Table of Contents Quick Facts 2012 Schedule
MEET THE TEAM 2012 Roster
RADFORD 1 2 3
4
Head Coach Marci Jenkins
5-6
Assistant Coach Chris Hertel
7
2011 Season Recap
8
Meet the Highlanders
9
Returning Player Profiles
10-23
Newcomer Player Profiles
24-26
THIS IS RU The Big South Conference
27
Radford University President Penelope Kyle
28
Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg
29
This is Radford University
30-31
The New River Valley
32-33
Campus Life Student-Athlete Support Services
34 35
Strength and Conditioning
36-37
Dedmon Center Facilities
38-39
CREDITS The 2012 Radford University Volleyball Guide was written and edited by Brian Cox and designed by the Radford University Office of Athletic Com-
Table of Contents
7 Big South Regular Season Championships
INTRODUCTION
munications. The Publication was designed using InDesign and Photoshop CS5. Additional editing and historical research provided by The Big South Conference and Gene Hyde, archivist at Radford University’s McConnell Library.
VOLLEYBALL
Photography: Dyann Busse, Michael Colligon, Tim Cowie, Lora Gordon, and Athletic Communications.
1
RADFORD
2
Location Radford, Va. Founded 1910 Enrollment 9,370 Nickname Highlanders Colors Red, White, Navy Blue Affiliation NCAA Division I Conference Big South President Penelope W. Kyle (Guilford College) Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg (Roanoke, 1991) Website www.RadfordAthletics.com
VOLLEYBALL HISTORY
First Year All-Time Record Big South Record Big South Regular Season Championships Big South Tournament Championships NCAA Appearances Big South Players of the Year Big South Freshmen of the Year Big South Coaches of the Year All-Big South Facility/Capacity
1972 637-600 (.515) 138-158 (.466) 7 (1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2001) 4 (1987, 1990, 1993, 2000) 2 (1993, 2000) 4 3 3 59 Dedmon Center/3,215
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Alma Mater, Year Record at Radford (Years) Career Record (Years) Assistant Coach Alma Mater, Year Volleyball Office Phone
2012 TEAM FACTS
Players Returning/Lost Newcomers 2011 Overall Record 2011 Conference Record (Finish)
ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
2012 Quick Facts
4 Big South Tournament Championships
UNIVERSITY FACTS
Marci Jenkins, 5th year Virginia Union, 1996 49-76 (4) 79-102 (6) Chris Hertel New Mexico State, 2011 (540) 831-5879 14/4 6 17-15 9-5 (3rd)
Assistant Director (VB Contact) Brian Cox Office Phone (540) 831-5211 Email bcox27@radford.edu Assistant A.D. Joey Beeler Office Phone (540) 831-5726 Email jwbeeler@radford.edu Assistant Director Brian Stanley Office Phone (540) 831-6884 Email bmstanley@radford.edu Director of Multimedia Services Patrick Reed Office Phone (540) 831-5574 Email pmreed@radford.edu Office Fax (540) 831-6095 Mailing Address P.O. Box 6913, Radford, Va. 24142 Overnight Address 101 Dedmon Center, Radford, Va. 24142
VOLLEYBALL
Fri., Aug. 24 • 3:30 NJIT
Fri., Aug. 24 • 6:00 at St. Francis (N.Y.)
Sat., Aug. 25 • 1:30 UMES
Tue., Aug. 28 • 1:00 at Hampton
Fri., Aug. 31 • 6:00 ST. FRANCIS (PA.)
Sat., Sept. 1 • 10:30 THE CITADEL
Sat., Sept. 1 • 7:00 MURRAY STATE
Tue., Sept. 4 • 7:00 ELON
Fri., Sept. 7 • 5:30 WRIGHT STATE
Sat., Sept. 8 • 12:00 at West Virginia
Sat., Sept. 8 • 4:00 SAINT PETER’S
Tue., Sept. 11 • 6:00 at JMU
Fri., Sept. 14 • 12:00 GEORGE MASON
Fri., Sept. 14 • 4:00 RUTGERS
Sat., Sept. 15 • 11:00 at Penn
Fri., Sept. 21 • 7:00 at Liberty
Tue., Sept. 25 • 7:00 N.C. Central
Fri., Sept. 28 • 7:00 at UNC Asheville
Sat., Sept. 29 • 4:00 at Gardner-Webb
Fri., Oct. 5 • 7:00 HIGH POINT
Sat., Oct. 6 • 4:00 CAMPBELL
Tue., Oct. 9 • 6:00 at N.C. A&T
Fri., Oct. 12 • 7:00 at Coastal Carolina
Sat., Oct. 13 • 6:00 at Charleston South.
Fri., Oct. 19 • 7:00 WINTHROP
Sat., Oct. 20 • 4:00 PRESBYTERIAN
VOLLEYBALL Fri., Oct. 26 • 7:00 LIBERTY
Fri., Nov. 2 • 7:00 at Campbell
Sat., Nov. 3 • 4:00 at High Point
Fri., Nov. 9 • 7:00 GARDNER-WEBB
Sat., Nov. 10 • 4:00 UNC ASHEVILLE
2012 Schedule
2 NCAA Tournament Appearances
RADFORD
Nov. 15-17 BIG SOUTH TOURN.
3
4 Big South Players of the Year
#
NAME
1 Meg Bowers 2 Katelyn Meeks 3 Emma Deininger 4 Savannah Cantrell 5 Carson Widener 6 Christine Beckham 7 Jena Braden 8 Rachel Wiechecki 9 Cheyanne James 10 Kristina Cascio 11 Rachel Fertitta 12 Emily Hayes 13 Bailey Banks 14 Taylor Pahno 15 Nicole Lambert 16 Yacine Meyer 17 Emily Carlin 18 Jesse Miedema 19 Savanna Burton 20 Lindsey Phipps Head Coach: Marci Jenkins Assistant Coach: Chris Hertel Volunteer Assistant Coach: Caleb Adams
POSITION
DS L MB MB DS S S OH OH DS MB OPP S OH MB OH OH OPP OPP OH/MB
HT.
5-10 5-6 6-1 5-11 5-6 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-5 6-2 6-1 5-9 6-0 6-1 5-8 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-1
CL.
Fr. R-Sr. So. So. R-So. So. So. So. Fr. So. R-Sr. Sr. R-Jr. R-Fr. Fr. R-Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr.
HOMETOWN
Mechanicsville, Va. Richmond, Va. Wallingford, Pa. Jacksonville Beach, Fla. Bristol, Tenn. Ashburn, Va. New Knoxville, Ohio Wilmington, Del. Virginia Beach, Va. Virginia Beach, Va. Roanoke, Va. Bartlett, Ill. Fairfax, Va. Virginia Beach, Va. St. Charles, Ill. Makawao, Hawaii Downington, Pa. Huron, Ohio Narrows, Va. Hamilton, Va.
VOLLEYBALL
2012 Roster
4
RADFORD PREVIOUS SCHOOL
Atlee Mills Godwin Strath Haven Nease Bristol Stone Bridge New Knoxville Ursuline Academy Kellam Kellam Emory & Henry College Bartlett Robinson Secondary First Colonial St. Charles El Camino JC Bishop Shanahan Huron Narrows North Alabama
head coach ♦ fifth year
2011 Big South Coach of the Year Marci Jenkins begins her fifth season at the helm of the Radford volleyball program. The 2011 edition of the Highlanders enjoyed one of their most successful seasons, culminating with their first trip to the Big South Championship Match since 2001, after a third-place regular-season finish. Under Jenkins’ guidance, Radford, despite being hit by a rash of injuries and relying on a young squad, posted a 17-15 overall record and 9-5 Big South record. Jenkins was rewarded with the league’s coach of the year, the fourth in program history.
Powered by a youth movement, Radford freshmen and the team’s overall success were recognized for their achievements. Emma Deininger was tabbed Big South Freshman of the Year and was joined on the all-conference first team by classmate Rachel Brummitt. Rounding out the accolades, Deininger, Brummitt and Rachel Wiechecki were selected to the league’s all-freshman squad. In 2010, the Highlanders claimed the DePaul tournament title, which included a thrilling 3-2 win over the host Blue Demons in the championship match. Emily Carlin was named MVP, while Megan McWhorter and Desiree Aramburu garnered all-tournament honors. The conference season was highlighted by a 3-2 victory over Winthrop, the first against the Eagles since the 2001 campaign. In her second season at Radford, Jenkins’ 2009 squad jumped out to an impressive start during early season tournament play. Coming off a 2-2 showing at the season-opening Duquesne / Robert Morris Tournament, the Highlanders had a thrilling three-game sweep in the Radford University Volleyball Tournament over Coppin State, S.C. State and Bradley. Freshman Desiree Aramburu earned MVP of the inaugural tournament, while Laura Waddell was named all-tournament. Jenkins’ squad tallied the longest winning streak after the RU Tournament since the 2001 campaign.
