University of Tennessee Athletics
2002 LADY VOL VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Aug. 22, 2002
As dusk descended upon the Lady Vols' 2001 season, an ominous sky left Head Coach Rob Patrick pondering what the forecast would be in 2002. Three prominent seniors, setter Erica Lear and outside hitters Ariana Wilson and Andrea Peterson, saw their careers draw to a close, while six others departed as well. Lear finished her career as the all-time leader in assists at UT and earned All-SEC honors in three of her four seasons. Peterson had been a key contributor on defense and finished eighth in UT history in digs. The final senior, Wilson, was a three-time all-region honoree and was named to the All-SEC team four straight years. She also finished her career ranked among the top five in kills, attacks, hitting percentage and blocks. With the departure of more than half his team, Patrick and his assistant coaches, Sherry Dunbar and Mike Minnis, took to the road in search of new players to compliment the cast of returnees. After exhausting their recruiting efforts and assembling their new team, it became apparent that the morning sky in 2002 had unveiled the "Dawning of a New Era" in UT volleyball.
"This Tennessee team will be different from any other we've had," said Patrick. "We've always been known as a physical team with a lot of athleticism. This year, we have a combination of volleyball experience and athletic ability. Our team now poses a threat on both offense and defense, and that's a big change from how things have stacked up in the past."
Despite the youth that exists on this year's squad, the team has not hesitated in setting lofty goals for the program. The Lady Vols returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2000 for the first time since 1993 and expected to be there last year as well, but their hopes went unfulfilled as they finished 16-11 and 7-7 in the SEC. Now, a renewed commitment is radiating throughout the Orange and White nation, leaving the players anxious for a grand return to where they feel they belong.
"The newcomers came here to play at the highest level, win the SEC Championship and compete in the NCAAs," said the head coach. "They expect this team to be playing in the top 10 in the country. The upperclassmen had a taste of the NCAAs in 2000, and they are committed to getting us back there this year."
In addition to Patrick's recruits, Bill Rude, a volunteer assistant coach, was brought in to work primarily with the defensive specialists. Rude spent the previous four years at Maryville (Tenn.) College, where he served as an assistant volleyball coach and the head softball coach. The 1988 graduate of Ithaca College was also a counselor the past four years for the Lady Vols' summer camps. His experience as a club volleyball player and collegiate coach will further assist Patrick in developing the young talent.
Collegiate volleyball is also beginning a new era with its rules committee as the NCAA is writing regulations for the sport for the first time, a task previously performed by the NAGWS (National Association of Girls and Women in Sports). One of the newest rules implemented into the sport was the addition of the libero (pronounced "LEE-bah-ro") position, which has existed at the club and international level for several years. The libero is strictly a defensive player and may not attack, set or serve, leaving passing and digging as the primary responsibilities. The NCAA cited that the addition of this player would give smaller athletes a better chance of competing and bring added excitement to the sport. While Patrick is not one to disagree with that statement, he felt it would not have a great impact on this year's squad because of his players' versatility.
"If the libero had been added to the game last year, it would have had a much larger effect on how we played," explained Patrick. "In the past, our players have always been very good at one position, but not others, and we used all of our substitutions because of that. This season, our versatility almost negates most of the rewards that are gained from the libero position, but I'm sure we'll take advantage of it to some degree."
Two players that will certainly not be playing libero this year are senior outside hitters Kelli Scott and Janelle Hester. They will be looked upon for their leadership both on and off the court. Patrick believes that the duo is instrumental in fostering the development and growth of the several young players on this year's team.
"Kelli and Janelle will lead this team in every aspect," Patrick commented. "They know what's expected of them as SEC players and they are great role models for all of our players."
Hester enjoyed her most productive year with UT last season as she led the team in attacks and kills. The Davenport, Iowa, native recorded at least 10 kills in all but three of the Lady Vols' matches in 2001 and established new single-game highs for kills, attacks, assists, aces and digs. Her stellar season culminated with second-team All-SEC honors for the second year in a row and a spot on the USA Volleyball National A2 team. Hester spent most of July in Colorado Springs, Colo., training and practicing with some of the best players in the collegiate ranks. She and her teammates also played several matches against top foreign national teams, and that experience should pay immediate dividends for her game and the team this season.
"Janelle is unquestionably our biggest offensive threat, and her training with the national team has given her the mentality to shoulder that responsibility," said Patrick. "She has improved her game every year, and I look forward to seeing her progress again this season."
