2009 Texas A&M Volleyball Players by Texas A&M

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

2 0 0 9 A G G I E S

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

SARAH AMMERMAN A

SARAH JULIE AMMERMAN

n all-around complete player who is critical to A&M’s success both offensively and defensively … A threeyear starter, always comes ready to compete and take the team on her shoulders … Is a cornerstone for the team not only because of her play, but because of her work ethic, leadership and dedication, as well as her unmatched determination to win … Has a great understanding of the game and is quickly moving up the A&M record books for career kills … Has a textbook arm swing and hits with power high above the net … Utilizes a commanding array of shots to deceive the defense and is capable of putting the ball away from anywhere on the court … Defensively, has become more consistent with her block and back row play … Is a primary passer and one of the team’s best servers with her powerful jump serve … Has honed her skills each of the last two years as a member of USA Volleyball’s A2 Team at the USA Volleyball Adult Open Championships … Has a robust and contagious passion and commitment to the sport with aspirations of continuing her career at the professional level.

OUTSIDE HITTER 6-2 • SR-3L

12 AMMERMAN’S HONORS 2009 • USA Volleyball A2 Team, Bronze Medalist, USA Open Championships

2008 • USA Volleyball A2 Team, Bronze Medalist, USA Open Championships • All-Big 12 Honorable Mention • Texas A&M Most Valuable Player • Texas A&M Best Offensive Player • Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week (11/24) • Preseason All-Big 12 Team • Texas A&M Invitational All-Tournament Team

PARKER, COLO.

• University of San Diego All-Tournament Team

HIGH SCHOOL: Chaparral

• Collegiate Volleyball Update Top Performers List (11/25)

CLUB TEAM: Front Range Volleyball Club BIRTHDATE: October 7, 1987 PARENTS: Brett and Maria Ammerman

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

2007 • Texas A&M Best Offensive Player • MSU Holiday Inn Classic, MVP • Texas A&M Invitational All-Tournament Team

2006 • CSU Hilton Classic All-Tournament Team

AMMERMAN UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact THIS IS TEXAS A&M on my athletic career: I was born in a gym, I grew up watching my parents play, and they not only introduced me to the game itself but instilled my love for the game

KILLS: 27 vs. Iowa State (11/12/06); at Colorado (11/21/07)

• The A&M volleyball player who will surprise people the most this year: Jenny Banse, the girl has improved leaps and bounds since her freshman year and is about to shock the nation with her skills and power

ATTEMPTS: 75 vs. Iowa State (11/12/06)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for American Idol: I definitely have the best voice, hands down … just give me an iPod 

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k) .567 [17-0-30] vs. Prairie View A&M (8/25/2007)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for The Next Food Network Star: Jola is obsessed with the food channel. I’ve never actually experienced her cooking but it has to be good!

ACES: 5 vs. Colorado (10/13/07)

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

AMMERMAN’S CAREER HIGHS

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for Wipeout: ME ME ME! omg that is my favorite show EVER, I cry laughing watch it every time, it is my dream to be on there

DIGS: 21 vs. Oklahoma (9/12/07); vs. Nebraska (11/5/08)

BLOCK SOLOS: 2 four times

• People have told me that I look like (name of celebrity): Every year at camp all the little campers tell me I look exactly like Audrina from The Hills

BLOCK ASSISTS: 7 at Missouri (9/16/06)

• A song title that best describes me: Miss Independent • Favorite Aggie tradition: 12th Man, best support in the nation!

TOTAL BLOCKS: 7 at Missouri (9/16/06)

• Favorite class at Texas A&M: Sociology of Sport, one of the most memorable professors I’ll ever have

POINTS: 30.0 vs. Missouri

• After I graduate, I plan to: go overseas and play professionally, hopefully in the same country that my older brother does because that would be sweet!

(11/17/07); at Colorado (11/21/07)

full season … Also ranked second on the team with 3.75 points per set and led the Aggies with 24 aces and a 0.22 ace average … Led the Aggies and ranked seventh in the Big 12 in both kills (3.49) and points (3.90) per set in league matches only … Was the catalyst in A&M’s season-ending six-match winning streak, hitting .326 while averaging 4.55 kills and 5.07 points per set during the stretch … Received the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award on Nov.

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – JUNIOR An All-Big 12 honorable mention selection, also was voted A&M’s Most Valuable Player in addition to earning the team’s Best Offensive Player award for the second consecutive season … Started in every match and played in 110 of 113 sets … Ranked second on the team and 10th in the Big 12 with 3.35 kills per set for the

24 and was named to the Collegiate Volleyball Update Top Performers List after leading the Big 12 with 5.50 points and 5.00 kills per set while hitting at a .356 clip in crucial victories against Oklahoma and Colorado … Recorded the most kills by an A&M player in a three-set match (16 vs. Texas Tech), four-set match (18 vs. American) and five-set match (26 vs. Oklahoma) in 2008 … Became the 15th player in A&M history to surpass 1,000 career kills after posting 16

A M M E R M A N ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

MP - MS

Kill

2006-Fr.

26 - 22

2007-So.

31 -31

2008-Jr.

30 -30

Totals

87 -83

Att.

Attack Pct.

Assist Assist Avg.

Kill

Avg.

272

3.28

146

809

.156

101

447

4.43

148

1179

.254

110

368

3.35

148

1062

.207

294

1087

3.70

442

3050

.211

Ace

Dig Avg.

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

Avg.

0.10

0.30

194

2.34

24 29

0.35

314.0 3.78

0.21

0.36

263

2.60

37 48

0.48

512.5 5.07

0.11

0.22

258

2.35

34 37

0.34

412.0 3.75

0.14

0.29

715

2.43

95 114

0.39 1238.5 4.21

Dig

Block BA TB

Ace

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S in the Aggies’ 3-1 victory over Iowa State on Nov. 12 … Ended the season ranked 12th in the A&M records with 1,087 career kills … Became the fifth A&M player to surpass the 1,000 career points milestone after a 15.5 point performance against Missouri on Oct. 4 and ended the season ranked fourth in the record books with 1,238.5 points for her career … Tallied 11 double-doubles to tie for the team lead … Led the team in points in 12 matches and in kills in 11 matches overall, including each of the last seven matches of the season … Had two 20-kill performances … Recorded the second 20-20 performance of her career with 20 kills and 21 digs against No. 3 Nebraska on Nov. 5 … Garnered all-tournament honors at both the Texas A&M Invitational and the USD Tournament.

2007 – SOPHOMORE Named A&M’s Best Offensive Player … Started every match and led A&M and ranked in the top five in the Big 12 with 4.43 kills, 0.36 aces and 5.07 points per game for the full season … Also ranked in the top four in the league with 4.66 kills, 0.40 aces and 5.36 points per game in Big 12 matches only … Reached double figures in kills in a team-leading 25 matches … Led or tied for team high in kills in 19 matches and in points in 21 matches … Posted 20 or more kills in seven matches, including five of the final eight matches of the season … Recorded the first 20-20 performance of her career with 22 kills and 21 digs against Oklahoma on Sept. 12 … Both career-high 27 kills and career-high 30 points at Colorado were the most in a single match by an A&M player in 2007 … Had five aces in a home victory against the Buffs, setting an A&M record for

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

a 4-game Big 12 match … Ranked second on the team with 11 doubledoubles … Collected MVP honors at the Montana State Holiday Inn Classic after leading the Aggies to the tournament title … Ended the season with 512.5 points, ranking fifth in the A&M all-time season records and moving her into seventh in the career records with 847.0.

2006 - FRESHMAN Made an immediate and successful transition to the college level and was named to the season-opening CSU Hilton Classic all-tournament team after helping the Aggies capture the tournament title with a 3-0 record … In the season opener and in her collegiate debut, started on the left side and hit .286 and led A&M with 18 kills, 17 digs and 20.5 points in a 3-1 victory against host and NCAA tournament-bound Colorado State in front of her home-state family and friends … Played in 26 of 28 matches throughout the season, starting 22 … Ranked third on the team with 3.28 kills and 2.34 digs per game for the full season … Led A&M with a 3.40 kill average in Big 12 games only … Reached double figures in kills in 14 matches, including each of the first four matches of the season … Her career-high 27 kills and 29 points against Iowa State on Nov. 12 were the most by an A&M player in 2006 … Reached double figures in digs in seven matches – including a careerhigh 18 at Kansas – and posted seven double-doubles overall … Led or tied for the team lead in kills in nine matches, in points in nine matches, and in digs in four matches … Was the team leader and ranked 10th in the conference in aces per game, posting a 0.30 average for the full season and a 0.31 average in Big 12 games only.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE A National Player of the Year finalist by PrepVolleyball.com as a senior at Chaparral High School after leading the state of Colorado with 6.39 kills per game … Was named to both the Mizuno/Volleyball and PrepVolleyball. com high school All-American teams and was selected the Colorado Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year as a senior … Also was named to Volleyball’s “Fab 50,” a list of the nation’s top 50 high school recruits, as well as PrepVolleyball.com’s Senior Aces list of top recruits … In addition, was named the Rocky Mountain News All-Colorado Player of the Year and selected to the state all-tournament team by both the Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Post after leading Chaparral to the state finals … Was a three-year letterwinner for the Wolverines and coach T.R. Ellis … As a junior, was named to the allColorado team by both the Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Post after leading the state with 4.8 kills per game … Also received all-state and all-conference honors and in 2005 was invited to the USA Junior National A2 Camp … Played middle blocker as a sophomore and was named to the all-conference first team and received all-state honorable mention … Competed for Front Range Volleyball Club from 2002-06 and qualified for nationals every year … Current Aggie teammate Kristen Schevikhoven also was on her 18s team, which was coached by Jim Miret and placed 11th in 18 Open Nationals in 2005 … Tied for fifth in the Open Division at the 2006 Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships and took first place at the 2006 AAU National Championships, which rates as the most memorable moment of her prep volleyball career.