Coaching Profiles
2011 Big South Coach of the Year
RADFORD
marci jenkins
After being hired in February of 2008, Jenkins’ debut season on the Highlander bench started in impressive fashion as her club won the 2008 “Battle at the Beach” Championship, hosted by UNC Wilmington.
VOLLEYBALL
Highlighting Radford’s 3-0 start to Jenkins’ first season at the helm was Laura Waddell earning Tournament MVP and Megan McWhorter and Kiley Kent grabbing spots on the alltournament squad.
5
RADFORD
To go along with the strong foundation Jenkins has assembled to return Radford to the success it experienced almost 10 years ago, two of her student-athletes earned Big South weekly honors in 2008, while Megan McWhorter was named to the league’s all-freshman squad and Melinda Clelland earned allacademic recognition for the third straight year. Off the court, Jenkins’ 2008 squad exemplified the true meaning of “student-athlete,” compiling a team GPA that ranked tops among Radford’s 19 athletic programs. Jenkins’ drive towards success is also evident through her work on the recruiting trail as the 2011 incoming group features a very talented and deep class, which should pave the way for a very bright future. In the summer of 2010, Jenkins had the opportunity to serve as a coach for the USA Regional High Performance Camp in Richmond, Va.
Prior to becoming the 10th head coach in Highlander volleyball history, Jenkins came to Radford with a 30-26 overall record as a college coach after turning around the Chowan program. She also has a 121-49 mark in 10 years at the high school level. In her two years at Chowan, Jenkins oversaw a rapid turnaround, taking a team that posted a 4-17 record her first season to a 26-11 mark in 2007. The Hawks led Division II in aces per game in 2007 under Jenkins.
Jenkins took over at Chowan after two successful years at Mills Godwin High School in Richmond, Va. Jenkins’ first team at Godwin posted a 26-3 record, claiming a district title and a district tournament championship. The Eagles won the Regional Championship and finished third in the Virginia High School League State Playoffs. The following year, Jenkins guided her team to another winning record and a fourthplace regional finish.
Hometown Date of Birth High School Undergraduate Degree Playing Experience
BY THE NUMBERS
Career Record (Years) Record at Radford (Years) Big South Coach of the Year
COACHING CAREER
6
Her first coaching job came at Hermitage High School, where she served as the head coach for eight years. She never had a losing season at Hermitage, posting an 84-36 overall record. For three straight years, Jenkins’ teams were ranked fifth or better in the region.
THE MARCI JENKINS FILE
PERSONAL
2008-Present 2006-08 2005-06 1996-2005 2005-08 2004
Coaching Profiles
2011 Big South Coach of the Year
No stranger to rebuilding programs, Jenkins led Radford to its highest overall and conference wins total in seven years with her 2008 club.
Chicago, Ill. 9/8/73 Mother McAuley Liberal Arts Virginia Union, 1996 Virginia Union
79-102 (6) 49-76 (4) 2011
Jenkins’ leadership and coaching skills were recognized by the VHSL in 2003 and 2005 when she was selected as the head coach of the Girl’s Volleyball East team.
In addition to her extensive coaching experience on the high school and college level, Jenkins has spent a significant amount of time as a club level coach. Her 2003-04 team qualified for the Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas, posting a 54-21 record. She led her 2004-05 team into a 23rd-place finish in the Junior Olympics, held in Salt Lake City with a 58-17 overall record. Jenkins has also extended her experience at numerous college and high school camps; her involvement led to invitations to prestigious coaching clinics. This includes the USA Volleyball Coaches Clinic at the Colorado Springs, Colo. Olympic Training Center. Jenkins is a 1996 graduate of Virginia Union University. She graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics. A four-year starter, she also served as the volleyball team captain her junior and senior years.
VOLLEYBALL
Head Coach, Radford Head Coach, Chowan Head Coach, Mills Godwin High School Head Coach, Hermitage High School Head Coach, 16-U National Team Assistant Coach, 15-U National Team
assistant coach ♦ second year Chris Hertel enters his second season with Radford Volleyball after being hired in June 2011 as an assistant coach. In his first season with RU, the squad finished 17-15, including a runner-up finish in the Big South Tournament. Hertel joined the Highlander staff after spending the last six seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at New Mexico State and the past 20 years working in the Diamondback (N.M.) and Empire Club (Calif.) programs. Hertel worked under the direction of NMSU head coach Michael Jordan since 2005. During his six-year tenure, he was involved in all aspects of the Aggies program, including practice and scouting opponents. Hertel, a 2011 graduate of NMSU, also played an essential part in Jordan’s volleyball camps since 2002. Along with his collegiate coaching experience, Hertel was an integral part of the club systems in New Mexico and California. An assistant director and coach in both programs, he oversaw training multiple teams, assisted with recruiting and coordinated team travel. His most recent involvement was with the Diamondback Volleyball Club (2004-2011) out of Las Cruces, N.M. Prior to Diamondback, Hertel got his start at Empire Volleyball Club (1991-2003) in Santa Rosa, Calif. learning the trade from Ed “Bear’ Grassl.
VOLLEYBALL
Coaching Profiles
31 Big South All-Conference Selections
RADFORD
chris hertel
7
7 Big South Regular Season Championships
Along with their first title game appearance, the Highlanders posted several firsts since 2001, which included most wins (17), most conference wins (9), winning record (17-15), highest regular season finish (3rd), longest winning streak (6), first tournament victory and first win in Asheville. After a slow start to the season, which included four five-set defeats, the Highlanders won four-of-five to double their win total to eight matches. Following two more setbacks, Radford hit its stride beginning with three straight Big South triumphs over Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina and Presbyterian. Those three victories put the Highlanders into the Big South regular season mix (5-3) with their next two meetings at league leaders Winthrop and Liberty. However, the Eagles swept the Highlanders and the Lady Flames rallied from 0-2, knocking Radford back to .500 and into a tie for fourth. Those two defeats did not deter the Red and White, as they rattled off four wins to end the regular season all alone in third place. The momentum carried into the Big South Tournament. After sweeping High Point, Radford had to dig deep in the semifinals. Behind a solid defensive effort and some big performances, the Highlanders rallied from a 0-2 deficit and stunned second-seeded Winthrop to reach the championship match. Radford was competitive against Liberty, holding leads midway through each set, but in the end the Lady Flames used late runs to secure the championship. In addition to the team accomplishments, several individual milestones and accolades were obtained. Rookies Emma Deininger and Rachel Brummitt were selected to the all-conference first-team squad, the first selections since 2007. They were joined on the all-freshman squad by Rachel Wiechecki. Deininger became Radford’s third Big South Rookie of the Year and Marci Jenkins was the fourth Highlander head coach to earn Coach of the Year honors. The rookie trio of Deininger, Brummitt and Wiechecki combined for 11 Big South Player of the Week selections, the most by any league squad. Brummitt led the way with five defensive nods, while Deininger added four rookie selections and Wiechecki posted a pair of player recognitions. Brummitt set a new single-season digs mark of 688, which ranks sixth all-time in the Big South and eighth on Radford’s career charts (rally scoring). Deininger matched former Highlander Melinda Clelland for a charttopping 101 block assists and also ranked second in single-season total blocks with 114, while Wiechecki’s team-best 323 kills was the fifth highest total in a single-season. Radford’s seniors will also leave their marks in the record books. Middle blocker Carly Fleming ended her career ranked second in the program’s annals (rally scoring) in solo blocks (58) and third in block assists (221) and total blocks (279). Fleming, along with classmate Megan McWhorter, rank eighth and fourth, respectively in career kills. Katelyn Meeks, who suffered a season-ending injury prior to the 2011 campaign, still sits third all-time in career digs with 1,105 and is tied for fifth in aces (80). Setter Leigh Myers ended her career ranked seventh in career assists with 528.
VOLLEYBALL
2011 Season Recap
8
RADFORD
Radford Volleyball enjoyed its best season in 10 years, culminating in a runner-up finish at the 2011 Big South Championship. The Highlanders made a late season push to finish third in the regular season and then rallied in the Big South semifinals to reach their first title match since 2001. In the end, Radford was defeated by Liberty, but showed a lot of promise and determination and has the pieces to improve and build on its 2011 campaign.
