Oct 14 Good to Great

Women's Volleyball (Season Preview)
Thursday, October 14, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good to Great
Spartans looking to move up in 2005-06

LANGLEY, British Columbia - A team that was described as "young and somewhat raw" last season is now older and possessing the quiet confidence gained only through experience and the taste of success. After a best ever 8-12 record and sixth place finish, Trinity Western University Women's Volleyball made their first appearance in the Canada West playoffs last year, an exciting milestone in their six year history in the CIS.

The breathless anticipation of the potential of last year’s youthfully talented lineup has been replaced by the expectation of success, as well as possession of the depth to compete every single night against the 'best in the West'.

"Our older players have set the standard for the younger ones; the expectations of training on and off the court, and competing every day on every play," said TWU Head Coach Carol Hofer.

The Spartans return every player from the 2004-05 campaign, headlined by Rhonda Schmuland (5th yr, middle, Calgary, AB), a Canada West 2nd Team All-Star; Danielle Foth (2nd yr, leftside/rightside, Abbotsford, BC), named to the CIS All-Rookie Team; Anna Paddock (4th yr, setter, Portland, ME); Saralyn Raugust (3rd yr, rightside, Delia, AB); and Julie Blackburn (3rd yr, libero, Surrey, BC).

Schmuland, Blackburn and Paddock all attended tryouts in July for the Canada Women’s National B Team, the same squad that would represent Canada at the 2005 Summer Universiade held in Izmir, Turkey. Tryouts attracted 30 players from 16 Canadian and US universities, giving the three Spartans some stiff competition and valuable experience.

Coach Carol Hofer added some key depth over the offseason, with four of the five newcomers hailing from British Columbia. Leigh Dreher is a 6'1" leftside hitter from Prince George, a very athletic, strong, and motivate competitor. "We are thrilled to have Leigh commit to TWU. She's one of the top power hitters in the province this year, and will strengthen and deepen our team immediately."

Liz Spear, a transfer from Washington State, is returning to her Langley roots after playing south of the border for two years. The 6'2" middle blocker/rightside hitter was one of the top middles in the country when she graduated from high school, and comes to TWU having played at the highest levels throughout her volleyball career. Because of the transfer rule she won't be eligible to play for the Spartans until November 20th, but will be allowed to practice with the team. "Liz is a great addition to our team and will strengthen the depth of our blocking and middle attack. She’s a dynamic player who possesses great blocking instincts."

Shannon Yemen, a 6'2" leftside/rightside hitter, is the lone out-of-province recruit, coming to the Spartans as one of the top Grade 12 players in Calgary. "Shannon is a talented player who demonstrates leadership, tenacity, and competitive fire. She will definitely be a player to watch over the next few years."

Kim Klassen is a 5'11" rightside hitter out of Abbotsford, and played for high school volleyball powerhouse MEI. Klassen also captained the FVVC team that took provincial and national gold in 2004 and repeated as provincial champions last spring. "Kim is an explosive jumper who loves to attack the ball, and her defensive skills make her a great all-around player."

Rounding out the recruiting class is Lydia Shives, a 6'1" leftside/rightside hitter out of North Vancouver. She captained her St. Thomas Aquinas team to a seventh place finish at the 2005 BC 2A Provincials and was named a First Team All-Star. “Lydia is a tremendous athlete with a ton of potential. We are excited to see her develop in our system and impact our team in the future.”

Just as their men’s volleyball counterparts must adjust to changes in scheduling due to the addition of a new school to the conference, so must the women. According to Coach Hofer, not all the changes are negative. "It's a better playoff structure, with the top two teams getting a bye into the Final Four and the teams in positions three through six playing off for the final two spots in the Final Four."

Hofer expects the Spartans to challenge the best teams and finish in the top four in Canada West, thereby adding to their list of firsts: this time a berth to the CIS National Tournament.

The Spartans open their season against newcomers Thompson Rivers University before heading to Burnaby Mountain to face the SFU Clan, but their first big test could come at UBC on November 18th and 19th. The T-Birds are the 2004-05 CIS silver medalists and an experienced squad, albeit one currently battling the injury bug. "We expect to go there ready to battle," said Hofer. "I expect us to be running smooth in our systems and we will put them to the test."

As a young, good team transitions to an experienced, great team, training sessions have become increasingly intense with competitive rivalries developing in several positions. That passion and intensity are part of this team’s character, and, along with their newly gained depth, as well as perseverance, will combine to keep opponents’ hands full.

-TW-

Last Updated: 2009-02-16
Author: Scott Stewart
Email: ssstew@twu.ca