DATE
OPPONENT
SITE
TIME
Wed., Aug. 24
vs. Rochester
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., Aug. 26 & 27
@ UM Dearborn Tournament
Dearborn, Mich.
TBA
Wed., Aug. 31
@ Indiana University Northwest
Gary, Ind.
4 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 31
vs. Huntington
Gary, Ind.
6 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., Sept. 2 & 3
@ Cardinal Stritch Tournament
Milwaukee, Wis.
TBA
Wed., Sept. 7
vs. Indiana University Northwest
Grand Rapids, Mich.
6 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 10
vs. Grace Bible
Grand Rapids, Mich.
1 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 10
vs. Purdue North Central
Grand Rapids, Mich.
3 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 14
@ UM Dearborn*
Dearborn, Mich.
7 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 17
@ Olivet
Olivet, Mich.
3 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 17
vs. St. Francis (Ind.)
Olivet, Mich.
5 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 21
vs. Marygrove
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 24
vs. Cornerstone* (Homecoming)
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 28
@ Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 1
vs. Lake Superior State
Grand Rapids, Mich.
4 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 5
vs. Concordia*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 7
@ Lourdes*
Sylvania, Ohio
7 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 12
vs. Davenport*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 14
vs. Indiana Tech*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
4 p.m.
Thurs., Oct. 20
@ Siena Heights*
Adrian, Mich.
7 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 21 & 22
@ Calumet College of St. Joseph
Whiting, Ind.
TBA
Wed., Oct. 26
@ Madonna*
Livonia, Mich.
7 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 28 & 29
Aquinas/Cornerstone Crossover
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Fri., Oct. 28
vs. Marian
Grand Rapids, Mich.
3 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 28
vs. Robert Morris
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 29
vs. Daemen
Grand Rapids, Mich.
9 a.m.
Sat., Oct. 29
vs. St. Francis (Ill.)
Grand Rapids, Mich.
1 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 1
vs. Goshen
Grand Rapids, Mich.
5:30 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 2
vs. Northwestern Ohio*
Grand Rapids, Mich.
7 p.m.
Fri. - Sun., Nov. 4-6
WHAC Tournament Opening Round
Grand Rapids, Mich.
TBA
AQUINAS COLLEGE GENERAL INFORMATION
AFFILIATION: NAIA Division II CONFERENCE: Wolverine-Hoosier (WHAC)
LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Michigan FOUNDED: 1886 NICKNAME: Saints COLORS: Maroon/Grey PRESIDENT: Dr. Juan Olivarez (1st year) ENROLLMENT: 2,518 students STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 15:1
2010 RECORD: 29-12 2010 WHAC RECORD: 12-4 2010 WHAC FINISH: 3rd LETTERMAN RETURNING: 10 STARTERS RETURNING/LOST: 3/3 HOME COURT: Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center
SAINTS VOLLEYBALL
SPORTS INFORMATION AND ATHLETICS
HEAD COACH: David Rawles (5th year) ALMA MATER: Baker College ASSISTANT COACHES: Brandyn Thorsen (4th year); Elmer Schulz (2nd year); Brandon Holstine (1st year)
SPORTS INFO DIRECTOR: Mike Wojciakowski SID PHONE: 616-632-2482 MEDIA GUIDE PUBLICATION: Linda Nash WEB-SITES: www.aquinas.edu, www.whac.net VARSITY SPORTS: 21 Sport Opportunities ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: Terry Bocian
2011 Volleyball Schedule
Inside Cover
AQ at a glance/Table of Contents
1
Aquinas College
2
Grand Rapids
3
Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC)
4-5
Aquinas College 125th Anniversary
6
Roster
7
Season Preview
8
Head Coach Dave Rawles
9
Assistant Coaches
10-11
Meet the Team
12-13
1
Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College is rooted in the Dominican traditions of prayer, study, community and service, combined with a deep respect for truth, honesty and integrity. In this spirit, we strive to create an environment in which integrity is prized and practiced. We expect all community members to uphold these values through honesty, fairness, and respect for others.
2
Located on the eastern edge of Grand Rapids, Aquinas’ location allows students to reap the benefits of living in Michigan’s second largest city. With over one million people in the greater metropolitan area, Grand Rapids plays host to numerous festivals, concerts and cultural events each year. Aquinas’ campus creates a peaceful environment that is just moments away from the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Residing on 104 wooded acres, the Aquinas College campus blends early twentiethcentury architecture with modern-day structures. The campus is home to over 107 species of trees and shrubs, winding woodland paths and inviting creeks and ponds. Only 30 miles from beautiful Lake Michigan for a relaxing afternoon.
