2011 Volleyball Information Guide by UAB Athletics

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Thais Soares Senior Outside Hitter

Heather Thomas Senior Libero

Sam Serley Junior Middle Blocker

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QUICK FACTS General Information Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Birmingham, Ala. Founded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1969 Enrollment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,543 President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Carol Garrison (North Carolina, 1974) Athletics Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Mackin (UAB, 1983) Faculty Athletics Representative. . . . . . . Dr. Frank Messina (West Alabama, 1986) Nickname. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blazers Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forest Green & Old Gold Home Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bartow Arena (8,500) Affiliation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NCAA Division I Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conference USA (C-USA) Athletic Deptartment Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 975-8221 Ticket Office Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 975-8221 Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.uabsports.com Volleyball Information Head Coach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kerry Messersmith (Chadron State, 1986) Record at UAB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108-63 (5 years) Career Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 582-315 (23 years) Assistant Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent (UAB, 2009) Director of Volleyball Operations. . . . . . . Hal Messersmith (Chadron State, 1986) Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (UAB, 2010) Volleyball Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 934-6003 First Year of Volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1978 All-Time Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 590-605 (33 years) NCAA Apearances/Most Recent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/2008 2010 Record. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19 2010 C-USA Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10 2010 C-USA Finish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T-6th 2010 Postseason. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A Letterwinners Returning/Lost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/3 Starters Returning/Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4+Libero/2 Newcomers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Table of Contents Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Roster Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2011 Season Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Coaching Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 Returning Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19 Newcomer Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 2011 Opponents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 2010 Season Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2010 Statisics/Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 2010 Conference USA Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Record Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Honors & Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29 All-Time Won-Loss/Coaching Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 All-Time Series Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bartow Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 NCAA Tournament History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 All-Time Letterwinners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Conference USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 UAB Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Proud Past Bright Future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-40 Blazer Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 UAB All-Americans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Excellence at the Next Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Gene Bartow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 UAB at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45-47 Sports Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-49 Academics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51 Strength & Conditioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53 Campus Rec Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Birmingham “The Magic City”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Online at uabsports.com

Athletic Media Relations Associate AD for Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norm Reilly Associate Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaron Jordan Assistant Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyson Mathews Assistant Director (Volleyball Contact) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ben Warnick Warnick’s Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . warnick@uab.edu Warnick’s Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 934-0725 Media Relations Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Rupert Media Relations Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 934-0722 Media Relations Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205) 934-7505 Mailing Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bartow Arena - West Tower 1530 Third Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294-1160

Please Call us UAB Please note that there are only two correct versions of our name, the acronym ‘UAB,’ or the full, ‘University of Alabama at Birmingham.’ We are: UAB or University of Alabama at Birmingham We are not: Alabama-Birmingham, Ala.-Birm., Ala.-Birmingham or U.A.B.

The official UAB athletics website, uabsports.com, is the most comprehensive source for information on all Blazer teams. The site provides fans with the latest news, results and features along with rosters, bios, statistics, game notes and more. Again in 2011, fans can watch Blazer home matches with live video through uabsports.com. The video streaming is available through the Blazers All-Access package.

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GENERAL INFORMATION Media Outlets

2011 Schedule UAB/Samford Invitational (at Samford) Aug. 26 vs. Akron Birmingham, Ala. 1:00 p.m. vs. Arkansas State Birmingham, Ala. 5:00 p.m. Aug. 27 vs. UNC Asheville Birmingham, Ala. 2:00 p.m. First State Skyhawk Invitational Sept. 2 at UT Martin Martin, Tenn. 1:00 p.m. vs. Illinois State Martin, Tenn. 5:00 p.m. Sept. 3 vs. Stephen F. Austin Martin, Tenn. 12:00 p.m. Owls Classic Sept. 9 vs. Troy Kennesaw, Ga. 5:00 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. Eastern Kentucky Kennesaw, Ga. 12:00 p.m. at Kennesaw State Kennesaw, Ga. 7:00 p.m. Creighton Classic Sept. 16 vs. McNeese State Omaha, Neb. 4:00 p.m. Sept. 17 vs. Drake Omaha, Neb. 10:00 a.m. at Creighton Omaha, Neb. 7:00 p.m. Sept. 20 at Memphis * Memphis, Tenn. 7:00 p.m. Sept. 23 MARSHALL * BARTOW ARENA 7:00 p.m. Sept. 25 EAST CAROLINA * BARTOW ARENA 1:00 p.m. Sept. 30 at Tulane * New Orleans, La. 7:00 p.m. Oct. 2 at Southern Miss * Hattiesburg, Miss. 1:00 p.m. Oct. 7 at UCF * Orlando, Fla. 7:00 p.m. Oct. 8 at UCF * Orlando, Fla. 8:00 p.m. Oct. 14 TULSA * BARTOW ARENA 7:00 p.m. Oct. 16 SMU * BARTOW ARENA 12:00 p.m. Oct. 21 at Houston * Houston, Texas 7:00 p.m. Oct. 23 RICE * BARTOW ARENA 1:00 p.m. Oct. 28 at SMU * Dallas, Texas 7:00 p.m. Oct. 30 at Tulsa * Tulsa, Okla. 1:00 p.m. Nov. 5 UTEP * BARTOW ARENA 1:00 p.m. Nov. 6 UTEP * BARTOW ARENA 12:00 p.m. Nov. 11 SOUTHERN MISS * BARTOW ARENA 7:00 p.m. Nov. 13 TULANE * BARTOW ARENA 1:00 p.m. Nov. 18 at East Carolina * Greenville, N.C. 7:00 p.m. Nov. 20 at Marshall * Huntington, W.Va. 1:00 p.m. Nov. 23 MEMPHIS * BARTOW ARENA 7:00 p.m. * Conference USA match. Home matches in BOLD CAPS. All times local to site and subject to change. Information Guide Credits The 2011 UAB Volleyball Information Guide is an official publication of the UAB Athletic Media Relations office. Editors/Designers: Assistant Media Relations Directors Tyson Mathews and Ben Warnick with assistance from Provations Group (Nicholasville, Ky.). Contributions and Editorial Assistance: Norm Reilly, Gage Smith and former UAB volleyball sports information directors. Cover Concept/Design: Provations Group (Nicholasville, Ky.). Photography: Ashley Fleming, Steve Wood, Stephen Pinchback, Don Liebil, Nik Layman, Joe Murphy, Scott Bruhn, Tod Van Emst and Sam Morgan.

Print The Associated Press 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1940 Montgomery, AL 36104 800-821-3737 (phone) 334-265-7177 (fax) 334-262-5947 (out of state) John Zenor (Sports) E-mail: moge@ap.org, jzenor@ap.org

FOX 6 P.O. Box 6 Birmingham, AL 35201 583-4345 (phone) • 583-4356 (fax) Rick Karle (Sports Director) Sheldon Haygood Mike Dubberly Brian Pope E-mail: sports@wbrc.com

The Birmingham News 2000 4th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203-3840 325-2431 (phone) • 325-2425 (fax) Tom Arenberg (Sports Editor) Steve Irvine (UAB Beat Writer) E-mail: sirvine@bhamnews.com 532-4175 Kevin Scarbinsky (Columnist)

NBC 13 P.O. Box 10502 Birmingham, AL 35202 558-7348 (phone) • 323-3314 (fax) Don Hawes (Sports Director) E-mail: dhawes@wvtm.com

The Birmingham Times (Weekly) 115 3rd Avenue West Birmingham, AL 35204 251-5158 (phone) • 323-2294 (fax) UAB Reporter (Campus, Weekly) Birmingham, AL 35294-0113 934-2040 (phone) • 934-7911 (fax) Grant Martin (Reporter) Kaleidoscope (Student, Weekly) HUC 135 Birmingham, AL 35294-1150 934-3354 (phone) • 934-8050 (fax) E-mail: sports@insideuab.com Television ABC 33/40 P.O. Box 360039 Birmingham, AL 35236 982-3988 (phone) • 982-3942 (fax) Mike Raita (Sports Director) E-mail: miker@abc3340 Jeff Speegle Sara Jane Harris CBS 42 2075 Golden Crest Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 488-4237 (phone) • 320-2722 (fax) Jim Dunaway B.J. Millican

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Radio Citadel Broadcasting 244 Goodwin Crest Drive Suite 116 Birmingham, AL 35209 945-6781 (phone) • 945-6748 (fax) WJOX 100.5 FM/WSPZ 690 AM (UAB Radio Flagship) 244 Goodwin Crest Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 942-6690 (phone) • 945-3999 (fax) Ryan Haney (Program Director) E-mail: ryan.haney@citcomm.com Jay Barker Ryan Brown Al Del Greco Jim Dunaway Paul Finebaum Tony Kurre WERC-AM 960 (News/Talk) 600 Beacon Parkway West Suite 400 Birmingham, AL 35209 439-9600 (phone) • 439-8390 (fax) Blazeradio (Student) HUC 151 Birmingham, AL 35294-1150 975-9259 (phone) • 975-9250 (fax) E-mail: blazeradio@uab.edu Online Blazer Sports Report Jack Williams 862-5041 Larry Powell E-mail: repjack47@aol.com; powelluab@cs.com *Area code is 205 for all phone numbers unless otherwise noted.

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ROSTER INFORMATION

Bottom Row (left to right): #9 Ally Slaughter, #33 Sam Skinner, #11 Lindsay Simmons, #3 Becca Howard, #14 Ashley Ricks, #2 Sam Serley, #1 Alison Woods, #20 Michele Simmons, #23 Heather Thomas, #21 Kiriana Hirini. Top Row (left to right): #12 Mariah McCallum, #7 Kate Morrell, #4 Rachel Fairbanks, #8 Thais Soares, #6 Kirsten Gallagher, #10 Bethany Stanford

Roster Breakdown By Class Freshmen (5) Kiriana Hirini, Mariah McCallum, Ashley Ricks, Lindsay Simmons, Sam Skinner Sophomores (4) Rachel Fairbanks, Becca Howard, Ally Slaughter, Bethany Stanford Juniors (5) Kirsten Gallagher, Kate Morrell, Sam Serley, Michele Simmons, Alison Woods Seniors (2) Thais Soares, Heather Thomas By Position Middle Blocker (7) Sam Serley, Kirsten Gallagher, Kate Morrell, Lindsay Simmons, Michele Simmons, Kiriana Hirini, Sam Skinner Outside Hitter (5) Rachel Fairbanks, Lindsay Simmons, Sam Skinner, Ally Slaughter, Thais Soares Opposite (3) Kirsten Gallagher, Ashley Ricks, Michele Simmons Setter (2) Becca Howard, Alison Woods Defensive Specialist (4) Rachel Fairbanks, Mariah McCallum, Bethany Stanford, Heather Thomas

Roster No. 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 20 21 23 33

Name Alison Woods Sam Serley Becca Howard Rachel Fairbanks Kirsten Gallagher Kate Morrell Thais Soares Ally Slaughter Bethany Stanford Lindsay Simmons Mariah McCallum Ashley Ricks Michele Simmons Kiriana Hirini Heather Thomas Sam Skinner

Pos. S MB S OH/DS OPP/MB MB OH OH DS MB/OH DS OPP OPP/MB MB L OH/MB

Ht. 5-9 6-2 5-9 5-8 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-5 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-7 5-10

Cl. Hometown (Last School) Jr. Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial HS) Jr. Nashville, Tenn. (Independence HS) So. Tampa, Fla. (Plant HS) So. Katy, Texas (Cinco Ranch HS) Jr. Auburn, Ala. (Auburn HS) Jr. Ogallala, Neb. (Hutchinson [Kan.] CC) Sr. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Jefferson [Mo.] College) So. Pelham, Ala. (Pelham HS) So. Hoover, Ala. (Univ. of West Florida) Fr. Danville, Ala. (Danville HS) Fr. Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (Nease HS) Fr. New Washington, Ind. (Our Lady of Providence HS) Jr. Alabaster, Ala. (Univ. of Georgia) R-Fr. Tauranga, New Zealand (Long Beach State Univ.) Sr. Madison, Ala. (Bob Jones HS) Fr. Birmingham, Ala. (Oak Mountain HS)

Coaching Staff Head Coach: Kerry Messersmith, sixth season (Chadron State, 1986) Assistant Coach: Casey Dent, third season (UAB, 2009) Director of Volleyball Operations: Hal Messersmith, sixth season (Chadron State, 1986) Manager: Ivana Bozic, second season (UAB, 2010)

Pronunciation Guide Kiriana Hirini (keer-e-an-uh heer-E-nee) Mariah McCallum (muh-RYE-uh) Kate Morrell (mor-EL) Thais Soares (TY-EES SOR-es) Manager Ivana Bozic (EE-vuh-nuh BO-zich)

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SEASON PREVIEW

Momentum Fuels Fire for Blazers The UAB volleyball team looks to use the momentum from the end of last season that saw the Blazers win eight of their last 11 matches, including the final five, to make strides towards a successful attack on the court in 2011. The squad finished an even 10-10 mark in Conference USA play, and with a strong returning cast and group of newcomers, sixth-year head coach Kerry Messersmith has an ample opportunity to move up in the league standing during the upcoming season. “We are running a 6-2 scheme that involves nine kids right off the bat,” Messersmith said. “We return most of our team, and the bulk of our team has been playing together since they were freshmen. We have some experience now and some great recruits coming in.” Messersmith feels that the offense has turned the corner from a year ago and could cause opponents fits on the other side of the court to coincide with a strong defense. “The big strength for us this year is we have vastly improved our offense,” Messersmith said. “We volleyed too much last year instead of siding out. We have some strong impact players on offense and we are tall at the net. Our blocking should be even better than what it has been in the past.” This year’s version of Blazer volleyball features a strong nucleus of 10 returning letterwinners, led by upperclassmen Sam Serley and Heather Thomas. Both should provide leadership and guidance to the six new faces that join the squad. The Blazers will hit the road to begin the 2011 campaign, as the first 13 matches on the slate of 32 will be away from the friendly confines of Bartow Arena. Under Messersmith, UAB owns a .776 winning percentage at home with an impressive win-loss record of 52-15 during the last five seasons. The early season road warriors will take part in four tournaments prior to the beginning of confer-

ence play. The Blazers tip off the season on Aug. 26 with matches against Akron and Arkansas State as part of the UAB/Samford Invitational, hosted by the Bulldogs. UAB will also compete in the First State Skyhawk Invitational (Martin, Tenn.), Owls Classic (Kennesaw, Ga.) and Creighton Classic (Omaha, Neb.). After opening up the C-USA docket on Sept. 20 at Memphis, the Blazers will play their first of 10 league home matches with a battle against Marshall on Sept. 23. The remaining home contests include: East Carolina (Sept. 25), Tulsa (Oct. 14), SMU (Oct. 16), Rice (Oct. 23), UTEP (Nov. 5, 6), Southern Miss (Nov. 11), Tulane (Nov. 13) and Memphis (Nov. 23). The following is a position-by-position breakdown of the Blazers for the upcoming season. MIDDLE BLOCKERS The Blazers have been one of the strongest blocking teams in C-USA over the past two seasons, including a league-best 2.57 blocks per set in conference play in 2010. The return of Serley should lead to another successful season as part of the block brigade. Serley posted a team-best 1.08 blocks per set, including 36 solo blocks a season ago. Not only was Serley’s presence felt on the defensive end, but offensively she topped UAB with 333 total kills (2.82/ set) and placed ninth in C-USA with a .318 hitting percentage. “Sam has one of the best arm swings we’ve seen,” Messersmith said. “She is versatile at the net and able to hit all the shots that a good middle needs to hit. She is steady and has done a really good job for us the last two years.” As a sophomore, Serley racked up numerous postseason accolades. The Nashville, Tenn., native took home first-team AVCA All-Midwest Region and second-team all-conference honors to go along with

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her AVCA All-American honorable mention award – only the third player in program history to earn the honor. Serley also provides an excellent example in the classroom, as she was named to the C-USA AllAcademic team. Serley spearheads a group of middle blockers, which includes juniors Kirsten Gallagher and Kate Morrell, redshirt-freshman Kiriana Hirini and freshman Lindsay Simmons. “The middles are going to be really steady,” Messersmith said. “Kirsten is an incredibly steady player at 6-foot-2. She has been through the system for three years and is probably one of the greatest kids I’ve ever known.” Gallagher, who averaged 1.00 kills and 0.73 blocks per set for the season, really came alive during the five-game winning streak to close out last season. During that stretch, she collected 1.78 kills, 1.39 blocks and hit for a .365 percentage to end the year on an up swing. In her first season at UAB, Morrell ranked in the top four on the team in kills, digs and blocks. She provided some depth as a middle blocker, by posting 10 matches of double-digit digs to along with her 2.01 kills and 0.42 blocks per set averages. A transfer from Long Beach State University, Hirini hails originally from Tauranga, New Zealand where she attended Bethlehem College. During her time at Bethlehem, she led the team to three-straight top-10 finishes in the New Zealand Division I national championships. Simmons an in-state product from Danville High School, where she was a three-time all-state Class 3A selection and finished her career with more than 2,500 kills. RIGHT SIDE/OPPOSITE Michele Simmons and Ashley Ricks are two can-