Meet the Highlanders
4 Big South Tournament Championships
RADFORD
VOLLEYBALL 9
RADFORD
Rachel FERTITTA
10
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Saw action in 40 games ... Totalled 45 kills and 29 blocks in first season with Highlanders ... Charted a season-best six kills at UNC Asheville ... Recorded five kills four other times at Hofstra, vs. Chicago State, vs. North Carolina A&T and at Gardner-Webb ... Registered a season-best six blocks in first two contests with the Highlanders at the Asics Invitational against Hofstra and Manhattan ... Knocked down five blocks (two solo) and recorded a season-high 8.5 points in regular season finale at Gardner-Webb.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Sat out the season because of NCAA transfer regulations.
2009 HIGHLIGHTS (EMORY & HENRY)
Returner Profiles
2 NCAA Tournament Appearances
R-Senior ♦ Middle Blocker
Voted to the First-Team All-ODAC squad ... First E&H athlete to receive the SportsImports/AVCA Divison III Nationall Player of the Week Honor (Sept. 15) ... Named ODAC Player of the Week two weeks in a row ... Voted best offensive player by her squad ... Awarded E&H Tournament MVP after helping the Wasps to an undefeated record ... Led the squad in kills (425), kills per game (4.38) and total blocks (120).
2008 HIGHLIGHTS (EMORY & HENRY)
Selected ODAC Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-ODAC ... Voted Best Offensive Player by her squad ... Earned AllState Second Team honors ... Led the conference in kills (371), hitting percentage (.347) and total blocks (108) ... Hammered out double-figure kills in 23-of-27 matches with a season-high 23 in season-opener against Milligan.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
6-2 ROANOKE, VA. EMORY & HENRY
11
Played all four years with the Northside Vikings ... Selected first team ... Also lettered in softball, basketball and tennis ... 2008 VHSL state runner-up in tennis doubles.
PERSONAL
Rachel Fertitta was born July 9, 1989 ... Rachel is the youngest of Susan and David Fertitta’s four children ... Her sister, Corrie, was a standout basketball player at Radford (2004-08).
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2010 - - - - - - - - - - - - 2011 40-20 45 21 137 .175 0 0 0 0 2 4 25 29 Total 40-20 45 21 137 .175 0 0 0 0 2 4 25 29
VOLLEYBALL
RADFORD
Currenlty ranks third in career digs and tied for fifth in aces ... Did not play due to preseason knee injury.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Katelyn Meeks R-Senior ♦ Libero
Appeared in 25 matches ... Led the squad in digs with 358 and digs per set at 4.07 ... Surpassed 1,000 career digs with a team-high 25 against High Point (11/2) ... Tallied seven 20-dig efforts this season, including at least 30 digs on two occasions ... Recorded a season-high 35 digs against UNC Asheville (10/30) ... Named to the 2011 Big South All-Academic team ... Earned her second career Big South Libero of the Week honor on Nov. 8 ... Put down a season-high six service aces as Radford swept Presbyterian on Nov. 6.
2009 HIGHLIGHTS
Appeared in 33 matches ... Led the team in digs (495) and digs per game (3.81) ... Third on the squad in aces with 32 ... Tallied 25 10-dig efforts ... Recorded a season-high 29 digs against High Point (10/28).
2008 HIGHLIGHTS
Named Big South Libero of the Week (11/10) ... Tied for first on the team with 31 service aces ... Second on the squad in digs (252) and digs per game (2.52) ... Recorded double-digit digs on 11 separate occasions ... Compiled a season-high and team-best 37 digs and four services aces at Presbyterian (11/7) ... Finished with 23 digs in Radford’s thrilling five-game victory at Gardner-Webb (10/31) ... Charted 19 digs at UNC Asheville (11/8).
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Named Co-Regional Player of the Year, while leading her squad to the semifinals of the VHSL State Championship ... As a senior was named the District Player of the Year and to the Ukrops Showcase All-Tournament Team ... Earned first-team all-district and second-team all-region honors as a junior ... In 2007, her club team finished third in the Junior Olympics.
PERSONAL
Born July 10, 1990... Daughter of Mike and Tawana Colligon... Has four siblings, Megan, Hayley, Thad and Savannah.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2008 100-28 12 20 78 -.103 13 31 40 26 252 1 0 1 2009 130-33 4 5 31 -.032 53 32 36 41 495 0 0 0 2010 88-25 12 8 57 .070 29 29 29 24 358 0 0 0 Total 318-86 28 33 166 -.030 95 95 105 91 1105 1 0 1
2
5-6 RICHMOND, VA. MILLS GODWIN
Returner Profiles
4 Big South Players of the Year
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
‘10 BIG SOUTH ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
VOLLEYBALL
11
31 Big South All-Conference Selections
R-Senior ♦ ou tside hitter
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Played in one game ... Struggled through injury-plagued season ... Registered one kill and one dig vs. UMKC.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Returner Profiles
12
RADFORD
yacine meyer
Appeared in 20 matches ... Battled through an injury throughout the season ... Recorded a career-high 12 kills, 21 digs and three service aces to lead Radford in a four-set victory over Gardner-Webb on Oct. 9 ... Tallied five kills on a .455 hitting percentage and 11 digs at Gardner-Webb on Nov. 5.
2009 HIGHLIGHTS (EL CAMINO JC)
Earned Second-Team South Coast Conference honors ... Also earned all-conference honors on the basketball court.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
5-8 MAKAWAO, HAWAII EL CAMINO JC
16
Named the Maui Interscholastic League Player of the Year following her senior campaign ... Voted Seabury’s Female Athlete of the Year ... A four-time all-league and two-time all-state performer ... A four-year selection to the first-team All-Star ... Also lettered in basketball where she was a two-time all-state performer and league player of the year.
PERSONAL
Yacine Meyer was born on Oct. 21, 1989 ... Yacine and her older sister Nicole are the daughters of Linda and Chad Meyer.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2010 41-20 42 35 162 .043 4 5 11 8 80 1 0 1 2011 1-1 1 1 4 .000 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Total 42-21 43 36 166 .042 4 5 11 8 81 1 0 1
VOLLEYBALL
Senior ♌ opposite side hitter
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Started 27 of 29 matches and was featured in 112 games ... Tallied 172 kills and 51 total blocks ... Posted 14 contests with seven or more kills, including three double-figure matches ... Recorded a career-high 14 kills and 16 points vs. Alabama A&M ... Notched 11 kills at Liberty and versus Campbell, respectively ... Season-high five blocks vs. Chicago State and at UNC Asheville ... Hit .750 with six kills and zero errors vs. North Carolina A&T.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Appeared in 21 matches ... Recorded at least five kills on 10 separate occasions ... Posted a .316 hitting percentage ... Tallied seven kills and zero errors (.583) and three total blocks against Canisius (9/4).
2009 HIGHLIGHTS
Ranked third on the squad in kills (209), kills per game (1.79) and blocks (40.0) ... Recorded double figure kills on eight separate occasions ... Delivered a career-high of 14 kills (.357) including four in the final game against NCCU (10/13) leading Radford to a 3-2 victory ... Helped Radford record a 3-1 victory over Howard (8/28) with 12 kills.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Recorded 185 kills, 26 services aces, 22 blocks and 136 digs as a senior ... Two-time all-conference and all-area team performer ... Named team MVP following her junior campaign ... Led Bartlett High School to an overall record of 21-12 in 2008 ... To go along with her performance on the court, earned academic all-conference honors in her final two seasons ... Played for the Sports Performance Volleyball club ... Helped guide her U18 club team to a third-place finish at the JVDA Nationals last summer, earning all-tournament honors.
PERSONAL
Emily Joy Hayes was born on Feb. 26, 1991 ... Emily is the youngest of Denise and Perry Hayes’ three children ... Brother Collin played four years of soccer in the NAIA at Clarke College.
12
6-1 BARTLETT, ILL. BARTLETT
Returner Profiles
7 Big South Regular Season Championships
RADFORD
emily hayes
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2009 117-31 209 87 662 .184 10 0 0 0 28 1 39 40 2010 63-21 90 37 309 .172 3 1 0 0 16 0 20 20 2011 107-29 172 56 538 .216 2 0 1 0 36 0 51 51 Total 287-81 471 180 1509 .193 15 1 1 0 80 1 110 111
VOLLEYBALL
13
4 Big South Tournament Championships
R-junior ♦ setter
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Recorded four assists and one dig in lone game of the season against North Carolina A&T.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Was listed as a redshirt.
2009 HIGHLIGHTS
Appeared in five games as a freshman ... Recorded a perfect service percentage (4/4) ... Tallied her first kill against Coppin State in the Radford University Tournament (9/4).