3
Aquinas College
Cornerstone University
1607 Robinson Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49506
1001 E. Beltline Rd. Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Founded: 1886 President: Dr. Juan Olivarez Nickname: Saints Colors: Maroon & White Enrollment: 2500 School Web Site: http://www.aquinas.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.aquinas.edu/athletics/
Founded: 1941 President: Dr. Joseph Stowell Nickname: Golden Eagles Colors: Navy & Gold Enrollment: 1850 School Web Site: http://www.cornerstone.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.cugoldeneagles.com
Concordia University
Davenport University
4090 Geddes Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105
6191 Kraft Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Founded: 1963 President: Charles Winterstein Nickname: Cardinals Colors: Red, White & Black Enrollment: 600 School Web Site: http://www.cuaa.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.concordiacardinals.com/index.php
Founded: 1866 President: Richard Pappas Nickname: Panthers Colors: Red, Black & White Enrollment: 2600 School Web Site: http://www.davenport.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.dupanthers.com
4
Indiana Tech
Lourdes College
1600 E. Washington Blvd.. Fort Wayne, IN 46803
6832 Convent Blvd. Sylvania, OH 43560
Founded: 1930 President: Dr. Arthur Snyder Nickname: Warriors Colors: Orange & Black Enrollment: 1471 School Web Site: http://www.indianatech.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.indianatech.edu/athletics
Founded: 1958 President: Dr. Robert C. Helmer Nickname: Gray Wolves Colors: Orange & Gray Enrollment: 2616 School Web Site: http://www.lourdes.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.lourdes.edu/StudentLife/ Athletics.aspx
Madonna University
Siena Heights University
36600 Schoolcraft Rd. Livonia, MI 48150
1247 E. Siena Heights Drive Adrian, MI 49221
Founded: 1937 President: Sister Rose Marie Kujawa Nickname: Crusaders Colors: Royal Blue, Gold & White Enrollment: 4000 School Web Site: http://www.madonna.edu Athletic Web Site: http://www.madonnacrusaders.com
Founded: 1919 President: Sister Peg Albert, OP, PHD Nickname: Saints Colors: Navy Blue & Gold Enrollment: 1200 School Web Site: http://www.sienaheights.edu/ Athletic Web Site: http://www.shusaints.com
University of Michigan—Dearborn
University of Northwestern Ohio
4901 Evergreen Dearborn, MI 48128
1441 N. Cable Road Lima, OH 45805
Founded: 1959 President: Daniel Little Nickname: Wolves Colors: Maize & Blue Enrollment: 8500 School Web Site: http://www.umd.umich.edu/ Athletic Web Site: http://gowolves.net
Founded: 1920 President: Dr. Jeffrey Jarvis Nickname: Racers Colors: Red, Black Enrollment: 4000 School Web Site: http://www.unoh.edu/ Athletic Web Site: http://www.unohracers.com/
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Aquinas College had its origins in the Novitiate Normal School begun by the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids in 1886 in Traverse City. The Novitiate Normal School was transferred to Grand Rapids in 1911, and in 1922 it evolved into Sacred Heart (later Marywood) College. In 1931, the College was renamed Catholic Junior College. In 1940 the two-year program at CJC was expanded into a four-year bachelor's degree program and the name of the College was changed to Aquinas College. Aquinas College was originally located in downtown Grand Rapids. In 1945, the college bought the former Lowe Estate on East Fulton Street where it has remained until this day. In August 2011, Aquinas College will kick off a year's worth of festivities celebrating its 125 years of Catholic Dominican post-secondary education in Michigan. The celebration of the College's quasquicentennial (125th anniversary) will be highlighted by four signature events that will shine a spotlight on the values that have guided the College throughout its history: prayer, study, service, and community.
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No.
Name
Pos.
Yr.
Ht.
