Big Transition Junior runner returns to team after year off

MATT CA \1PBELL STAFF WRITER MCC724@CABRIM.EDU

One of four incoming freshman volleyball players, Kelli Andersen acclimated herself smoothly in her move from high school volleyball to college. Head coach Trish Arnold said, "The freshmen bring a whole new perspective to the team. The freshman work especially hard to prove themselves which pushes the upperclassman."

Andersen said, "It's different than high school because there is much more responsibility to live up to. You want your teammates and coaches to respect you, so you have to be reliable and unselfish." Entering into her ninth year playing volleyball, Andersen is new to the team, but no amateur on the court.

Andersen attended John W Hallahan High School in Philadelphia. This all female high school made Andersen's transition from high school to college that much more challenging, but she had no trouble adjusting to the volleyball team. "It wasn't that difficult to adjust to the new team because the girls were very accepting and encouraging to all the incoming freshmen players. Although the practice and workout schedule of the first week was intimidating, it wasn't too bad because we had the support of everyone around us."

The team practices everyday for two hours. "Practices usually start with a warm-up run and stretches, then we work on skills for most of the time, and then we scrimmage to end practice," Andersen said.

Arnold said, "Kelli comes to practice everyday and works extremely hard. She is a great sportsman and a true team player. It is a pleasure coaching her."

Once the season starts the girls have little time for rest, playing two games a week and tournaments on Saturdays. Cabrini started the season winning seven out of its first l 0 games. Andersen said, "l try to keep a realistic view of everything I do, but l was very surprised at how well we started the season, especially with the huge win over Alvernia."

Off the court the team is still very close knit. "The social atmosphere of the team is very pleasant. We c11l get along well and we have no problems coming together as a team when needed,'" Andersen said.

The team battles local rival and host Rosemont Thursday, Ot:t. 9, at 7p.m.