Sarah Julie Ammerman is the daughter of Brett and Maria Ammerman … Is the second of eight children … From a volleyball family,

her mother played volleyball at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, and her father, who played club volleyball at Purdue, was a member of the Men’s 45 and Over Gold Flight championship team at the 2005 USA

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

Open Championships … In addition, her older brother, Ryan, was an AVCA first-team All-American and was the MVP at the 2009 NCAA Men’s Volleyball Championships after leading the University of CaliforniaIrvine to the national title as a senior setter … Her twin younger brothers Dalton and Luke, both 18, have been in USA Volleyball’s junior pipeline and will play college volleyball at Long Beach State and Cal-Irvine, respectively … Sarah began playing volleyball in the fourth grade for a recreation team that was coached by her mother … Made recruiting visits to Nebraska, Washington, Illinois, Texas, Michigan and Colorado State, in addition to Texas A&M … Signed with the Aggies because, “I knew as soon as I stepped on the campus that it was the place for me. The traditions and atmosphere in College Station are unbelievable. Also, the coaching staff’s knowledge and experience are so impressive. As well as being able to compete in the Big 12” … Most memorable moment of A&M career is playing No. 3 Nebraska at G. Rollie last year and taking the Huskers to five games, 15-13 in the fifth. “The crowd was amazing, and we were playing rock solid” … Hobbies include reading, hanging out with friends, watching sports, and listening to music … A two-time Texas A&M/Verizon Scholar Athlete, is majoring in university studies with a business concentration … Is a double minor in sports management and agricultural journalism … Plans to play professional volleyball following her graduation in May 2010 … Born Oct. 7, 1987, in Anchorage, Alaska.

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

PERSONAL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

JENNIFER BANSE O

ne of the biggest surprises in the Big 12 last season, quickly earned a starting role on the right side after serving as a back-up on the left side for the previous two seasons … Balances out A&M’s front row and provides another dimension to the team’s attack with her intimidating power, as well as her smart and crafty offspeed shots … Continuously adds pressure and frustrates • Texas A&M Most Improved Player left-side blockers with her ability to hit first tempo in front of the setter … Is establishing herself to be one of the • Academic All-Big 12 most complete right side hitters to come through the A&M Volleyball Second Team program … Consistently rates as one of the best passers on the team … Possesses a great natural feel for ball control and relishes the challenging task of both serve receive and defense … Is a fierce competitor who has proven to be a team player determined to do whatever it takes to help her team win.

BANSE’S HONORS 2007

JENNIFER LYNN BANSE OUTSIDE HITTER 6-0 • SR-3L SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Churchill CLUB TEAM: Alamo Volleyball BIRTHDATE: October 12, 1987 PARENTS: Gary and Kathleen Banse

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

BANSE UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: my daddy

KILLS: 15 at Kansas (10/8/08)

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

• What I want to accomplish this volleyball season: shock and awe

ATTEMPTS: 35 at Missouri (11/8/08)

• If I could tell my incoming teammates one thing, it would be: Four years go by way too fast, don’t take anything for granted, and enjoy every minute of it.

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k) .444 [14-2-27] at Kansas State (10/29/08)

• The person on the team who can always make me laugh: Stephanie Minnerly • Of all reality/game shows, I would most like to participate in: A Japanese game show, just to see how hard it really is

ACES: 3 at Missouri (11/8/08) DIGS: 24 vs.Oklahoma (9/21/08)

• People have told me that I look like (name of celebrity): Maggie Gyllenhaal

BLOCK SOLOS: 2 vs. Missouri

• A song title that best describes me: “You Better Love Me When My Roots are Showing” - Crystal Shawanda

(10/4/08)

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

BANSE’S CAREER HIGHS

• When I was little, I dreamed of being a: singer

BLOCK ASSISTS: 5 vs. Kansas

• Favorite professional sports team (any sport): San Antonio Spurs, duh

(10/25/08); vs. Nebraska (11/5/08)

• After I graduate, I plan to: attend 2 years of nursing school

TOTAL BLOCKS: 5 vs. Kansas (10/25/08); vs. Nebraska (11/5/08)

POINTS: 17.5 at Kansas (10/8/08)

AT TEXAS A&M

24 digs against Oklahoma on Sept. 21 were the most by an A&M player since 2005 … Led the team in digs in seven matches … Reached double figures in digs in 12 matches and in kills in nine matches and tallied five double-double performances overall … A primary passer, led the team with 636 service receptions and posted a .954 reception percentage for the full season … Ranked third on the team with 2.03 kills and 2.49 digs per set

2008 – JUNIOR One of the biggest surprises in the Big 12, appeared in all 30 matches, drawing the starting nod in 24 mainly as a right side hitter and primary passer … Set career highs in every statistical category and posted the first double-double of her career with 10 kills and 14 digs in a five-set victory over Missouri on Oct. 4 … Her

for the full season and 2.14 kills per set in Big 12 matches only … Ranked second on the team with 2.61 digs per set in conference matches only.

2007 – SOPHOMORE Earned the team’s Most Improved Player award after filling a vital role as a mainstay in the back row and as the top backup for the left-side hitters … Appeared in 27 of 31 matches and 68

B A N S E ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

Kill MP - MS

Kill

Avg.

Att.

Attack Pct.

21 -.095

Assist Assist Avg.

Ace Ace

Dig Avg.

Dig

Avg.

Block BA TB

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

2006-Fr.

8- 0

0.62

0.12

0.00

1.88

0.12

5.5 0.69

2007-So.

27- 1

0.71

133

.211

0.24

0.07

103

1.51

0.06

55.0 0.81

2008-Jr

30-26

110

223

2.03

604

.214

0.25

0.07

274

2.49

48 52

0.47

259.0 2.35

Totals

36-27

186

276

1.48

121

758

.204

0.24

0.07

392

2.11

53 57

0.31

319.5 1.72

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S games … Drew the only start of her career against Iowa State on Sept. 15 … Twice posted double figures in digs and averaged 1.51 digs per game for the full season … Came off the bench and posted a career-high 10 kills and 12 points while hitting .395 against Prairie View A&M … Named to the Academic All-Big 12 Volleyball Second Team.

2006 - FRESHMAN Saw limited action, appearing in eight matches and a total of eight games … Made her collegiate debut against Missouri State in the second match of the season … With A&M leading, 13-8 in the third and final game, came off the bench and recorded four digs to help the Aggies close out the sweep against the Bears.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE A four-year letterwinner and starter at Churchill High School, earned Mizuno/ Volleyball All-American second-team honors following her senior season in which she averaged 4.2 kills, 3.4 digs and .74 blocks per game … Was named to Volleyball’s “Fab 50,” a list of the nation’s top 50 high school recruits, as well as PrepVolleyball. com’s Senior Aces list of top recruits … Also was selected to the All-Texas Team by LoneStarVolleyball.com for the second consecutive year and was a two-time academic all-district selection...In addition, was a member of the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Team and the San Antonio Express-News Volleyball Super Team, and was a unanimous choice to the all-district team as a senior … Was a PrepVolleyball.com All-American as a junior and made her second consecutive appearance on the TGCA all-state team … Also was named the San Antonio Express-News Player of

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

the Year and was a member of the publication’s Volleyball Super Team, in addition to being named to the AllDistrict 26-5A first team … Received TGCA all-state and all-district firstteam honors as a sophomore and also was named to the San Antonio Express-News Volleyball Super Team … Furthermore, received All-Texas Team honorable mention from LoneStarVolleyball.com … Was named to the All-District 26-5A second team as a freshman and garnered alltournament laurels at the prestigious Duncanville Tournament of Champions … Began playing club ball for Alamo Volleyball Association when she was 12 years old … Advanced to nationals six of the seven years … Earned a top-five finish at each national tournament, including a championship title at the 2003 Junior Olympics, 15 Open Division along with current A&M teammate Mary Batis … Coached by Keith Wilson, received all-tournament honors at both the 2004 Junior Olympics 16 Open and the 2003 Junior Olympics … Was a member of the 2004 Lone Star Region Junior High Performance Team and attended the Holiday High Performance National Training Camp in 2003 … Most memorable moment of prep career is winning the 2003 Junior Olympic 15 Open Championship.

PERSONAL Jennifer Lynn Banse is the daughter of Gary and Kathleen Banse … Has a younger sister, Emily (18)

… Has worn No. 15 since she began playing volleyball in the third grade … Was offered volleyball scholarships at Baylor, Rice, SMU and TCU but committed to A&M because of “the awesome fans and the great coaches” … Most exciting moment in A&M career was “my freshman year at our home opener in G. Rollie. The moment we walked out of the locker room and onto the court is easily the biggest rush I’ve ever felt in my life.” … Hobbies include reading and playing sand volleyball … A two-time Texas A&M/ Verizon Scholar Athlete … Scheduled to graduate in May with a degree in allied health, career ambition is to be in nursing … Born Oct. 12, 1987, in San Antonio, Texas.

complete and naturally gifted all-around volleyball player … Is a must-have on the court, has started every match of her career and is quickly moving up the record books for kills, digs and points … Her ability to execute in all areas of the game makes a significant difference in the outcome of a match … Is a great pass-to-attack and dig-to-attack outside hitter who can contact the ball with tremendous power from anywhere on the court … Has a quick arm swing and is exceptionally crafty and varied with her shots at any tempo … Considered one of the best left-side blockers to come through the A&M program … Has an exceptional understanding of the skill, gets great position and has excellent timing and an explosive jump … Her aggressive serve keeps opponents guessing as she alternates between a viciously deceptive float serve and a powerful top-spin jump serve … Possesses an obvious love and enthusiasm for the game, is determined to have the • Texas A&M Best best season of her career and take the team deep into the Defensive Player postseason. • Texas A&M Invitational MVP

B AT I S ’ HONORS

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

MARY BATIS

2008

MARY ELIZABETH BATIS

• Blue Jay Invitational All-Tournament Team • Honorable Mention All-Big 12 Team • Academic All-Big 12 Second Team

OUTSIDE HITTER

• Preseason All-Big 12 Team

2007

6-0 • SR-3L

• Texas A&M Co-MVP

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

• Texas A&M Best Defensive Player

HIGH SCHOOL: Clark

• UTSA Classic MVP • Texas A&M Invitational MVP

CLUB TEAM: Alamo Volleyball

• Academic All-Big 12 Volleyball Second Team

2006

BIRTHDATE: March 25, 1988

• CSU Hilton Classic AllTournament Team

PARENTS: Edward and Kathleen Batis

• SLU Billiken Invitational All-Tournament Team • Texas A&M Invitational All-Tournament Team

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – JUNIOR Continued her streak of starting every match in her career and was named the team’s Best Defensive Player for the second consecutive year … Became the ninth player in A&M history to surpass both 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in a career … Also posted her 1,000th career point, joining two-time AVCA All-Americans Laura Jones and Melissa Munsch as the only three players in school history to reach the 1,000 milestone in kills, digs and points since rally

scoring began in 2001 … Played 110 of 113 sets and led the team in digs for the third consecutive year with 315 … Also led the team in digs per set (2.81), kills (379), kills per set (3.38) and points per set (3.81) and ranked second on the squad with 22 aces … A primary passer, made 606 receptions at a team-leading .970 success rate … Tied for the team lead with 11 double-doubles … Led the team in kills in a team-high 16 matches and also led in digs in eight matches and points in 13 matches, more than any other player … Posted a career-high 23 kills in A&M’s five-

set victory against Missouri, including a dominating seven kills in the fifth set alone … Named MVP at the Texas A&M Invitational after leading the Aggies to the championship title following a 14-kill, season-high .522 hitting performance in a four-set victory against 16th-ranked BYU … Also earned all-tournament honors at the Blue Jay Invitational … Garnered Academic All-Big 12 Second Team honors and received All-Big 12 honorable mention.