Hometown/High School (College)
1
Lauren Pasko
DS
FR
5’1”
Lansing, IL/Thornton Fractional Township
2
Jessica Curtis
OH
SR
5'9"
North Branch, Mich./North Branch
3
Heather Engle
DS
SR
5'4"
Fruitport, Mich./ Muskegon CC
4
Rachel Sprenger
S/DS
FR
5’5”
Grand Rapids, Mich./GR West Catholic
5
Emily Rice
OH
FR
5’11”
Cadillac, Mich./Cadillac
6
Hannah Mahoney
DS
FR
5’4”
Whitehall, Mich./Whitehall
7
Kelly Flietstra
OH
SO
5'11"
Wayland, Mich./Wayland Union
8
Sarah LeClair
DS
SR
5'6"
Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven
9
Jackie Overton
RS
SO
6'0"
Southfield, Mich./Southfield
10
Ellie Sturgell
MH/RS
FR
6’1”
Grand Rapids, Mich./GR West Catholic
11
Chelsea Phillips
MB
SR
6’0”
Holland, Mich./West Ottawa
12
Jessica Bredeweg
DS
JR
5'4"
East Moline, Mich./South Christian
14
Kristin Woods
MH
SO
6'0"
Grand Haven, Mich./ Grand Haven
15
Nicci Thomas
S
SO
5'11"
Whitehall, Mich./ Whitehall
16
Allison Griffiths
RS/OH
FR
6’1”
Dewitt, Mich./Dewitt
Amy VonKronenberger OH/DS
SO
5'9"
Lakeview, Mich./ Lakeview
17
7
The 2011 Saints Volleyball team is determined to take the court and continue their dominance after coming off a 29-12 season and 3rd place finish in the WHAC. The Saints goal of reaching the national tournament was cut short by Indiana Tech, who defeated the Saints in the Conference Tournament championship match. Coach Rawles, entering his 5th year at the helm comments, “We have a solid nucleus of returning players with court experience and a talented group of recruits to complete our roster. Our goal every year is to win the WHAC conference and to qualify for the NAIA national tournament.” The Saint’s have some tough shoes to fill with the absence of two-time NAIA All-American and the WHAC player of the year the last three seasons in Katie Vander Meer. Rawles is optimistic that the Saints will pull together and Sophomore Nicci Thomas has the ability to quarterback the team as she notched quality minutes last year as a first year player. Rawles says, “Nicci is very knowledgeable about the game. She has good decision making and understands the strategy of the game.” The Saints are looking for senior Chelsea Phillips to continue with the power from last year’s squad. Phillips possesses natural ability and athleticism and is coming off her junior season in which she garnered first team All-WHAC accolades. Rawles comments, “I have been coaching Chelsea since she was 14 years old. She knows the philosophy of the program and knows what it takes to win.”
#11 Senior 1st Team All-Conference Chelsea Phillips Rawles comments, “Heather is very poised on the court and she has a calming effect on those around her. I think she will be great for our younger players.” The Saints will have plenty of depth and talent rounding out the roster with the addition of 6 newcomers on the team.
Senior Sara LeClair returns as a four year starter and was named the ‘Libero of the Year’ two seasons ago. LeClair is tough competitor and she has the knack for being in the right place at the right time. Her court sense and tenacity should factor into the Saints defense. LeClair recorded the career high single season dig record and is on pace to become the Saints career dig record holder.
The Saints started the season ranked 25th in the nation. The competitive pre-season will test the Saints. They will compete with some of the top NAIA programs in the nation. Coach Rawles comments, “I will expect steady progress as the season progresses. Early on we will be experimenting with our line-up as we look for the group that meshes the best together. The season is a marathon and we are looking to steadily get better with each match and to be playing our best volleyball in November. We need to peak at the right time to compete for the WHAC championship.”
Senior Jessica Curtis is coming off an off-season ACL surgery and the staff is hopeful that she will be competing this season. Time will tell. Senior Heather Engle, a transfer from Muskegon Community College a year ago will provide veteran experience as a defensive specialist.
8
a finalist for Rookie of the Year in 2002, and he was named Most Improved Player in 2003. During this period, Rawles kept a busy schedule as he juggled completed his degree in Early Childhood Education at Baker College, playing, and coaching volleyball. Rawles coaching career began when he was 20 years old and he became involved in coaching a 14 and under AAU volleyball team. As his young teams became a powerhouse, Rawles continued to move up to coach the elite 17 and under national level team. He was also named Assistant Club Director. Rawles was offered his first high school varsity coaching job at Western Michigan Christian High School in 2004. After one year there, he was offered the job at North Muskegon High School, where he led the volleyball team to a Class C state title in 2006. Rawles adds, “After winning the state title, I knew that coaching volleyball was what I wanted to do. I enjoyed the challenge of taking a group of individuals and molding them into a cohesive unit. Volleyball is such a fast paced game and you need chemistry on the court to be successful.”