Being the Lady Vols' go-to person on offense, Hester will find herself in a new position this season as an outside hitter. Traditionally, she had always played the middle, but the transition is one that should come with few bumps in the road.
"Even though Janelle has never really been an outside hitter, her confidence and skill allows her to play different positions with a great deal of ease," Patrick said.
Hester also finds herself chasing history this season as she looks to close out her career ranked among the top 10 in school history in kills and attacks. She currently stands only 55 kills shy of the 1,000 plateau and 104 away from cracking UT's top-ten list. The two-time all-conference performer also needs only 436 attacks to break into the Lady Vols' 10 best career marks.
Hester's senior counterpart, Scott, became a consistent contributor on the offensive and defensive front last season. She has posted at least 200 kills and digs per season since she first donned the Orange and White three years ago, and her powerful serve is sure to give opponents several headaches throughout the year. Scott finished 10th in the nation in aces per game in 2001 which, coupled with her intense off-season workouts, should translate into an even more productive senior season.
"Kelli has emerged as one of the best leaders we've ever had in our program," said Patrick. "Her rigorous off-season workouts have allowed her to improve on every facet of her game, and I expect Kelli to have her best season in 2002."
Like Hester, Scott is also looking to leave a lasting impression on the Orange and White's record book. The Peoria, Ariz., native is only 201 kills and 146 digs away from the 1,000 mark. Only three other Lady Vols, Kristy Dobson, Stephanie Ehlers and Sonja Thomas, have accomplished that feat.
UT's other three returnees, junior defensive specialist Alex Compeau, sophomore right side hitter Whitney Gifford and sophomore middle blocker Michelle Piantadosi, will also play key roles on the team this year. After a solid 2001 campaign, Compeau will lead UT's defensive efforts this season.
"Alex will be the stabilizing force in our back row," said Patrick of his lone junior. "She is our most experienced defensive specialist, and I expect her serve and relentless defense to play a huge part in our success this year."
Gifford and Piantadosi both saw considerable action last year as freshmen, and this season they will see even more. The tandem provides powerful hitting on the frontline, and their off-season workouts and practice have provided them with the ability to play at more than one position on offense.
"Both Whitney and Michelle have worked extremely hard this past summer, and they have transformed themselves into serious offensive threats for us this season," said Patrick.
The most noticeable aspect of the Lady Vol roster this season is the unusual mix of upperclassmen with a large quantity of less experienced players. Because the Lady Vols boast only two seniors, one junior and two sophomores this season, Patrick must call upon his six newcomers immediately. However, the head coach contends that this seemingly precarious situation will not be a barrier to the team's success because of the youngsters' understanding of the game.
"What stands out the most with the new players is their volleyball experience," said the sixth-year mentor. "They have been playing this game longer than any other recruiting class I've had, and they have almost as much volleyball knowledge as our returning players."
One of those newcomers with a high volleyball IQ is Ft. Wayne, Ind., native Jasmine Fullove. She first took up volleyball when she was five years old and has been competing ever since. Fullove was a two-sport athlete at Snider High School, playing basketball and volleyball. A three-time all-conference performer in volleyball, Fullove earned a spot on the 1996 and 2000 Junior Olympics teams. Her knowledge of the game allows her to play several positions, including outside and right side hitter, and middle blocker. Fullove's game is not limited to strictly offensive positions either, as she possesses the ability to play as a defensive specialist or libero.
"Jasmine possesses more knowledge of the game than any other freshman we've had coming in," said Patrick. "I'm expecting her to have an immediate impact as a defensive specialist or libero. She'll also provide us with depth at our right side and outside hitting positions."
Assisting Compeau in the backcourt is Morgan Miltner, who came to UT from Durrant High School in Dover, Fla. Like Fullove, Miltner has played volleyball for a very long time, and has also competed against some of the best competition in the country as a member of the Tampa Bay Juniors Volleyball Club. Her skills as a defensive specialist and passer add even more depth to the Lady Vols' improved backcourt this season.
"Morgan comes from a talented volleyball club team and has played at the top level most of her career," Patrick said. "Her strong, consistent play will enable her to contribute as a defensive specialist or libero."
Kristen Andre and Heather Harrington were Patrick's two tallest recruits, and both have a great deal of athletic ability. In addition to volleyball, Andre played basketball and ran track for Kelseyville High School in Kelseyville, Calif. Her volleyball squad lost only one match in conference play during her tenure, earning her all-league accolades. Harrington, a Pasadena, Texas, native, was one of the top blockers in the Houston area at Ryburn High School and also played with the Gulf Coast Juniors 18 National team. Both players should see time as outside or right side hitters this season.
