Marquette University Athletics
2003 Volleyball Outlook
7/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
July 22, 2003
Head Coach Pati Rolf eagerly awaits her second season at the helm of the Golden Eagles program, as a solid corps of veterans combined with an influx of talented newcomers look to climb the ranks of Conference USA.
A quick check at the roster sees that Rolf welcomes back a total of eight letterwinners from last year's team that fought through adversity in posting an overall record of 13-16. While the experience and match-tested mentality is something that Rolf welcomes, the Marquette mentor believes that the new faces will play a significant role in the team's success in 2003.
"Our expectations are that we are going to take another step forward," Rolf said when assessing this year's team. "I felt that we finished on a strong note last year and now the expectations of the players, my staff and myself is that we step it up and get ourselves among the top six teams in the league.
"I believe that we can do that," Rolf continued. We have the talent. From a coaching perspective, the players who return understand what I want while the new people clearly understand what I'm about. It will be an interesting combination of youth and age and we are excited about the prospects for this upcoming season."
And while the adversity caused by various injuries did take its toll on the 2002 team, Rolf believes that the lessons learned collectively by the squad will make it stronger and more determined this year.
"Just like in life, athletics has ups and downs," Rolf reflected. "We went through some of the worst things that could happen and then some of the best that could happen. I think that we did it well and that at the end of the year we came out with what is truly the Marquette team of the future.
"The players learned to keep fighting," Rolf stated. "You will win if you keep fighting, maybe not in that particular year, but I think they realized that it isn't about just one season. It's about a continual process and learning to pick yourself up. We look to carry that attitude over into this year."
Besides the depth that the Golden Eagles will possess in 2003, Coach Rolf points to the setting position as another area that shapes up as a strength.
"We will be strong in the setting position," Rolf said. "We will be solid in the understanding of what our offense will look like. That will be important for us because we aren't as big as some of the other teams. We are going to have to be fast in the execution of our offense and catch people off guard."
Senior Gemma Greer heads into the campaign as the incumbent starter at setter. No. 3 all-time at Marquette in assists with 3,090 to her credit, Greer claims a wealth of experience and knowledge that should translate into a big final year.
Junior Sarah Vernon will provide Marquette with a more-than-able backup at that position as well as a consistent contributor in other areas including blocking and passing.
"I can trust what my setters are doing," Rolf said of Greer and Vernon. "We have depth at the position and feel good about the people we have there."
Another reason for Rolf's excitement about the upcoming campaign is the talent at the outside positions. With a couple of young veterans leading the way, combined with some promising newcomers, Rolf likes what she sees.
Sophomore Theresa Coughlin, 5-11, enjoyed a fine rookie season in 2002 and headlines the returnees at the spot. A member of the Conference USA All-Freshman Team, Coughlin's 379 attacks a year ago ranked her seventh on the school's seasonal ladder.
"Theresa is a fine player who displayed outstanding abilities as a freshman," Rolf said. "She is really competitive and with a year under her belt should continue her development as a force at the position."
Incoming freshmen Jamie Mueller, 5-10, and Nicole Wallace, 5-11, both look to make their impact felt as they both bring outstanding high school and club credentials to the program. Mueller garnered All-America acclaim while with the Milwaukee Sting Volleyball Club while Wallace was a four-year starter at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.
"We have exceptional athletic ability on the outside and the position will be exciting to watch," Rolf said. " Theresa will have her spot and two freshmen will fighting it out."
Junior Erin Freer, 5-9, could emerge as well as the position. Another of Rolf's players who has fine athletic ability, Freer distinguished herself at the libero position last season and finished as the team leader in digs. However, if needed, she could adequately hold her own.
"Where Erin really excels is the libero position," Rolf said. "But if we need to or people are playing well, then we will move her outside."
Sophomore Caitie O'Brien, who made valuable contributions last year after making the squad as a walk-on, will also compete for court time as a defensive specialist.
Sophomore Aga Niemcezewska, 6-0, will be able to make full use of her blocking ability while playing right side. As a freshman, she logged a great deal of playing time that should help play a major role in her improvement.
"Aga will move to the right side and she really enjoys play there," Rolf said. "Her blocking is her strength and she shuts down the big outside hitter. She is strong and athletic."
A possible challenge to Niemcezewska could come from junior Eric Heisser, 6-1. A serious candidate for a starting spot at middle, Heisser could compete for a starting slot at right side if Rolf opts to start another player at middle.
The middle shapes up as perhaps MU's biggest question going into the season with three players all gearing up to stake a claim for a starting spot. As mentioned earlier, Erica Heisser has the most experience among three serious candidates and turned in a fine spring season according to Rolf. Joining the fray will be sophomore Elise Hickerson, 6-1, a transfer from Air Force, and freshman Jen Brown, 6-1, a talented prospect who hails from Brampton, Ontario.
"Erica worked hard in the spring acquired some important experience," Rolf said. "The coaching staff was impressed the speed she gained as well as her competitiveness. She really wants to be a starting member on this team and is working towards that goal.
"We're excited about Elise and Jen joining the program as well," Rolf stated. "Elise has both mental and physical toughness. She will be a key in driving the other middles and lighting a fire under the others to get them going. She has some collegiate experience and that will be beneficial. As for Jen, she is 6-1 and very athletic. She has experience with provincial juniors and national championship play in Canada. She does lack some experience having played for three years but her athletic skills will help carry her through."