2007 – SOPHOMORE Started every match for the second consecutive year … Played in all but one game and was voted the team’s co-MVP along with setter Kristen Schevikhoven and also earned team Best Defensive Player honors … Led A&M with 3.57 digs per game and ranked second with 3.56 kills, 4.15 points and 0.31 aces per game for the full season … Ranked eighth in the Big 12 in aces per game and ninth in kills per game … Posted a team-leading 17 double-double performances, including nine of the final 12 matches of the season … Tallied 21 kills three times, tying her career high … Her 440.0 points for the season ranked ninth in the A&M records and moved her into fifth in the A&M career records with 847.0 points … Was named MVP at both the Texas A&M Invitational and the UTSA Classic … Also named to the Academic All-Big 12 Volleyball Second Team.

2006 – FRESHMAN Gained invaluable training and experience at the collegiate level after graduating early from high school and participating in A&M’s spring drills … Immediately demonstrated the allencompassing skills and mind-set of

1 0

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

B AT I S U P C L O S E • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: Our strength coach, Raychelle Ellsworth

KILLS: 23 vs. Missouri (10/4/08) ATTEMPTS: 62 vs. Texas Tech

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

• One word to describe this year’s team: Passionate

(10/4/06)

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k)

• The accomplishment (athletic or non-athletic) that I am most proud of: Two-time National Strength and Conditioning All-American

.593 [17-1-27] vs. Louisiana Tech (9/7/07)

• Teammate who watches the most game film: Sarah

ACES: 4 vs. Centenary (8/25/07);

• The person on the team who can always make me laugh: Schev

at Texas (11/9/07)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for America’s Got Talent (name and talent): hahaha, umm … Sarah, only if she played the iPod game!

DIGS: 21 at Baylor (10/11/06); vs. LSU (8/29/08)

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

B AT I S ’ CAREER HIGHS

• The person who I would want to play me in a movie about my life is: Sandra Bullock, she’s got a dorky laugh like me, and I kinda laugh a lot

BLOCK SOLOS: 1 nineteen times BLOCK ASSISTS: 4 four times

• Few people know that: it would take me half a second to jump in a moon bounce at the age of 21 … I’m still a little kid 

TOTAL BLOCKS: 5 vs. Missouri

• After I graduate, I plan to: play professional ball overseas (Slovenia is on the mind)

(10/4/08)

POINTS: 27.0 vs. Missouri

• My dream job is: hosting a TV show

(10/4/08) a seasoned, successful athlete and joined senior middle blocker Christi Hahn as the only two Aggies to start every match and play in all 105 games during the fall … Led the Aggies and ranked 10th in the Big 12 with 3.52 kills per game and ranked second on the team with 3.88 points and 3.12 digs per game for the full season … Averaged 3.29 kills, 3.22 digs and 3.54 points per game in Big 12 games only … Led or tied for the team lead in kills in a team-high 14 matches and in digs in a team-best nine … Reached double figures in kills in a team-leading 20 matches and in digs in a team-best

18 matches … Also led the team with 15 double-doubles … Recorded 20 or more kills three times, including a career-high 21 in A&M’s 3-1 victory against No. 22 Minnesota … Posted 20 or more digs in two matches, including a career-high 21 digs in a 3-1 victory at Baylor … Named to the all-tournament team in all three tournaments A&M participated in during the season.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE A three-time PrepVolleyball.com high school All-American and a twotime Mizuno/Volleyball All-American during her heralded four-year career under coach Kirby Jameson at Clark High School … Was the first threetime member of LoneStarVolleyball. com’s All-Texas Team, and was a three-time selection to the Texas Girls Coaches Association all-state team and the San Antonio ExpressNews Volleyball Super Team … As a senior, was named to Volleyball’s

B AT I S ’ C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

2006-Fr.

Kill MP - MS

28-28

Attack Pct.

Kill

Avg.

Att.

105

370

3.52

181

999

.189

Assist Assist Avg.

0.36

Ace

Dig

Ace

Avg.

0.12

Dig

328

Avg.

Block BA TB

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

3.12

32 40

0.38

407.0 3.88

2007-So.

31-31

106

377

3.56

164

996

.214

.049

0.31

378

3.57

50 55

0.52

440.0 4.15

2008-Jr.

30-30

112

379

3.38

167

994

.213

0.25

0.20

315

2.81

39 45

0.40

426.5 3.81

Totals

89-89

323

1126

3.49

512

2989

.205

118

0.37

0.21 1021

3.16

19 121 140

0.43 1273.5 3.94

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S “Fab 50,” a list of the nation’s top 50 high school recruits, as well as PrepVolleyball.com’s Senior Aces list of top recruits … Was named the Volleyball Super Team Player of the Year and the Class 5A MVP by the San Antonio Express-News after hitting .385 and averaging 4.18 kills, 3.86 digs and .58 blocks per game … As a junior, was a PrepVolleyball. com national high school junior of the year finalist and was named to the all-tournament team at the Texas high school state tournament after leading the Cougars to a runner-up finish … Also was named outstanding hitter by LoneStarVolleyball.com and was on Volleyball’s list of top 25 underclassmen to watch … Was PrepVolleyball.com’s 2003 National Sophomore of the Year and the most valuable player at the Texas Class 5A state tournament after leading Clark to a 35-3 record and the state title, which she lists as the most memorable moment of her prep career … Was the only sophomore named to the LoneStarVolleyball. com All-Texas Team and was named the San Antonio Express-News Player of the Year … Was named to the prestigious Duncanville Tournament of Champions all-tournament team as a freshman and also was a finalist for Student Sports’ National Sophomore of the Year … Played club ball for Alamo Volleyball Association along with current A&M teammate Jenny Banse … Took first place at the 2003 Junior Olympics, 15 Open Division and earned alltournament honors … Posted a third-place finish at the 2004 JOs and fifth-place finishes at both the 2002 and 2005 JOs … Received the “Big Hammer” Award at the

1 2

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

2002 JOs and was rated the No. 1 performer at the 2002 USA Volleyball High Performance Camp in Colorado Springs, Colo.

PERSONAL Mary Elizabeth Batis is the daughter of Edward and Kathleen Batis … Is the youngest and only girl of four children … Her oldest brother, Eric, played football at Northwestern University (2001-04), joining as a walk-on and later earning a scholarship … Another brother, Mark, is Texas A&M Class of ‘09 … Family members are big Cubs fans, and her puppy’s name is Wrigley … Began playing volleyball in the third grade … Verbally committed to A&M during her sophomore year of high school, and her only official recruiting visit was to Texas A&M … Chose to sign with the Aggies because “I love the school, the tradition and especially the people. The community at Texas A&M is indescribable” … Most memorable moment of A&M career is the last six matches of 2008, “beating the hell outta anyone who stepped on the court” … Hobbies include doing anything athletic

and “vegging out to the max with friends or a great book” … Has been active in numerous organizations, and at the 2008 CHAMPS Banquet, received the Texas A&M Outstanding Committee Chair award, recognizing her exceptional job of organizing Aggie Athletes Involved (AAI) events and activities … Helped put together the largest group of A&M athletes to ever volunteer for The Big Event, the largest one-day collegiate community service project in the nation … Was a Fish Camp Counselor Serves and also served on the school’s Orientation Committee and led campus tours … Currently is a member of AAI and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and also staffs Aggie Awakening retreats at St. Mary’s Catholic Church … Is a three-time Texas A&M/Verizon Scholar Athlete majoring in sport management with a business and religious studies minor, as well as an international and cultural diversity cognate … Is scheduled to graduate in May 2010 … Career ambition is to go into ministry, spreading John Paul II’s Catechesis on Theology of the Body … Born March 25, 1988, in San Antonio, Texas.

fearless, mentally tough athlete who relishes any competition or challenge thrown her way … Is an exciting player to watch, loves to entertain the crowd with her explosive speed and overall dynamic athleticism … Gained invaluable experience as a freshman training with A&M’s talented corps of left-side hitters and serving as the • Member of USA Volleyball team’s libero … Also sharpened her skills as a member of Junior National Team the USA Volleyball Junior National Team over the summer … Solidifies the Aggies’ back row with her passing and defense … Continues to build more consistency with her front row attacking and blocking … What she lacks in • Texas A&M Most Improved height, she makes up for with her soaring vertical jump and Player Award high extension, as well as her quick, powerful arm swing … Plays with confidence, and it is just a matter of time before she is needed on the court for every play.

BLACK’ S HONORS 2009

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

KELSEY BLACK

2008

KELSEY DANAE BLACK OUTSIDE HITTER/libero 5-11 • SO-1L AMARILLO, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Amarillo CLUB TEAM: Amarillo Elite BIRTHDATE: April 27, 1990 PARENTS: Victor and Machelle Black

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – FRESHMAN Graduated high school early and began training with the Aggies in January … Played in every match during the regular season, starting two as outside hitter and 12 as the designated libero, including each of the last 10 matches of the season …

Went on to receive the team’s Most Improved Player award, finishing the season with a team-leading 3.0 dig average in Big 12 matches only … Drew the first start of her career against Creighton in the third match of the season … Led the team in digs in five matches and also led the team with four 20-plus dig performances … Her 24 digs in A&M’s season-

ending victory at Missouri tied for the season-high for most digs in a single match and was the most by an A&M player in a four-set match since Holly Clay had 28 against USC in 2005 … Also posted 24 digs in a five-set match at Oklahoma … Reached double figures in digs in nine matches … Was a member of the USA Volleyball Junior National Team that competed at the 2009 FIVB World Championships in Tijuana, Mexico.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE A two-time PrepVolleyball.com high school All-American, was ranked No. 42 in PrepVolleyball.com’s Top 100 Senior Aces … Also received AllAmerican honorable mention on Mizuno/Volleyball’s list of 2007 Girls High School All-Americans and was named to Volleyball’s “Fab 50” list of the nation’s top high school recruits … A three-time all-state selection by the Texas Girls Coaches Association, the 2007 District 2-5A Offensive Player of the Year capped her high school career by being named to the state all-tournament team after leading Amarillo High School to its second consecutive Texas 5A high school state title in November … The Lady Sandies, who became the first Texas Class 5A team to repeat as state champions in more than 20 years, finished 43-1 and ranked No. 2 in the nation in 2007 … Compiled an impressive 129-5 (.963) record in her three seasons as a starter at Amarillo … A PrepVolleyball. com All-American as a junior, Black also was listed on Volleyball’s Top 25 Underclassmen to Watch list after directing Amarillo to a 45-1 record and its first of back-to-back state titles in 2006 … Led the Lady Sandies in kills and made her second consecutive appearance on the Texas Sports

1 4

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

BLACK’ S CAREER HIGHS

BLACK UP CLOSE • One word to describe this year’s team: OPOTOG … it’s a team thing!