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didates for Messersmith at the right side/opposite spot in the Blazers’ lineup. Messersmith expects Simmons to be a key contributor following a solid first season at UAB in 2010. She competed in 24 total matches, averaging 1.61 kills and 0.65 blocks per set, with those numbers along with her impact are expected to increase. “We have two right sides that are probably as good as any in the country with Michele Simmons really coming on,” Messersmith said. “She transferred in last year and it took her a little while to work into the system and she’s now quite a player.” Ricks is a newcomer that should see playing time right a way as she has impressed Messersmith in preseason workouts. “Ashley as a freshman is very mature,” Messersmith said. “She knows the game well and makes quick adjustments out there. She really is a presence at 6-foot-4 and knows when to tip, when to push and when to crank on it. She’s the real deal.” A product of New Washington, Ind., Ricks set a single-season school record at Our Lady of Providence High School with 406 kills her senior year, while hitting at a .451 clip. Her record-setting season paid dividends as she was named an Indiana Class 2A All-State First Team honoree. LIBEROS/DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS The libero position is locked up with senior Heather Thomas returning for her final year in Green and Gold as the floor general of the defense. Thomas put in a stellar junior campaign in which she corralled 607 digs, a single-season UAB record, and averaged 5.14 digs per set, ranking second in the conference. “Heather is going to own all the records at UAB when she is done,” Messersmith said. “She has a good chance of setting some [Conference USA] records, too. She’s a libero that really reads the hitter well and is our best passer. We just count on Heather for everything and we don’t have to worry about her. She’s a fantastic libero.” Thomas is with in striking distance of setting the all-time school record for career digs, as she enters the year with 1,500, needing just 152 to place herself atop the UAB record book. She also sits 17th in career digs in C-USA and is second among active players in the league in that statistic. Freshman Mariah McCallum will back up Thomas on the defensive side. McCallum was a standout at

Middle Blocker Sam Serley

Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., where she totaled more than 2,100 digs in her career en route to being named a Florida High School Athletic Association All-State three-straight seasons. OUTSIDE HITTER UAB has four primary players that will see time as outside hitters, led by 2010 C-USA All-Freshman Team recipient Ally Slaughter. In her first year for the Blazers, Slaughter finished third on the team with a 2.14 kills-per-game average. As the team played well towards the end of the season, so did Slaughter, collecting double-digit kills in seven of the team’s final 14 matches. “[Ally] did a really good job in the offseason of getting stronger,” Messersmith said. “She has a great chance at being an impact player down the line because she can hit and she can move. Her defense was average last year, but she has really stepped that up.” Two other returners, senior Thais Soares and sophomore Rachel Fairbanks, can provide depth to the position. Soares saw game action in 13 matches, while Fairbanks who may also see time as a defensive specialist, played in 22 contests. The lone newcomer to the outside hitter group is local Birmingham, Ala., product Sam Skinner. A true-freshman, who is transitioning from the middle blocker position, connected for 808 kills during her senior season at Oak Mountain High School. “[Sam’s] got the potential to be as good as anybody in our league,” Messersmith said. “She can jump out of the gym and she’s got a quick swing, but she is a freshman and learning a new position.” SETTER Last season the Blazers ran both a 6-2 and 5-1 offense with setters Alison Woods and Becca Howard setting up teammates. This upcoming season, Messersmith and her staff plan to use primarily a 6-2 approach to utilize both setters’ skills and maximize the team’s potential on the attack. “We have two really good setters that don’t have big egos and are happy to play in the 6-2 system so we are really fortunate. They have made vast improvements and are doing a great job,” Messersmith said. Woods, the primary setter in the 5-1 Blazers’ attack, played in all 32 matches and all 118 sets last season. She finished with 901 helpers and enters her third year with 2,124 career assists, 10th all-time at UAB. Woods also played strong on the defensive side of the ball, posting 265 digs, which led to a team-best 11 double-doubles. Howard spent over half the season with Woods helping run the offense out of the 6-2 lineup before suffering an injury. Beyond her great hands and added strength from offseason workouts, Howard provides a strong service game. She led the team with a .963 serve percentage with 10 aces to only 11 service errors.

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The Players Returning Players Rachel Fairbanks (So., OH/DS) 2010: 2.05 digs/set, 0.43 kills/set Kirsten Gallagher (Jr., OPP/MB) 2010: 1.00 kills/set, 0.73 blocks/set Becca Howard (So., S) 2010: 3.78 assists/set, 1.61 digs/set Kate Morrell (Jr., MB) 2010: 2.01 kills/set, 1.99 digs/set Sam Serley (Jr., MB) 2010: 2.82 kills/set, 1.08 blocks/set -- AVCA All-American Honorable Mention -- All-Conference USA Second Team Michele Simmons (Jr., OPP/MB) 2010: 1.61 kills/set, 0.65 blocks/set Ally Slaughter (So., OH) 2010: 2.14 kills/set, 1.40 digs/set -- Conference USA All-Freshman Team Thais Soares (Sr., OH) 2010: 0.84 kills/set, 1.76 digs/set Heather Thomas (Sr., L) 2010: 5.14 digs/set -- 4th all-time at UAB in career digs (1,500) -- Needs 152 digs to set school record Alison Woods (Jr., S) 2010: 7.64 assists/set, 2.25 digs/set Newcomers Kiriana Hirini (R-Fr., MB) Played at Long Beach State University Mariah McCallum (Fr., DS) 2,100+ digs in three years at Nease HS Lindsay Simmons (Fr., MB/OH) 2,500+ kills at Danville HS Sam Skinner (Fr., OH/MB) 808 kills as a senior at Oak Mountain HS Benthany Stanford (So., DS) Played at the University of West Florida Ashley Ricks (Fr., OPP) Indiana Class 2A All-State First Team Departed Seniors Jordan McDonald (OPP/OH) 2010: 2.94 kills/set, 2.53 digs/set Michelle Uzoh (MB) 2010: 2.01 kills/set, 1.02 blocks/set

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COACHING STAFF

Year at UAB: 6th Alma Mater: Chadron State (1986)

HEAD COACH KERRY MESSERSMITH The Messersmith File Career Record. . . . . . . . 582-315 (23 seasons) NCAA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-202 (15 seasons) Division I . . . . . . . . . . . 224-115 (10 seasons) Head Coaching Experience 2006-Present. . . . . . . . . . . . . . UAB (108-63) 2001-05. . . . . . . . Georgia Southern (116-52) 1997-00. . . . . . Arizona Western CC (129-65) 1994-95. . . . . . . . . . . Chadron State (46-29) 1991-93. . . . . . . . . . . Pittsburg State (59-58) 1989-90. . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Scott CC (63-25) 1987-88. . . . . . . . . Allen County CC (61-23) NCAA Tournament Appearances 2001 NCAA First Round (Georgia Southern) 2003 NCAA First Round (Georgia Southern) 2006 NCAA First Round (UAB) 2008 NCAA Second Round (UAB) Education Bachelor’s: Chadron State (1986) Family Husband: Hal Children: Meghan (26) and Brynnley (22) Resides Vestavia Hills, Ala.

It didn’t take long for Kerry Messersmith, now in her sixth season, to take the UAB volleyball program to new heights. The team experienced immediate success under her direction and has become one of the top programs in Conference USA while also achieving success on a national level. In the two seasons prior to Messersmith’s arrival in 2006, the Blazers were a combined 15-37, including a 1-24 campaign in 2004. The program had never won a Conference USA championship and had never earned a berth in the NCAA tournament. In the five seasons since she set foot in Birmingham, UAB has made three appearances in the C-USA Championship finals, competed in two NCAA tournaments and posted an overall record of 108-63 (54-30 C-USA). Messersmith’s .632 winning percentage at the school is the highest in program history. Her inaugural UAB squad made an immediate breakthrough, winning the program’s first C-USA Championship and advancing to its first NCAA tournament. The 2006 team’s 27 wins were the most by a Blazer squad since 1991. Messersmith earned her 500th career win in the 2006 conference tournament semifinals, and another victory the next day sealed an NCAA trip. The Blazers lost in the first round to fourth-ranked UCLA, but they would be back. Following a 24-win campaign in 2007 and a conference tournament runner-up finish that left the team just shy of another postseason berth, UAB posted its best season ever in 2008. At 27-8, the 2008 UAB squad set a program record for winning percentage (.771) and won a

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school-record 16-straight matches. The Blazers finished second in the C-USA standings at 13-3 and advanced to the league tournament finals for the third consecutive year under Messersmith, losing a hard-fought five-setter to top-seeded Tulane. But UAB was rewarded for its strong regular season with an NCAA tournament at-large berth and a trip to Lincoln, Neb. The Blazers swept Missouri State, 3-0, on Dec. 5 for the first NCAA tourney win in program history before falling in the second round to the No. 4 overall seed Nebraska on the Huskers’ home floor at the historic NU Coliseum. UAB finished the year at No. 22 in the final RPI. The 2008 team was led by a pair of AVCA honorable mention All-Americans in Ivana Bozic (for the second time) and Nevena Stefanov, who was also the C-USA Setter of the Year. Sam Serley in 2010 became Messersmith’s fourth Blazer AllAmerican, while the coach has also tutored six allregion selections and nine all-conference players at UAB. Serley (2010) and current assistant coach Casey Dent (three times; 2006-2008) also earned Academic All-District honors under Messersmith’s guidance. In 2009, Messersmith coached C-USA Newcomer of the Year Michelle Uzoh and All-Freshman team member Serley, who went on to earn second-team all-league honors in 2010. Messersmith led UAB to another winning season in 2009 with a 17-16 overall record and a 9-7 mark in league play. Her 2010 team went 13-19 but closed with wins in its final five matches and eight of its last 11 to post a 10-10 league mark and finish in the top half of the C-USA standings for the fifth

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consecutive season, every year of her tenure. Her achievements at UAB are the latest in a long line of coaching successes and program turnarounds. Messersmith owns an overall coaching record of 582-315 (.649), and she took over at UAB with a proven track record of resurrecting collegiate volleyball programs. Coming to the Blazers from Georgia Southern in December of 2005, Messersmith was the Eagles’ all-time winningest coach in her tenure at the Statesboro, Ga., school. She turned around a program that was 15-45 in the two seasons prior to her arrival in 2001. The Casper, Wyo., native compiled an overall record of 116-52 at GSU and was 75-17 in Southern Conference matches. Under Messersmith, the Eagles finished 21-11 and were 14-6 in SoCon play in 2001, her first season at GSU. That effort came only a year after Georgia Southern was 1119 overall and just 5-15 in league action. For the 2002 and 2003 seasons, the Eagles were a combined 53-18 overall and 35-3 in conference matches. GSU won Southern Conference tournament titles and earned NCAA tournament berths in 2001 and 2003, while also capturing the league’s regular season title in both 2002 and 2003. Messersmith, who earned Southern Conference Coach of the Year honors during her time at GSU, coached four players to eight first-team allconference accolades in her five seasons with the Eagles. Four other GSU players earned secondteam all-league honors during her tenure. Her success at Georgia Southern was just an-

other example of a program demonstrating a dramatic turnaround under her leadership. In fact, in her 23-year career as a head coach, she has guided six teams to substantial resurgences. Prior to taking over the Eagles’ program at GSU, Messersmith spent four seasons at Arizona Western College, where she took a program that won just four matches the season before she arrived to an eighth-place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament four years later in 2000. The Matadors finished 15-23 during her first season but then improved to 33-19 in 1998. The success would continue over the next two seasons as Arizona Western finished 38-13 in 1999 and 43-10 in Messersmith’s final year there. Before her stint at Arizona Western, Messersmith coached for two years at her alma mater, Chadron State. She guided the school to a combined record of 46-29 over the 1994 and 1995 seasons. Messersmith also helped lead huge turnarounds as head coach at Allen County (Kan.) Community College, Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and Pittsburg State University. Her coaching career began at Allen County CC in 1987. During her two seasons there, she compiled a mark of 61-23 and led the program to its first conference championship. Messersmith is a 1986 graduate of Chadron State, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. Messersmith and her husband, Hal, have two daughters, Meghan and Brynnley, and reside in Vestavia Hills, Ala.

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Year-By-Year Record Year School 1987-88 Allen Co. CC 1989-90 Ft. Scott CC 1991 Pittsburg St. 1992 Pittsburg St. 1993 Pittsburg St. 1994 Chadron St. 1995 Chadron St. 1997 Ariz. Western CC 1998 Ariz. Western CC 1999 Ariz. Western CC 2000 Ariz. Western CC 2001 Ga. Southern 2002 Ga. Southern 2003 Ga. Southern 2004 Ga. Southern 2005 Ga. Southern 2006 UAB 2007 UAB 2008 UAB 2009 UAB 2010 UAB Total 23 seasons

Record Pct. 61-23 .726 63-25 .716 22-19 .537 19-22 .463 18-17 .514 23-12 .657 23-17 .575 15-23 .395 33-19 .635 38-13 .745 43-10 .811 22-12 .647 26-9 .743 27-10 .729 20-10 .667 21-11 .656 27-10 .730 24-10 .706 27-8 .771 17-16 .515 13-19 .406 582-315 .649

Messersmith By The Numbers .632

Winning percentage in five years at UAB, the highest for a coach in program history

582

Career victories (compared to 315 losses)

108

Wins in five years at UAB (compared to 112 in the 10 years before her arrival)

Winning seasons in 23 years as a head coach

20-win seasons in 10 years at the NCAA Division I level

NCAA tournament appearances, including the only two in UAB program history and two at Georgia Southern

Appearances in the C-USA Championship finals in her first four years (tournament no longer exists)

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COACHING STAFF

ASSISTANT COACH CASEY DENT A former four-year letterwinner for the UAB volleyball program, Casey Dent enters her third season as an assistant coach with the Blazers in 2011. In addition to on-court coaching, she is also charged with running the Kerry Messersmith Volleyball Camps at UAB. Dent completed her playing career in 2008 with the secondhighest career hitting percentage (.333) in school history. She also ranks ninth in school annals with 1,284 career kills. “It’s always nice to have someone who has played for you as an assistant coach because they understand what you’re looking for,” UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith said. “Casey has a huge amount of loyalty to UAB because that’s where she earned her deYear at UAB: 3rd gree. We couldn’t be luckier to have Casey. She’s very, very good.” Alma Mater: Dent has been a part of five winning seasons in her previous UAB (2009) six campaigns as a player and a coach, including three 20-win seasons during her playing career. As a senior in 2008, Dent posted a career-best .365 hitting percentage on her way to first-team All-Conference USA honors and honorable mention AVCA All-Midwest Region recognition. She also was also named second-team all-conference as a junior in 2007. Dent helped the Blazers to 92 wins in her four seasons and was a part of UAB’s first Conference USA tournament title and NCAA tournament appearance in 2006. In 2008, she played a key role on another postseason team as the Blazers won their first ever NCAA tournament match. A three-time Conference USA All-Academic Team selection, Dent also achieved a high level of success away from the court. She received ESPN The Magazine Academic AllDistrict honors three times in her career, twice being named to the third team and once to the first team. Dent graduated in 2009 with a double major in financial management and financial investments and institutions. She is working on her master’s degree in sport administration.

MANAGER IVANA BOZIC

Year at UAB: 2nd Alma Mater: UAB (2010)

Former UAB All-American Ivana Bozic is back for her second year as a manager with the Blazer volleyball team in 2011. As a player, Bozic helped the Blazers to NCAA tournament appearances in 2006 and 2008, earning honorable mention All-American status from the American Volleyball Coaches Association both years. She ranks third in program history with 1,874 kills and fifth all-time at the school with 1,394 digs. She is one of nine former Blazers to reach both

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1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in a career. Bozic was also a three-time All-Conference USA honoree (first-team twice and third-team once). She was the C-USA tournament MVP in leading UAB to the title in 2006. Bozic graduated from UAB in May 2010 with a double major in financial management and financial investments and institutions. She also had a minor in accounting. She is now working on a master’s degree in finance.

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DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS HAL MESSERSMITH Hal Messersmith enters his sixth season as a member of the UAB volleyball staff in 2011, having held the titles both of volunteer assistant coach and director of volleyball operations. He was also tabbed in March 2011 to lead UAB’s new sand volleyball program, which will begin competition in Spring 2012. At UAB, Messersmith has been a part of the most successful span in program history, helping the Blazers to three 20-win seasons and two appearances in the NCAA tournament in his five years with the program. Messersmith has worked with his wife, UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith, for the past 10 seasons. He spent five years with her on the staff at Georgia Southern prior to arriving at UAB in 2006. “He has 25-plus years experience of coaching several different sports, but he’s been coaching volleyball for the last 10 and does a great job,” Kerry Messersmith said. “He studies the game and knows the game very well and technically is very sound. He’s constantly studying the game. He watches film every day. He’ll do a lot of scouting of opponents and gameplanning.” Additionally, Messersmith oversees the academic and financial aid aspects of the program. He organizes team travel and facilities scheduling while also coordinating all video operations for the Blazers. In addition to his 10 seasons in collegiate volleyball, Messersmith has nearly 20 years of head coaching experience in college football, baseball and basketball. From the mid-1980s through 2001, he posted 17 winning seasons in those sports while graduating 95 percent of his student-athletes. Messersmith’s coaching experience includes stops at Chadron State, Allen County (Kan.) Community College, Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and Arizona Western College.

Year at UAB: 6th Alma Mater: Chadron State (1986)

SUPPORT STAFF

Derita Ratcliffe Senior Associate AD/ SWA

Stacey Torman Strength & Conditioning

Sharon Johnson Academic Services

Ben Warnick Media Relations

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Heather McGowan Marketing

Seongwon Choi Athletic Training

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RETURNING PLAYERS

#4 RACHEL FAIRBANKS Career Highs Kills 5 at Georgia Tech (8/28/10) Errors 5 vs. Indiana (8/28/10) Total Attempts 23 at Georgia Tech (8/28/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) .043 (5-4-23) at Georgia Tech (8/28/10) Assists 2, 2x, last vs. Southern Miss (10/31/10) Service Aces 2 vs. Toledo (9/3/10) Total Blocks 1 vs. Indiana (8/28/10) Digs 11 vs. Toledo (9/3/10)

AS A FRESHMAN (2010) Played in 22 matches with five starts … tallied 115 digs (2.05 per set) … also managed 24 kills … reached double-digit digs four times, including a season-high 11 on Sept. 3 against Toledo … posted a season-best five kills Aug. 28 at Georgia Tech … named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Height: 5-8 Class: Sophomore Position: OH/DS Hometown: Katy, Texas High School: Cinco Ranch HS

PERSONAL Rachel Ann Fairbanks ... born May 4, 1992 in Houston, Texas ... daughter of Mike and Cindy Fairbanks ... has one brother, Andrew ... majoring in nuclear medical technology.

