Lady Eagles Look to Build on Success of 2009

By Shannon Mincey
Carson-Newman Volleyball

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - I want my players to leave this season with a very special feeling about their time together. 'Time together' is going to be a key ingredient in our success. We have fallen just short of the finish line for the past 2 years. Although we have had very successful seasons in the big picture of Carson-Newman volleyball, a first place finish is something our team will aim for. That won't be our only aim though and we will be bound together by more than just a desire to win. Spiritual growth, academic success, volunteering our services, and being more involved on campus will also be among the many things we spend time on.

I am in a very unique situation this year with 5 returners and 5 newcomers. It would seem with so many newcomers we should be "rebuilding" however I don't feel that way at all. I am excited for my 2010 recruiting class. They complete my returners in so many ways. All of my returners enter the season with on-court playing experience. My expectations for them are great and they will be held accountable to their season goals.

Outside Hitters
Senior Outside Hitter Carly Mozgai (Greensboro, NC) comes off a successful junior campaign. "Carly's 2009 success goes way beyond the accolades of receiving All-Conference or even being a statistical leader. Her success came from a misfortune in the pre-season sustaining a severe injury which was detrimental to our teams' spirit and to Carly's physical health. True character is proved in times of adversity. Carly rehabilitated herself back to the court within 2 months of her injury. She proved to her teammates just how much she puts this team at the top of her priority list. Carly will be our "go-to" this season. High expectations will be placed upon her."

Sophomore Rachael Bowlin (Morristown, TN) will play several roles for the Eagles this season. "Rachael worked hard in the spring season on other aspects of her game. Her focus before was always on attacking, I watched her develop into a sound defensive player and feel she can contribute in both areas. Offensively, her shot selection increased. I am excited to watch Rachael use a lot of what we worked on as she applies it to competition."

Freshman Lindsey Bryant (Atlanta, GA) will add size to our front line. "This will be my first 6'0 outside hitter which I am thrilled about. Lindsey's potential is huge! We will train her in two positions (outside and middle).

Freshman Sierra Weaver (Lake Placid, Fl) will wear many hats her first year. "I am most excited to train Sierra and see where her work ethic can take her. She does a lot of things well. She has servant spirit about her and her love the game/bettering herself will be something her teammates can feed from."

Rightside Hitters
Transfer Junior Carly Swisher (Fort Collins, Co) adds experience to the Eagle squad. "Losing so many starting seniors in the 2009 season concerned me. Carly's experience within our conference will benefit our team, her only newness will be her teammates and coach which she will easily transition into. She brings a powerful attack to our offense. We will utilize her blocking capabilities and look to her to finish plays on the defensive side of the game."

Setters
Senior Lara McDonald (Salem, Va) will be utilized in a leadership role on and off the court. "Lara is a consistent team member. I look forward to working with her more closely her senior year. She has worked on improving her skills and is emotionally reliable. She is a student of the game and can apply quick smart decisions. Lara has worked hard over her tenure as an Eagle to develop a consistent set for her hitters. She spends a lot of time making sure she is delivering a good connection."

Courtney Lawson (Chattanooga, TN) will be asked to contribute as a freshman. "She has good technical delivery and makes decisions on the fly. I am very confident in her defensive skills."

Middles
Nikki James (Cookeville, TN) will be a strong force for the squad. "Nikki is fun to watch at the net when she blocks. Her celebrations are contagious. Nikki spent a lot of time in the spring with our setter speeding up her quick attack. She worked very hard in the weight room to be a a sound consistent blocker/hitter for us. She is someone we will rely on to finish a rally."

Libero
Angelle Hayes (Brentwood, TN) came off a very successful freshman season garnering All-Freshman honors. "Angelle leads our team in many ways. Her serve receive opens up so many offensive options for us. Her energy, desire and passion for the game is something our team will emulate."

Staff
I am thrilled to have assistant Allyson Corhn working with me again. She was a very consistent leader for me during her 4 years as a player and it has been great working her behind the scenes. She knows our program and will be an asset to our players.

Jessica Schachleiter will be assisting the Eagle program this year after playing for C-N the last two season. Schachleiter was second on the team last year in both kills (299) and digs (360). "Jessica was a consistent player for me. She loved volleyball and worked very hard at it. I wish she could play another year for us but since she can't it will def. be nice to have her on the sidelines helping. I will use her in practice a lot to hit against our offense."

Phillip Bennett will be assisting us again. Phillip is knowledgeable in many areas of the sport. I am so appreciative he is helping us out this year. This will be his second year with me so he understands my system and feels comfortable giving me feedback on our players.