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Four-time recipient of the Student-Athlete Award at Robinson ... Named honorable mention all-district following her senior season ... Also received the Athletic Booster Award in 2008 ... Member of the NVVA and Metra American club teams.
5-9 FAIRFAX, VA. ROBINSON SECONDARY
13
PERSONAL
Returner Profiles
14
RADFORD
bailey banks
Bailey Elizabeth Banks was born on April 12, 1991 in Gainesville, Fla ... Youngest of Claudia and Al Banks’ three children ... Member of the National Honor Society and DECA at Robinson.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2009 5-4 2 1 3 .333 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2010 4-2 0 0 0 .000 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2011 1-1 0 0 0 .000 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Total 10-7 2 1 3 .333 6 0 0 0 6 0 0 0
VOLLEYBALL
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
junior ♦ ou tside hitter
Charted 191 kills and 235 digs in 102 games ... Third on the squad in digs and fourth in kills ... Recorded a career and season-high 19 kills with 10 digs vs. Liberty ... Registered second double-double of the season with 11 kills and 11 digs vs. Gardner-Webb ... 13 double-figure dig contests ... Posted a career-high 16 digs in Big South Championship match vs. Liberty and averaged four digs per game at the tournament ... Tallied six double-figure kill matches ... Added 23 service aces and posted three each in four matches.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Appeared in 17 matches ... Named to the 2010 Radford University and DePaul Invitational All-Tournament teams ... Earned Big South Freshman of the Week honors for the week of Sept. 13 ... Tallied at least 10 kills or digs in 13 of her 17 outings ... Charted four double-doubles in kills and digs ... Recorded a season-high 18 kills on a .255 hitting percentage, 15 digs and two total blocks against Lehigh on Aug. 28 ... Posted an impressive 15 kills, 14 digs and two service aces in a thrilling five-game victory over DePaul to clinch the DePaul Invitational title.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Named to the 2009 PrepVolleyball.com High School AllAmerica Team ... Led Bishop Shanahan to the 2009 Pennsylvania State Championship and their sixth straight conference title ... Named MVP of the 2009 PVCA State Championship All-Tournament Team ... 2009 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year nominee ... Voted MVP of the Senior Showcase ... Three-time all-conference selection ... Selected to the PVCA all-state team following her junior campaign ... Served as team captain in 2009 ... Member of the Synergy Volleyball Club team since 2005 ... Also lettered in basketball and track & field.
PERSONAL
Emily Carlin was born on Oct. 13, 1991 ... Emily and younger brother Gus are the children of Valerie and Martin Carlin.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE 2010 58-17 147 94 469 .113 16 11 6 2011 102-30 191 132 644 .092 11 23 25 Total 160-47 338 226 1113 .101 27 34 31
RE DIG BS BA 22 155 1 21 37 235 0 27 59 390 1 48
TB 22 27 49
17
6-0 DOWNINGTOWN, PA. BISHOP SHANAHAN
VOLLEYBALL
Returner Profiles
2 NCAA Tournament Appearances
RADFORD
emily carlin
‘10 DEPAUL INVITATIONAL MVP ‘10 RADFORD INV. ALL-TOURNAMENT
15
RADFORD
jesse miedema
16
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Saw action in 31 matches and 98 games ... Registered 139 kills, 66 total blocks and 174.5 points ... Charted a season-high 10 kills vs. Alabama A&M ... Added eight kills and seven blocks at Miami (Ohio) ... Tallied a career-best four solo blocks and swatted away eight total attacks at Gardner-Webb ... Notched eight kills and five blocks in upset win against Winthrop (Big South Semis) and added seven more kills in Big South Championship match.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Returner Profiles
4 Big South Players of the Year
junior ♦ opposite side hitter
Appeared in 24 matches, averaging 2.06 kills per set ... Ranked third on the squad in hitting percentage with .202 ... Tallied double-figure kills on four occasions ... Recorded a career-high 13 kills with a .571 hitting percentage against Winthrop (9/25) ... Helped lead Radford to a four-set victory over Gardner-Webb with 11 kills and just two errors (.346) on (10/9) ... Charted 10 kills with a .286 hitting percentage and eight blocks in Radford’s upset over Winthrop on (10/22).
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Named Lorain Morning Journal and District Six Player of the Year following her senior campaign ... Led Huron High School to the 2009 Ohio State Championship and named match MVP ... Selected to play in the 2009 District Six All-Star match ... Helped Huron to three straight SBC and District Six titles ... Three-time all-state selection ... Earned a spot on the Oregon Clay Invite all-tournament squad as a junior and senior ... Finished her career with 913 kills, .428 hitting percentage, 98 block solos and 166 block assists ... Member of the OHIO Elite 18 National Club Team ... Also lettered in track & field.
PERSONAL
5-11 HURON, OHIO HURON
18
Jesse Miedema was born on Oct. 25, 1991 ... Jesse is the middle child of Delma and Steve Miedema’s three children.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A 2010 66-24 136 61 371 .202 2 2011 98-31 139 68 430 .165 3 Total 164-55 275 129 801 .182 5
VOLLEYBALL
SA SE 0 0 0 0 0 0
RE DIG BS BA 0 13 3 30 0 26 5 61 0 39 8 91
TB 33 66 99
r-sophomore ♌ defensive specialist
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Competed in eight matches and played 10 games ... Recorded six digs in first collegiate match at Elon ... Tallied two digs at UNC Greensboro.
2010 HIGHLIGHTS Labeled as a redshirt.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Selected first-team all-conference and Second-Team All-North Tennessee following her senior campaign in high school.
PERSONAL
Carson Savannah Widener was born on Feb. 27, 1992 ... Daughter of Cindy and Tim Widener ... Has a younger brother Tim ... Grandfather Howard Webb played basketball and tennis at Tusculum.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2011 10-8 0 1 3 -.333 0 0 2 4 10 0 0 0 Total 10-8 0 1 3 -.333 0 0 2 4 10 0 0 0
5
5-6 BRISTOL, TENN. BRISTOL
VOLLEYBALL
Returner Profiles
31 Big South All-Conference Selections
RADFORD
carson widener
17
7 Big South Regular Season Championships
sophomore ♦ setter
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Played in every match and saw action in 121 games ... Led a trio of setters with 562 assists ... Sits seventh on Radford career assist charts (rally scoring) and 10th in a single season ... Added 31 service aces and 170 digs which ranked third and fourth on the squad ... Dished out career-high 32 assists at UNC Asheville ... Finished the season with 11 20-plus assist efforts ... Recorded first collegiate double-doube with 17 assists and 12 digs vs. Florida Gulf Coast ... Posted 25 and 23 helpers in first two collegiate matches against Hofstra and Manhattan ... Also recorded a season-best four kills and six total blocks against the Jaspers ... Served up a season-best four aces at High Point and added three more vs. Manhattan ... Registered both of her solo rejections at Hofstra.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Returner Profiles
18
RADFORD
christine beckham
Stone Bridge High School’s 2010-11 Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year ... Selected to the 2011 VHSCA East-West Senior All-Star contest and named tournament MVP for the West squad after helping them to a 3-0 triumph ... Two-time first-team all-district member and All-Tournament team in 2009 and 2010, and earned Tournament MVP in 2010 … Placed on the all-region squad her junior and senior campaigns … FirstTeam All-Met (Washington Post) in 2010 … Currently holds the most points record at Stone Bridge with 32, and finished her career with over 1,000 kills.
PERSONAL
6-0 ASHBURN, VA. STONE BRIDGE
6
Christine Elise Beckham was born on Dec. 11, 1992 ... Christine and younger brother Collin are the children of Dana and Jean-Pierre Beckham.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2011 121-31 9 6 49 .061 562 31 37 0 170 2 9 11 Total 121-31 9 6 49 .061 562 31 37 0 170 2 9 11
VOLLEYBALL
sophomore ♦ setter
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Totalled 326 assists in 68 games played during rookie season ... Averaged a team-best 4.79 assists per game ... Posted a season-high 35 assists against Alabama A&M ... Dished out 33 assists and recorded 11 digs for a double-double in her third collegiate match against USC Upstate ... Added four more 20-plus assist efforts ... Posted a season-best two kills against Elon, Alabama A&M and Winthrop (BSC Semifinals) ... Added 15 assists and six digs in upset of the Eagles ... Served up two aces in contests against Manhattan, Chicago State and Howard ... Recorded lone collegiate block at Elon.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Led her club team to two National appearances after being a member of elite squads over the past 11 years … Recorded over 1,000 assists, and set the NKHS career assist record at 1,262 … Selected to the Midwest Athletic Conference First Team, and earned a spot on the District 8 Honorable Mention and All-Ohio Third Teams … As a senior, named the WTLW Television Player of the Week and MVP Magazine Player of the Day … Awarded NKSH MVP Ranger and Best Offensive Player Awards … Invited to participate in the Ohio High School Association Elite Camp three years in a row … Named the Midwest Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete three years in a row … Awarded the Wendy’s Heisman School Award as a senior.