HIGH SCHOOL Recognized with third-team all-state honors as a senior in 2009 ... helped Cinco Ranch High School to a regional championship and a thirdplace finish in the Texas 5A state tournament ... coached by Tammy Laurence ... a two-year letterwinner ... recorded 364 kills and 325 digs as a senior ... earned first-team all-district honors and second-team all-region recognition from the Houston Chronicle ... a member of the National Honor Society ... qualified for the Junior Olympics three times and helped her club team to an 11th-place national finish.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2010 56-22 24 0.43 23 122 .008 6 0.11 5 0.09 16 115 2.05 11 0 1 1 0.02 1 0 29.5 0.52 TOTAL 56-22 24 0.43 23 122 .008 6 0.11 5 0.09 16 115 2.05 11 0 1 1 0.02 1 0 29.5 0.52

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#6 KIRSTEN GALLAGHER Career Highs Kills 11 vs. UCF (11/21/10) Errors 2, 5x, last at Memphis (11/27/10) Total Attempts 20 vs. UCF (11/21/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) .556 (5-0-9), 2x, last vs. Memphis (9/24/10) Assists 4 vs. UTEP (9/19/10) Service Aces 1 vs. Tennessee State (10/13/09) Total Blocks 8 at Memphis (11/27/10) Digs 6 at Tulane (10/23/09)

AS A SOPHOMORE (2010) Saw action in 17 matches with six starts … started the last four contests of the season … came on strong down the stretch, averaging 1.78 kills and 1.39 blocks per set over the final five matches … hit for a .365 percentage over that stretch … finished the year with averages of 1.00 kills and 0.73 blocks per frame … posted a career-high 11 kills Nov. 21 against UCF … managed back-to-back career-bests in blocks in the season’s final two contests with 6.0 on Nov. 24 against Memphis and 8.0 three days later on the road against the same Tigers squad … finished the season with a .259 attack percentage and also added 27 digs … named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. AS A FRESHMAN (2009) Appeared in 11 matches, mostly in a reserve role ... posted a season-high five kills Sept. 4 versus Alcorn State ... managed three kills on two other occasions ... recorded a season-best six digs Oct. 23 at Tulane ... tallied two blocks Aug. 28 against Alabama A&M.

Height: 6-2 Class: Junior Position: OPP/MB Hometown: Auburn, Ala. High School: Auburn HS

REDSHIRT SEASON (2008) Redshirted in her first season at UAB ... named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. HIGH SCHOOL Was a four-year letterwinner at Auburn High School ... named to the 2007 Alabama All-State Second Team after being a first-team selection in 2006 ... was the 2006 Opelika-Auburn News Volleyball Player of the Year ... earned 2005 Alabama All-State honorable mention honors ... was the 2005 Auburn Tiger Defensive Player of the Year ... was a two-year captain of the Tigers. PERSONAL Kirsten Ann Gallagher ... born July 27, 1990 ... daughter of Tom and Lisa Gallagher ... has two sisters, Jennifer and Caitlin ... majoring in business administration (management).

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2009 16-11 14 0.88 7 55 .127 3 0.19 1 0.06 3 17 1.06 2 0 4 4 0.25 0 0 17.0 1.06 2010 49-17 49 1.00 13 139 .259 12 0.24 0 0.00 2 27 0.55 1 1 35 36 0.73 3 1 67.5 1.37 TOTAL 65-28 63 0.97 20 194 .222 15 0.23 1 0.02 5 44 0.68 3 1 39 40 0.62 3 1 84.5 1.29

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#3 BECCA HOWARD Career Highs Kills 1 vs. UCF (11/21/10) Errors 2, 2x, last at Tulsa (10/9/10) Total Attempts 5 vs. SMU (9/25/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) N/A Assists 34 vs. East Carolina (10/1/10) Service Aces 3 at Memphis (11/27/10) Total Blocks N/A Digs 13 vs. SMU (9/25/10)

AS A FRESHMAN (2010) Played in 25 matches … spent two-thirds of the season in a rotation with fellow setter Alison Woods as part of a 6-2 offensive attack … also saw action in several matches solely as a defensive specialist … dished out 340 assists (3.78 per set) … topped 25 assists in a match three times, including a season-best 34 assists Oct. 1 against East Carolina … recorded two double-doubles – 14 assists and 10 digs Aug. 28 versus Indiana and 30 assists and 13 digs Sept. 25 against SMU … had seven other matches with at least 10 assists and at least seven digs … finished the year with 145 digs (1.61 per set) … led the team with a .963 serve percentage and nearly as many aces (10) as service errors (11) … named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. HIGH SCHOOL Helped Plant High School to back-to-back state championships, one in Florida’s Class 5A in 2008 and one in Class 6A in 2009 ... coached by Leanna Taylor ... a three-time all-county performer and twice an honorable mention all-state selection ... chosen as an Under Armour All-American as a se-

Height: 5-9 Class: Sophomore Position: S Hometown: Tampa, Fla. High School: Plant HS

nior ... averaged 10.9 assists per game in 2009 ... selected as a finalist for both the Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida and the PrepVolleyball. com Andi Collins Award for the best setter in the country ... also guided Berkeley Prep to a pair of state tournament appearances before transferring to Plant ... member of the National Honor Society and Social Studies Honor Society ... played in four Junior Olympics ... helped her Florida High Performance team to a third-place national finish ... her Tampa Bay Juniors team won a 15-Under Junior National Championship. PERSONAL Rebecca Jane Howard ... born Jan. 1, 1992 in Tampa, Fla. ... daughter of George and Beth Howard ... has two brothers, Jason and Trey ... majoring in communications.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2010 90-25 1 0.01 6 22 -.227 340 3.78 10 0.11 11 145 1.61 4 0 0 0 0.00 0 4 11.0 0.12 TOTAL 90-25 1 0.01 6 22 -.227 340 3.78 10 0.11 11 145 1.61 4 0 0 0 0.00 0 4 11.0 0.12

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RETURNING PLAYERS

#7 KATE MORRELL Career Highs Kills 11, 2x, last at Houston (11/5/10) Errors 6, 4x, last at Memphis (11/27/10) Total Attempts 48 at Rice (11/6/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) .364 (9-1-22) at Tulane (11/14/10) Assists 2, 2x, last vs. UCF (11/21/10) Service Aces 4 at Houston (11/5/10) Total Blocks 4 vs. Furman (9/3/10) Digs 20 vs. UCF (11/21/10)

AS A SOPHOMORE (2010) Played in 31 of UAB’s 32 matches with 27 starts in her first season with the Blazers … ranked in the top four on the team in digs, kills and blocks – third with 199 digs (1.99 per set), fourth with 201 kills (2.01 per set) and fourth with 42 blocks (0.42 per set) … tied with Alison Woods for the team-lead in service aces with 23 … recorded two double-doubles – 10 kills and 17 digs Sept. 18 versus UTSA; 11 kills and 11 digs Nov. 5 at Houston … her 11 kills against the Cougars matched her season-high set Oct. 3 at Marshall … posted four matches with double-figure kills and reached nine kills six other times … managed double-digit digs on 10 occasions, including a season-best 20 digs Nov. 21 against UCF.

Height: 6-0 Class: Junior Position: MB Hometown: Ogallala, Neb. High School: Ogallala HS Previous School: Hutchinson (Kan.) CC

HIGH SCHOOL A four-year letterwinner at Ogallala High School for head coach Steve Morgan... a four-time all-area player ... selected as a second-team all-state performer and area player of the year as a senior in 2008 ... member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. PERSONAL Katharine Zola Morrell ... born Feb. 28, 1991 in Ogallala, Neb. ... daughter of Bud and Kim Morrell ... has two brothers, Nick and Nate ... majoring in communications with a minor in exercise science.

AS A FRESHMAN (2009 AT HUTCHINSON [KAN.] COMMUNITY COLLEGE) A second-team all-conference performer in 2009 ... averaged 2.14 kills per set and 1.22 blocks per frame ... helped her team to a ninth-place finish at the 2009 NJCAA Championship ... posted more blocks than any other player at the national tournament ... a Dean’s List selection.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2010 100-31 201 2.01 103 707 .139 10 0.10 23 0.23 30 199 1.99 22 5 37 42 0.42 11 1 247.5 2.47 TOTAL 100-31 201 2.01 103 707 .139 10 0.10 23 0.23 30 199 1.99 22 5 37 42 0.42 11 1 247.5 2.47

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RETURNING PLAYERS

Height: 6-2 Class: Junior Position: MB Hometown: Nashville, Tenn. High School: Independence HS

#2 SAM SERLEY

Serley’s .315 attack percentage through two seasons is on pace for the third-highest mark in the UAB career record books … that number is also good enough for the top 20 in Conference USA history … already ranks ninth all-time at UAB with 56 career solo blocks.

Career Highs Kills 23 vs. Arkansas (9/11/10) Errors 8 vs. Middle Tennessee (9/22/09) Total Attempts 38 vs. Southern Miss (10/31/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) .700 (8-1-10) vs. East Carolina (10/11/09) Assists 3 vs. Alabama A&M (8/28/09) Service Aces 3 vs. Houston (9/25/09) Total Blocks 9, 2x, last vs. Memphis (11/14/09) Digs 7 vs. UTSA (9/18/10)

AS A SOPHOMORE (2010) Became the third player in UAB history to earn honorable mention All-America honors from the AVCA … also an AVCA All-Region selection and secondteam All-Conference USA performer … tabbed to the C-USA All-Academic Team as well … the only UAB player to start all 32 matches … led the Blazers and ranked third in C-USA with 128 total blocks (1.08 per set) … posted 36 solo blocks, the most by a Blazer since 1995, to rank ninth on the school’s single-season list … topped UAB and ranked ninth in the league with a .318 attack percentage, the ninthbest single-season mark in school history … also led the team with 333 kills (2.82 per set) … finished second on the squad with 20 service aces … posted double-digit kills in 16 matches and managed at least 14 kills 10 times … racked up a career-high 23 kills Sept. 11 in a five-set win over Arkansas … had nine matches with an attack percentage better than .400 … tallied 13 matches with at least 5.0 blocks … reached a season-high 8.0 blocks three times – Oct. 3 at Marshall, Oct. 15 versus Rice and Oct. 22 at UCF … had a nine-match stretch from Oct. 10 through Nov. 6 where she averaged 3.37 kills and 1.37 blocks per set while hitting at a .360 rate … named to the all-tournament team at Georgia Tech’s Courtyard Marriott Classic (Aug. 27-28) … selected to the CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and received the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal. AS A FRESHMAN (2009) Named to C-USA All-Freshman Team ... played in 31 matches with 26 starts ... ranked seventh in C-USA in attack percentage (.310) and 11th in blocks per set (0.96) ... part of a unit that made UAB the third-best blocking team in the league ... finished second on the

team with 279 kills (2.76 per set) ... reached doubledigit kills in 10 matches ... had a season-high 19 kills twice – Sept. 17 at Memphis and Sept. 27 against Rice ... managed 18 kills on two other occasions ... led UAB in kills for six-straight matches from Sept. 12-22 ... hit for a percentage of .350 or better in 12 contests ... posted at least five blocks in eight matches ... set a season-high with nine blocks twice – Sept. 5 versus Milwaukee and Nov. 14 against Memphis ... selected to all-tournament teams at the Tiger Invitational in Memphis (Sept. 18-19) and the War Eagle Invitational at Auburn (Aug. 28-29) ... named to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. HIGH SCHOOL Played at Independence High School for coach Stephanie Prewitt ... led Independence to a state championship in 2008 on her way to all-state recognition ... also named region MVP her senior year ... a two-time all-midstate selection and a three-time all-district honoree ... named one of PrepVolleyball. com’s Top 79 Sophomores in 2006 and selected a PrepVolleyball.com Senior Ace in 2008 ... played at the club level for Impact Volleyball Club in the Nashville area, where she was a teammate of fellow Blazer Alison Woods ... led Impact to a pair of national championships and was chosen as the JOVC MVP in 2006 ... graduated with honors from Independence, where she was a member of the Principal’s List and the High Honor Roll. PERSONAL Samantha Lilly Serley ... born Dec. 14, 1990 in Syracuse, N.Y. ... daughter of Bob and Dee Serley ... has one brother, Zach ... majoring in business.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2009 101-31 279 2.76 91 606 .310 5 0.05 18 0.18 28 33 0.33 1 20 77 97 0.96 3 2 355.5 3.51 2010 118-32 333 2.82 100 732 .318 9 0.08 20 0.17 35 57 0.48 1 36 92 128 1.08 9 0 435.0 3.69 TOTAL 219-63 612 2.79 191 1338 .315 14 0.06 38 0.17 63 90 0.41 2 56 169 225 1.03 12 2 790.5 3.61

2011 UAB Volleyball

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RETURNING PLAYERS

#20 MICHELE SIMMONS Career Highs Kills 13 vs. UTEP (11/19/10) Errors 6 vs. UCF (11/21/10) Total Attempts 32 vs. UTSA (9/18/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) .522 (13-1-23) vs. UTEP (11/19/10) Assists 3 vs. Memphis (11/24/10) Service Aces N/A Total Blocks 7 at UCF (10/22/10) Digs 2, 3x, last at Georgia Tech (9/28/10)

AS A SOPHOMORE (2010) Played in 24 matches with five starts in her first season at UAB … ranked fourth on the team with a 0.65 blocks-per-set average … also managed 1.61 kills per frame … reached double-figure kills four times and posted a season-best 13 kills Nov. 19 against UTEP … hit for a season-high .522 percentage in that match with just one error in 23 total attempts … collected a season-high 7.0 blocks Oct. 22 at UCF and reached 6.0 blocks in two other matches. AS A FRESHMAN (2009 AT GEORGIA) Saw her first college action in 2009 after redshirting during her first collegiate season in 2008 ... played in 23 matches, tallying 49 kills and 12 blocks ... earned Dean’s List honors during Georgia’s 2009 Maymester.

Height: 6-3 Class: Junior Position: OPP/MB Hometown: Alabaster, Ala. High School: Thompson HS Previous School: Univ. of Georgia

HIGH SCHOOL A standout at Thompson High School for coach Carla Ragland ... a two-time all-state and allcounty performer ... named her team’s offensive MVP for three years ... selected to USA Volleyball’s Youth National A2 Team in 2007 ... was named a PrepVolleyball.com Senior Ace in 2008 as one of the top 250 players in the country. PERSONAL Erin Michele Simmons ... born Jan. 3, 1990 in Louisville, Ky. ... daughter of Vincent and Rosalind Simmons ... has two sisters, Kristyn and Lauren ... majoring in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2010 77-24 124 1.61 58 338 .195 16 0.21 0 0.00 2 15 0.19 1 9 41 50 0.65 6 1 153.5 1.99 TOTAL 77-24 124 1.61 58 338 .195 16 0.21 0 0.00 2 15 0.19 1 9 41 50 0.65 6 1 153.5 1.99

2011 UAB Volleyball

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RETURNING PLAYERS

#9 ALLY SLAUGHTER Career Highs Kills 14, 2x, last at Rice (11/6/10) Errors 8, 2x, last vs. UCF (11/21/10) Total Attempts 42 vs. Rice (10/15/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) .524 (12-1-21) at Tulane (11/14/10) Assists 2, 2x, last at Marshall (10/3/10) Service Aces 2, 2x, last at Southern Miss (11/12/10) Total Blocks 4, 3x, last at Memphis (11/27/10) Digs 10, 2x, last vs. Rice (10/15/10)

AS A FRESHMAN (2010) Selected to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team … played in 29 matches with 24 starts … ranked third on the team with a 2.14 kills-per-set average … also chipped in 1.40 digs per frame … played her best over the second half of the season, upping her kills-per-set average to 2.54 over the final 14 matches … recorded all seven of her double-digit kill performances during that stretch … posted a season-best 14 kills twice, both in five-set wins over Rice – Oct. 15 in Birmingham and Nov. 6 in Houston … recorded a double-double in the Oct. 15 contest by matching her season-high with 10 digs … had three other matches with doublefigure kills and at least eight digs … finished the year with 11 service aces … named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. HIGH SCHOOL Played locally for coach Kim Kiel at Pelham High School ... helped the Panthers to a pair of Elite Eight appearances in the state tournament during her career ... earned first-team Class 6A all-state

Height: 5-10 Class: Sophomore Position: OH Hometown: Pelham, Ala. High School: Pelham HS

honors from the Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association as a senior in 2009 ... averaged doubledigit kills and finished with a team-best 498 on the year for her senior campaign ... also added 260 digs and 106 service aces ... named All-Shelb County and garnered Player of the Year honors from the Shelby County Reporter ... finished her career with more than 1,200 kills ... selected the Metro Player of the Year by the Birmingham News in 2009 ... played at the club level for the Birmingham Volleyball Club. PERSONAL Allison Kay Slaughter ... born Oct. 6, 1991 in Pender, Nebraska ... daughter of Kirk and Kim Slaughter ... has two brothers, Derek and Max, and one sister, Zoe ... Derek is a freshman football player at Nebraska ... major is undeclared.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2010 93-29 199 2.14 118 668 .121 14 0.15 11 0.12 35 130 1.40 21 2 28 30 0.32 7 2 226.0 2.43 TOTAL 93-29 199 2.14 118 668 .121 14 0.15 11 0.12 35 130 1.40 21 2 28 30 0.32 7 2 226.0 2.43

2011 UAB Volleyball

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RETURNING PLAYERS

#8 THAIS SOARES Career Highs Kills 9 vs. Arkansas (9/11/10) Errors 5 vs. Arkansas (9/11/10) Total Attempts 27 vs. Arkansas (9/11/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) .148 (9-5-27) vs. Arkansas (9/11/10) Assists 1, 2x, last at TCU (9/7/10) Service Aces 2 vs. Rice (10/15/10) Total Blocks 1 at Memphis (11/27/10) Digs 11 vs. Rice (10/15/10)

AS A JUNIOR (2010) Saw action in 13 matches in her first season at UAB … finished the year with 21 kills … posted a season-best nine of those kills in the five-set win Sept. 11 against Arkansas … totaled 44 digs on the year (1.76 per set) … managed a season-high 11 digs in the five-set win Oct. 15 over Rice … had three other matches with at least five digs … named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Height: 6-0 Class: Senior Position: OH Hometown: Rio de Janeiro,Brazil High School: Rodrigues Alves HS Previous School: Jefferson (Mo.) College

HIGH SCHOOL A standout at Rodrigues Alves High School in Sao Paulo, Brazil for coach Anderson Brandao. PERSONAL Thais Azevedo Soares ... born March 2, 1987 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ... daughter of Lidia and the late Luis Soares ... has one brother, Rafael ... majoring in sports management.

