ELMHURST, Ill. - After qualifying for the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Tournament for the second straight season and posting a 17-17 overall record in 2009, the Elmhurst College volleyball team is determined to recapture its status as an elite program.
"I'm very excited about this season," said head coach Julie Hall. "This squad has a very good chemistry and despite being young, our talent level will be the best it's been in years."
Despite losing former All-American middle hitter Caitlin O'Hara, Hall believes the strength of the Bluejays' offense will be in the middle. In addition to returning all-conference pick Paige Fombelle (Decatur/Warrensburg-Latham), the Bluejays' boast three recruits that are capable of contributing immediately. Hall believes freshmen Megan Reynolds (Thornton/Marian Catholic), Kaitlyn Wilks (Union Grove, Wis./H.S.), and Taylor Rasmussen (Adel, Iowa/Adel-DeSoto-Minburn) are all capable of jumping onto the court immediately.
"Paige is coming off an all-conference season and we're expecting her to build off of that success," said Hall. "Megan is a great blocker who has a tireless work ethic. Kaitlyn is capable of playing almost any position in the front row while Taylor is a strong blocker who can really pound the ball. I expect that all of our middle hitters will continue to develop as they work with assistant coach Kris Russell."
Sophomore Meagan Shaver (Louisville, Ky./Ballard) ads additional experience to the middle for Hall's squad.
On the outside, Antonéya Veasy Smith (Joliet/Joliet Central) and Meghan Mullaney (Elmhurst/York) both return after seeing quality time in 2009. Veasy Smith earned second-team all-conference honors while finishing second on the team in kills while Mullaney finished fourth on the squad in kills. Freshman Marci Novak (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/George Washington) is also expected to vie for time in her first season with the team.
"Antonéya had a very strong season for us in 2009," said Hall. "She's worked hard on improving her ball control and Meghan has looked very strong in our spring practices. Marci exhibits solid ball control and is very creative with her shots."
Senior Janelle Thompson (Mendota/H.S.) saw playing time at the end of last season and Hall believes she is coming off her best spring season.
"Through this spring and summer, Janelle has stepped up and given us great leadership and modeled the work ethic that the entire team has taken on."
Senior Amy Rupprecht (Rockford/Boylan Catholic), sophomore Haley Ervin (Bucyrus, Ohio/H.S.) and freshmen Monica Chaney (Cincinatti, Ohio/Anderson), Elise Cregg (Glenview/Glenbrook South) and Anita Hernandez (Indianapolis, Ind./Cardinal Ritter) could also battle for time at outside hitter.
"Amy's versatility lets her play either on the outside or right side," said Hall. "Monica has an explosive swing while Elise has great all-around ball control. "Anita brings a wealth of athletic talent to the table and is only lacking experience. Haley has shown great improvement over the spring season."
The Bluejays will be looking for someone to emerge at right side hitter after losing Lisa Burger to graduation. Sophomore Katie Kasper (Rockford, Mich./H.S.), junior Lisa VanArsdale (Kildeer/Lake Zurich) and freshman Sam Burpee (Loveland, Ohio/H.S.) are expected to compete for playing time on the right side.
"Katie has looked very solid in the spring," said Hall. "She's very focused on contributing for us. Lisa is coming off an injury that kept her out of all of 2009. As she continues to get healthy, she's beginning to get her block down and is showing some great line shots. Sam has great hops and could also step up and contribute right away."
Sophomore Laura Moran (Glen Ellyn/Glenbard East) missed much of the spring with an injury but has the blocking ability to contribute to the Bluejays' front line.
Sophomore Erin Thill (Freeport/Aquin) along with freshmen Katie Rueffer (Batavia/H.S.) and Alexis
Bankson (Churubusco, Ind./H.S.) are all expected to compete for time at setter.
"Erin has valuable experience and provides us with a great court presence that we need on the court," said assistant coach Lindsay Johnson. "Once Katie gets a good feel for our offense, I expect that she'll be pushing hard for time as well. Alexis has tremendous enthusiasm for the game and could also push for playing time."
In the back row, the Bluejays welcome back senior Jameela Chaudhry (Green Oaks/Libertyville) and sophomore Melissa Miehlke (Lake Zurich/H.S.) after they both played key roles in 2009. Chaudhry totaled 314 digs while Miehlke finished with 205.
"Jameela is an experienced player who is playing her best right now," said Hall. "She's battled some injuries in the past, but if she can stay healthy, she'll be a big part of our defense in 2010. Melissa moved from an outside hitter to the back row and has shown the type of ball control and high energy that we want on the court."
Sophomore transfer Perrie Morgan (Avon, Ind./H.S.) and freshman Hannah Lessen (Bloomington/Tri-Valley) could also vie for time in the back row.
"Hannah is a calming presence when she's on the court while Perrie is a high-energy player who gives our team a spark," said Hall.
Junior Erika Lindstrom (Belvidere/H.S.) could also contribute in the back row as she has delivered a solid spring season after coming back from foot surgery.
The road to success will not be easy, as the Elmhurst schedule is scattered with top-25 caliber opponents, including Carthage, Wisconsin-Oshkosh, New York, and Wisconsin-Whitewater.
"We've never shied away from playing strong teams and this year is no exception," said Hall. "Last year, we were never able to get that one big win we needed to boost our confidence. If we're able to knock off some of the stronger teams on our schedule, it will do amazing things for our confidence level."
Hall believes that a renewed focus and attitude will also help the Bluejays achieve success in 2010.
"Our players have been working harder than ever in the offseason," said Hall. "I'm very proud of the work ethic and the determination they've been showing. This team loves the game of volleyball and is letting their passion for the game show on the court. They're determined to not make excuses and just go out and do the work on the court. If our freshmen can showcase their talent early on and can handle the pressure of having to contribute immediately, then I believe this team can be capable of big things in 2010."
The Bluejays open the 2010 season by hosting the Elmhurst College Invitational on September 3-4.