"Kristen and Heather are two of our lesser experienced players, but their athletic talent more than makes up for that," said Patrick. "They will both have the opportunity to find playing time as outside or right side hitters."
Another of Patrick's athletic prot?g?s is Jennifer Rudy. Rudy was an all-conference player in volleyball and basketball at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Broadview, Ill. Unfortunately, the Lady Vols will be without her services this season as she is taking a medical red-shirt due to the surgery she underwent during the summer.
"We are very excited about the future of Jennifer," said Patrick. "She is our most athletic newcomer and has the ability to play any of the three front row positions. Jennifer also possesses the ability to attack any tempo set and only time will tell what role she best fulfills on the team."
Patrick's final piece of the puzzle, Julie Knytych, faces the most daunting challenge of all the newcomers. She has been asked to fill the shoes of Lear, the Big Orange's departed all-time assists leader. As the squad's setter, Knytych must act as a point guard and run the entire offense, a task that is usually not shouldered by a freshman. However, Patrick has confidence in his new setter and believes Knytych is up for the challenge.
"Julie is one of the top players in the country at her position," boasted Patrick. "She also brings a sense of toughness, leadership and determination that I expect our team to adopt immediately."
Knytych was an All-American performer for the LJVBC 16-1 and LJVBC 17-1 as a junior and senior at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange Park, Ill. She was also named to several all-state teams by numerous newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times.
Looking at the 2002 schedule, Knytych and the rest of the Lady Vols have a very busy three weeks to start the season. UT will kick off the season when they travel to the state of New York for the first time in program history to take part in the Fordham Rose Hill Classic on Aug. 30-31 in the Bronx. Tennessee will face Cal State Fullerton in its season opener, followed by meetings with Iona and host Fordham. The Lady Vols then square off with Seton Hall on Sept. 2 before heading to Cullowhee, N.C., for the Catamount Clash III, which features Villanova, Georgia State and Western Carolina. Patrick believes these tournament matches will be critical in gearing up his newcomers for the arduous SEC schedule that awaits them.
"I like the way our schedule is set up because it gives us a lot of matches before we begin SEC play," Patrick explained. "The Fordham tournament features three very well-coached teams, and our new players will see a lot of time there. At Western Carolina, we'll face even stronger teams and hopefully our athletic ability will compensate for our inexperience."
Before the Lady Vols begin SEC competition, they will host the fourth edition of the Toyota of Knoxville Lady Vol Classic on Sept. 13-14. Tennessee will start things off by facing Virginia on the first day and then finish the tourney with matches against East Carolina and Rice. The Orange and White then find themselves pitted against two more non-conference opponents, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State, before heading into league play at LSU on Sept. 27. The Lady Vols' match with the Tigers will be televised by SEC-TV and aired at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 29.
"Our tournament features the strongest non-conference opponents we will see this season," said Patrick. "That weekend will show us where we stand because of the quality of competition we'll play."
The usual dominant teams in the SEC Eastern Division, Florida and South Carolina, look strong once again this season. The Gators have won 11-straight regular-season SEC titles and nine of the last 10 tournament crowns, while the Gamecocks have finished right behind Florida in the divisional standings in five of the past six years. The Lady Vols will clearly be the underdogs in the East this season, but this is a situation that Patrick embraces and believes could be a huge advantage for UT.
"I'd rather be the underdog," Patrick contended. "It's easier to get players focused when you're in that situation. When you play a top team, there is always the chance that they will come in lax because they've overlooked you."
The Southeastern Conference schools will certainly find that the Lady Vols have drastically improved their backcourt, a point of weakness for the Big Orange over the past several years. While UT will once again play a very physical game on the hardwood, its defense may be the chief component for the team's success this season.
"We'll match up better with the SEC schools than people might think," Patrick explained. "We can't replace the experience of the players that were lost last year, but the volleyball skills of our new players aid in filling those gaps. We're still a physical team, but our speed and defense in the backcourt is something we've never had, and that will be a key to our success."
When Lear, Wilson and Peterson first wore the Orange and White four years ago, they set out to restore the proud tradition of UT volleyball. This fall, the morning sky has revealed that the 2002 Tennessee Lady Vols are determined to bring the program to the next level and finish what their predecessors began.