AS A FRESHMAN AND SOPHOMORE (2007-09 AT JEFFERSON COLLEGE) A first-team all-conference and first-team all-region player in 2009 for Jefferson (Mo.) College ... averaged 3.44 kills per set and 3.59 digs per frame while hitting for a .288 percentage ... bounced back from an injury that forced her to redshirt the 2008 season ... posted 3.60 kills per set and 5.73 digs per frame as a freshman in 2007 on her way to first-team all-region honors for the first time.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2010 25-13 21 0.84 23 100 -.020 2 0.08 3 0.12 12 44 1.76 10 0 1 1 0.04 1 0 24.5 0.96 TOTAL 25-13 21 0.84 23 100 -.020 2 0.08 3 0.12 12 44 1.76 10 0 1 1 0.04 1 0 24.5 0.96

2011 UAB Volleyball

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RETURNING PLAYERS

Height: 5-7 Class: Senior Position: L Hometown: Madison, Ala. High School: Bob Jones HS

#23 HEATHER THOMAS

Ranks fourth all-time at UAB with 1,500 career digs and needs just 151 digs to match the school record … already owns the Blazers’ single-season digs record (607 in 2010) and the third-best yearly mark in school history (586 in 2009) … second among all returning players in Conference USA in career digs behind only SMU’s Sidney Stewart (1,593) … enters the 2011 season ranked 17th on the league’s career digs chart.

Career Highs Kills 1, 7x, last at Tulsa (10/9/10) Errors 2 vs. New Orleans (9/19/09) Total Attempts 4, 5x, last at Houston (11/5/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) N/A Assists 3, 2x, last at Alabama (9/4/10) Service Aces 3, 2x, last vs. UTEP (11/19/10) Total Blocks N/A Digs 36 vs. Southern Miss (11/1/09)

AS A JUNIOR (2010) Played in all 32 matches and was one of just three UAB players to play in all 118 sets, joining Sam Serley and Alison Woods … set the program’s single-season record with 607 digs, which also matched the 10th-best mark in Conference USA history … that number and her 5.14 digs-per-set average ranked second in C-USA for the year … recorded double-digit digs in 31 of 32 matches and had nine in the other … reached the 20-dig mark in 17 contests … posted a season-best 30 digs Sept. 11 in the five-set win over Arkansas … had 27 digs versus East Carolina on Oct. 1 and 25 against UCF on Nov. 21 maintained a .978 serve receive percentage with just 15 errors in 678 chances … ranked fourth on the team with 15 service aces … chosen to all-tournament teams at Alabama’s Bama Bash (Sept. 3-4) and TCU’s Nike Invitational (Sept. 17-18) … named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. AS A SOPHOMORE (2009) Played in all 124 sets as the team’s libero ... recorded 586 digs (4.73 per set), which stood as the second-highest mark in UAB history until she broke the school record a year later ... managed doublefigure digs in 27 of 33 matches and reached the 20-dig plateau in 14 ... her 36 digs Nov. 1 against Southern Miss tied for the highest individual total for the season in Conference USA … was the 11th-best single-match output in league history ...

had 29 digs Oct. 2 at UCF ... maintained a .956 receiving percentage ... selected to all-tournament teams at the Magnolia Invitational hosted by Ole Miss (Sept. 4-5) and the Saluki Invitational hosted by Southern Illinois (Sept. 11-12). AS A FRESHMAN (2008) Played in all 35 matches with 27 starts ... finished third on the team with 307 digs and 2.33 digs per set ... posted double-digit digs in 14 contests ... managed a season-high 19 digs against Rice Nov. 22 in the Conference USA tournament ... had 15 digs against Creighton Sept. 5 ... committed just nine receiving errors all season as one of the team’s primary passers ... notched 13 service aces on the year, including two aces in three different matches ... also had 11 assists and posted one kill. HIGH SCHOOL Named to the Birmingham News Super All-State Team in 2007 ... was a Birmingham News AllMetro selection ... was a 2007 Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association All-State First Team pick ... helped lead her squad to a second-place finish in the 2007 Alabama State Tournament. PERSONAL Heather Michele Thomas ... born Sept. 27, 1989 in Huntsville, Ala. ... daughter of Susie and Cory Thomas ... has one sister, Bethanie ... majoring in civil engineering.

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2008 132-35 1 0.01 0 8 .125 11 0.08 13 0.10 20 307 2.33 9 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 14.0 0.11 2009 124-33 2 0.02 8 44 -.136 16 0.13 25 0.20 24 586 4.73 38 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 27.0 0.22 2010 118-32 4 0.03 2 35 .057 23 0.19 15 0.13 28 607 5.14 15 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 19.0 0.16 TOTAL 374-100 7 0.02 10 87 -.034 50 0.13 53 0.14 72 1500 4.01 62 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 60.0 0.16

2011 UAB Volleyball

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RETURNING PLAYERS

Height: 5-9 Class: Junior Position: S Hometown: Franklin, Tenn. High School: Centennial HS

#1 ALISON WOODS

Through just two seasons, Woods already ranks 10th all-time at UAB with 2,124 career assists.

Career Highs Kills 4, 2x, last vs. Arkansas (9/11/10) Errors 3, 2x, last vs. Albany (9/10/10) Total Attempts 8, 4x, last vs. Southern Miss (10/31/10) Attack Percentage (min. 5 kills) N/A Assists 64 vs. Arkansas (9/11/10) Service Aces 6 vs. Alcorn State (9/4/09) Total Blocks 6 vs. Southern Miss (10/31/10) Digs 15, 2x, last at Rice (11/6/10)

AS A SOPHOMORE (2010) Played in all 32 matches and all 118 sets … served as the primary setter in UAB’s 5-1 offense and shared setting duties with Becca Howard when the Blazers ran a 6-2 attack … finished the season with 901 assists (7.64 per set) … also tied for the team-lead with 23 service aces … ranked third on the team with 265 digs (2.25 per set) … posted a team-high 11 doubledoubles in assists and digs … reached the 30-assist mark 13 times, the 40-mark seven times and the 50-mark five times … in a nine-match stretch from Oct. 15-Nov. 12, she averaged 11.17 assists per set and managed at least 49 assists in five of the nine … racked up a career-high 64 assists Sept. 11 in the fiveset win over Arkansas … finished that match with 64 assists, 13 digs and four kills … posted a season-best 15 digs on two occasions, both in five-set wins over Rice – Oct. 15 in Birmingham and Nov. 6 in Houston … reached double-digit digs 12 times … also added 21 total blocks … named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. AS A FRESHMAN (2009) Started all 33 matches as UAB’s primary setter ... played in 123 of a possible 124 sets ... led the team with 10 double-doubles (assists and digs) ... handed out 9.94 assists per set ... reached the 40-assist mark in 16 matches and the 50-assist plateau five times ... posted a season-best 58 helpers Oct. 2 at UCF ... had 55 assists Sept. 18 against UALR and managed 53 assists three times ... reached double-figure digs in 10 matches ... tallied a season-high 14 digs on two occasions – Sept. 1 versus Jacksonville State and Nov.

12 against Marshall ... also added 47 total blocks on the year ... managed a season-best five blocks Oct. 30 against UCF and Nov. 14 versus Memphis ... tallied three kills Sept. 5 at Ole Miss ... served19 consecutive points Sept. 4 against Alcorn State, falling three shy of the NCAA record ... led the team with 38 aces on the year ... named to the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. HIGH SCHOOL Lettered four years at Centennial High School for coach Sharon Rhinehart ... served as team captain for four years and was named team MVP in each of her seasons ... earned recognition as one of PrepVolleyball.com’s Top 79 Sophomores in 2007 and as an honorable mention All-American in 2009 ... an all-district selection four times and a two-time all-midstate honoree ... named all-region in 2007 ... holds single-season records at Centennial for service aces (174), assists (1,422) and digs (264) ... at the club level, played for two national championship teams (2006 and 2008) from Impact Volleyball Club in Nashville ... selected to the JOVC all-tournament team in 2006 ... co-captained her Impact team for six years with current UAB teammate Sam Serley ... graduated with honors and was a member of the National Honor Society ... four-time member of the Principal’s List. PERSONAL Alison Elizabeth Woods ... born Dec. 4, 1990 in Memphis, Tenn. ... daughter of Don and Jane Woods ... has two sisters, Jessica and Kristen ... majoring in

CAREER STATISTICS Season SP-MP K K/S E TA Pct A A/S SA SA/S SE DIG D/S RE BS BA TB B/S BE BHE Points Pts/S 2009 123-33 14 0.11 12 82 .024 1223 9.94 38 0.31 32 271 2.20 2 1 46 47 0.38 4 17 76.0 0.62 2010 118-32 26 0.22 14 87 .138 901 7.64 23 0.19 36 265 2.25 0 0 21 21 0.18 1 9 59.5 0.50 TOTAL 241-65 40 0.17 26 169 .083 2124 8.81 61 0.25 68 536 2.22 2 1 67 68 0.28 5 26 135.5 0.56

2011 UAB Volleyball

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NEWCOMERS

#21 KIRIANA HIRINI

#12 MARIAH McCALLUM

#14 ASHLEY RICKS

6-1 | R-Freshman | MB Tauranga, New Zealand Bethlehem College Long Beach State Univ.

5-5 | Freshman | DS Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. | Nease HS

6-3 | Freshman | OPP New Washington, Ind. Our Lady of Providence HS

REDSHIRT SEASON (2010 AT LONG BEACH STATE) Attended Long Beach State but sat out her first collegiate season as a redshirt. HIGH SCHOOL Attended Bethlehem College in Tauranga, New Zealand … led Bethlehem to three straight top 10 finishes in New Zealand’s Division I high school national championships, including an appearance in the finals as a senior … played on New Zealand’s junior national teams for both indoor and beach volleyball … competed in the 2009 Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Junior World Championships in Turkey … played on the New Zealand Beach Volleyball Tour … won a national club championship with the Tauranga women’s club team … a three-sport athlete at Bethlehem, who also excelled in swimming and netball, a variant of basketball. PERSONAL Kiriana Elizabeth Hirini … born Jan. 8, 1992 in England … daughter of John and Jane Hirini … has one brother, Sonny … majoring in nursing.

HIGH SCHOOL Played three seasons at Nease High School, where she was a Florida High School Athletic Association All-State selection every year … a Gatorade Player of the Year nominee as a senior … logged more than 2,100 digs for her career … earned Florida Times-Union All-Area, St. Augustine Record AllCounty and All-St. John’s River Conference honors three times each … led Nease to three conference titles, three district championships and the Florida Class 4A state championship as a sophomore in 2008 … a PrepVolleyball.com Super Sophomore 79 selection in 2008 … listed multiple times on the PrepVolleyball.com “Defensive Dandies” list … played her freshman season in 2007 at Episcopal High School in Jacksonville, Fla., and helped her team to the Class 3A state semifinals … a PrepVolleyball.com Academic All-American as a senior … graduated from high school a semester early in December 2010 … member of the National Honor Society and United States Achievement Academy … guided her Jacksonville Juniors club team to first place in the American Gold Division at the 2010 USA Volleyball National Championships, where she was named to the all-tournament team … involved in the USA Volleyball High Performance program … played around the world in places such as Nicaragua, Greece and Barbados as part of Bring It Promotions, an organization that conducts international volleyball tours. PERSONAL Mariah Jordan McCallum … born Feb. 27, 1993 in Jacksonville, Fla. … daughter of John and Linda McCallum … has one sister, Taelar … major is undecided.

2011 UAB Volleyball

HIGH SCHOOL A four-year letterwinner at Our Lady of Providence High School for coach Terri Purichia … an Indiana Class 2A All-State First Team performer … set the Pioneers’ school record with 406 kills as a senior in 2010 … led her team with a .451 attack percentage, 73 blocks and 56 service aces … named one of the top 250 seniors in the country by PrepVolleyball.com … selected twice as an AAU and Junior Volleyball Association All-American … played at the club level for Union Volleyball Club, coached by Lesley Prather. PERSONAL Ashley Elizabeth Ricks … born May 29, 1993 in Jackson, Mich. … daughter of Scott Ricks and Michelle McCutcheon … has one sister, Caroline … majoring in nursing.

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NEWCOMERS

#11 LINDSAY SIMMONS

#33 SAM SKINNER

#10 BETHANY STANFORD

6-0 | Freshman | MB/OH Danville, Ala. | Danville HS

5-10 | Freshman | OH/MB Birmingham, Ala. | Oak Mountain HS

5-6 | Sophomore | DS Hoover, Ala. | Hoover HS Univ. of West Florida

HIGH SCHOOL Played five years at Danville High School, joining the varsity team as an eighth grader … a threetime all-state selection in Alabama’s Class 3A … led Danville to five state tournament appearances, including three trips to the final four … a fourtime all-county, all-area and all-region selection … a versatile player who finished her prep career with 2,532 kills, 322 blocks, 354 aces and 610 digs … valedictorian of her senior class … a three-time recipient of the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Academic Award.

HIGH SCHOOL A local product from Oak Mountain High School … played her final two seasons for coach Tammy Richardson … named the Birmingham News Metro Player of the Year and Shelby County Reporter Player of the Year as a senior in 2010 … helped Oak Mountain to back-to-back final eight appearances in the state tournament as a junior and senior, including a runner-up finish in 2010 … selected to the state all-tournament team in 2010 … led all players in the Birmingham area her senior year with 808 kills (4.7 per game) … also posted 74 blocks, 395 digs and 41 aces in her final campaign … named to the 6A All-State Second Team as a junior in 2009 by the Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association … competed in the 2009 AAU Nationals with her team from the Birmingham Volleyball Club.

PERSONAL Lindsay Shea Simmons … born Oct. 6, 1992 in Danville, Ala. … daughter of Alan and Cindy Simmons … has one sister, Lauren … major is undecided.

PERSONAL Samantha Drake Skinner … born Sept. 17, 1992 in Birmingham, Ala. … daughter of Sammy and Brenda Skinner … has four brothers, Adrian, Kobe, Kolbe and Caleb, and one sister, Telma … major is undecided.

2011 UAB Volleyball

AS A FRESHMAN (2010 AT WEST FLORIDA) Saw her first action in 2010 after redshirting her first season in 2009 … played in 14 matches as a reserve for a West Florida team that ended the season ranked in the top 20 of the Division II coaches’ poll … averaged 1.29 digs per set … tossed in four service aces … helped UWF to a 30-7 record, a Gulf South Conference title and an appearance in the regional finals of the NCAA tournament. HIGH SCHOOL Played locally at Hoover High School for coach Donna Burke … selected by the Birmingham News in 2008 as one of the top defensive specialists in the metro area … racked up 940 career digs as a three-year letterwinner … helped Hoover’s 2006 team to a third-place finish at the state finals. PERSONAL Bethany Rae Stanford … born May 14, 1991 in Birmingham, Ala. … daughter of Doug and Carolyn Stanford … has two sisters, Alison and Holly, and one brother, Drew … majoring in exercise science.