KILLS: 7 at Iowa State (9/17/08)

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

• The accomplishment (athletic or nonathletic) that I am most proud of: having been on the Women’s Junior National Team and getting to play in the World Championships this past summer.

ATTEMPTS: 24 vs. Minnesota (8/30/08)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for America’s Got Talent (name and talent): Sarah Ammerman, her iPod game skills would win the competition and America’s heart.

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k) n/a

ACES: 2 vs. Iowa State (11/12/08)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for American Idol: Stephanie Minnerly, she enjoys a good Leona Lewis ballad.

DIGS: 24 at Oklahoma (11/19/08);

• I can’t believe I watch this show: Say Yes to the Dress, every week.

at Missouri (11/28/08)

• The person I would like to switch places with for a day: my older brother, I would love to see what it’s like to be a professional athlete for a day and see how much things change and experience that life.

BLOCK SOLOS: 1 at Texas Tech (10/11/08); vs. Baylor (10/17/08)

BLOCK ASSISTS: 2 vs. Baylor

• A song title that best describes me: Firecracker, Josh Turner

(10/17/08)

• My biggest pet peeve is: I hate when people mismatch their outfits and shoes; you can’t wear a black dress and compliment it with brown shoes, IT DOESN’T WORK!

TOTAL BLOCKS: 3 vs. Baylor (10/17/08)

• My most prized possession: my Tony Lama boots

POINTS: 7.5 at Iowa State

• My dream job is: Become a sports psychologist for a baseball franchise.

(9/17/09)

Writers Association (TSWA) Class 5A all-state second team and also was a member of the Amarillo GlobeNews Volleyball Super Team … Made her first appearance on the all-state team as a sophomore after the Lady Sandies went 41-3 and advanced to the region semifinals … Was recognized as a PrepVolleyball.com Soph 79 and garnered honorable mention on LoneStarVolleyball.com’s 2005 All-Texas Team … Following her sophomore campaign, was one of 27 players in the nation to be named to the USAV Girls National High Performance Camp roster and led the USA Youth Red to a silver medal in the international junior division of the USAV HP Championships

… Named to the 19-player U.S. Women’s Junior National Training Team in 2008 … Most memorable moments from prep career are twice winning the 5A state championship.

was in the third grade … Committed to A&M during her sophomore year of high school and did not take any official recruiting visits, not even to A&M … Chose A&M because the special traditions and the family atmosphere are unmatched and “when you walk on campus, you can’t help but feel at home and at ease with where you are in life” … Most memorable moment of A&M career is starting against former high school teammate Brianne Barker of Oklahoma … Hobbies include writing, cooking and dancing … Is majoring in agricultural leadership and development … Career ambition is to “continue to stay in the volleyball circle” … Born April 27, 1990, in Amarillo, Texas.

PERSONAL Kelsey Danae Black is the daughter of Victor and Machelle Black … Has an older brother, Victor, who pitched for Dallas Baptist University and was the 49th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2009 Major League Baseball draft … Also has a an older sister, Erin, a senior on the DBU volleyball team, and a younger sister, Sarah … Began playing volleyball when she

B L A C K ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

Kill MP - MS

Kill

Avg.

Att.

Attack Pct.

Assist Assist Avg.

Ace Ace

Dig Avg.

Dig

Avg.

Block TB

Points Avg.

Points

Avg.

2008-Fr.

30- 2

0.51

136

.132

0.15

0.08

240

2.70

0.10

57.5

0.64

Totals

30- 2

0.51

136

.132

0.15

0.08

240

2.70

0.10

57.5

0.64

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

DYLAN FAULKNER I

s a luxury to the team because of her versatility … Has the ability to play any position in the back row, as well as set or play the right side on the front row … Her defensive play has improved tremendously and she has a high level understanding of the defensive scheme … The lefty also will be counted on for her jump serve which has developed into a valuable weapon for the team … Is grateful for the opportunity to play for Texas A&M and values her role … Is always prepared to compete and keeps the bench focused and spirited … Is a highly competitive and vocal athlete who demonstrates a great work ethic every day.

LAUREN DYLAN FAULKNER SETTER/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST 5-10 • SR-1L SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS PREVIOUS COLLEGE: Wake Forest HIGH SCHOOL: St. Michael’s Academy CLUB TEAM: Austin Juniors BIRTHDATE: July 6, 1988 PARENTS: Von and Dorsi Faulkner

1 6

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

FAULKNER UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: My parents

KILLS: 0

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

• What I want to accomplish this volleyball season: create an encouraging and positive environment for our freshmen and do whatever I can to help the team make it to the NCAAs

ATTEMPTS: 1 at Creighton (8/30/08); vs. Siena (9/6/08)

• One word to describe this year’s team: OPOTOG

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k)

• The person on the team who can always make me laugh: Jola Kelner

n/a

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for Amazing Race: Mary Batis

ACES: 1 at Oklahoma (11/19/08) DIGS: 5 at Iowa State (9/17/08)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for America’s Got Talent (name and talent): Stephanie Minnerly, singing and dancing

BLOCK SOLOS: 0

• Of all reality/game shows, I would most like to participate in: Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe

BLOCK ASSISTS: 0

• The person I would most like to meet: Tony Dungy

TOTAL BLOCKS: 0

• A song title that best describes me: She’s Country by Jason Aldean

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

FAULKNER’ S CAREER HIGHS

• Favorite quote: “You might give some serious thought to thanking your lucky stars you’re in Texas.”

POINTS: 1.0 at Oklahoma (11/19/08)

digs per game … Demon Deacons went 8-23, including 5-17 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – JUNIOR Transferred to A&M in January, bringing two years of experience playing at the Division I level … Made her Aggie debut in the third match of the season, playing in the back row in one set at Creighton on August 30 … Appeared sparingly as a defensive specialist in 15 matches and 34 sets throughout the season and averaged 0.59 digs per set … Had a career-high five digs in a single set at Iowa State.

(24) … Received the ACC Top Six for Service Award … Had a season-high 60 assists in a five-game win against North Carolina and had season-highs of 16 digs and eight blocks at Boston College.

2006 – FRESHMAN Received a volleyball scholarship and joined her sister, Michael, a junior outside hitter at Wake...Carried the entire setting duties for the Demon Deacons as she was the only setter on the roster … Started all 31 matches and 119 games and was named the team’s Rookie of the Year after directing the Demon Deacons to a 14-17 record … Her 11.32 assist average ranked second in the school all-time records and her 1,347 total assists ranked fifth … Ranked third on the team with 65 total blocks and 21 aces and ranked fourth in digs

AT WAKE FOREST 2007 – SOPHOMORE Played in 33 games as the back-up setter, averaged 6.55 assists and 1.67

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE Played setter and right side for four seasons at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy … Led the Crusaders to two state titles, one runner-up and one third-place finish … Was a fourtime all-state selection and a threetime state all-tournament team honoree … Also led St. Michael’s to four consecutive all-district titles and was a two-time district MVP … Played club for Austin Juniors

F A U L K N E R ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

MP - MS

Kill

2008-Jr.

15 - 0

Totals

15 - 0

Kill

Att.

Attack Pct.

Assist Assist Avg.

Avg.

0.03

.000

0.18

0.03

.000

0.18

Ace Avg.

Dig

Avg.

Block BA TB

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

0.03

0.59

0.00

2.0

0.06

0.03

0.59

0.00

2.0

0.06

Ace

Dig

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S for 10 years … Placed fifth at the 2005 Junior Olympics 17 Open Gold Division … Also qualified for the 2004 JOs … Was a member of the USA Volleyball High Performance

Lone Star Youth Team in 2004 and 2005 and participated in the USA Volleyball High Performance developmental camp in 2003 … Named to PrepVolleyball.com’s Top

Senior Aces in the class of 2006 and was listed to the website’s Top 45 Freshmen in 2002.

PERSONAL Lauren Dylan Faulkner is the daughter of Von and Dorsi Faulkner … She has one older sister, Michael, who played volleyball at Wake Forest (2004-07) … Began playing volleyball at the age of seven for Austin Juniors Volleyball Club … Most memorable athletic moments are winning state as a high school freshman and sophomore with her sister and walking into G. Rollie White Coliseum for her first home match … Made official visits to Wake Forest, Duke and Virginia … Choose to attend A&M because of “the level of competition that this team plays at everyday and the obvious love of the game that the coaches and players have, and it is also a great environment for any athlete looking for a family atmosphere” … Is a member of Aggie Athletes Involved and FCA … Hobbies include hunting and fishing, as well as doing volunteer work … Knows how to juggle … Majoring in agriculture leadership with a double minor in coaching and sports management … Plans to attend grad school following her graduation in August 2010 … Career ambition is to be an NCAA Division I volleyball coach … Born July 6, 1988, in Austin, Texas.

1 8

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

onsidered to be one of the most important and valuable players on the team because of her ability, readiness and determination to lead the team at a moments notice … Will perpetuate a high level of performance by the team regardless of if she is the starting setter or coming off the bench … Is a vocal leader and risk taker who loves to run the quick sets … Can also spur the team’s momentum with her aggressive and consistent serve … Is fearless on defense, will go all out and sacrifice the body to keep the ball in play … Is one of the most respected and admired players on the team because of her attitude, work ethic, and dedication to the team, as well as her approach to volleyball and competition.

KELNER’S HONORS 2008 • AVSR Player of the Week (Oct. 6) • Texas A&M Most Inspirational Player

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

JOLA KELNER

2006 • Texas A&M Most Improved Player

JOLANTA KELNER setter 6-0 • SR-3L BIELSKO-BIALA, POLAND HIGH SCHOOL: Stefana Zeromskiego CLUB TEAM: BKS Stal Bielsko-Biala BIRTHDATE: July 29, 1987 PARENTS: Andrzej and Stanislawa Kelner

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – JUNIOR Played in 56 sets in 22 matches … Drew her first of six match starts against Missouri on Oct. 4 after starting setter Kristen Schevikhoven

suffered an ankle injury at Colorado in the previous match … Making only her first start since the opening match of the 2007 season, responded with 46 assists and directed the A&M offense to a .257 to .154 hitting advantage while also collecting a

then career-high 13 digs and careertying four kills as the Aggies defeated the Tigers in five sets … Was named Player of the Week by American Volleyball Scouting Report following her performance against Missouri and continued to lead the Aggies on a three-match winning streak … Voted Most Inspirational Player by her teammates.