PERSONAL
Jena Renee Braden was born on July 7, 1992 ... Jena is the youngest of Chuck and Judy Braden’s three daughters ... Both sisters played collegiate volleyball; Shannen at Ohio and Brook at College of Charleston.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2011 68-23 10 7 33 .091 326 7 14 0 74 0 1 1 Total 68-23 10 7 33 .091 326 7 14 0 74 0 1 1
7
5-8 NEW KNOXVILLE, OHIO NEW KNOXVILLE
VOLLEYBALL
Returner Profiles
4 Big South Tournament Championships
RADFORD
jena braden
19
RADFORD
savannah cantrell
20
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Saw action in 29 games recording 21 kills, 11 digs and eight blocks ... Charted a season-best nine kills, two assists and three blocks versus Liberty ... Totalled a season-high four digs vs. Memphis ... Added three kills at Elon and Miami (Ohio).
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Returner Profiles
2 NCAA Tournament Appearances
sophomore ♦ middle blocker
Member of Nease’s St. John’s River Conference Championship team … Selected first-team all-conference ... AVCA Under-Armour All-American nominee … Member of Select Jax squad that traveled to Barbados for the BIP-USA Tour, along with four other high school teammates her senior season … As a junior, was a member of the Class 2A District 10 and Region 3 Championship teams at Tampa Prep … Traveled to Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary for the USA Tour – International Play.
PERSONAL
5-11 JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FLA. NEASE
4
Savannah Faye Cantrell was born on March 30, 1993 in Houston Texas ... Daughter of Alexia Henson ... Mother was a professional figure skater.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2011 29-14 21 24 94 -.032 4 0 0 0 11 0 8 8 Total 29-14 21 24 94 -.032 4 0 0 0 11 0 8 8
VOLLEYBALL
RADFORD
Big South Freshman of the Year ... First-team all-conference ... Selected to Big South All-Freshmen Team ... Led team in blocks (0.97 per game) and attack percentage ...101 block assists tied for a single-season best and her 114 total rejections rank second ... Second on the squad in kills and third in kills per game ... Named Big South Freshman of the Week a league-high four times ... Played in every match with 30 starts ... Rejected a season-high eight attacks vs. USC Upstate (1/7), at Miami (0/8) and vs. UNC Asheville (3/5) ... Her three solo blocks against the Bulldogs were a seasonbest ... Added five more contests with five or six total blocks ... Charted double-figure kills 12 times ... Posted 13 kills, .440 attack percentage, eight blocks and a season-high 17.5 points in home debut vs. USC Upstate ... Recorded season-bests with 14 kills and .571 attack percentage, along with six blocks vs. Coastal Carolina ... Also tallied a season-high 14 kills at High Point ... Registered six blocks and eight kills in Big South Championship match vs Liberty.
emma deininger sophomore ♦ middle blocker
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Awarded Central League MVP, ALL-DEKO and first-team all-district honors her junior and senior campaigns … Selected all-league ALL-DEKO and all-district her sophomore season … As a freshman, was placed on ALL-DEKO and all-league squads ... Guided Synergy Volleyball Club 18 Orange (King of Prussia, Pa.) to a second place finish in the 18 Open Division at the 2011 National Junior Classic ... Help lead her Synergy 17-1 team to a second place finishes in the Open Divisions at both AAU’s (Florida) and Junior Olympics (Reno, NV) en route to picking up 2010 All-America honors in Reno … Listed as a Prepvolleyball.com Senior Ace (September 2010).
PERSONAL
Emma Marie Deininger was born on Feb. 26, 1993 ... Emma and older brother Steven are the children of Calvin and Linda Deininger.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2011 117-32 237 83 533 .289 2 3 4 1 26 13 101 114 Total 117-32 237 83 533 .289 2 3 4 1 26 13 101 114
‘12 PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE ‘11 BIG SOUTH FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR ‘11 BIG SOUTH FIRST TEAM ‘11 BIG SOUTH ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM ‘11 VASID STATE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ‘11 VASID ALL-STATE SECOND TEAM ‘11 RADFORD ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM ‘11 MIAMI/BEST WESTERN ALLTOURNAMENT TEAM
3
6-1 WALLINGFORD, PA. STRATH HAVEN
VOLLEYBALL
Returner Profiles
4 Big South Players of the Year
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
21
31 Big South All-Conference Selections
sophomore ♦ ou tside hitter
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
One of two Highlanders to play in all 128 games... Started every match... Led team with 323 kills and was second in digs and service aces... Selected to the Big South All-Freshman Team... Recorded double-figure kills in 13 of the last 16 matches and 17 total... Charted a team-best seven double-doubles.. Final double-double was a 19-dig, 13-kill performance in Big South Semifinal upset over Winthrop... Named to Big South All-Tournament Team... Tallied 12 kills and 12 digs agianst Howard for first collegiate double-double... Also served up a season-best four aces in against the Bison... Found the floor a season-best 19 times (.316) with three aces and nine digs at Gardner-Webb... Dug it a season-high 22 times with 15 kills at UNC Asheville... Named Big South Player of the Week twice... Hit a season-best .522 (13 kills, 1 error) vs. North Carolina A&T... Registered 10 double-figure dig matches... Posted two 20-point matches at Campbell (20.0 pts, 17 kills, 2 aces, 2 blocks) and at Gardner-Webb (23.0 pts, 19 kills, 3 aces, 1 solo block).
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Returner Profiles
22
RADFORD
rachel wiechecki
2011 Prep Volleyball High School All-America Special Mention … Member of the DIAA State Champion Team three years in a row … Placed on the First-Team All-Catholic squad her junior and senior campaigns … 2011 Gatorade Player of the Year nominee … Earned a spot on the 2010 all-sate first team and 2009 all-state second-team ... Guided Synergy Volleyball Club 18 Orange (King of Prussia, Pa.) to a second place finish in the 18 Open Division at the 2011 National Junior Classic.
5-10 WILMINGTON, DEL. URSULINE ACADEMY
8
PERSONAL
Rachel Marie Wiechecki was born on March 5, 1993 ... Rachel is the middle sibling of Tom and Helene Wiechecki’s three children ... Sister Nicole plays collegiate volleyball at Wilmington University and father played soccer at Penn State Brandywine.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2011 128-32 323 180 935 .153 12 34 30 60 277 2 40 42 Total 128-32 323 180 935 .153 12 34 30 60 277 2 40 42
VOLLEYBALL
‘11 BIG SOUTH ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM ‘11 BIG SOUTH ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
r-freshman ♦ ou tside hitter
2011 HIGHLIGHTS
Saw action in four matches ... Missed majority of the season with an injury ... Recorded a season-best five kills at UNC Greensboro ... Charted two kills apiece vs. Florida Gulf Coast and Howard ... Also tallied two block assists vs. Howard.
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB
Selected to the 2009 and 2010 Virginia Showcase All-Tournament Team … Named 2010 Beach Player of the Year … Garnered first-team all-district honors her senior season, including First-Team Beach District and all-region … Earned First Colonial MVP her junior and sophomore campaigns … Earned Beach District Second-Team honors her sophomore year and Beach District Honorable Mention as a freshman.
PERSONAL
Taylor Gwynn Pahno was born on March 25, 1993 ... Taylor and her younger sister Logan are the daughters of Stephan and Melanie Pahno.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year G-MP K E TA Pct. A SA SE RE DIG BS BA TB 2011 6-4 10 6 23 .174 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 3 Total 6-4 10 6 23 .174 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 3
14
6-0 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. FIRST COLONIAL
VOLLEYBALL
Returner Profiles
7 Big South Regular Season Championships
RADFORD
taylor pahno
23
4 Big South Tournament Championships
Lindsey Phipps
Junior ♦ 6-1 ♦ Outside Hitter / Middle Blocker Hamilton, Va. ♦ North Alabama
20
HIGH SCHOOL / CLUB All-State Honorable Mention selection during her senior campaign ... Two-time all-region player, including All-Met Honorable Mention her junior season ... Tabbed second team all-region for sophomore year ... Three-time first team all-district honoree ... Four-year Athletic and Academic Award recipient at Loudoun Valley ... Played for NVVA on the club circuit. PERSONAL Lindsey Marie Phipps is the daughter of Wayne and Shannon Phipps ... Born May 28, 1992 ... Has two siblings: Ashley (28) and Josh (23), who played football for Hampden-Sydney ... Intends to major in communications / public relations.
