutheran College* 7 p.m. 

Oct. 12, Thu Maranatha Baptist College* 7 p.m. 

Oct. 18, Tue Edgewood College* 7 p.m. 

Oct. 20, Fri Marian College* 7 p.m. 

Oct. 21, Sat Rockford College* 2 p.m. 

Oct. 24, Tue Lake Forest College* 7 p.m. 

Oct. 27, Fri Benedictine University Tournament 

vs. North Park University 3 p.m. 

vs. St. Norbert College 5 p.m. 

Oct. 28, Sat Benedictine University Tournament 

vs. Dominican University 10 a.m. 

vs. North Central College 2 p.m. 

Oct. 31, Tue Northern Athletics Conference Tournament First Round 7 p.m. 

Nov. 3, Fri Northern Athletics Conference Tournament Semi Finals TBA 

Nov. 4, Sat Northern Athletics Conference Tournament Finals TBA 

Nov. 9-11 NCAA Regionals 

All home matches in BOLD *Northern Athletics Conference match 

347 S. Gladstone Ave. 

Aurora, IL 60506-4892 

630-844-5533 or 

800-742-5281 

www. aurora.edu

Women's Volleyball 2006 - Aurora University

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