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OPPONENT SID CONTACTS

Opponent (Date)

Volleyball Contact

Phone

E-mail

Fax

Akron (Aug. 26)

McKenna Maertens

330-972-6584

mmaerte@uakron.edu

330-374-8844

gozips.com

Arkansas State (Aug. 26)

Katey Buckley

870-972-2541

kathryn.buckley@smail.astate.edu

870-972-3367

astateredwolves.com

UNC Asheville (Aug. 27)

Mike Gore

828-251-6923

mgore@unca.edu

828-251-6386

uncabulldogs.com

UT Martin (Sept. 2)

Joe Lofaro

731-881-7632

jlofaro@utm.edu

731-881-7624

utmsports.com

Illinois State (Sept. 2)

Lauren McLaughlin

309-438-3598

ldmclau@ilstu.edu

309-438-5634

goredbirds.com

Stephen F. Austin (Sept. 3)

Ben Rikard

936-458-5801

rikardbenja@sfasu.edu

936-468-4593

sfajacks.com

Troy (Sept. 9)

Matt Mays

334-670-5655

mtmays@troy.edu

334-670-3229

troytrojans.com

Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 10)

Kevin Britton

859-622-2006

kevin.britton@eku.edu

859-622-5108

ekusports.com

Kennesaw State (Sept. 10)

Jason Hanes

678-797-2562

jhanes2@kennesaw.edu

770-499-3217 ksuowls.com

McNeese State (Sept. 16)

Pam Lafosse

337-475-5926

plafosse@mcneese.edu

337-475-5928

mcneesesports.com

Drake (Sept. 17)

Brock Ascher

515-271-3740

brock.ascher@drake.edu

515-271-3015

godrakebulldogs.com

Creighton (Sept. 17)

Rob Anderson

402-280-5544

randerson@creighton.edu

402-280-2495

gocreighton.com

Memphis (Sept. 20, Nov. 23)

Preston McClellan

901-678-5294

pmccllln@memphis.edu

901-678-4134

gotigersgo.com

Marshall (Sept. 23, Nov. 20)

Ty Osborne

304-696-4662

osborne112@marshall.edu

304-696-2325

herdzone.com

Tulane (Sept. 30, Nov. 13)

Greg Campbell

504-314-7271

gcampbe1@tulane.edu

504-865-5512

tulanegreenwave.com

Southern Miss (Oct. 2, Nov. 11)

Shirley Hill

601-266-4503

shirley.jones-hill@usm.edu

601-266-4507

southernmiss.com

UCF (Oct. 7, Oct. 8)

Sarah Tarasewicz

407-823-6489

sarah@athletics.ucf.edu

407-823 5293

ucfathletics.com

Tulsa (Oct. 14, Oct. 30)

Eric Hollier

918-631-2492

eric-hollier@utulsa.edu

918-631-3913

tulsahurricane.com

SMU (Oct. 16, Oct. 28)

Travis Chamblee

214-768-1304

tchamblee@smu.edu

214-768-2044

smumustangs.com

Houston (Oct. 21)

Jamie Zarda

713-743-9406

jczarda@uh.edu

713-743-9411

uhcougars.com

Rice (Oct. 23)

Jay Jameson

713-348-8874

jj7473@rice.edu

713-348-6019

riceowls.com

UTEP (Nov. 5, Nov. 6)

Angela Olivas

915-747-6451

acolivas@utep.edu

915-747-5444

utepathletics.com

East Carolina (Nov. 18)

Charles Welch

252-737-5112

welchc@ecu.edu

252-737-4528

ecupirates.com

2011 UAB Volleyball

Website

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SEASON REVIEW

YOUNG BLAZERS FINISH 2010 SEASON ON HIGH NOTE Sam Serley, All-American Sam Serley became the third UAB player ever to earn AVCA All-America honors last fall, joining two-time honoree Ivana Bozic (2006, 2008) and Nevena Stefanov (2008). Serley ranked third in Conference USA with 128 total blocks in her sophomore campaign while also leading UAB in both kills (333) and attack percentage (.318). The middle blocker’s attack percentage was the ninth-best in school history. She was also an all-region and second-team all-conference performer. A New Digs Record Libero Heather Thomas set a UAB single-season record with 607 digs as a junior in 2010, breaking the previous mark of 592 set by Brianna Galvin in 2006. Thomas broke the record in five fewer matches and under the 25-point game scoring format. She now owns two of the three best single-season digs totals in school history after also posting 596 in 2009. Another Strong Finish UAB played its best volleyball down the stretch of the 2010 season. The Blazers closed the year with wins in eight of their final 11 matches, all in conference play, to finish 13-19 overall and 10-10 in Conference USA. The late push helped the Blazers finish tied for sixth in the final league standings, marking the fifth consecutive year UAB has finished in the top half of the 12-team conference race. Putting Up a Block A major reason for UAB’s late season success in 2010 was the re-emergence of the Blazers’ blocking. After averaging 1.54 blocks per set through the first 14 matches, UAB posted a 2.75 blocks-per-set average over the final 18 contests. The Blazers reached double-digit blocks in 10 of those last 18 matches after accomplishing that feat just once in the first 14. For the season, the Blazers finished third in Conference USA in blocks for the second-straight year with an average of 2.24 per frame. Sam Serley (1.08) and Michelle Uzoh (1.02) each averaged better than a block per set. Double Trouble Setter Alison Woods posted a team-high 11 double-doubles (assists and digs) last season, including seven in the final 14 matches. Jordan McDonald had eight doubledoubles (kills and digs) despite missing the final six matches to injury. The senior exploded for 21 kills and 20 digs on Oct. 31 against Southern Miss for the first 20-20 performance by a Blazer since Ivana Bozic in 2007. Individual Honors Jordan McDonald • Bama Bash All-Tournament Team

Ally Slaughter • C-USA All-Freshman Team

Sam Serley • AVCA honorable mention All-American • AVCA All-Midwest Region • All-Conference USA Second Team • C-USA All-Academic Team • Georgia Tech Courtyard Marriott Classic All-Tournament Team

Heather Thomas • Bama Bash All-Tournament Team • TCU Nike Invitational All-Tournament Team

Michelle Uzoh • C-USA Defensive Player of the Week (Nov. 8)

2011 UAB Volleyball

Freshman Firepower Ally Slaughter made an immediate impact in her rookie campaign. The outside hitter averaged 2.14 kills per set and contributed 1.40 digs per frame on her way to C-USA All-Freshman Team honors. Slaughter was one of nine freshmen and sophomores who saw considerable action for the Blazers in 2010.

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SEASON REVIEW Final 2010 Statistics

Name GP K K/S E TA Pct. A A/S SA SE SA/S RE Dig D/S BS BA Tot. B/S BE BHE Pts. SERLEY, Sam 118 333 2.82 100 732 .318 9 0.08 20 35 0.17 1 57 0.48 36 92 128 1.08 9 0 435.0 MCDONALD, Jordan 96 282 2.94 119 935 .174 27 0.28 6 22 0.06 29 243 2.53 3 34 37 0.39 2 1 308.0 UZOH, Michelle 107 215 2.01 43 555 .310 5 0.05 0 0 0.00 1 44 0.41 17 92 109 1.02 11 1 278.0 MORRELL, Kate 100 201 2.01 103 707 .139 10 0.10 23 30 0.23 22 199 1.99 5 37 42 0.42 11 1 247.5 SLAUGHTER, Ally 93 199 2.14 118 668 .121 14 0.15 11 35 0.12 21 130 1.40 2 28 30 0.32 7 2 226.0 SIMMONS, Michele 77 124 1.61 58 338 .195 16 0.21 0 2 0.00 1 15 0.19 9 41 50 0.65 6 1 153.5 GALLAGHER, Kirsten 49 49 1.00 13 139 .259 12 0.24 0 2 0.00 1 27 0.55 1 35 36 0.73 3 1 67.5 WOODS, Alison 118 26 0.22 14 87 .138 901 7.64 23 36 0.19 0 265 2.25 0 21 21 0.18 1 9 59.5 FAIRBANKS, Rachel 56 24 0.43 23 122 .008 6 0.11 5 16 0.09 11 115 2.05 0 1 1 0.02 1 0 29.5 SOARES, Thais 25 21 0.84 23 100 -.020 2 0.08 3 12 0.12 10 44 1.76 0 1 1 0.04 1 0 24.5 BAYER, Bobbi 4 4 1.00 6 29 -.069 0 0.00 1 3 0.25 1 20 5.00 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 5.0 THOMAS, Heather 118 4 0.03 2 35 .057 23 0.19 15 28 0.13 15 607 5.14 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 19.0 CAVALLO, Daniela 17 1 0.06 2 3 -.333 0 0.00 0 2 0.00 0 21 1.24 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 1.0 HOWARD, Becca 90 1 0.01 6 22 -.227 340 3.78 10 11 0.11 4 145 1.61 0 0 0 0.00 0 4 11.0 TEAM 18 UAB TOTALS 118 1484 12.58 631 4473 .191 1365 11.57 117 235 0.99 135 1932 16.37 73 382 264.0 2.24 53 20 1865.0 Opponents 118 1584 13.42 667 4552 .201 1475 12.50 136 218 1.15 117 2050 17.37 46 456 274.0 2.32 57 22 1994.0

2010 Results Overall: 13-19

C-USA: 10-10

Home: 6-4

Date Aug. 27 Aug. 28 Aug. 28 Sept. 3 Sept. 3 Sept. 4 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 17 Sept. 17 Sept. 18 Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Oct. 1 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 10 Oct. 15 Oct. 17 Oct. 22 Oct. 24 Oct. 29 Oct. 31 Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 12 Nov. 14 Nov. 19 Nov. 21 Nov. 24 Nov. 27

Opponent vs. Alabama A&M # vs. Indiana # at Georgia Tech # vs. Furman $ vs. Toledo $ at Alabama $ vs. Albany % at Middle Tennessee % vs. Arkansas % vs. Ohio ^ at TCU ^ vs. UTSA ^ SMU * SMU * EAST CAROLINA * at Marshall * at Tulsa * at Tulsa * RICE * HOUSTON * at UCF * at UTEP * TULANE * SOUTHERN MISS * at Houston * at Rice * at Southern Miss * at Tulane * UTEP * UCF * MEMPHIS * at Memphis *

Conference USA Match Courtyard Marriott Classic (Atlanta, Ga.) Bama Bash (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) Middle Tennessee Invitational (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) Nike Invitational (Fort Worth, Texas)

* # $ % ^

Result W L L L W L L L W L L L L L W L L L W L L W W L L W L W W W W W

Score 3-0 0-3 0-3 1-3 3-0 1-3 1-3 1-3 3-2 0-3 0-3 2-3 0-3 0-3 3-2 1-3 0-3 0-3 3-2 0-3 2-3 3-1 3-0 1-3 0-3 3-2 0-3 3-0 3-1 3-1 3-0 3-1

Away: 4-10

Neutral: 3-5

Set-by-Set Score 27-25,25-23,25-13 19-25,13-25,22-25 19-25,13-25,14-25 25-20,21-25,16-25,24-26 25-21,25-23,25-23 15-25,25-20,22-25,22-25 23-25,18-25,25-19,21-25 16-25,25-22,17-25,18-25 24-26,25-23,23-25,25-19,17-15 23-25,19-25,25-27 8-25,16-25,25-27 25-20,25-21,15-25,20-25,6-15 15-25,17-25,20-25 18-25,16-25,14-25 25-14,25-14,23-25,21-25,15-12 25-17,18-25,19-25,21-25 20-25,14-25,22-25 25-27,21-25,20-25 25-18,24-26,24-26,25-19,15-13 19-25,20-25,17-25 25-16,20-25,26-28,25-23,12-15 20-25,25-21,26-24,25-22 25-19,25-22,25-14 27-29,18-25,25-22,19-25 19-25,24-26,30-32 25-19,21-25,26-28,25-22,15-11 23-25,22-25,21-25 25-23,25-23,25-13 25-12,25-11,23-25,25-21 25-18,21-25,25-23,27-25 25-16,25-14,25-19 25-21,25-13,20-25,25-20

Heather Thomas set a school record with 607 digs in 2010.

Jordan McDonald posted UABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 20-kill, 20dig performance since 2007 last season versus Southern Miss.

2011 UAB Volleyball

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SEASON REVIEW Final 2010 Conference USA Standings

C-USA Team W-L Pct. Home Away Streak ^Tulsa 20-0 1.000 10-0 10-0 W20 SMU 17-3 .850 9-1 8-2 L1 Houston 13-7 .650 8-2 5-5 L3 Southern Miss 12-8 .600 8-2 4-6 L2 Rice 11-9 .550 5-5 6-4 W1 UAB 10-10 .500 6-4 4-6 W5 Tulane 10-10 .500 6-4 4-6 W3 UCF 9-11 .450 6-4 3-7 W2 Memphis 7-13 .350 4-6 3-7 L2 Marshall 6-14 .300 5-5 1-9 W1 UTEP 4-16 .200 2-8 2-8 L14 East Carolina 1-19 .050 1-9 0-10 L1

All Matches W-L Pct. Home Away Neutral Last 5 31-3 .912 13-0 13-1 5-2 9-1 25-6 .806 11-2 10-4 4-0 9-1 19-13 .594 8-5 7-6 4-2 6-4 19-12 .613 12-2 4-8 3-2 7-3 16-16 .500 9-7 6-6 1-3 4-6 13-19 .406 6-4 4-10 3-5 7-3 13-19 .406 7-6 4-9 2-4 6-4 16-16 .500 7-6 5-8 4-2 4-6 16-16 .500 7-6 5-8 4-2 3-7 12-20 .375 9-6 1-12 2-2 2-8 12-21 .364 2-9 5-10 5-2 0-10 2-30 .062 1-12 0-13 1-5 1-9

^ 2010 C-USA Regular Season Champion

2010 C-USA Stat Leaders Kills Per Set 1. T. Henderson, TLS (6.23) 2. A. Mell, USM (4.41) 3. K. Fisher, UCF (4.27) 4. A. McCord, RICE (4.10) 5. A. Hawkins, MEM (3.96) Assists Per Set 1. J. Clampitt, TLS (13.09) 2. K. Seymour, USM (10.97) 3. A. Brooks, HOU (10.75) 4. K. Becerra, SMU (10.69) 5. M. Schamun, RICE (10.45) Digs Per Set 1. T. Lam, RICE (5.77) 2. H. Thomas, UAB (5.14) 3. A. Carson, HOU (4.90) 4. L. Knecht, USM (4.84) 5. S. Stewart, SMU (4.66)

2010 C-USA Awards First Team Lucy Charuk, MB, Houston Chandace Tyron, MB, Houston Elizabeth Herman, OH, Marshall Altrese Hawkins, RS/OH, Memphis Tracey Lam, L, Rice Dana Powell, OH, SMU Kathryn Wilkerson, OH, SMU Ashley Mell, OH, Southern Miss Kelsea Seymour, S, Southern Miss Jordan Clampitt, S, Tulsa Tyler Henderson, OH, Tulsa

Second Team Nancy Cole, MB, Rice Ashleigh McCord, OH, Rice Kelli Becerra, S, SMU Courtney Manning, MB, SMU Jessica Oliver, OH, SMU Izabela Grot, RS/OH, Tulane Jessica Adams, L, Tulsa Diana Silva, OH, Tulsa Hannah Stout, MB, Tulsa Sam Serley, MB, UAB Kristin Fisher, OH, UCF

All-Freshman Team Cori Martone, MB/OH, Tulane Elizabeth Kale, MB, Tulsa Ally Slaughter, OH, UAB Nichole Riedel, MB, UCF Jeane Horton, MB, UTEP Melissa Toth, OH, UTEP

Specialty (of the year) Awards Player: Tyler Henderson, Tulsa Setter: Jordan Clampitt, Tulsa Libero: Tracey Lam, Rice Freshman: Cori Martone, Tulane Coach: Ed Allen, Tulsa

2009 Tudor Fieldhouse, Houston, Texas 1ST -- (2) Tulsa def. (7) UAB, 3-1 2008 (Runner-up) Elma Roane Fieldhouse, Memphis, Tenn. QF -- (2) UAB def. (10) Marshall, 3-0 SF -- (2) UAB def. (3) Rice, 3-1 FIN -- (1) Tulane def. (2) UAB, 3-2 2007 (Runner-up) Cam Henderson Center, Huntington, W.Va. QF -- (3) UAB def. (11) Southern Miss, 3-0 SF -- (3) UAB def. (2) Tulane, 3-1 FIN -- (4) Tulsa def. (3) UAB, 3-2 2006 (Champion) Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, Texas 1ST -- (5) UAB def. (12) UCF, 3-1 QF -- (5) UAB def. (4) Tulane, 3-1 SF -- (5) UAB def. (1) Tulsa, 3-1 FIN -- (5) UAB def. (3) Memphis, 3-1 2005 Autry Court, Houston, Texas 1ST -- (7) SMU def. (10) UAB, 3-1 2004 Cardinal Arena, Louisville, Ky. Did not qualify 2003 Fogelman Arena, New Orleans, La. 1ST -- (10) TCU def. (7) UAB, 3-0 2002 DePaul Athletic Center, Chicago, Ill. 1ST -- (8) Southern Miss def. (9) UAB, 3-1 2001 Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, Texas Did not qualify 2000 Halton Arena, Charlotte, N.C. 1ST -- (5) DePaul def. (12) UAB, 3-0 1999 The Sun Dome, Tampa, Fla. 1ST -- (12) UAB def. (5) St. Louis, 3-1 QF -- (4) DePaul def. (12), UAB 3-1

Blocks Per Set 1. C. Manning, SMU (1.34) 2. L. Charuk, HOU (1.26) 3. K. Muela, UTEP (1.09) 4. S. Serly, UAB (1.08) 5. J. Horton, UTEP (1.04) Hitting Pct. 1. C. Tyron, HOU (.353) 2. T. Henderon, TLS (.348) 3. L. Charuk, HOU (.348) 4. H. Stout, TLS (.342) 5. L. Shepard, TLN (.341)

C-USA Tourney History

1998 Shoemaker Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 1ST -- (5) Houston def. (12) UAB, 3-0

2010 NCAA Tournament NCAA First Round (Norman, Okla.) Tulsa 3, (13) LSU 0

NCAA Second Round (Norman, Okla.) Oklahoma 3, Tulsa 2

1997 Hofheinz Pavilion, Houston, Texas 1ST -- (7) Memphis def. (10) UAB, 3-1 1996 Cardinal Arena, Louisville, Ky. 1ST -- (8) UAB def. (9) Southern Miss, 3-0 QF -- (1) USF def. (8) UAB, 3-0 1995 Cardinal Arena, Louisville, Ky. 1ST -- (7) UAB def. (10) Charlotte, 3-0 QF -- (2) USF def. (7) UAB, 3-0

2011 UAB Volleyball

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SEASON RECORDS NCAA Career Record

Kills

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Opperman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martina Shields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total Attempts

Tammy Robertson

During her four-year stint at UAB (198992), Tammy Robertson started in all 171 matches and played all but two of 622 games, becoming the UAB career leader in assists (6,650) and attack percentage (.389). Entering the 1992 season 16th among the all-time national career assist leaders, Robertson was the top returning player in the nation with 5,066. She needed 1,530 for the record. Robertson broke the national record (formerly held by Michelle Jaworski of Penn State since 1989 at 6,596) during a postseason match against Cornell at the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invitational Volleyball Championship. Recording 64 assists during the match, Robertson surpassed the record at 6,615. In a subsequent match, she increased her total to 6,650 career assists, making her No. 1 in NCAA history. Robertson led UAB to a 113-58 record, three conference championships and four bids to the WIVC during her career. She twice led the conference (Sun Belt in 1990 and Great Midwest in 1992) in assist average. She finished second in the Sun Belt as a freshman (1989) and in the Great Midwest as a junior (1991). In 1989, Robertson became the first freshman in the history of the Sun Belt Conference to earn first-team all-conference honors. She repeated first-team recognition as a sophomore as she set UABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single-match mark for assists with 78 in a five-game victory over Tennessee. As a junior, Robertson set the single-season record for assists at UAB with 1,763. Robertson graduated magna cum laude, earning her undergraduate degree in early childhood education in June 1992. She earned conference academic recognition in each of her four years, as well.

1. Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Denise Feer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Martina Shields . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9. Trisha Eddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10. Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

668 (1996) 663 (1997) 656 (2006) 565 (1991) 525 (1989) 514 (1983) 504 (1990) 501 (1989) 477 (1990) 457 (2002) 457 (1988)

1,723 (1996) 1,684 (2006) 1,605 (1997) 1,275 (1991) 1,267 (2008) 1,185 (1999) 1,181 (1989) 1,179 (2003) 1,171 (1998) 1,168 (1988)

Attack Percentage

(Minimum of 500 attempts) 1. Laura Opperman. . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Lisa Watts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4. Casey Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6. Casey Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9. Sam Serley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10. Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assists

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov. . . . . . . . . . . . . Jill Gilmour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . Patti Schroder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov. . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Dillard . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Dillard . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Block Solos

1. 2. 4. 5. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 (1989) Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 (1990) Janet McCrary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 (1984) Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 (1995) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 (1988) Shondra Bonovitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 (1985) Chelsea Bishop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 (1993) Michele Moses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 (1985) Sam Serley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 (2010) Ginny Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 (1985)

Block Assists

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chelsea Bishop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lilly Domingos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bree Barnard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total Blocks

.424 (1983) .404 (1983) .379 (1990) .365 (2008) .355 (1989) .347 (2006) .340 (1990) .334 (1991) .318 (2010) .313 (1992)

1,763 (1991) 1,746 (1990) 1,739 (2006) 1,600 (1988) 1,584 (1992) 1,557 (1989) 1,496 (1985) 1,467 (2008) 1,397 (1994) 1,388 (1993)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10.

Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chelsea Bishop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shondra Bonovitch. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 (1990) Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 (1991) Patti Schroder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 (1985) Ashley Sargent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 (1984) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 (1988) Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 (1990) Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 (1988) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 (1989) Ginny Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 (1985) Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 (1989)

2011 UAB Volleyball

175 (1989) 168 (1996) 166 (1997) 154 (1990) 153 (1993) 149 (1992) 146 (1995) 146 (1995) 146 (1991) 145 (1987)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Heather Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . 607 (2010) Brianna Galvin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592 (2006) Heather Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . 586 (2009) Brianna Galvin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518 (2007) Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476 (1990) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458 (1987) Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453 (2008) Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447 (1990) Aleksandra Vujovic. . . . . . . . . . . . . 442 (2008) Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435 (1991)

Digs

Service Aces

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10.

142 (1996) 134 (1997) 116 (1991) 115 (1993) 114 (1991) 113 (1992) 112 (1995) 104 (2008) 102 (1989) 100 (1995) 100 (1994)

Brianna Galvin

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CAREER RECORDS ills K 1. Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,029 (1988-91) 2. Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,982 (1994-97) 3. Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,874 (2005-08) 4. Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . 1,616 (1988-91) 5. Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,463 (1986-89) 6. Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,450 (1990-93) 7. Martina Shields . . . . . . . . . . . 1,427 (2000-03) 8. Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,420 (1988-92) 9. Casey Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,284 (2005-08) 10. Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,198 (1991-94)

Total Attempts 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,060 (1994-97) Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,954 (2005-08) Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,705 (1988-91) Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . 4,021 (1988-91) Martina Shields . . . . . . . . . . . 3,756 (2000-03) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,600 (1986-89) Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,480 (1990-93) Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,316 (1988-92) Trisha Eddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,145 (1995-98) Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,075 (1991-94)

Attack Percentage

Block Solos 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 (1986-89) Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 (1988-92) Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 (1995-98) Shondra Bonovitch. . . . . . . . . . 108 (1984-87) Jennifer Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . 103 (1986-88) Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 (1995-98) Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 (1991-94) Michele Moses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 (1983-85) Sam Serley. . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 (2009-Present) Karen Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 (2000-03) Ginny Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 (1983-85)

Block Assists 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10.

Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411 (1995-98) Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411 (1988-92) Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 (1995-98) Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 (1990-93) Shaniquwa Cooper. . . . . . . . . . 307 (2004-07) Karen Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 (2000-03) Kim Arnold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 (1991-95) Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 (1991-94) Casey Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .268 (2005-08) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 (1986-89)

(Minimum 1,000 attempts) 1. Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . .389 (1989-92) 2. Casey Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .333 (2005-08) 3. Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . .308 (1988-91) 4. Lilly Domingos . . . . . . . . . . . .305 (2007-08) 5. Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . .279 (1988-91) 6. Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275 (1988-92) 7. Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . .259 (1994-97) 8. Shondra Bonovitch. . . . . . . . . .243 (1984-87) 9. Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238 (1995-98) 10. Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235 (2005-08) *** Sam Serley. . . . . . . . . . . .315 (2009-Present)

Total Blocks

Assists

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . 6,650 (1989-92) Nevena Stefanov. . . . . . . . . . . 5,839 (2005-08) Abby Thatcher. . . . . . . . . . . . 4,872 (1995-98) Jill Gilmour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,948 (1987-88) Heather Dillard . . . . . . . . . . . 2,785 (1993-94) Patti Schroder. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,480 (1985-86) Bree Barnard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,375 (1992-95) Heather Dempsey. . . . . . . . . 2,284 (1997-00) Kim Arnold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,220 (1991-95) Alison Woods . . . . . . . 2,124 (2009-Present)

Service Aces

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . . Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ginny Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suzie Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Sargent. . . . . . . . . . . . .

388 (1988-91) 263 (1986-89) 225 (1988-91) 224 (1989-92) 218 (1990-93) 210 (1994-97) 206 (1983-85) 203 (2005-08) 195 (1989-92) 195 (1983-86)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

1,000 Kill/Dig Club Player Mellissa Cobb (1988-91) Tonya Larson (1994-97) Ivana Bozic (2005-08) Danielle Reaves (1988-91) Julie Myers (1986-89) Wendy Huber (1990-93) Martina Shields (2000-03) Toni Herron (1991-94) Trisha Eddy (1995-98)

Kills Digs 2,029 1,533 1,982 1,233 1,874 1,394 1,616 1,651 1,463 1,413 1,450 1,263 1,427 1,093 1,198 1,065 1,031 1,052

Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547 (1988-92) Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 535 (1995-98) Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452 (1995-98) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 (1986-89) Shondra Bonovitch. . . . . . . . . . 356 (1984-87) Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352 (1991-94) Shaniquwa Cooper. . . . . . . . . . 347 (2004-07) Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 (1990-93) Karen Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327 (2000-03) Casey Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .307 (2005-08)

Digs

Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . 1,651 (1988-91) Brianna Galvin. . . . . . . . . . . . 1,650 (2005-07) Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,533 (1988-91) Heather Thomas. . . . . 1,500 (2008-Present) Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,413 (1986-89) Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,394 (2005-08) Aleksandra Vujovic. . . . . . . . . 1,381 (2005-08) Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . 1,334 (1989-92) Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,263 (1990-93) Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,233 (1994-97)

Games/Sets Played 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . . Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Sargent. . . . . . . . . . . . . Suzie Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gina Doss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Terri Steeb

630 (1988-91) 622 (1988-91) 621 (1989-92) 595 (1986-89) 573 (1988-92) 566 (1990-93) 550 (1994-97) 544 (1983-86) 540 (1989-92) 538 (1984-87) Tonya Larson

2011 UAB Volleyball

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HONORS & AWARDS All-Americans

Sam Serley 2010 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention

Ivana Bozic 2006, 2008 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention

Suzie Johnson 1991 CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team

Nevena Stefanov 2008 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention

Patti Schroder 1986 CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team

ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent (first team) 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent (third team) 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent (third team) GTE Academic All-District 1997. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham 1991. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Suzie Johnson Danielle Reaves 1983. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Opperman CVU.com Stellar Spikers 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (honorable mention) 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (honorable mention) AVCA All-Midwest Region 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Serley 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic Nevena Stefanov Casey Dent (honorable mention) 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic Fernanda Domingos (honorable mention) AVCA All-Mideast Region 1991. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle Reaves AVCA All-South Region 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb Danielle Reaves

1989. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julie Myers All-Conference USA 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sam Serley (second team) 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (first team) Casey Dent (first team) Nevena Stefanov (first team) Lilly Domingos (second team) 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov (first team) Fernanda Domingos (second team) Casey Dent (second team) 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (first team) 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ivana Bozic (third team) 2003. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martina Shields (second team) 2002. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martina Shields (third team) 1997. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson (second team) 1996. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson (second team) 1995. . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson (honorable mention) Bree Barnard (honorable mention) Conference USA Setter of the Year 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov Conference USA All-Freshman Team 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ally Slaughter 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Serley 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic 2003. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bilun Gunal 1999. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denise Feer 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham Conference USA Newcomer of the Year 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Uzoh 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lilly Domingos 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fernanda Domingos Conference USA All-Tournament Team 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lilly Domingos Nevena Stefanov 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fernanda Domingos Nevena Stefanov 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (MVP) Fernanda Domingos Conference USA All-Academic Team 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Serley 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrea Lalic 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent Conference USA Postgraduate Scholarship 1999. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham All-Great Midwest Conference 1994. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Dillard 1993. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chelsea Bishop Heather Dillard 1992. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Arnold Hilary Beck Wendy Huber Tammy Robertson 1991. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilary Beck Mellissa Cobb Wendy Huber Tammy Robertson Great Midwest Player of the Year 1992. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilary Beck

2011 UAB Volleyball

Great Midwest All-Newcomer Team 1994. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson 1993. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chelsea Bishop Great Midwest Newcomer of the Year 1993. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chelsea Bishop 1991. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Toni Herron All-Sun Belt Conference 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb Danielle Reaves Tammy Robertson 1989. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb Julie Myers Danielle Reaves Tammy Robertson 1988. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb Jill Gilmour 1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shondra Bonovitch 1986. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patti Schroder 1985. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Artie Pyeatt Patti Schroder 1984. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet McCrary 1983. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Opperman Molly Shahan Sun Belt Player of the Year 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danielle Reaves 1989. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julie Myers Sun Belt Tournament MVP 1990. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Robertson Sun Belt Female Athlete of the Year 1987. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patti Schroder

Players of the Week CVU.com National Player of the Week 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (Oct. 21) C-USA Player of the Week 2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ivana Bozic (Sept. 12) C-USA Offensive Players of the Week 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Dent (Sept. 29) Ivana Bozic (Oct. 6) Ivana Bozic (Oct. 20) Ivana Bozic (Nov. 3) 2007. . . . . . . . . Fernanda Domingos (Aug. 27) Aleksandra Vujovic (Nov. 5) C-USA Defensive Players of the Week 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Uzoh (Nov. 8) 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patty Paniagua (Nov. 2) 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lilly Domingos (Oct. 13) 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brianna Galvin (Sept. 4) 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brianna Galvin (Nov. 6) C-USA Setters of the Week 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov (Sept. 15) Nevena Stefanov (Oct. 13) 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov (Oct. 1) Nevena Stefanov (Oct. 15) Nevena Stefanov (Nov. 5) 2006. . . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov (Oct. 30) Nevena Stefanov (Nov. 6)

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HONORS & AWARDS Conference Academic Awards

Retired Jersey Patti Schroder

Following her successful two-year career at UAB, former volleyball great Patti Schroder was honored by having her No. 4 jersey retired. Schroder is one of the most decorated players, both athletically and academically, in the history of the Blazer volleyball program. More than two decades after her playing career ended, she still ranks sixth all-time at UAB with 2,480 assists in just two seasons (1985-86). Her 1985 season totals of 95 aces and 1,496 assists rank third and seventh, respectively, in the Blazer record book. Schroder was an All-Sun Belt Conference performer in both 1985 and 1986 and topped that by twice being named the Sun Belt Female Athlete of the Year. Her strong performance on the court combined with her high marks in the classroom earned her a spot on the Sun Belt Academic Honor Roll in both of her years at UAB. Even more impressively, Schroder was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team in 1986. To date, she remains one of two UAB volleyball players ever to earn Academic AllAmerica recognition.

1986. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patti Schroder Lillyan Fahey Scholarship 2008-09. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nevena Stefanov 2002-03. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dina Katsoulis

Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll 2010-11: Daniella Cavallo, Rachel Fairbanks, Kirsten Gallagher, Becca Howard, Sam Serley, Ally Slaughter, Thais Soares, Heather Thomas, Michelle Uzoh, Alison Woods 2009-10: Emily Foreman, Rachel James, Andrea Lalic, Savannah Pegg, Sam Serley, Nevena Stefanov, Aley Tallman, Heather Thomas, Michelle Uzoh, MacKenzie Wilson, Alison Woods 2008-09: Charlayna Braxton, Ivana Bozic, Casey Dent, Emily Foreman, Kirsten Gallagher, Rachel James, Andrea Lalic, Leah Nye, Savannah Pegg, Nevena Stefanov, Aleksandra Vujovic, MacKenzie Wilson 2007-08: Haylee Adkins, Ivana Bozic, Casey Dent, Emily Foreman, Brianna Galvin, Rachel James, Andrea Lalic, Leah Nye, Angie Ping, Nevena Stefanov, Aleksandra Vujovic 2006-07: Haylee Adkins, Ivana Bozic, Casey Dent, Fernanda Domingos, Brianna Galvin, Andrea Lalic, Leah Nye, Angie Ping 2005-06: Casey Dent, Charli Lindley, Isabel Oquendo, Angie Ping, Nevena Stefanov 2004-05: Nicole Bowland, Shaniquwa Cooper, Kaitlyn Filar, Jenna Link, Cassi Ociesa, Isabel Oquendo, Angie Ping, Joanna Szeszycki 2003-04: Karen Boyd, Bilun Gunal, Lindsay Joyce, Jenna Link, Cassi Ociesa, Isabel Oquendo, Joanna Szeszycki 2002-03: Karen Boyd, Lindsay Joyce, Allison Magner, Samanta Tucillo 2001-02: Karen Boyd, Ellen Fleisher, Lindsay Joyce, Kerra Kepley, Allison Magner, Amber Sorensen 2000-01: Karen Boyd, Blair Canant, Heather Dempsey, Lindsay Joyce, Kristen Pettey 1999-00: Laura Burke, Kristen Pettey, Karen Steuer, Karla Wehrle 1998-99: Laura Burke, Kristen Petty, Terri Steeb, Karen Steuer, Karla Wehrle 1997-98: Tonya Larson, Laura Burke, Kristen Pettey, Terri Steeb, Abby Thatcher, Hailey Isham 1995-96: Bree Barnard, Denise Bailey, Kim Arnold C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal 2010-11: Daniella Cavallo, Sam Serley 2009-10: MacKenzie Wilson 2008-09: Andrea Lalic 2007-08: Casey Dent 2006-07: Casey Dent 2005-06: Casey Dent 2004-05: Shaniquwa Cooper, Kaitlyn Filar 2003-04: Lindsay Joyce, Joanna Szeszycki 1998-99: Hailey Isham 1997-98: Hailey Isham

UAB Academic Award for the Top Female Senior Student-Athlete 1998-99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham 1997-98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Award 1998-99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Steeb 1997-98. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson

Danielle Reaves

Mervyn Goldstein Memorial Scholarship 1998-99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tonya Larson 1986-87. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patti Schroder UAB Emerging Leaders Scholarship 1998-99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kellyanne Gandy

Great Midwest Academic Honor Roll 1994: Kim Arnold, Denise Bailey, Bree Barnard 1993: Kim Arnold, Bree Barnard, Mandy Miller 1992: Kim Arnold, Bree Barnard, Sharilee Doty 1991: Wendy Huber, Suzie Johnson, Stephanie Overfelt, Danielle Reaves, Tammy Robertson Great Midwest Academic Medal of Honor 1992: Suzie Johnson, Tammy Robertson 1991: Suzie Johnson

University of Alabama at Birmingham Sibley Scholarship 1994-95. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hailey Isham

Sun Belt Academic Honor Roll 1990: Mellissa Cobb, Wendy Huber, Suzie Johnson, Stephanie Overfelt, Danielle Reaves, Tammy Robertson 1989: Andrea Fountain, Suzie Johnson, Danielle Reaves, Tammy Robertson, Cheri Schmidt 1988: Danielle Reaves 1987: Jill Gilmour, Katrine LaCroix 1986: Patti Schroder, Renee Fangman, Ashley Sargent 1985: Terri Andrews, Patti Schroder

Gene Bartow Scholarship 2010-11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Uzoh 1991-92. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mellissa Cobb 1989-90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Myers 1986-87. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Sargent 1983-84. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Opperman

Mellissa Cobb

2011 UAB Volleyball

Sun Belt Commissioner’s Award 1990: Suzie Johnson, Danielle Reaves, Tammy Robertson

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ALL-TIME WON-LOSS RECORDS Coaching Records

Kerry Messersmith 2006-Present (108-63, .632)

Allison Magner/Nikola Petrovic 2005 (14-13, .518)

Melinda Claiborne 2000-04 (46-105, .305)

Judy Sackfield 1992-99 (123-157, .439)

Brenda Williams 1980-91 (290-227, .561)

Susan Cook 1978-79 (9-40, .184)

Year-By-Year Records Year 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978

Record 13-19 17-16 27-8 24-10 27-10 14-13 1-24 14-20 13-20 12-17 6-24 10-21 10-25 14-21 18-18 21-18 9-25 20-18 21-11 33-10 32-16 25-19 20-26 21-23 23-16 30-18 24-27 29-15 19-21 16-16 18-20 6-22 3-18