10
kristina cascio
Sophomore ♦ 5-5 ♦ Defensive Specialist Virginia Beach, Va. ♦ Kellam
HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB First-team all-region and all-district, along with second-team all-state as a senior ... Helped Kellam to its first Group AAA state championship in 2010 ... Member of the TVA and Beach Elite Club teams. PERSONAL Kristina Rae Cascio was born on Dec. 31, 1992 ... Majoring in biology and pre-health ... Kristina and her younger brother Kyle are the children of Linda Newsome and David Cascio.
VOLLEYBALL
Newcomer Profiles
24
RADFORD
1
meg bowers
Freshman ♦ 5-10 ♦ Defensive Specialist Mechanicsville, Va. ♦ Atlee
HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB Four-time Capital District First-Team selection ... 2011 Capital District Player of the Year ... Named Metro Player of the Year and to the VHSCA all-state first team her senior campaign ... Member of the Richmond Volleyball Club. PERSONAL Born May 17, 1994 ... Daughter of Paul and Martha Bowers ... Has one sister, Meredith.
Savanna burton
Freshman ♦ 6-0 ♦ Opposite Side Hitter Narrows, Va. ♦ Narrows
19
HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB Four-time Mountain Empire all-district honoree ... Three-time all-region selection ... Three-time all-state recipient ... Voted 2009 and 2010 Mountain Empire District Player of the Year ... Notched her 1,000th kill against Covington in 2011 Region C playoffs ... Set new school record with 1,018 kills ... Member of the West Squad in the VHSCA All-Star Game ... Played for the South West Virginia Juniors.
Newcomer Profiles
2 NCAA Tournament Appearances
RADFORD
PERSONAL The daughter of Michael and Erin Burton was born June 4, 1994 ... Has one brother, Chandler ... Father played basketball at Radford, while mother played volleyball at Concord ... Plans to major in criminal justice.
VOLLEYBALL
25
RADFORD Freshman ♦ 5-10 ♦ Outside Hitter Virginia Beach, Va. ♦ Kellam
9
HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB Led Kellam to back-to-back Group AAA State Championships, the first two in school history ... Finished undefeated (33-0) her senior campaign as the Knights capped the year at No. 26 in the Prepvolleyball.com national rankings ... Named 2011 Prepvolleyball.com High School All-American and National Player of the Year finalist ... Listed as a Top-50 player in the country by Prepvolleyball.com ... Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year finalist ... Tabbed Group AAA State Player of the Year her junior and senior seasons ... Three-time first-team all-state selection ... Two-time Eastern Region Player of the Year ... Three-time Beach District First-Team honoree ... 2010 Outstanding Metro Women’s Scholastic Volleyball Player ... 2011 VHSCA All-Star selection; guided East team to a 3-1 victory over the West, while earning East MVP with a match-high 16 kills. PERSONAL Born December 25, 1993 ... Daughter of Lancelot and Susan James ... Father played basketball for Longwood ... Sister Christine played club basketball at East Carolina ... Plans to major in psychology.
15
nicole lambert
Freshman ♦ 6-1 ♦ Middle Blocker St. Charles, Ill. ♦ St. Charles East
HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB Voted team MVP and named to the 2011 Tri-City All-Area Girls Volleyball team ... Led St. Charles East (35-7) to a Prepvolleyball.com No. 50 national ranking her senior season and a third-place finish in the IHSA State Championship ... Named to AVCA’s 2011 preseason watch list for Illinois’ top senior volleyball player ... Selected to the Mizuno Cup All-Tournament squad ... Member of the National Honor Society in 2010 and 2011 ... 2009-11 Human Relations Award recipient.
VOLLEYBALL
PERSONAL The daughter of Avery and Sharon Lambert was born September 10, 1993 ... Has one sister, Regina ... Plans to major in interdisciplinary studies.
26
Newcomer Profiles
4 Big South Players of the Year
cheyanne james
31 Big South All-Conference Selections
Since its founding in 1983, the Big South Conference has matured into a competitive leader in college athletics, actively pursuing excellence on the field of play and in the classroom. The League’s growing presence as an NCAA Division I athletic conference is evident by athletic accomplishments on the national stage, innovative marketing and media partnerships, increased television packages, and quality athletic competition while intentionally fostering the academic, personal, social, athletic and leadership development of each student-athlete. This has evolved into the Conference’s mission of “Developing Leaders Through Athletics.” The 2012-13 academic year features the Big South’s largest membership (12) and sponsored sports (19) in its 29 years of existence. The Big South Conference was formed on August 21, 1983, when Charleston Southern (then Baptist College) Athletic Director Howard Bagwell and Augusta President George Christenberry began recruiting members into the Big South, receiving initial commitments from Augusta, Charleston Southern, Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Winthrop. One month later, Dr. Edward M. Singleton was selected as the League’s first Commissioner and continued to solicit new members. His efforts led to the additions of Armstrong State, Radford and UNC Asheville, giving the Big South more than the required six members to constitute an official conference. The Big South’s first year of competition was in the Fall of 1984, and in September 1986, the Big South Conference was granted full-fledged NCAA Division I status. During its infancy and prior to securing automatic bids to NCAA Championships, the Big South made early strides in earning at-large berths in several national postseason events, including volleyball, women’s basketball and women’s golf. In 1989, George F. “Buddy” Sasser replaced the retiring Dr. Singleton as Commissioner, and in 1990, the League received its first automatic bid – receiving an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Baseball Championship. Under Sasser’s seven years of leadership, the Conference implemented its public relations and compliance programs, and introduced its first-ever men’s basketball television package, featuring the Big South competing among some of the finest teams in the nation. In August 1996, Kyle B. Kallander replaced Sasser as the League’s third Commissioner, and in his 16 years at the helm of the Big South, Kallander has been instrumental in aggressively promoting the Conference to new heights. The Conference has enjoyed record levels in marketing revenue during his tenure, he has brought television coverage to Big South women’s basketball, baseball, softball and men’s soccer for the first time in Conference history, as well as increased national television exposure to the League as a whole through aggressive and unique television packages. Under Kallander’s leadership, the Big South developed and initiated its first long-range strategic plan, re-affirming the League’s vision as a distinctive athletic Conference committed to the quality of institutional life through athletic competition. He also spearheaded the efforts to add football as a championship sport, which came to fruition in 2002, and oversaw the additions of men’s and women’s indoor track & field in 1997. The Conference’s 19th championship sport -- women’s lacrosse, begins play this season with eight members. At the same time, Kallander has solidified Conference membership, as an all-time high 12 member institutions comprise the 29-year old League. Recent additions include High Point, Gardner-Webb, Presbyterian College and Longwood, plus the return of charter member Campbell University. Kallander’s long range vision has also included technological advancements, as the Conference introduced its first live video streaming event in 2005 and has since expanded its video offerings to more than 700 events annually through a partnership with the member institutions, as well as the creation of several online and social media platforms. In the last 15 years alone, the Big South Conference has experienced monumental growth and success in nearly every sport. During this time, the Conference has had an individual National Champion six times, has had more than 280 All-Americans, has reached the “Sweet 16” in men’s soccer, women’s basketball and baseball, has received national Top 25 rankings in football, men’s soccer, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, men’s outdoor track & field, and men’s golf, had an individual selected to play in the NCAA Singles Championship seven times in addition to the first men’s tennis doubles at-large selection, had the first women’s golf program advance to the national finals, had the No. 1 ranked men’s golfer in the country, had the nation’s top scoring men’s basketball team five consecutive years as well as the national men’s basketball scoring leader twice, received an at-large playoff berth in the Football Championship Subdivision in 2006, has had six NFL Draft picks, and has had two institutions finish in the top 10 in the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships -including the Conference’s highest-ever team finish in an NCAA event (fifth in 2007). In 2006-07, the Big South was the only Conference nationwide to have an at-large participant in the football playoffs (Coastal Carolina), a team in the Second Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament (Winthrop) and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Baseball Regionals (Coastal Carolina). In fact, Coastal Carolina’s baseball program has been a No. 1 seed four out of the last eight years -- including a national seed for the first time in 2010, while the Chanticleers’ FCS playoff berth in 2006 came in just the fifth-year of the Big South’s football existence. The 2009-10 season saw Liberty’s Sam Chelanga win two NCAA National Championships (cross country, 10,000-meter run); Coastal Carolina’s baseball team reach the Super Regionals for the second time in three years as well as being ranked No. 1 in the national RPI and as high as No. 3 in the national polls;
and three women’s basketball teams reach the postseason for the first time in Conference history. In 2010-11, Chelanga won two more NCAA National Championships (cross country, outdoor 5,000-meter run), the Big South had its first automatic bid recipient in football (Coastal Carolina), UNC Asheville reached the Second Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Coastal Carolina’s women’s golf team was the first in Conference history to advance to the NCAA Championship out of Regional play, and a League-record 18 baseball players were drafted in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. This past season, the Big South had a record 41 student-athletes earn All-America distinction, while another 10 were named Academic All-Americans. The Conference also won its first football playoff game (Stony Brook), had the national women’s basketball Rookie Coach of the Year, had two men’s soccer teams reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade (Coastal Carolina, Liberty), and had a record five individuals selected for the NCAA Men’s Golf Regionals -- the most of any Division I conference in 2011-12. In addition, Liberty was the first men’s golf team in Conference history to win an NCAA Regional, and the Flames went on to finish 10th at the national event. Several former Big South student-athletes have also reached national prominence in recent years. Coastal Carolina’s Amber Campbell made the U.S. Olympic Team in 2008 and 2012, and was one of five former Big South athletes to compete in the 2008 Games; VMI’s Reggie Williams reached the NBA with the Golden State Warriors in 2010, UNC Asheville’s Ty Wigginton was named an American League All-Star in 2010, and Coastal Carolina’s Dustin Johnson has won six PGA Tour events since departing the Big South Conference in 2007. Three former Big South baseball players made their major league debuts in 2012, while Avery Warley became the third Big South women’s basketball player to play in the WNBA. The Conference’s tagline, “Developing Leaders Through Athletics” was unveiled in 2008-09 in conjunction with the Conference’s 25th Anniversary. The League also honored its heritage with the Top 25 “Best of the Best” moments in League history from 1983-2008, with Liberty University’s 10-year women’s basketball championship run from 1996-2007 being crowned the No. 1 moment in the Big South’s first 25 years. The Conference’s on-field accomplishments have been duplicated in the classroom. Annually, more than 40 percent of Conference student-athletes are named to the Big South’s Presidential Honor Roll for maintaining a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average, and the League has had more than 100 Academic All-Americans in its 28 years of existence. Furthermore, the Big South has recorded double figure totals in NCAA Public Recognition Awards for APR progress the last three years.