2007 – SOPHOMORE Saw limited action but played a crucial role as A&M’s top back-up setter in a 5-1 offensive scheme … Started one match and played in 13 matches and 19 games overall … Averaged 5.37 assists per game... Posted a career-high 5.5 points in the season opener against Texas A&MCorpus Christi, recording four kills and no errors in five attempts and also a block in two games.

2006 – FRESHMAN Was the starting setter in three matches and appeared in 11 matches and 28 games overall … Averaged 6.18 assists per game … Drew her first career start against Kansas (Oct. 21) in place of an injured Courtnee Rhodes and led A&M to its first threegame Big 12 victory of the season, which snapped the team’s two-match losing streak … Tallied a career-high 53 assists against Colorado on Oct. 25 … Demonstrated tremendous progress throughout the season and was honored with the team’s Most Improved Player award.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE Played three years at Stefana Zeromskiego high school … Was

2 0

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

KELNER’S CAREER HIGHS

KELNER UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: my parents

ASSISTS: 53 vs. Colorado

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

• One word to describe this year’s team: determined

(10/25/06)

KILLS: 4 four times

• The part of the game of volleyball that I like the most: setting, you get to trick the middle so she doesn’t know where to go, you have the power to choose who will get the next ball.

ATTEMPTS: 10 at Iowa State (10/18/06); at Kansas (10/8/08)

• If I could tell my incoming teammates one thing, it would be: be optimistic every day in your life

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k) n/a

• The A&M volleyball player who will surprise people the most this year: Chelsea

ACES: 2 three times DIGS: 15 vs. Texas (10/15/08)

• Of all reality/game shows, I would most like to participate in: some sort of a cooking show

BLOCK SOLOS: 1 four times

• If I could live anywhere in the world for a year and money is no object, I would live: in Bora Bora

BLOCK ASSISTS: 6 vs. Kansas (10/21/06); at Kansas (10/8/08)

• Favorite class at Texas A&M: Nutrition

TOTAL BLOCKS: 7 at Kansas

• Favorite movie: Any comedy

(10/8/08)

• After I graduate, I plan to: go back to Europe and play pro

POINTS: 9.0 at Kansas (10/8/08) named the team’s best player and the best setter in the all-school tournament as a sophomore … Repeated as the team’s best player her junior year and was named the school player of the year as a senior … Most memorable moment in athletics is entrance into the Second League in 2006 … Also competed in basketball and handball … Played club volleyball for BKS Stal Bielsko-Biala since 1999 … Coached by Zbigniew Krzyzanowski, the team took first place Third League in 2006 to earn entrance into Second League.

is the greatest coach I’ve ever met” … Most exciting moment in A&M volleyball career is “my first time on the court” … Hobbies include cooking, road trips and watching movies … … Participated in A&M’s The Big Event, the largest one-day collegiate community service project in the nation … Is a Texas A&M/ Verizon Scholar Athlete … Majoring in allied health, is scheduled to graduate in August 2010 … Career ambition is to be a professional volleyball player … Born July 29, 1987, in Bielsko-Biala, Poland.

PERSONAL Jolanta Kelner is the daughter of Andrzej and Stanislawa Kelner … Has an older sister, Monika, who has played volleyball for AWF Krakow in Poland for four years … Jola is the first person in her family to leave Poland and attend college on another continent … Her first plane ride was to the United States … Played piano for five years before she began playing volleyball at the age of 12 … Chose to play volleyball for A&M “because Laurie Corbelli

K E L N E R ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

Kill MP - MS

2006-Fr.

11- 3

2007-So.

13- 1

2008-Jr.

22- 6

Totals

46-10

Kill

Avg.

Att.

Attack Pct.

Assist Assist Avg.

Ace Ace

Avg.

Dig

Dig Avg.

Block BA TB

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

11 12

0.43

16.5 0.57

0.25

.143

173

6.18

0.11

0.96

0.42

.278

102

5.37

0.11

0.74

0.11

11.0 0.58

0.45

.344

328

5.86

0.09

1.52

12 15

0.27

39.0 0.70

103

0.39

110

.282

603

5.85

0.10

126

1.22

25 29

0.28

66.5 0.64

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

STEPHANIE MINNERLY H

as been with the program for three semesters and understands the system … Is very coachable, adapts quickly to new instructions … Adds good size to the front row and will provide healthy competition for one of the two middle positions that are up for the taking … Her strengths are her blocking and her quick arm swing … Is a hard worker, is willing to stay in and endure even some of the toughest drills as long as necessary … Is a happy-go-lucky person who brings a carefree and cheerful attitude to the court.

STEPHANIE ELIZABETH MINNERLY MIDDLE BLOCKER 6-2 • SO-1L ARLINGTON, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Martin CLUB TEAM: Texas Advantage BIRTHDATE: January 24, 1990 PARENTS: Scott and G. Minnerly

2 2

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – FRESHMAN Was one of three freshmen who graduated early from high school and enrolled at A&M in January … Spent the spring rehabbing after having shoulder surgery in November of her senior year of high school … Saw limited action in the fall season, appearing in two matches and two sets overall … Made her first official

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

M I N N E R LY ’ S CAREER HIGHS

M I N N E R LY U P C L O S E • What I want to accomplish this volleyball season: I want to go to the NCAA tournament and experience what it’s all about

KILLS: 0 ATTEMPTS: 0

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for America’s Got Talent (name and talent): Schevi … and her “voice” -- ask her to do it.

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k) n/a

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for American Idol: UMMM I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT WOULD BE ME SINGING BLEEDING LOVE … lol

ACES: 0

• People have told me that I look like (name of celebrity): hmm Jessica Biel

DIGS: 0

• When I was little, I dreamed of being a: Model

BLOCK SOLOS: 0

• Something I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t: drive a motorcycle … lol

BLOCK ASSISTS: 0

• My biggest pet peeve is: when people lick their fingers after eating and when people don’t use their blinker when turning.

TOTAL BLOCKS: 0

• Favorite Aggie tradition: Midnight Yell

POINTS: 0

• Favorite class at Texas A&M: Oceanography • After I graduate, I plan to: go to grad school

appearance on the court in the third set of a three-set sweep against Southern Mississippi on Sept. 12 … Other appearance was as a server near the end of the third set in A&M’s final home match, a 3-0 victory against Texas Tech on Nov. 26.

team … Named to the 8-5A all-district team as a junior, and as a senior she was named to the academic all-state team and was all-state honorable mention … Also was named the 2007 Fort Worth Star-Telegram CoOutstanding Attacker of the Year … Played club for Texas Advantage and placed third in the Gold Division at the 2006 Junior Olympics and fifth at 2007 JOs … Also a standout basketball player, helped lead Texas Express AAU team to back-to-back national championships in 2003 and 2004 … Most memorable athletic moment of high school career is winning state.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE Lettered three years at James Martin High School, teaming with future A&M teammate Chelsea Ringel … Led the Warriors to a 108-26 (.806) record during her career, including a state title in 2005 … As a sophomore, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram CoNewcomer of the Year helped lead Martin to the state title and was named to the state all-tournament

Has a younger sister, Katalin … Her mom played basketball at UTA … Stephanie began playing volleyball at the YMCA at the age of 11 and began playing club at age 14 … Also excelled in basketball and won two national titles with her AAU select team, but chose to concentrate on volleyball because she found it more enjoyable … Made official recruiting visits to A&M and Georgia Tech, choose to sign with A&M because, “I fell in love with the traditions and environment” … Most memorable moment in A&M career is going five games against No. 3 Nebraska and losing by only two points in the fifth set … Majoring in university studies, career ambition is to work in the field of business … Born January 24, 1990, in Arlington, Texas.

PERSONAL Stephanie Elizabeth Minnerly is the daughter of Scott and G. Minnerly …

M I N N E R LY ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

Kill MP - MS

Kill

Avg.

Att.

Attack Pct.

Assist Assist Avg.

Ace Ace

Dig Avg.

Dig

Avg.

Block TB

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

2008-Fr.

2 - 0

0.00

.000

0.00

Totals

2 - 0

0.00

.000

0.00

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

CHELSEA RINGEL H

as the skills to contribute in numerous areas after gaining valuable playing experience as a freshman … Most experienced in the back row where she has seen significant action as libero and defensive specialist … Has a keen understanding of the game and great court awareness … Gets an excellent read on the attackers and has an innate sense of where she needs to be on the court … Demonstrates advanced ball control skills both passing and digging as well as attacking from both the front and back rows … On the front row, attacks with tremendous power … Also effective at mixing in well-timed off-speed shots making her very difficult to defend … Is one of the team’s top left-side blockers … An easy going yet highly competitive player, the competition that she provides at the different positions enhances everyone’s game.

CHELSEA LYNNE RINGEL outside hitter 6-0 • SO-1L ARLINGTON, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Martin CLUB TEAM: Texas Advantage BIRTHDATE: April 15, 1990 PARENTS: Chris and Janet Ringel

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T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

RINGEL’S CAREER HIGHS

RINGEL UP CLOSE • One word to describe this year’s team: dedicated

KILLS: 0

THIS IS TEXAS A&M

ATTEMPTS: 1 seven times

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for American Idol: Kelsey B.

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for So You Think You Can Dance: Steph or Sarah

n/a

• Of all reality/game shows, I would most like to participate in: Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style or What Not to Wear

ACES: 2 at Texas Tech (10/11/08); vs. Baylor (10/17/08)

• I can’t believe I watch this show: The Bachelor/Bachelorette … so fake and cheesy but I still watch every episode

DIGS: 18 vs. Missouri (10/4/08) BLOCK SOLOS: 0

• The best advice I’ve ever received: Harder. Better. Quicker. Faster. Stronger. – My dad

BLOCK ASSISTS: 0

• If I could compete in the Olympics in a sport other than volleyball, I would want to compete in: speed walking

TOTAL BLOCKS: 0

• Favorite Aggie tradition: Aggie Ring • One of the first things I would buy or do if I won $1 million: I would go to Greece!