Conference Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Conference USA Great Midwest Great Midwest Great Midwest Great Midwest Sun Belt Sun Belt Sun Belt Sun Belt Sun Belt Sun Belt Sun Belt Sun Belt -- -- -- -- --

Conf. Record Conf. Finish 10-10 T-6th 9-7 T-6th 13-3 2nd 12-4 3rd 10-6 5th (Tournament Champ) 5-10 8th 0-13 14th 6-7 T-7th 5-8 9th 3-13 12th 0-16 6th National Division 2-14 6th National Division 1-15 6th National Division 4-12 6th National Division 5-9 3rd Red Division 4-8 3rd Red Division 4-8 T-4th 7-5 T-3rd 9-1 T-1st (GMW Champ) 4-1 1st (GMW Champ) 9-1 1st (Sun Belt Champ) 7-3 2nd 7-5 2nd 6-4 4th -- 3rd -- 3rd -- 3rd -- 2nd -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Postseason Head Coach -- Kerry Messersmith -- Kerry Messersmith NCAA Tournament Second Round Kerry Messersmith -- Kerry Messersmith NCAA Tournament First Round Kerry Messersmith -- Allison Magner/Nikola Petrovic -- Melinda Claiborne -- Melinda Claiborne -- Melinda Claiborne -- Melinda Claiborne -- Melinda Claiborne -- Judy Sackfield -- Judy Sackfield -- Judy Sackfield -- Judy Sackfield -- Judy Sackfield -- Judy Sackfield -- Judy Sackfield Women’s Invitational Volleyball Championship Judy Sackfield Women’s Invitational Volleyball Championship Brenda Williams Women’s Invitational Volleyball Championship Brenda Williams Women’s Invitational Volleyball Championship Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Brenda Williams -- Susan Cook -- Susan Cook

2011 UAB Volleyball

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ALL-TIME SERIES RECORDS Akron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16 Alabama A&M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 Alabama State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4 Albany. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Alcorn State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Appalachian State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Arizona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Arkansas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Arkansas-Little Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Arkansas State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Auburn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23 Austin Peay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-0 Ball State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Baylor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Belmont. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Buffalo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Butler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 UC Riverside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 UC Santa Barbara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Cal State-Northridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Centenary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Charleston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Charleston Southern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Charlotte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-8 Chattanooga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-0 Chicago State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Cincinnati. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Clemson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Cleveland State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Coastal Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Colorado State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Cornell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Covenant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Creighton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Dayton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 DePaul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-11 Drake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-0 Duke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 East Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-5 East Tennessee State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Eastern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Eastern Kentucky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 Eastern Michigan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Eastern Washington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Elon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Erskine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Evansville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Florida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4 Florida A&M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Florida International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Florida Southern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Florida State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Furman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 George Mason. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 George Washington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 Georgia Southern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-0 Georgia State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Georgia Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-3 Gonzaga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Hampton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Hawaii-Hilo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Hofstra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17 Huntingdon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Indiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Indiana State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Iowa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Iowa State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 IUPUI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1

Illinois State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Jackson State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Jacksonville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8 Jacksonville State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7 James Madison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Judson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Kansas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Kennesaw State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-0 Kentucky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Louisiana-Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Louisiana-Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Lake City CC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Lamar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Lawson State CC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Lipscomb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Livingston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Long Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 LSU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-3 Louisville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-12 Loyola (Ill.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Marquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8 Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Maryland-Baltimore County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Maryland-Eastern Shore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 McNeese State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-0 Memphis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-32 Mercer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 Miami-Dade CC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Miami (Fla.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Miami (Ohio) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-3 Middle Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4 Milwaukee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Mississippi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21 Mississippi State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-10 Mississippi Univ. for Women. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 Mississippi Valley State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Missouri-Kansas City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Missouri State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Montana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Montevallo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 Morehead State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Murray State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Navy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 New Mexico. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 New Mexico State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 New Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Nicholls State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 North Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 North Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 North Carolina State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 North Texas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Northeast Louisiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Northeastern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Northeastern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Northern Arizona. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Northern Iowa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Northwestern State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Oklahoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Pacific. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Penn State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Pensacola JC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-0 Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Portland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Portland State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Providence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Purdue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Rice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Rollins College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1

2011 UAB Volleyball

Rutgers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Sacramento State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Saint Louis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Sam Houston State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 Samford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-2 San Diego State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 San Francisco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 San Jose State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Seton Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 SMU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 South Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-17 South Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 South Carolina State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Southeastern Louisiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Southern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Southern Benedictine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Southern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Southern Miss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-19 Southwestern Louisiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Southwest Texas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Spring Hill College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Stephen F. Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Stetson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1 Stillman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Temple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Tennessee State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-0 Tennessee Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4 Texas A&M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 TCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 Texas-Pan American. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Texas-San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Texas Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-3 Toledo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 Towson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Troy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-5 Tulane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-17 Tulsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Tuskegee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 UCF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6 UCLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 UNC Asheville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 UNC Greensboro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 USF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-35 Utah. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Utah State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 UTEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 UT Martin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Valparaiso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Virginia Commonwealth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6 Virginia Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-2 Wake Forest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Washington State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Weber State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 West Georgia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 West Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Western Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Western Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Western Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-4 Western Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 William & Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Winthrop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Wisconsin-Green Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Wofford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Wright State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 Wyoming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Xavier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Youngstown State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 * 2011 Opponents in Bold

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BARTOW ARENA

Bartow Arena serves as the UAB volleyball team’s home court. Formerly UAB Arena, the home facility for the Blazers was later renamed to honor former athletics director and head basketball coach Gene Bartow. The UAB volleyball team is now in its 24th season at the venue. Since becoming the first team to host intercollegiate athletic competition in the arena in 1988, UAB volleyball has hosted a number of tournaments, including the 1988 Sun Belt Conference Championship and the first Women’s Invitational Volleyball Championship in 1989. In 1993, UAB hosted the third Great Midwest Conference Championship. Bartow Arena is a multi-purpose facility that is used for intercollegiate athletic events, as well as numerous other activities and events hosted by the university. The arena is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams and UAB graduation ceremonies. With 18,000-square feet of floor space, the arena has a permanent wood floor, which has three basketball courts, three volleyball courts and a portable hardwood floor for basketball. There are a total of

8,500 seats (6,500 permanent, 2,000 retractable), and there is a maximum capacity of 9,500. In addition, the arena houses athletic and administrative offices, locker rooms, the Green and Gold Room, the Blazer Club and the Champion Club. In 2009, the arena added new scoreboards at each end and a new, four-panel, video board above midcourt. In 2011, the lower bowl of seats was replaced. Additional changes to the building over the years have included a renovation of the administrative towers annex, a new locker room and equipment room for football and a renovation of the Green and Gold, Blazer Club and Champions Club rooms. Specifically related to volleyball, the arena’s 15 foot by 26 foot locker room was renovated in the summer of 2007. With the upgrade came brand new spacious lockers for each student-athlete, leather couches and a 50-inch flat-screen plasma television. The UAB volleyball program’s all-time record in Bartow Arena entering 2011 stands at 160-103 (.608).

All-Time Records vs. Opponents at Home Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alabama A&M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alabama State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arkansas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auburn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Peay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baylor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Butler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chattanooga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cincinnati. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dayton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DePaul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East Tennessee State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eastern Kentucky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida A&M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia Southern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Georgia Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George Washington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hofstra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5-3 2-1 1-1 0-1 2-8 1-0 0-1 1-0 1-0 2-3 4-6 1-0 6-3 7-1 1-1 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 3-1 2-0 1-0 0-1 2-3

Iowa State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Jackson State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Jacksonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Jacksonville State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 James Madison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Lamar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-1 Lipscomb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Louisiana-Lafayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Louisiana-Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Louisville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0-4 Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Marquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Memphis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9 Mercer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 Middle Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Mississippi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 Missisippi State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Mississippi Valley State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Montevallo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-0 Murray State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 NC State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Northeastern Illinois. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-0 Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Rice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

2011 UAB Volleyball

Saint Louis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Houston State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SMU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Alabama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Carolina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Florida. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southeastern Louisiana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southern Miss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen F. Austin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stetson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TCU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tennessee State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tennessee Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas-San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UCF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UTEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *BOLD indicates playing at Bartow Arena in 2011

5-5 8-0 1-0 1-3 6-1 1-1 3-7 1-0 7-7 1-1 1-0 0-1 0-1 3-0 2-0 1-0 0-1 8-2 5-5 1-1 5-1 4-0 4-1

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NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY

2008

2006 The First Trip

Second Time Around

After defeating Memphis in the finals of the 2006 Conference USA Championship, UAB made the first NCAA tournament appearance in program history. The Blazers traveled to Los Angeles, Calif., for a firstround contest against No. 4 overall seed UCLA. A 3-0 loss to the Bruins capped a historic season in which the Blazers posted 27 victories, their highest win total in 15 years, to just 10 losses.

Despite a loss to Tulane in the 2008 Conference USA Championship, UAB earned the first at-large berth in program history and made its second NCAA tournament appearance in three years. A 3-0 sweep of Missouri State in the opening round marked the Blazersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first-ever tournament win. UAB was eliminated 3-0 by host and No. 4 overall seed Nebraska in the second round. The 2008 team finished 27-8, reaching the 20-win mark for the third season in a row and ending the year rated No. 22 in the final RPI. Nebraska def. UAB 25-14, 25-15, 25-12 UAB (27-8) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Ivana Bozic 10-0-0; Savannah Pegg 8-0-1; Lilly Domingos 4-0-2; Andrea Lalic 3-0-1; Casey Dent 3-0-0; Jordan McDonald 1-0-0; Nevena Stefanov 1-0-0; Totals 30-0-2.0. (Assists) - Nevena Stefanov 26. (Dig leaders) - Nevena Stefanov 8; Ivana Bozic 7

UCLA def. UAB 30-24, 30-21, 30-23 UAB (27-10) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Ivana Bozic 12-4-0; Fernanda Domingos 12-1-1; Casey Dent 10-0-1; Aley Tallman 3-0-2; Shaniquwa Cooper 3-0-1; Nevena Stefanov 1-0-0; Totals 41-5-3.0. (Assists) - Nevena Stefanov 36. (Dig leaders) - Brianna Galvin 12; Aleksandra Vujovic 10; Ivana Bozic 8

Nebraska (29-2) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Jordan Larson 150-1; Lindsey Licht 12-0-4; Amanda Gates 7-0-3; Tara Mueller 6-1-1; Jordan Wilberger 4-0-4; Sydney Anderson 4-1-2; Totals 48-2-10.0. (Assists) - Sydney Anderson 33. (Dig leaders) - Kayla Banwarth 13; Tara Mueller 10; Jordan Larson 10

UCLA (30-3) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Katie Carter 13-0-4; Nana Meriwether 12-0-5; Kaitlin Sather 10-0-4; Rachell Johnson 9-1-6; Ali Daley 6-1-2; Nellie Spicer 5-0-3; Becky Mehring 2-0-0; Jade Machado 0-2-0; Colby Lyman 0-3-0; Totals 57-7-12.5. (Assists) - Nellie Spicer 40. (Dig leaders) - Nellie Spicer 9; Ali Daley 8; Colby Lyman 8

Site: Lincoln, Neb. (NU Coliseum) Date: Dec. 6, 2008 Attend: 4086 Time: 1:11

Site: Los Angeles, Calif. (Pauley Pavilion) Date: Dec. 1, 2006 Attend: 887 Time: 1:30

UAB def. Missouri State 25-17, 25-21, 25-17 Missouri State (23-13) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Cara Hackmann 9-1-0; Bethany Fuller 7-0-3; Sara Staubach 7-0-1; Kelley Michnowicz 5-1-2; Calli Norman 4-0-2; Julia Cawthra 3-0-0; Nikki Vandepopulier 1-0-0; Totals 362-5.0. (Assists) - Julia Cawthra 26. (Dig leaders) - Cara Hackmann 14; Terri Del Conte 11 UAB (27-7) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Ivana Bozic 16-0-2; Andrea Lalic 12-2-3; Casey Dent 9-1-0; Savannah Pegg 5-0-0; Lilly Domingos 3-0-6; Nevena Stefanov 1-0-0; Totals 46-3-6.0. (Assists) - Nevena Stefanov 39. (Dig leaders) - Ivana Bozic 14; Aleksandra Vujovic 7 Site: Lincoln, Neb. (NU Coliseum) Date: Dec. 5, 2008 Attend: 4237 Time: 1:20

2011 UAB Volleyball

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ALL-TIME LETTERWINNERS A Haylee Adkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ginny Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Andrews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Arnold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2006-07 1983-85 1984-85 1991-95

B Denise Bailey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992-95 Bree Barnard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992-95 Hilary Beck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988-92 Kim Bigham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979 Chelsea Bishop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993 Mary Leah Boggan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979-81 Shondra Bonovitch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984-87 Kathy Bowditch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994 Nicole Bowland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004-07 Karen Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000-03 Ivana Bozic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005-08 Deborah Burgess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979-81 Donna Burke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984 Laura Burke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997-00 C Blair Canant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000 Lindsay Carnohan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003 Becky Carr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979-81 Daniela Cavallo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 Mellissa Cobb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988-91 Shaniquwa Cooper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004-07 Leann Crockett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986 D Donna Deason. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1980-83 Heather Dempsey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1997-00 Casey Dent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005-08 Heather Dillard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992-94 Fernanda Domingos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006-07 Lilly Domingos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007-08 Gina Doss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984-87 Sharilee Doty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992-95 E Trisha Eddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-98 F Rachel Fairbanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010Renee Fangman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986-87 Molly Farrell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1991 Denise Feer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999 Kaitlyn Filar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004 Leigh Fincher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979 Belinda Fitzsimmons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1987 Ellen Fleisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001 Emily Foreman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007-09 Andrea Fountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989-90 Cassaundra Fuqua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988-89 G Kirsten Gallagher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009Brianna Galvin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003-04, 2006-07 Kellyanne Gandy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-98 Jill Gilmour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1987-88 Diane Goodwin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988 Kilee Goetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002 Kasey Goth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003 Shelly Greene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998-01 Bilun Gunal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003 Katrina Gunsorek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997-99 Tiffany Gunsorek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999 H Kathy Hardwick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982 Angie Harris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983

Toni Herron. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1991-94 Carolyn Higgins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982-84 Nanea Holmes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002 Becca Howard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010Wendy Huber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1990-93 Whitney Hudson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009 I Hailey Isham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-98 J Rachel James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008-09 Jennifer Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986-88 Suzie Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989-92 Meredith Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004 Lindsay Joyce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000-02 K Dina Katsoulis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999-02 Kerra Kepley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001 Ruth King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982 Linda Kirschbaum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986-87 L Katrine LaCroix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1987-88 Andrea Lalic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006-09 Tonya Larson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994-97 Kristi Lee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001-02 Michele Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1980-83 Charli Lindley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004-05 Jenna Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003-04 Jessica Liptak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001 Christine Lorentz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999 M Allison Magner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001-02 Cheri Magsam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988 Chip Mahaffey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993-94 Janet McCrary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984 Jordan McDonald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008-10 Mandy Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993-96 Kate Morrell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010Michele Moses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983-85 Jessica Murphy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979-81 Julie Myers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986-89 N Vicki Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1980-81 Leah Nye. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007 O Cassi Ociesa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Isabel Oquendo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karyn Oliver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Opperman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Overfelt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheila Owens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2003-04 2003-05 1996-97 1980-83 1988-91 1980-81

P Patty Paniagua. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008-09 Savannah Pegg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008-09 Kristen Pettey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997-00 Angie Ping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004-07 Angela Powell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986 Kris Procter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983 Artie Pyeatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984-85 Robin Pyeatt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1985 R Janette Raczek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994-95 Danielle Reaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988-91 Tammy Robertson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989-92 Lorraine Rogers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979

2011 UAB Volleyball

Martina Shields S Ashley Sargent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983-86 Patti Schroder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1985-86 Cheri Schmidt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989-90 Debbi Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984-85 Tammy Schultz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984 Sam Serley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009Molly Shahan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982-83 Martina Shields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000-03 Michele Simmons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010Ally Slaughter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010Kristy Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998-99 Suzay Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989-92 Thais Soares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010Amber Sorensen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001 Veronica Starr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982 Nevena Stefanov. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005-08 Karen Steuer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996-99 Tracy Strickland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982 Terri Steeb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-98 Breanne Swenson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002-03 Joanna Szeszycki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004 T Libby Takenaka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986-87 Aley Tallman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006, 2009 Abby Thatcher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-98 Heather Thomas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008Kim Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979-81 Samanta Tucillo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002 U Michelle Uzoh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009-10 V Aleksandra Vujovic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005-08 W Jill Waddell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992-93 Tammy Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993-94 Lisa Watts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983 Meredith Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003-04 Velissa Weatherby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982 Karla Wehrle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998-99 Amy White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005 Beulah Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979-81 MacKenzie Wilson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008-09 Alison Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009* bold indicates current players