VOLLEYBALL
The Big South Conference
RADFORD
The Big South Conference
27
7 Big South Regular Season Championships
Penelope Ward Kyle became Radford University’s sixth, and first female, president when she took office on June 1, 2005. She came to RU with more than 30 years of experience in state government, the corporate and legal worlds, and higher education. Upon assuming the presidency, President Kyle immediately focused on leading the university’s initiative to become one of the top 50 masters universities in the nation. The Radford University strategic plan “7-17”, completed in 2007 at her direction, identifies four strategic directives -- the investment in people, programs, global and local society and the future of Radford University. Under President Kyle’s leadership, the university also added its first doctoral program with an emphasis in rural mental health and launched an initiative to grow graduate college student enrollment by offering additional doctoral and masters level programs. She hired the university’s first provost and created two new vice presidential areas of responsibility, Information Technology and University Relations. The Radford University Board of Visitors, at President Kyle’s request, has increased its membership by four positions to provide an opportunity for more diversity and leadership innovation within the governing body. A native of southwest Virginia, President Kyle is a product of the Galax public schools system. She graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina and did her postgraduate studies in English at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law and later earned her MBA from the College of William and Mary. President Kyle served as Executive Director of the
Virginia Lottery for 11 years, under three successive governors. First appointed by Governor George Allen in 1994, she was reappointed by Governor James Gilmore, and then reappointed once again by Governor Mark Warner. Previously, Ms. Kyle was employed by CSX Corporation, an international transportation company, where she became the company’s first female officer. Before joining CSX Corporation, she was an attorney with McGuire, Woods, LLP in Richmond. She also taught English for six years at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia. President Kyle serves in leadership positions on numerous educational, civic, cultural, professional, financial and volunteer organizations. She served on the Board of Visitors at James Madison University from 1984 until 1992 and on the JMU Foundation Board 1992 until 1994. She also served on the Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation Board from 1994 until 2000 and on the Board of Governors of Saint Christopher’s School from 1999 until 2005. President Kyle is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Board of Directors of PRA, Inc., a publicly traded company. Ms. Kyle is married to Charles L. Menges, an attorney and partner with McGuire, Woods, LLC. They are the parents of three children, son, Kyle Ward Menges, and two daughters, Penelope Whitley Menges, and Patricia Lee Menges.
VOLLEYBALL
President Penelope Kyle
28
RADFORD
Radford University President Penelope Kyle
Since being introduced as Radford University’s Director of Athletics in the fall of 2007, Radford native Robert Lineburg has helped usher in a new era of Highlander athletics, marked by unprecedented on-and off-field improvements and successes. In his short time with the department, Lineburg has been the catalyst for a number of changes, particularly in areas such as facilities, personnel and strategic planning. His most visible influences to date have been on the Dedmon Center and Radford University’s new 700-seat baseball stadium. Beginning in the spring of 2008, the Dedmon Center, the centerpiece of Highlander athletics, underwent transformations to the arena, including a new steel-supported roof, a new basketball floor, renovated athletic offices, a new-look natatorium, and improved athletic locker, training, and medical facilities. Along with the initial upgrades to the Dedmon Center, an improved state-of-the-art strength and conditioning room, new ticket office and Learning Enhancement Center (LEC), which houses student-athlete academic support, were completed/added in 2009. In 2010, facility upgrades included a new high-tech videoboard / sound system to the Dedmon Center as well as a new playing surface / irrigation system and dugouts to the Radford University Baseball Field. This past spring, Radford transformed its baseball program in April of 2011 by opening a brand-new stadium and making the first significant adjustment to its home park since opening in 1986. For the first time ever, the Highlanders have the capability to host night games. The stadium features lighting standards that meet the requirements of NCAA Regional Tournament host sites. In June, Robert Lineburg introduced Mike Jones as Radford University’s 7th head men’s basketball coach. Lineburg has also overseen the hires of six new head coaches as well as seven new athletic administrators. His other hires include women’s basketball head coach Taj Njongba, head volleyball coach Marci Jenkins, women’s head golf coach Jeff Beeler, head men’s soccer coach Marc Reeves and the promotion of track and field interim director Brent Chumbley to head coaches’ status. Among the administrators added in Lineburg’s tenure are executive associate A.D. Randy Butt, head athletic trainer Chad Hyatt, assistant A.D. for communications Joey Beeler, director of student-athlete support services/senior women’s administrator Stephanie Ballein and Director of Facilities Brad Epperley. As a result of the changes, Radford achieved a banner year in 2008-09: women’s soccer, men’s basketball, men’s tennis and softball claimed Big South conference crowns and advanced to NCAA Tournament play. Women’s soccer advanced to its fourth tournament, men’s basketball won the Big South regular-season and tournament title to advance to the NCAAs for the first time since 1998, men’s tennis made its thirdstraight appearance, and softball appeared for the first time and won Radford’s firstever NCAA tournament game in any sport. Lineburg and the Highlanders backed their success in 2008-09 with a men’s tennis and softball Big South regular season title in 2009-10. Mickey Dean’s softball team went on to win their second straight conference tournament crown before advancing to the Athens, Georgia Regional final with two more NCAA Tournament victories. The successes on the field continued in 2010-11 as Radford captured three more Big South titles. Women’s soccer and softball claimed regular season crowns, while men’s tennis advanced to the NCAA Tournament with their fourth league tournament championship in five years. Along with their competitive success, the Highlanders have defined the true meaning of “student-athlete” during Lineburg’s tenure. For the second consecutive year, Raford led all Big South institutions by placing 58.3 percent of its student-athletes on the conference’s Presidential Honor Roll. In 2008-09, the Highlanders had 57.9 percent of their students on the list. He and his staff have also been responsible for creating a five-year strategic plan for
the Radford athletic department and building an athletics facilities master plan. Additional achievements include ushering in a new athletics Internet site (RadfordAthletics. com), and helping implement a new ticket system (Ticket Return). Lineburg and his staff have also hosted top-level competition, with five Big South championships taking place on the Radford campus from 2008-11 (men’s basketball, track & field, softball, men’s tennis and volleyball). In addition to making an impact on Radford athletics, Lineburg is also involved in a number of different organizations and committees. He is the chairman of the Big South Conference Subcommittee on Basketball Improvement, a member of the Big South ad-hoc Committee on Basketball Issues, a member of the selection committee to select Radford University’s Vice President for Advancement, and most recently, was selected to serve on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Issues Committee Prior to becoming Radford’s third Director of Athletics, Lineburg’s corporate knowledge was groomed as a marketing associate with Peloton Real Estate Partners in Dallas, Texas. Along with his business experience, Lineburg spent 15 seasons as a college basketball coach, including time as Southern Methodist’s (Dallas, Texas) interim head coach. Prior to serving as the Mustangs interim head coach, Lineburg spent eight years as an assistant coach at SMU. Following his interim tenure, he served two more seasons as an assistant coach at Southern Methodist. Lineburg’s coaching resume also includes assistant coaching positions with the men’s basketball programs at James Madison University and Emory & Henry College, as well as with the Dallas Mavericks summer league team. His coaching experience also took him through the Big South, as he spent time on the sideline at UNC Greensboro. A 1991 graduate of Roanoke College, Lineburg started his collegiate basketball career as a Radford Highlander, where he was a two-year letterman before transferring to nearby Roanoke College to play his final two years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in political science with a minor in history. In 1995, he received a Master’s Degree in education from Virginia Tech, where he was also a graduate assistant on the men’s basketball staff. “In addition to being a good candidate, Robert is a Radford native, something that will serve him well in his new role,” Kyle said at the time of his hire. “He has great family ties in the area and we’re excited he’s decided to come home to work with us.” Lineburg is the son of retired Radford High School football coach and athletic director Norman Lineburg and the brother of Dr. Mark Lineburg, the Superintendent of Bristol City Schools, Paul Lineburg, the Assistant Principal at William Byrd H.S. and Wayne Lineburg, who is the interim head football coach at the University of Richmond. He is married to the former Mary Parish, also a native of Radford.