POINTS: 2 at Texas Tech

• My dream job is: dermatologist

(10/11/08); vs. Baylor (10/17/08)

team lead in digs in seven matches and reached double figures in digs in eight matches overall … Her careerhigh 18 digs in a five-set victory over Missouri on Oct. 4 sparked a run of six consecutive matches in which she posted double figures in digs.

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – FRESHMAN Jumpstarted her career by enrolling at A&M in January and participating in spring drills … Played in 27 of 30 matches and 82 sets during the fall season, either as the team’s designated libero or subbing in as a defensive specialist for a middle blocker … Made her official collegiate debut in the season opener against LSU and responded with 15 digs as the libero … Went on to be the starting libero in 17 matches throughout the season, including each of the first 11 matches … Averaged 2.09 digs per set for the full season and 2.02 digs per set in Big 12 matches only … Led or tied for the

LoneStarVolleyball.com and was the Dallas Morning News All-Area Newcomer of the Year after leading the Warriors to a 35-8 record … Was selected to attend USA Volleyball’s 2005 High Performance A-1 Camp … As a sophomore, was named to PrepVolleyball.com’s “Soph 79” and was a finalist for their Sophomore of the Year award after leading Martin to a district championship, the Texas Class 5A state title and a 38-7 record … Also was named to the 2005 state alltournament team and made her first of three consecutive appearances on the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s all-state team … .Named to the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Team roster for the NORCECA Girls’ Youth Championship prior to her junior year … In addition, her club team,

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE Was a four-year member of the varsity team at James Martin High School and boasted a 143-34 (.808) career record … Only the second freshman to play varsity in Martin’s 23-year history, gained national notoriety in 2004, as she was named to PrepVolleyball. com’s “Frosh 59” … Also was named Newcomer of the Year and AllTexas Team honorable mention by

R I N G E L ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

Kill MP - MS

Kill

Avg.

Att.

Attack Pct.

Assist Assist Avg.

2008-Fr.

27 - 0

0.00

-.143

Totals

27 - 0

0.00

-.143

Ace

Dig

Ace

Avg.

0.15

0.12

0.15

0.12

Avg.

Block TB

171

2.09

171

2.09

Dig

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

0.00

10.0

0.12

0.00

10.0

0.12

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S Texas Advantage 16 Asics coached by LJ Sariego, took third place at the 2006 Girls’ 16 Open Gold Division … Named Dallas Morning News District 8-5A Attacker of the Year as a junior and was named to the TSWA all-state second team, as well as the Dallas Morning News all-area second team … Named to the all-tournament team at 2007 Nationals and was ranked No. 40 in PrepVolleyball. com’s Top 100 Senior Aces … Led the Warriors to a 38-8 record, a co-district title and the state region finals before being eliminated by title-bound Amarillo, which was led by future A&M teammate Kelsey Black … The 2007 District 8-5A Co-MVP and academic all-state selection also was named to Volleyball’s “Fab 50” list of the nation’s top high school recruits … Most memorable moment of high school career is defeating Austin Westlake, 17-15, in the fifth game of the state championship match in 2005.

PERSONAL Chelsea Lynne Ringel is the daughter of Chris and Janet Ringel, who played volleyball at Creighton and Kansas State … Is the youngest of four children … Her sister, Brittany, was the 2000-01 Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas for volleyball and was a four-year standout at UCLA (2001-04), where she led the Bruins to four NCAA tournament berths, including three Elite Eight appearances … Prior to beginning club in the

2 6

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

seventh grade, Chelsea would go into the street every morning and pepper with her parents … Only official recruiting visit was to Texas A&M … Chose A&M because she wanted to stay close to home, and also because, during an unofficial visit one month prior to her official visit, she fell in love with the school and its traditions … Lists going to the lake

as her favorite hobby … Has been a volunteer for Special Olympics and SEEK, a camp for young adults with disabilities … Also worked with Head Start for Healthy Hearts Program and served as a Camp Life volunteer … Majoring in special education, career ambition is to become a special education teacher … Born April 15, 1990 in Topeka, Kansas.

highly skilled setter who is capable of taking A&M to the next level … Is very disciplined and consistent in her execution, is a textbook-type setter with great footwork and positioning, high hands, smooth release and pin-point location … Makes smart decisions and is able to run a fast, efficient and unpredictable spread-out offense from antenna to antenna … Is very coachable and has the confidence and ability to make immediate changes to create an even more explosive and effective offense … Has an effective float serve that is challenging to pass … Her all-around determination and aggressiveness will set the tone of the match.

SCHEVIKHOVEN’ S HONORS 2007 • Texas A&M Co-MVP • MSU Holiday Inn Classic All-Tournament Team

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

KRISTEN SCHEVIKHOVEN

2006

(AT UNC) • Honorable Mention All-Big Sky • Wolfpack Classic MVP

KRISTEN MARIE SCHEVIKHOVEN setter 5-9 • SR-2L CENTENNIAL COLO. PREVIOUS COLLEGE: Northern Colorado HIGH SCHOOL: Eaglecrest CLUB TEAM: Front Range BIRTHDATE: January 11, 1988 PARENTS: John and Susan Schevikhoven

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

AT TEXAS A&M 2008 – JUNIOR Was the starting setter in 24 matches … Appeared in 27 matches and 89 sets overall … Averaged 9.84 assists per set for the full season … Posted a season-high 55 assists in a 3-2 victory against Oklahoma on Sept. 21 … Tied her season high in digs with 15 in the season-opening 3-2 setback to LSU … Had started 44 consecutive matches dating back to the second match of the 2007 season before forced to miss six starts after suffering a severe ankle injury at Colorado on Sept. 27 … Returned to the starting lineup for the last 10 matches of the season, during

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T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

which she led the Aggies to a .246 to .192 hitting percentage advantage, as well as a season-ending six-match winning streak … Reached double figures in digs in seven matches and averaged 2.03 digs per set for the full season … Ended the season ranked ninth in the A&M career records with 2,133 assists.

2007 – SOPHOMORE Transferred to A&M just prior to the start of two-a-days and proved to be an invaluable addition to the team … Teammates voted her Most Valuable Player along with outside hitter Mary Batis … Directed the Aggie offense to a .272 hitting percentage for the season, A&M’s highest since a schoolrecord .292 in 1984 and ranking 12th in the nation … Played in every match -- starting all but the season opener -- and played in 104 of 107 games … Averaged 12.09 assists, 0.85 kills, 2.25 digs and .51 blocks per game for the full season … Ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 12.53 assists per game in conference matches only … Had a careerhigh seven blocks at No. 12 Kansas State (Nov. 27), the most blocks by an A&M setter since All-American Jenna Moscovic had nine at Missouri in 2001 … Named to the alltournament team at the Montana State Holiday Inn Classic.

AT NO. COLORADO 2006 – FRESHMAN Started all 29 matches and played in all 106 games at setter in her freshman season at UNC … Was named All-Big Sky honorable mention after leading the Bears to a 13-16 overall record and a 7-9, better-than-expected fifthplace finish in the Big Sky Conference … Ranked third in the conference with 10.09 assists per game for the full season … Led the Bears with 26 aces and ranked third on the team with 2.42 digs per game … Also averaged 1.06 kills per game … Earned tournament MVP honors at the Wolfpack Classic after posting a career-high nine kills with no errors in 14 attempts (.643) and also tallying a career-high 19 digs in a sweep against TennesseeChattanooga in the tournament opener on Sept. 1 … Had a career-high 71 assists in a 3-1 victory at Montana State on Oct. 28 and posted a personal-best seven blocks in a 3-2 victory against Montana State in the first round of the Big Sky Conference … Received the athletic department’s Freshman Female Athlete of the Year award.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE A four-year standout for coach Tanya Bond at Eaglecrest High School … Played right side, setter and outside hitter throughout her career and was named a PrepVolleyball.com All-American as a senior … Also earned first-team all-state and was named all-Colorado as a senior after leading the Raptors to the state semifinals, where they lost to eventual state champion Grandview … Earned second-team all-state laurels as a junior … Was a three-time team captain and set school records for most kills in a match and a season … Played club ball for Front Range Volleyball Club for five

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

SCHEVIKHOVEN’ S CAREER HIGHS

SCHEVIKHOVEN’ S UP CLOSE THIS IS TEXAS A&M

• The people who have had the greatest impact on my athletic career: My mother and my Front Range coaches

ASSISTS: 66 vs. Missouri (11/17/07)

KILLS: 7 at Baylor (9/26/07);

• The accomplishment (athletic or non-athletic) that I am most proud of: Getting a college scholarship to play the sport I love

vs. Colorado (10/13/07)

ATTEMPTS: 20 at Baylor

• The best volleyball player I have ever competed against: Nelly Spicer

(9/26/07)

• The person on the team who can always make me laugh: Myself (I constantly laugh at myself throughout games and practice)

HITTING PERCENTAGE: (min 10 k) n/a

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for Fear Factor: Black

ACES: 4 at Baylor (9/26/07)

• Teammate who would be the best candidate for Wipeout: Minnerly

DIGS: 15 vs. Oklahoma (9/12/07);

• Of all reality/game shows, I would most like to participate in: Survivor

vs. LSU (8/29/08)

BLOCK SOLOS: 2 at Kansas State

• People have told me that I look like (name of celebrity): Carrie Underwood and Brittany Snow? Don’t ask me why!!! 

(11/7/07)

• The movie that I know practically every line to (and my favorite line from the movie) is: Pride and Prejudice- Elizabeth Bennet: “You may only call me Mrs. Darcy when you are completely, perfectly and incandescently happy” … Mark Darcy: “And how are you this evening, Mrs. Darcy? … Mrs. Darcy … Mrs. Darcy!”

BLOCK ASSISTS: 5 at Kansas State (11/7/07)

TOTAL BLOCKS: 7 at Kansas State (11/7/07)

• If I could compete in the Olympics in a sport other than volleyball, I would want to compete in: Curling

POINTS: 12.5 at Baylor (9/26/07) years and helped the team qualify for nationals every year … Was coached by Craig Kingsley, James Beasly and Jim Miret and was teammates with current A&M player Sarah Ammerman … Earned MVP honors after setting Front Range to the championship title at the 2006 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championship in Orlando … Also was named to the all-tournament team in the Girls 18 Open division at the 2006 Junior Olympics … Most memorable moment of pre-college volleyball career is winning the AAU Junior National Volleyball Championship in 2006.

a great volleyball program that I feel I can contribute to in their success to come” … Most memorable moments of A&M career are coming on her visit to A&M before transferring, and “getting to walk into G. Rollie for the first time and being in awe of how awesome it was and getting chills down my back!” … Hobby is “watching movies all day long” … Majoring in agriculture leadership and development, is scheduled to graduate in August 2010 … Career ambition is to be a coach and teacher … Born January, 11, 1988, in Aurora, Colorado.

