DePaul University

Chicago - Coming into the 2003 volleyball season the Blue Demons are determined to show Conference USA and the nation that they learned from last season’s struggles.  The Blue Demons finished 5-25, but gained valuable insight from their season.  They come into the 2003 season ready to fight.

Head Coach Dawn Dockstader said, “Our players recommitted themselves to the program and each other this spring.  They worked incredibly hard to be the in top physical condition both mentally and physically” With seven players over 6 feet, the 2003 team is one of the tallest teams in DePaul history. 

The players spent the majority of the spring in the gym and came to practice ready to show Dockstader that last season was a fluke and the 2003 season will be one of successes.  In 2002, DePaul graduated five starters and lost other key players to injuries.

DePaul returns five starters this season including senior, Lara Marks.  Marks posted a single season school record with a .323 attack percentage, which also ranked her fifth in the conference last year.

2003 also returns Meg Griffin to the lineup after sustaining a season ending leg injury in 2002.  Prior to her injury, Griffin was one of DePaul’s top hitters with a .352 hitting percentage.

The 2003 Blue Demons are focused as a team and determined to show everyone that DePaul volleyball is a powerhouse.  They expect to win, and to return to the top ranks of Conference USA and to the NCAA tournament.

DePaul is looking for on the court leadership from seniors, Meg Griffin, Lara Marks, Janet Cotter and junior, Janet Gorham. For Marks and Griffin this is there fifth year with the squad. They know what it takes to be champions and are expected to lead the team back to the top of the conference and to the NCAA tournament. 

Outside Hitters

DePaul looks for an explosive return from Meg Griffin.  She took a medical redshirt during the 2002 season after suffering a leg injury. Dockstader says,  “Meg has worked hard to come back and play at an even higher lever than before she was injured.  She knows what is takes to win a championship and I expect her to play that way.”

Senior, Janet Cotter has matured technically and comes into the season with high expectations and confidence.  During the spring she dominated at both the middle and left side. Dockstader expects her to have a senior year that she will never forget.

Amy Holmes is looking to see time as an outside hitter as well as be competitive at the setting position.  Dockstader states that, “As a utility player for the last two seasons Amy is finding her niche on the floor, she has matured as a player and I am excited to see her play at new heights this season.”

Dockstader is looking to sophomore, Mandy Mooreberg to, “dominate on the outside.  She has all of the tools to be a top outside hitter as a sophomore.” 

Last season Mooreberg played in all 30 matches with a season high seven kills at Marquette.

Sophomore, Tara Pulaski, “has worked hard to improve her game both physically and technically. We will look for her to contend for some playing time on the outside this season,” said Dockstadder.

Look for freshman, Morgan Ingersoll to explode onto the floor this season.  As an outside hitter for Mother McAuley she led her high school team in hitting.  Dockstader, is confident that this freshman will have a direct impact on this year’s success at the outside hitting position.

Freshmen, Jamie Klosterman, Aly Zavits and Sasha Cherner hope to see time at the outside hitting position as well.

Middle Blocker

Senior, Lara Marks is ready to raise the attack percentage school record once again this year.  Marks set the record with a .323 attack percentage in 2002.  She hit over .400 in 13 matches and posted double figure kill totals in 25 matches. 

Dockstader cannot wait to see Lara during her fifth year. “Lara is going to lead the team both offensively and defensively.  She is capable of being one of the top middles in Conference USA as well as in DePaul history.”

Improving over the spring was junior, Janet Goreham, “she is physically one of the strongest players I have ever coached.  We need to her to use that strength to consistently put up the big numbers for us on both offensively and defensively” Dockstader says.

In 2002 Goreham posted double figure kill totals in 13 matches.  She also posted double figure dig totals in 18 matches.  She had a career-high eight blocks against TCU and career high 20 digs at UIC.

Red-shirt freshman Ellen Hayes also hopes to see some playing time this season. Dockstader says that “Ellen took full advantage of her red-shirt season.  She spent a lot of time strength training and conditioning.  That combined with the on-the-court experience she had in the spring will make her ready to compete for the middle blocker position.

Dockstader is delighted to add Denae Gibson to the 2003 team.  Denae left her name all over both her high school and the Class A Indiana State record books. 

Deane holds the single season records for kills (401) and stuff blocks (89) at Southwood High School. She was also holds career records at Southwood with 1,018 kills, 605 blocks, 232 stuff blocks and 2,349 attack attempts.   In 2002 she had a .343 kill efficiency which ranks her 6^th overall in the state of Indiana and 2^nd among middle hitters.

Setters

Competition is fierce at the setting position.  Junior, Amy Holmes came onto the setting scene this spring and is challenging junior, Amie West for the position this fall. 

West finished the 2002 ranked 10th in Conference USA with 10.82 assists per game. She also dished out a career-best 66 assists against Eastern Illinois and Southern Mississippi.

Dockstader is ecstatic to see so much talent at this position. She is eager to see who steps forward to run the offence.  “Whomever it is, will bring excitement to the floor and will “set” the stage for a dramatic season.”