VOLLEYBALL
Robert Lineburg
4 Big South Tournament Championships
RADFORD
Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg
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RADFORD
This is Radford University
Nestled in the New River Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Radford, Va., Radford University is student-centered and focused on providing outstanding academic programs for its more than 9,000 students. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful campus, Radford University offers many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. Radford University welcomes students from the Commonwealth of Virginia, across the country and around the world. Here, you will find inspiration in the surroundings – the manicured green lawns on campus, the steady roll of the New River, the wonders along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the stately university buildings and a quaint downtown. Radford’s 153 undergraduate and graduate programs offer every student the opportunity to discover new talents, develop leadership skills and experience personal growth. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service, and research programs. First and foremost, the university emphasizes teaching and learning and the process of learning in its commitment to the development of mature, responsible, well-educated citizens. Radford University develops students’ creative and critical thinking skills, teaches students to analyze problems and implement solutions, helps students discover their leadership styles, and fosters their growth as leaders. Toward these ends, the university is student-focused and promotes a sense of caring and of meaningful interaction among all members of the University community. Research is viewed as a vital corollary to the teaching and learning transaction as it sustains and enhances the ability to teach effectively. Radford University believes in the dynamics of change and has a strong commitment to continuous review, evaluation, and improvement in the curriculum and all aspects of the university, so as to meet the changing needs of society.
Fast Facts
- Located in the New River Valley of Southwest Virginia - 177-acre main campus; 78-acre RU West campus - 9,370 Students (58% female, 42% male) - 1,020 Graduate enrollment - Students originate from 39 states and Washington D.C.; 57 countries - Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 - 83% of faculty hold doctorate or terminal degrees in their fields - 93% of RU students obtain employment or continue education within 3-8 months of graduation
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UNIVERSITY
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NEW RIVER The NRV is home to one of the oldest rivers in the world: the New River. It’s also one of the few rivers in the world that flows south to north. The NRV hosts the largest research park in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The NRV is comprised of the following counties- Montgomery, Pulaski, Floyd, Giles and the Independent City of Radford. The NRV is home to approximately 165,145 residents. The NRV hosts Radford University, Virginia Tech, and New River Community College.
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THE NEW RIVER
DOWNTOWN RADFORD
CASCADE FALLS
BISSET PARK
VALLEY
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CAMPUS LIFE
Want to get involved? You can start with more than 200 clubs and organizations, including academic clubs, outdoor clubs, national honor fraternities and Greek associations. Join a team -- RU has club and intramural sports and NCAA Division I athletics, which includes eight men’s and 11 women’s sports. If that’s not enough, there are campus lectures, movies, performances, festivals (pictured below) and concerts from big names like Third Eye Blind, Outkast, Matchbox 20 and Fuel.
HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL
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CLIMBING WALL
Student-Athlete Support Services The mission of the Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) office for Radford University Athletics is to promote, assist, and provide counsel to all student-athletes. Its primary, constant goal is to develop graduates and outstanding citizens who have contributed in the areas of athletic competition during their tenures of education. Located in the Dedmon Athletic Center, the newly established Learning Enhancement Center is equipped with computers, tutorial rooms, and a study lounge. The Learning Enhancement Center provides direction for student-athletes via academic counseling in conjunction with advisors from the respective colleges at Radford University. Academic support services such as tutoring and supervised study hall are provided, as well as career planning, monitoring of eligibility status, and a host of other guidance and advisory services.
2011-12 Athletic Academic Accomplishments 3 Scholar-Athletes of the Year 3 Most Outstanding Students 40 All-Academic Selections 6 All-State Academic Selections 1 CoSIDA Academic All-America 4 Academic All-District Selections 5 Team Academic Awards
ATHLETICS
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STRENGTH Strength & Conditioning A component that is vital to Radford student-athletes is the strength and conditioning program directed by Strength and Conditioning Coach Michael Shumaker. Highlander Athletics has long been recognized as one of the leaders among Mid-Atlantic schools in its conditioning and strength training. It has been an instrumental part in the success of Radford University sports through the years. Under the direction of Shumaker and Assistant Strength and Conditioning coaches Tim Ridley and Michele Huffman, the program is designed to help each student-athlete reach his or her full potential in their respective sport. Each Radford University student-athlete has strength and conditioning programs unique to their goals as a player. This program, developed by Shumaker, helps prepare Radford student-athletes for the long and rigorous in-season schedule. The Strength and Conditioning staff at Radford University is committed to excellence in competition and in life.
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CONDITIONING
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DEDMON
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Donald N. Dedmon Center Opened in 1981, the Dedmon Center, a versatile athletic complex on the campus of Radford University, underwent a multi-million dollar facelift beginning in 2008, making it one of the premiere collegiate athletic facilities in the Big South Conference and Mid-Atlantic region. The hardwood floor was produced by Horner Flooring, located in Dollar Bay, Michigan and founded in 1891. Along with Radford University, Horner Flooring can be found at Allen Fieldhouse (University of Kansas), The Breslin Center (Michigan State University), The Kohl Center (University of Wisconsin), ALLTEL Pavilion (Virginia Commonwealth) and the Georgia Dome, which hosted the 2002 NCAA Final Four. Branch & Associates, Inc. (Roanoke, Va.) was responsible for the largest part of the renovations, which consisted of replacing the facilities’ air-supported fabric roof with a more modernized fabric structure, supported by nine steel trusses. By replacing the air-supported roof, a new air conditioning and air circulation system was installed throughout the facility, making it more adaptable for all seasons and a more comfortable and quiet environment. Other improvements to the Dedmon Center include a new high-tech lighting system with shutter capabilities, enhancing the pre-game as well as the in-game atmosphere. The improved lighting also creates a more viewer-friendly picture for the television audience. The Dedmon Center also houses the department’s new Learning Enhancement Center (LEC), dedicated to student-athlete support services and a state-of-the-art, 5,000 square-ft. weight room dedicated to the needs of the University’s 19 varsity athletic teams. The complex features several adjoining facilities, including intramural soccer, football and softball fields, intercollegiate fields and courts for baseball, softball, field hockey and tennis. In addition, Patrick D. Cupp Stadium adds an intercollegiate soccer and track and field complex.
CENTER
The Center itself features a 1/6-mile indoor jogging track; a Learning Enhancement Center; a weight training room; the main arena featuring a main basketball floor and a secondary volleyball arena for intercollegiate competition. One of the more amazing things about the Dedmon Center is its versatility. The arena area can be customized to the current needs, including setting up a 3,200seat arena for basketball or a 1,000-seat arena for volleyball. The arena is also used for concerts, graduation and other large university events.
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