PERSONAL Kristen Marie Schevikhoven is the daughter of John and Susan Schevikhoven … Nickname is “Schevi” … Has one older brother, Tim, and a younger sister Michele … Began playing volleyball when she was 10 … Began playing competitively in the eighth grade after her best friend from elementary school convinced her to try out for the team, and she made it … Chose to play for A&M because of the “great opportunity to become successful in the future, and they have

S C H E V I K H O V E N ’ S C A R E E R S TAT I S T I C S Year

Kill MP - MS

2007-So. 31 - 30

Kill

Avg.

Att.

Attack Pct.

Assist Assist Avg.

Ace Ace

Dig Avg.

Dig

Avg.

Block BA TB

Avg.

Points Points Avg.

104

0.85

273

.234 1257 12.09

0.24

234

2.25

44 53

0.51

144.0 1.38

2008- Jr.

27 - 24

0.51

151

.205

9.84

0.12

181

2.03

30 32

0.36

73.0 0.82

Totals

58 - 54

193

133

0.69

424

.224 2133 11.05

0.19

415

2.15

74 85

0.44

217.0 1.12

876

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

CAITLIN ADAMS E

nters the college ranks with the reputation of being a quick and powerful attacker as well as a strong and effective blocker … Is extremely smooth with her footwork whether she is moving from sideline to sidetline to get in position for the block or making an approach … Has a high reach and provides a big target for the setter … Attacks with quickness, power and deception … Her favorite skill is blocking, puts up a solid wall and is expected to be one of the best blockers on the team … Will immediately contend for a starting position.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

CAITLIN MARY ADAMS MIDDLE BLOCKER 6-2 • FR-HS KANSAS CITY, MO. HIGH SCHOOL: Notre Dame de Sion CLUB TEAM: KC Extreme BIRTHDATE: October 3, 1990 PARENTS: David Adams and Diane Van Buskirk

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T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

A two year starting middle blocker for coaches Robert Lampen and Amy Campbell at Notre Dame de Sion High School … Named all-region and all-state honorable mention by the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association as a senior … Also was a member of the all-district first team … Named to PrepVolleyball.com’s 2008 list of Senior Aces and also was named to the website’s Top 80 Juniors list in 2007 … Played club volleyball for KC Power from 2005-07 and KC Extreme in 2008-09 … Named to the 16s American Division all-tournament team at the 2007 Junior Olympics … Coached by Rosacarla Ribeiro and Conana Salanoa, KC Extreme team finished 21st at the 2008 Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships open division and 23rd at the 2009 Junior Olympics open division.

PERSONAL Caitlin Mary Adams is the daughter of David Adams and Diane Van Buskirk … Has seven brothers and sisters … Began playing volleyball at the age of 14 for KC Power volleyball club … Most memorable moment in athletics was when Notre Dame de Sion defeated its rival for the first time in six years … Chose A&M over Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, North Carolina and Maryland because of the numerous longstanding traditions and school spirit, in addition to the volleyball team and coaches. Also wanted to attend a big school … Has been involved with numerous community events, including volunteering at a homeless shelter,

ADAMS UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: Amy Carlson because I would not have played volleyball if she would not have let me walk on her team which was already full when I was 14 years old. Rosa Carla Ribeiro and Conan Salanoa because I would not be the player I am today without their coaching and their confidence in me. • The accomplishment (athletic or nonathletic) that I am most proud of: signing with Texas A&M • The person I would most like to meet: Edward Cullen (Twilight) • When I was little, I dreamed of being an: undercover agent • If I could compete in the Olympics in a sport other than volleyball, I would want to compete in: snowboarding • The reality show I would most like to participate in is: Real World • My best non-athletic talent: art/fashion • Favorite professional sports team: Kansas City Chiefs • Favorite food: candy • After I graduate, I plan to: travel to different countries before I start my career

going on a mission trip to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity … Also helped form a group known as Junior Ladies of Charity … Earned the Presidential Community Service Award after logging more than 100 volunteer hours … Hobbies include watching movies, shopping and working out … College major is undecided … Career ambition is to work for the FBI … Born October 3, 1990, in Kansas City, Missouri.

lays with tremendous passion for the game and finds a way to get the job done … Has competed at the highest levels in both high school and club ball … Brings advanced experience and a great foundation and knowledge of the sport … Is expected to train in the middle and on the right side … Makes up for her size with her efficient play and determination, consistently hits for a high percentage … Her strong work ethic, energy and enthusiasm are contagious and will be a bonus for the team.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

ABIGAIL RENEE HOWDEN MIDDLE BLOCKER/ outside hitter 5-10 • FR-HS AUSTIN, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Westlake CLUB TEAM: Austin Juniors BIRTHDATE: July 11, 1991 PARENTS: Lynn and Debi Howden

A three-year letterwinner and two-year starter at middle blocker and right side for coach Al Bennett at Westlake High School … Led the Chaparrals to an 80-10 combined record and back-to-back state final appearances as a junior and senior … Earned second-team all-district honors as a junior and firstteam all-district honors and Texas Sportswriters Association all-state honorable mention as a senior … Also was a three-time member of the Academic All-District Team … Played club ball for Austin Juniors … Coached by Glen Lietzke, AJV 16 team placed fifth at 2007 Junior Olympics … Suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in January 2008 but returned to help AJV 17 take first place at 2008 JOs and received LoneStarVolleyball.com’s Comeback Player of the Year award … Returned to the court for the first time five months after the injury, subbed in to serve and recorded an ace … AJV 18 team continued its streak of top five finishes at 2009 Junior Olympics with a fifth place finish.

PERSONAL Abigail Renee Howden is the daughter of Lynn and Debi Howden … Is from a family of athletes and is the youngest of four children … Her father was a three-year letterwinner (1970-72) in basketball at Texas … He led the Longhorns with 11.0 rebounds per game in 1971-72, and his 24 rebounds against Florida State on Dec. 1, 1970, still stands as UT’s single-game rebounding record … All three siblings played collegiate sports: her brother, Sam, lettered in basketball at Hardin Simmons and her oldest sister, Sarah, played basketball at Stephen F. Austin … Her other sister, Bethany, was a standout middle blocker at Texas, where she was a 2001 ASICS/ Volleyball Magazine Freshman All-American, a

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

ABBY HOWDEN

HOWDEN UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: my sister, Bethany • The accomplishment (athletic or nonathletic) that I am most proud of: fighting my way to the top team throughout my years at Austin Juniors • The person I would most like to meet: C.S. Lewis • The actress who I would want to play me in a movie about my life: Anne Hathaway • The song I would most like to sing if I were a contestant on American Idol is: Dancing Queen • When I was little, I dreamed of being a: nurse • My best non-athletic talent: Donkey Kong • If I could live anywhere in the world for a year and money is no object, I would live: in Africa, definitely • One of the first things I would buy or do if I won $1 million: start a summer camp • My dream job is: to own a summer camp or teach in a different county.

three-time member of the All-Big 12 first team and earned AVCA second-team All-American honors as a senior … Bethany began playing volleyball in 2001 for Austin Juniors … Made official recruiting visits to North Texas and Texas State … Chose to play for A&M because of the volleyball program’s excellent reputation, getting to play in the Big 12, the great coaching, and the campus atmosphere and traditions … Hobbies include knitting, beach volleyball, wakeboarding, water skiing, tennis and reading … Has watched every episode of the sitcom “Friends” … Participates in Young Life … Plans to major in education … Born July 11, 1991, in Austin, Texas.

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

ALISIA KASTMO A

n extremely competitive and dedicated athlete whose exceptional height will add a new dimension to A&M’s front row … Uses her quickness, range and long reach to defend a broad range along the net and puts up a solid block … Is versatile on offense, is particularly effective at running a quick attack in front of the setter … Also is a good second-tempo attacker and opens up a wide array of options … Is a bright, quick learner who is intent on contributing to the team wherever needed.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

ALISIA LEA KASTMO MIDDLE BLOCKER 6-4 • FR-HS

CLUB TEAM: Sport Volleyball BIRTHDATE: September 7, 1991 PARENTS: Jan-Harry and Lea Kastmo

3 2

T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

KASTMO UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: I had a club coach who really gave me confidence and encouragement one year. Coach John Haroun believed in me and my abilities, and he helped me to play at a new level of volleyball. • The accomplishment (athletic or nonathletic) that I am most proud of: TAAPS Female Athlete of the Year for two years • The actress who I would want to play me in a movie about my life: Jennifer Garner • A song title that best describes me when I get up in the morning: ‘I want to set the world on fire’ by Britt Nicole • Something I’ve always wanted to do but haven’t: ice-skating • Few people know that I: can speak some Norwegian, but not fluently • My best non-athletic talent: knitting • Favorite food: I love my mom’s broccoli casserole. I can eat pizza and ice cream for extended periods of time • One of the first things I would buy or do if I won $1 million: I would donate part to missionaries and then take a cruise to Alaska

PERSONAL

• My dream job is: to be an important food critic around the world. Traveling, good food, and getting paid

Alisia Lea Kastmo is the daughter of JanHarry and Lea Kastmo … Is the third of three children … Her father competed in heavyweight boxing in Norway, and her grandfather, Joseph Stephenson played football for the Vanderbilt Commodores from 1953-55 … Alisia first began playing volleyball when she was 10 years old, playing in the backyard with her older sister, Bethany, who was on a team … Began playing organized volleyball when she was in the sixth grade … Most memorable athletic moment was when her high school volleyball team advanced to the state finals for the first time in school history … Made only official recruiting visit to Texas A&M even though she garnered interest from many top schools including Texas, Nebraska, Stanford and Penn State … Chose to

attend A&M because, “I woke up one morning and had complete peace that A&M was where I was supposed to go” … Also liked the passion of the coaches and the team feeling from the players … Was a member of the National Honor Society, Los Amigos Club and the Culinary Club at All Saints … Hobbies include swimming, baking and singing … Plans to major in business … Born September 7, 1991 in Tyler, Texas.