Head Coach Dave Rawles Head Coach Dave Rawles enters his 5th season directing the Saint’s volleyball program. When Rawles was hired, he focused his energies on recruiting quality student athletes and the result has been steady improvement and a program that can compete with the elite programs in the nation. Rawles has molded the Saints into a league contender. The Saints notched 22 wins in 2008, 26 wins in 2009 and 29 wins last year including a stretch of 22 consecutive victories. Rawles is quickly approaching his 100th career victory with 77 wins directing the program.
Rawles has directed the highly respected club volleyball program, the Saints Club team for the past four years. He has run several tournaments and is a leader in the local high school ranks. Rawles took a leap in his professional growth after his state championship at North Muskegon High School. He spent one year under Cathy George as a volunteer assistant coach at Michigan State University in 2007. Rawles was able to experience first hand the requirements of running a successful collegiate volleyball program. The Spartans qualified for the NCAA national tournament and won their first round match before bowing out in the second round of the tournament.
Before volleyball became Rawles’ passion, he was a three sport, four year varsity standout in high school at Cheasaning High School. He competed in football, basketball and track and was captain of his football team his junior and senior seasons. He was a hard nosed competitor and earned 1st team All-Conference in football his junior and senior years. Always one for staying active, Rawles comments, “After high school, I needed to fill the competitive void that had been such a big part of my life. I started playing beach volleyball and that was it. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize that volleyball would become such a passion for me.”
The future looks bright for the Saints and with four recruiting classes under Coach Rawles belt, there is plenty of talent and depth in the program. Coach Rawles was voted by his peers as the Champions of Character coach in 2008.
Rawles played competitively in the Midwest Professional Volleyball Association (MPVA) for six seasons and was ranked as high as number 3 on the tour in 2006. While playing on the tour, Rawles was
Coach Rawles is married to Kari Rawles and they reside in East Grand Rapids, with their daughter Peyton who will turn three this year.
9
BRANDYN THORSEN Assistant Coach (3rd year) Brandyn Thorsen, after taking a year off from coaching with the Saint’s two years ago, returns with enthusiasm and the challenge of making this team a league contender and a national powerhouse. After a stellar competitive 4 year career as a starter on the Michigan State University volleyball team as an outside hitter. Thorsen is ready to put his energies into passing a long his wisdom to the players.
Thorsen recently completed his teaching degree in Special Education from Grand Valley State University. Head Coach Dave Rawles has worked with Brandyn since 2004 and is impressed with his technical knowledge of the game and claims his expertise in passing and defense is second to none.
BRANDYN THORSEN
ELMER SCHULZ Assistant Coach (2nd year) Coach Schultz has amassed 34 years of coaching experience under his belt. During the early ninties Elmer spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Northwood University. Coach Schultz helped lead the Lady Timberwolves to six consecutive appearances at the NAIA national championships. Two of those seasons resulted in final four appearances.
Coach Schultz has been coaching at the club level for the past two seasons with Saints Juniors Volleyball Club in Grand Rapids. Elmer spends his summers coaching with Sports Performance Volleyball Club out of Aurora, Illinois working with elite players in summer camps. Coach Elmer Schultz resides in East Grand Rapids and enjoys being highly active and spending quality time with his immediate family. ELMER SCHULTZ
10
BRANDON HOLSTINE Student Assistant Coach Brandon Holstine is joining the Aquinas Saints volleyball coaching staff for the 2011 season as a Student Assistant. Holstine works in the Aquinas IT department and will be finishing his degree in the winter of 2012. Brandon has seven years of experience coaching the game of volleyball. Holstine will bring his knowledge of technology and volleyball to the program in addition to his high energy.
BRANDON HOLSTINE
11
#1 Lauren Pasko
#4 Rachel Sprenger
#7 Kelly Flietstra
#2 Jessica Curtis
#5 Emily Rice
#8 Sarah LeClair
12
#3 Heather Engle
#6 Hannah Mahoney
#9 Jackie Overton
#10 Elle Sturgell
#11 Chelsea Phillips
#12 Jessica Bredeweg
#13 MacKenzie Kolstad
#14 Kristen Woods
#15 Nicci Thomas
#16 Allison Griffiths
#17 Amy VanKronenberger
13