Volleyball

Volleyball 2008 Season Outlook

“Strength in Numbers” is the 2008 season motto for the Wilmington University Volleyball program. Returning only four starters from the 2007 team, the Wildcats have a lot of new faces and new talent. The 2008 recruiting class brings in a wealth of experience and adds depth to the team. With last year’s freshmen class entering their sophomore campaign, the 2008 recruiting class has big shoes to fill. The coaching staff has high hopes for these new additions and expects significant things from them this season.

Our senior class adds two new faces with exceptional talent. Ashley Carberry, a 2007 transfer student who was unable to compete last season, is hungry to get back on the floor. A power to be reckoned with in the middle, she utilizes her dynamic jumping and blocking ability, to make her one of the top middle hitters in the conference. Adrienne Melvin, a transfer graduate student, enters her final year of eligibility, and adds great depth to the passing and defensive side of the game. Her powerful serve will surely earn the Wildcats many extra points throughout the season.

Taisha Hylor is the squad’s lone junior. The coaches hope she adds depth to the outside hitter position, as her 5’11” frame gives the team the height they are lacking from the outside.

The sophomore class brings back familiar faces for the Wildcats, as four of the seven are returning starters. Michelle Boyd, an All-Tournament team member at the Millersville University tournament, is one of the most versatile of the bunch. She has experience on the outside, in the middle, and on the offside. Her attitude and dependability make her a huge asset to the program. Kate Brown is a terminator on the right side. Her power and strength on offense make teams fear her. At 6’1”, she clears blocks with amazing force. Meghan Frick, a 2007 Rookie of the Week selection in the CACC, is an amazing all-around player. Her jump serve can blow teams out of the water, and she is the server the team wants to see on the line at crunch time. Brittany O’Neill, a libero, brings the defense to the Wildcat squad, and was a major contributor to the Wildcats being ranked second in the nation in digs last year.

New to the program are three transfers. Christina Lessard joined the Wildcats in the spring of 2008 and offers incredible defense and setting experience to the team. Fabiana Scavicchio comes to us as a transfer and will challenge the returning defensive players for a libero position. Caitlin Hess, a 6’3” middle hitter, adds depth and power. She is the tallest player in school history, and gives the Wildcats an edge in the middle.

Our 2008 recruiting class is amongst the best that Wilmington has had in the past few years. Kerry Collins, of Olney, Maryland, is a fantastic setter. She is quick and explosive on the court, and runs a fast offense and adds great defensive skills. Sheri Hunley, of Newark, Delaware, is a 5’10” middle hitter from Christiana High School, who has a great jump and is quickly learning the speed of the college game. Shannon Rumple, from Fallston High School in Maryland, is a 5’8” setter who is both an offensive and defensive addition. She runs a great court and also adds some offensive possibilities as well. Rounding out the freshmen class is Kim Shropshire. Kim comes to us from A.I. DuPont High School. She is an amazing defensive player and moves well on the court. She passes and serves aggressively and her experience adds to the team’s current defensive focus.

Overall, the coaching staff has high expectations for this wonderful group of young ladies. Between the returning players and new faces, we have added height and defense that Wilmington has not seen in a few seasons. The team has a great work ethic and a love for the game, and should find themselves back in the conference playoffs at the end of the year.