TYLER, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Episcopal

ne of the most complete, fundamentally sound players coming out of the high school ranks in the state of Texas in 2009 … Likely to make immediate contributions at the college level … Her excellent ball handling skills will add valuable options to the Aggies’ serve receive and defensive schemes … Understands the game and has instinctive anticipation and quick-ness in the back row … Adds depth to a talented corps of outside hitters … Is a calculating player who has a talent for tooling the block and executing the kill.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

VICTORIA PAIGE MELLINGER OUTSIDE HITTER/ DEF. SPECIALIST 5-10 • FR-HS DALLAS, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Lake Highlands CLUB TEAM: Skyline Juniors BIRTHDATE: February 9, 1991 PARENTS: David and Jill Mellinger

Was a four-year varsity letterwinner and four-time alldistrict selection at Lake Highlands High School where she played outside hitter for coach Cory Williams … A 2008 high school All-American by PrepVolleyball.com and a two-time selection to the Texas Girls Coaches Association all-state team … As a senior, was named District 9-5A Most Valuable Player after leading the league in total and average kills and ranking second in total and average digs while captaining the Wildcats to a 12-0 district record and their fourth consecutive district title … Garnered MVP honors at the prestigious Duncanville Tournament of Championship and also named all-tournament at the State 5A championships after directing Lake Highlands to its first state tournament appearance in its 42-year history … Wildcats fell to Westlake and future A&M teammate Abby Howden in the semifinals and finished the season 45-5 … As a junior, was named to PrepVolleyball.com’s All-American Highest Honorable Mention list and became the first player from Lake Highlands to earn TGCA all-state honors in volleyball … Received District 9-5A Best Hitter honors, led the district with 660 kills and also led in kill average … Also led the district in total digs (694) and was second in average digs per game … As a sophomore, named to PrepVolleyball.com’s Soph 79 listing of the top sophomores in the country … Started as a freshman and received special recognition on LoneStarVolleyball.com’s All-Texas Team … Played club ball for seven years, most recently for Skyline Juniors … Her club teams finished in the top 10 at Junior Olympics in each of the last five years, including Skyline Junior RoShamBo’s second-place finish at 2008 JOs … Was voted to the all-tournament team at the 2008 JOs and to the All-American Team at the 2008 AAU tournament after placing third in the 17 Open division … Named to PrepVolleyball.com’s 2008 list of “Defensive Dandies” … Participated in numerous USA Volleyball High Performance camps.

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

TORI MELLINGER MELLINGER UP CLOSE

• The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: Cory Williams, High School Coach • The best volleyball player I have ever played against: Elly Barrett, Setter, Austin Jrs./Westlake HS • The part of the game of volleyball that I like the most: the competition • The accomplishment (athletic or non-athletic) that I am most proud of: Winning MVP at Duncanville • The person I would most like to meet: Misty May • People have told me that I look like (name of celebrity): Ellen Pompeo • When I was little, I dreamed of being: an Olympic volleyball player • The reality show I would most like to participate in is: Road Rules Challenge • Few people know that I: am very uncoordinated • My dream job is: to coach volleyball at a large D-1 college

PERSONAL Victoria Paige Mellinger is the daughter of David and Jill Mellinger … Is the second of four children … Is a third-generation Aggie as both her mother and grandfather attended A&M, as well as numerous cousins … Began to play volleyball in the fourth grade for the Spring Valley Athletic Association … Most memorable athletic moment was playing in the finals of the 2008 Junior Olympics Open Division and receiving MVP honors at the 2008 Duncanville Tournament of Champions … Chose to attend A&M because, “I wanted to play in a competitive conference at the highest level” … Was most impressed with the coaches and overall feel of A&M and felt like “the opportunity (volleyball and education) seems so much greater at A&M” … Was a member of the National Honor Society, Girls Service League, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life, and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class … Plans to major in nutrition … Career ambition is to be a dietician … Born February 9, 1991, in Dallas, Texas.

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

LINDSEY MILLER W

ill be in immediate contention for a starting position in the middle … Her athleticism and excellent footwork allow her to make a smooth and quick transition from blocking to attacking … Biggest strength is hitting off of one foot regardless of if she is executing a slide attack behind the setter or approaching from the sideline and hitting in front of the setter … Quickly gets in position and utilizes her dynamic jump and high reach to hit above the block … Also is a skilled blocker, uses her fluid athletic ability and length to put up a solid wall … Is expected to make a quick transition to the college game.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

LINDSEY LUCILLE MILLER MIDDLE BLOCKER 6-2 • FR-HS KATY, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Cinco Ranch CLUB TEAM: Texas Tornados BIRTHDATE: February 14, 1991 PARENTS: Hal and Jennifer Miller

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T E X A S A &M U N I V E R S I T Y

Was a three-year starting middle blocker for coach Tammy Laurence at Cinco Ranch High School … Named to the Texas Sports Writers Association all-state second team as a senior after leading the Cougars to the Texas high school state quarterfinals, also garnered All-Texas Team Special Recognition by LoneStarVolleyball. com … Ranked No. 51 in the nation in PrepVolleyball.com’s Senior Aces, a list of the top 250 volleyball recruits in the Class of 2009, also made the website’s Soph 79 and Junior 80 listings … Named to the all-district first team all three seasons … Received district MVP honors as a senior and district best offensive player laurels as a junior and sophomore … Played club ball for Texas Tornados … Coached by Chuck Schneider, her 18 Mizuno team was the national champion in the American Division at the 2009 Junior Olympics after posting an 11-0 record … Her 17 team placed third at 2008 AAU National Championships and 13th at Junior Olympics.

PERSONAL Lindsey Lucille Miller is the daughter of Hal and Jenifer Miller … Has an older brother, Matthew, and a younger sister, Kelsey … Was a member of National Honor Society and was a High Honor Graduate at Cinco Ranch High School … Also was a Distinguished Achievement program graduate and received the senior year achievement award for making A’s the entire school year … Also was a member of the National Charity League, a mother/daughter

14 MILLER UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: My 7th grade basketball coach suggested to me that I play club volleyball and I haven’t stopped since. • The part of the game of volleyball that I like the most and why: I like the speed and intensity of the matches because it makes winning a big point so much fun. • A song title that best describes my life: Life, Love, and Laughter by Donavon Frankenreiter • The movie that I know practically every line to (and my favorite line from the movie) is: Anchorman, “60% of the time it works, every time. • My best non-athletic talent: I’m really good at throwing food in the air and catching it in my mouth. • If I could live anywhere in the world for a year and money is no object, I would live: in Barcelona, Spain • Favorite class subject: physics • Favorite athlete – any sport (and why): Tiger Woods, because it is so difficult to be consistently good at golf and he is. • My most prized possession: The china dishes that my great grandmother gave me • My dream job is: Designing roller coasters and theme parks philanthropic organization … Began playing volleyball in the sixth grade at Cinco Ranch Junior High … Most memorable moment in athletics was winning the state competition in club soccer in second grade … Made unofficial visits to Texas, SMU, Virginia, Duke and North Carolina, also was heavily recruited by Columbia, Penn State and Tennessee … Chose to play at A&M because it is close to home, she knows others who are attending A&M, and she was impressed with the coaching staff and how friendly everyone is … Hobbies include reading, watching movies, playing sports, cooking and eating … Plans to major in business … Born February 14, 1991, in Houston, Texas.

late but beneficial addition to the roster, began training with the team the first day of classes … Her love for the game promotes hard work, rapid improvement and a healthy, gregarious team attitude … Is a naturally gifted middle blocker with a good jump, long arms and big hands to thwart the attacks and defend the net … Is a quick learner who received excellent training from her club coaches and is driven to advance her skills with every repetition … Has the potential to play a significant role in the future.

PREVIOUS ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE

JULIA MARIE RUSSELL MIDDLE BLOCKER 6-1 • FR-HS CASTROVILLE, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL: Antonian College Preparatory CLUB TEAM: San Antonio Heat and Texas Juniors BIRTHDATE: May 4, 1991 PARENTS: Richard and Hazel Russell

Was a starter for Coach Nikki Gonzales and the Incarnate Word Shamrocks her sophomore year and a two-year starter for Coach Samantha McLure and the Antonian Apaches as a junior and senior … As a sophomore, was named Newcomer of the Year and first-team all-district in TAPPS 2-6A after leading the Shamrocks to their first District Championship in five years and to the state semifinals for the third consecutive season … Earned first-team all-state, firstteam all-area, first-team all-district and District 2-5A Offensive Player of the Year honors in both her junior and senior seasons … Was among the statistical leaders in the San Antonio area for blocks, hitting percentage and kills in her three seasons as a starter … As a senior, led the Apaches to their third consecutive district tile and to the state semifinals for the third time in four years … Also lettered in golf and was a member of the 2008 TAPPS District 2-6A championship team that advanced to state and placed seventh … Played club ball for San Antonio Heat for two years and Texas Juniors for three years … Coached by Mark Papich, her Texas Juniors 17 team placed 12th at Nationals in the National division.

PERSONAL Julia Marie Russell is the daughter of Richard and Hazel Russell … Is the oldest of three children … Made her first volleyball team on the San Antonio Heat Club Team at the age of 14 … Most memorable moments in athletics are when she made the final kill against her district rival to win her third district championship in a five-game thriller in front of 2,000 people and when she made her first birdie at the golf state championship … Made unofficial recruiting visits to Lamar and Texas State, and also drew interest from Houston and Tarleton State

RUSSELL UP CLOSE • The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: My coach, Samantha McLure • The part of the game of volleyball that I like the most and why: I love the mentality in volleyball because at any one moment the momentum can change and I have always strived to be that game changer.

T E X A S A & M V O L L E Y B A L L P L AY E R S

JULIA RUSSELL

• If I could change one volleyball rule, I would: Eliminate the “breaking the plane of the net” rule. If you can play that high without touching the net than that ball should be playable. • The accomplishment (athletic or non-athletic) that I am most proud of: I made a varsity volleyball team and played in a State Final Four match and I had only been playing volleyball for a year. • A song title that best describes my life: Headstrong • The best advice I’ve ever received: It takes talent to play but it takes heart and desire to win. • My best non-athletic talent: Talking • Favorite food: I eat everything but meatloaf • Best book I’ve ever read: Harry Potter the entire series • My dream job is: I would love to be an artist but I also would love to be a lawyer. until she suffered two separate leg stress fractures that kept her out of volleyball during the last part of her senior season and throughout the 2009 club season … Was most impressed with A&M because the “campus is absolutely amazing. There is always something going on and so many people to meet that I knew I would love to be a part of the atmosphere” … Hobbies include making clay sculptures, painting and drawing, and watching good movies … Also enjoys reading and is a volunteer librarian at the Castroville Public Library … Received numerous academic honors in high school … Served as the sports editor of the school’s newspaper, Smoke Signals, as a junior and was editor in chief as a senior … Also was a member of the National Honor Society, student government, and the drama and French clubs … Majoring in business administration, career ambition is to go into business and become a lawyer … Born May 4, 1991, in San Antonio, Texas.

2009 AGGIE VOLLEYBALL