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CONFERENCE USA

fter marking its 15-year milestone during the 2009-10 season, Conference USA is still going strong. From the beginning, dedication to excellence has been the league’s guiding principle and remains today a common thread Britton Banowsky for a promising future. C-USA Commissioner C-USA is home to 12 nationally prominent, tradition-rich members in East Carolina, Houston, Marshall, Memphis, Rice, SMU, Southern Miss, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UCF and UTEP. This combination enhances men’s and women’s programs that are immersed in athletic success and academic prowess. Together, we are committed to excellence, integrity and leadership in athletics, academics and in our communities. All C-USA institutions sponsor Division I-A football, along with several other men’s and women’s athletic programs, many of which compete regularly for NCAA Championships. C-USA sponsors competition in 20 sports - nine for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and indoor and outdoor track and field) and 11 for women (basketball, cross country, golf, rowing, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and volleyball). The league sponsors numerous academic awards, including the Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Commissioner’s Academic Medal, indicative of outstanding achievement in the classroom. C-USA annually awards 12 postgraduate scholarships, along with the Sport Academic Award, Scholar Athletes of the Year and the Institutional Academic Excellence Award. Conference USA also added a Spirit of Service Award, recognizing student-athletes three times a year for a combination of significant community service efforts, good academic standing and participation in their elected sport. SUCCESS ON THE PLAYING FIELD Conference USA performers have achieved great success in competition, placing the league among the top conferences in the nation. Football • 62 teams have earned bowl bids • Member of the Bowl Championship Series • Bowl tie-ins with the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s St. Petersburg Bowl, Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, Military Bowl, R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl and the TicketCity Bowl Men’s Basketball • Consistently rated as one of the top basketball leagues in the country • 97 postseason teams (47 NCAA, 39 NIT, 6 CBI, 5 CIT) • One National Championship game appearance

• • • •

Three Final Four teams Seven Elite Eight NCAA Tournament teams One NIT Champion and four NIT semifinalists Inaugural CBI Champion

Women’s Basketball • 46 NCAA Tournament appearances • 36 WNIT appearances • One team in the NCAA Sweet 16 • Two WNIT semifinalists • One WBI Champion Baseball • 53 NCAA appearances • Six College World Series appearances (2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2001), including five of the last seven • 13 Super Regional appearances • Has produced at least four NCAA teams in eight of the last 10 seasons In addition, 35 volleyball teams, 55 men’s and women’s soccer teams and 30 softball teams have earned NCAA Tournament bids. C-USA has sent three men’s soccer teams to the NCAA College Cup, five softball teams to the Women’s College World Series and three volleyball teams to the Sweet 16. The league has also had six national champions in NCAA track and field competition, one national champion in diving and numerous NCAA individual and team competitors in cross country, golf, swimming, tennis and track and field. Overall, Conference USA teams and individuals have made more than 600 NCAA appearances. SUCCESS OFF THE FIELD C-USA institutions are among the nation’s best in academic performance among student-athletes, bolstered by the fact that student-athletes at league schools have a higher graduation rate than the general student population. Among C-USA’s 5,000 studentathletes, there are champions off the playing field as well. In 15 years, 153 student-athletes earned national ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America honors, while 541 were named All-District. In addition, more than 20,000 student-athletes have been named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll or received the Commissioner’s Academic Medal, indicative of outstanding achievement in the classroom. C-USA ON TV C-USA enjoys significant television exposure through a multi-tiered selection process that is rooted in partnerships with FOX Sports Media Group and CBS Sports Network. By partnering with FOX Sports Media Group and extending an existing partnership with CBS Sports Network, the league has substantially increased the number of national and regional appearances for football, men’s and women’s basketball, and all other conference sports. C-USA DIGITAL NETWORK The C-USA Digital Network will officially launch in August of 2011. Network programming will include live streaming of non-televised events, video on

2011 UAB Volleyball

demand, a weekly C-USA studio show, podcasting, regular season and championship event highlights and C-USA produced feature stories. Monthly and yearly subscriptions will offer access to events offered on all 12 of the C-USA member institution’s athletic websites as well as C-USA network programming. C-USA IN THE COMMUNITY The conference’s footprint is concentrated with 12 members in nine states and a combined area population of nearly 17 million. More than 1.1 million living alumni represent C-USA schools across the nation. With a renewed commitment to community involvement, the conference has begun development of several initiatives to maintain strong ties in C-USA cities, as well as with fans and alumni across the country. C-USA schools also place a priority on giving back to their communities through volunteer service with local and national organizations. GOVERNANCE Along with the ACC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac10 and SEC, Conference USA is one of the seven conferences having significant representation in the NCAA governance structure. The Presidents of the member institutions serve as the league’s Board of Directors. A PROUD HISTORY; A PROMISING FUTURE Conference USA was formed in 1995 and quickly emerged as one of the nation’s top conferences. The conference unveiled its name, logo and commissioner on April 24, 1995 in Chicago. The league’s charter members included Charlotte, Cincinnati, DePaul, Houston, Louisville, Marquette, Memphis, Saint Louis, Southern Miss, Tulane, UAB and USF. Eleven of the institutions began athletic participation in 1995, while Houston joined competition in the fall of 1996. The league’s headquarters were established in Chicago and after nine years, relocated to the current office in Irving, Texas. Britton Banowsky was named Commissioner in October 2002, succeeding Mike Slive, the league’s first commissioner. C-USA added East Carolina (September, 1996) and the United States Military Academy (March, 1997) as football members. ECU began league competition in 1997; Army in 1998 and UAB began football play in 1999. The league added TCU and ECU (1999) for all sports and they began competition in 2001. USF started C-USA football in 2003. After celebrating its 10th Anniversary during the 2004-05 season, C-USA began a new chapter in 200506 when its current membership came together to form the new look of the league. Since its formation, C-USA has established a strong foundation, an identity and a history that reflects the league’s national presence. Fifteen years of remarkable history has reinforced the league’s position in collegiate athletics, setting the course for the next decade and beyond.

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ADMINISTRATION

DR. CAROL GARRISON, PRESIDENT UAB President and alumna Carol Garrison has had an extraordinary view of her alma mater. She took her first fulltime job in UAB Hospital, during the university’s formative years in the 1970s, then earned her master’s degree from UAB. When she returned to campus in fall 2002, as UAB’s sixth president, the young, dynamic institution had evolved into a world-renowned research university and medical center. A Montclair, New Jersey native, Dr. Garrison earned her bachelor’s (1974) and Ph.D. in epidemiology (1982) from the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill. She was a faculty member, department chair, dean and provost at the University of South Carolina (1982-1997). She joined the University of Louisville as provost in 1997 and was appointed

interim president there in early 2002. As president of UAB, Dr. Garrison also chairs the board of the UAB Health System, which includes UAB Hospital, The Kirklin Clinic, and other of UAB’s nationally ranked patient care facilities. During Dr. Garrison’s tenure, UAB has enjoyed remarkable growth and development. Recent years have seen the opening of state-of-the-art facilities such as the North Pavilion of UAB Hospital and the Shelby Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building, Heritage Hall and the burgeoning Campus Green along University Boulevard, and most recently, the UAB Women & Infants Center and Hazelrig-Salter Radiation-Oncology Facility. The growth of the physical campus and aca-

demic programs has been guided by UAB’s Strategic Plan. Developed with campus-wide participation in 2003, the Strategic Plan has led to the recruitment of internationally known faculty and physicians, and the creation of innovative new curricula and honors programs for undergraduates. In 2011, UAB saw its largest enrollment ever (17,575). UAB has also recently been ranked among the top 15 percent of all U.S. universities in The Princeton Review (5th in diverse student population and 11th in student satisfaction). Now in her 10th year as president, Dr. Garrison continues working in partnership with the campus and the community towards an extraordinary vision for UAB and for Birmingham.

BRIAN MACKIN, ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

rian Mackin was named UAB’s Director of Athletics on February 14, 2007. He moved into the position after spending five years as senior associate athletic director for external affairs for the Blazers. A former UAB baseball letterman, Mackin has a deep-rooted passion for the University and its athletics program. With an eye on the future, his commitment to continue to grow the program has been clear in the time since he became athletics director. He has made success in the classroom and improving athletic facilities two of his top priorities. Mackin was able to secure the first-ever naming rights for the athletics program with the generous gift from Don and Marsha Hire for the Hoke Hire StudentAthlete Academic Center. With the opening of the Academic Center, an abundance of new computer equipment has been added. Mackin has also strengthened the academic area by creating additional staff positions. Under Mackin’s watch, the Academic Reform Group (ARG) was initiated. This group is made up of athletics staff members and academic support staff. With its mission to create an environment of academic excellence in the department, the group addresses every aspect of a student-athlete’s experience while at UAB. Mackin has also demonstrated his commitment to academic success by initiating a penalty structure for student-athletes and making them accountable if they miss classes or tutorial sessions. Mackin’s commitment to academics has shown positive results. For the 2009-10 academic year, UAB student-athletes accounted for nearly 25 percent of Conference USA Scholar-Athletes of the Year,

awards that are handed out annually to the top student-athlete in each sport that the league sponsors. Since Mackin became athletics director, he has made facility improvements another objective of emphasis. A new 10,000-square foot weight room has opened for Blazer teams, as well as a new, spacious, state-of the-art athletic training facility which opened in the fall of 2008. With the renovation of the Ullman Building, the Blazers’ Olympic sports coaches have been able to relocate into brand new offices. Other facilities improvements have included the resurfacing of the track for the Blazers’ track and field team. In spring 2010, the first phase of the new, on-campus UAB softball facility was completed. The improvements haven’t gone unnoticed as UAB has been named as host site for the 2012 Conference USA Softball Championship. The baseball and softball programs also enjoy the hitting and pitching facility additions that were completed in spring 2010. New state-of-the-art video boards are now in place in Bartow Arena, Young Memorial Field and the new softball facility. The upgrades and progress of the program under Mackin have not been limited to facilities and academics. In the last three years, the athletics program entered an agreement with Nike that provides apparel and equipment for all of UAB’s athletics teams. Mackin came on board at UAB in the spring of 2002 as senior associate AD for external affairs. In that role, he was responsible for fund-raising, corporate support and marketing for the athletic department.

2011 UAB Volleyball

In 2006, Mackin was named Division I-A Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors. Under Mackin’s leadership, contributions to UAB athletics nearly tripled from $1.3 million in 2001 to about $3.7 million in 2006. Additionally, he has been responsible for the creation of several affinity groups including the Athletic Investors Group, the Champion Club, and the Blazer Club, which brought together the two annual funds supporting football and men’s basketball. Prior to joining UAB, Mackin served as Manager of Corporate Business Development at Vulcan Materials, where he was responsible for examining potential new markets for business development and locating growth opportunities in the industry. Mackin earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from UAB in 1983. He was a member of the Blazer baseball team four seasons and then moved into the Houston Astros baseball organization for one season. Mackin then joined Vulcan Materials, where he held management positions in sales and market analysis. In 1990, he joined Southern Ready Mix as sales manager before joining Dunn Construction in 1993 where he rose to vice president in 1999. His responsibilities included business development, sales and project management. Mackin’s community activities include the Birmingham Tip-Off Club, which hosts the State High School Final Four, the Monday Morning Quarterback Club and the Birmingham Rotary Club. He has served as the president of the Birmingham Tip-Off Club. Mackin and his wife, Sally, have five children: Ragland (23), Brian Jr. (21), Ferrell (18), Mary Aileen (17), and Ella (14).

U A B

V O L L E Y B A L L

ADMINISTRATION

DR. FRANK MESSINA, FACULTY ATHLETICS REP Dr. Frank M. Messina, professor and chair of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Accounting and Information Systems (ACIS) in the UAB School of

Business, was named faculty athletics representative in 2008. He has been on staff at the university for 16 years. Messina has been chair of ACIS since 2002 and is the school’s Ernst & Young Scholar. A Birmingham native, he came to UAB in 1993 as an assistant professor in accounting. He received a doctorate in business adminis-

tration (D.B.A.) from Mississippi State University (MSU) in 1993, a master’s in professional accountancy at MSU in 1990 and a bachelor’s in business administration at the University of West Alabama in 1986. Messina and his wife, Natalie, have two sons: Taylor (18) and TJ (8). A third son, Thomas, passed away in the spring of 2010 at the age of 15.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Shannon Ealy Senior Associate AD for External Affairs

Derita Ratcliffe Senior Associate AD/ Senior Woman Administrator

Coleman Barnes Associate AD for Development

Corey Bray Associate AD for Compliance

Timothy Garner Associate AD for Financial Affairs

Danez Marrable Associate AD for Student Services

Norm Reilly Associate AD for Media Relations

Matt Wildt Associate AD for Ticket Operations and Football Administration

Reid Adair Assistant AD for Facilities and Operations

Mike Jones Assistant AD for Athletic Training

Brad Smith Assistant AD for Marketing

Stacey Torman Director of Strength and Conditioning

2011 UAB Volleyball

Proud Past Bright Future Summer, 1977: Coach Gene Bartow is hired as UAB’s first intercollegiate Athletics Director and head basketball coach. Preparations begin for the hiring of coaches and support staff, recruitment of student-athletes, establishment of the Golden 100 scholarship foundation, scheduling, etc. Fall, 1978: UAB athletic teams begin intercollegiate competition for the first time; the university begins an 11-year association with the Sun Belt Conference. Nov. 24, 1978: The UAB men’s basketball team plays its first game, a 66-54 loss to Nebraska before a crowd of 14,800 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center; UAB has gone on to win 20 or more games 15 times, appear in 11 NCAA Tournaments and eight NITs. March, 1981: The Blazer men’s basketball team defeats Kentucky in the NCAA Mideast Regional, and reaches the NCAA “Sweet 16.” This appearance marks the beginning of a streak of seven consecutive NCAA Tournaments for UAB (1981-87). March, 1982: UAB adds to its amazing basketball success story, defeating Indiana and Virginia in the Southeast Regional, and reaching the NCAA “Elite Eight.” The Southeast Regional in Birmingham is the first of five NCAA Tournament events to be hosted by UAB (’82, ’84, ’85, ’87, ’88). March, 1989: Blazer basketball reaches the NIT Final Four, defeating Michigan State for third place at Madison Square Garden. Fall, 1989: The UAB club football team is organized; the team goes 0-6 in its first season. 1990-91: The Blazer baseball team wins its first Sun Belt Conference Championship and becomes the first UAB team other than men’s basketball to participate in the NCAA Tournament. Men’s tennis wins the first of five consecutive conference championships in the Sun Belt and Great Midwest Conferences. Volleyball wins the first of three consecutive championships in the Sun Belt and Great Midwest conferences and makes its first of four consecutive post-season appearances. 1991-92: UAB begins competition in the Great Midwest Conference. The UAB football team begins its first season of varsity play at the Division III level. Blazer volleyball and baseball win the first Great Midwest Championship. UAB places its first men’s tennis players, Frank Schaffner and Karl Steffen, in NCAA Tournament play. 1992-93: Men’s basketball reaches the NIT Final Four, defeating Alabama, Clemson, Southwest Missouri State and Providence. The nationally-ranked UAB men’s tennis team participates in the NCAA Tournament for the first time. Blazer volleyball, cross country and tennis teams all win Great Midwest Conference championships. January, 1993: UAB announces that its football program will compete at the NCAA I-AA level, beginning with the 1993 season. 1993-94: Blazer teams win six league championships, and UAB wins the Great Midwest Conference Commissioner’s Cup, awarded to the university with the most successful overall athletics program. The Blazer basketball team goes 14-0 vs. GMW opponents and makes its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Men’s basketball is nationally-ranked and participates in the NCAA Tournament. August, 1994: UAB announces that its football program will compete at the NCAA I-A level and that the school will field a women’s soccer team beginning with the 1996 season. 1994-95: UAB soccer wins the Great Midwest Conference championship and participates in the NCAA Tournament. UAB wins GMW championship in men’s and women’s

2011 UAB Volleyball

The final score read 13-10 as the UAB football program earned its signature victory at LSU on Sept. 23, 2000.

Mirela Vladulesu took the collegiate tennis world by storm and was the top-ranked women’s tennis player in the country for much of the 1997-98 season.

tennis, women’s indoor track & field, women’s outdoor track & field and men’s golf. April 24, 1995: UAB becomes a charter member of Conference USA. March 26, 1996: One era ends and another begins as coach Gene Bartow steps down as head men’s basketball coach. November 14, 1996: Conference USA announces that UAB has been admitted as a football-playing member; the Blazers will begin C-USA play in 1999. 1997-98: UAB freshman Mirela Vladulescu takes the women’s collegiate tennis world by storm, winning both the ITA Clay Court National Championship and Riviera Women’s All-America Championship; she is the first UAB tennis player to win a collegiate grand slam event. Vladulescu will later be the top-ranked player in the NCAA rankings for much of the 1997-98 season. The men’s golf team receives a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. 1998-99: The men’s basketball team makes its 10th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Mirela Vladulescu returns to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year, despite an injury-plagued season. 1999-00: UAB athletics has arguably its best season to date. The UAB football team becomes an official member of Conference USA and goes 4-2 in conference play during its inaugural season. The UAB men’s soccer team wins the Conference USA Championship and reaches the NCAA “Elite Eight”. Synchronized swimming finishes fourth in the country at the U.S. Collegiate Championships in its inaugural season. Women’s basketball reaches the “Sweet 16,” the men’s tennis team makes its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance and men’s golf makes its second NCAA Tournament appearance in three years. July 10, 2000: Gene Bartow announces his retirement as athletics director after 23 years of service to the university. August 22, 2000: Herman Frazier is named UAB’s second athletics director. Sept. 23, 2000: In what was arguably the greatest win in UAB football history, the Blazers go to Baton Rouge, La. and upset SEC foe LSU, 13-10, on a game-winning field goal by Rhett Gallego in the waining seconds. 2000-01: Led by sophomore All-American Graeme McDowell, the men’s golf team finished ninth in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to its first NCAA Championship at Duke University, where it garnered a tie for 12th place. Senior women’s tennis player Mirela Vladulescu finished off a four-year career as one of the most successful athletes in UAB history. The men’s soccer team made it to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year. The football team finished 7-4 overall, becoming the first “bowl-eligible” Blazer squad since UAB moved to the NCAA I-A level in 1996. The women’s basketball team, led by junior All-American Deanna Jackson, finished the season 20-11 and advanced to the WNIT. In just its second season, the synchronized swimming team placed fourth at the U.S. Collegiate Championships and eighth at the U.S. Nationals. 2001-02: Led by All-American Graeme McDowell, who was the No. 1-ranked golfer in the nation, the UAB men made their third consecutive appearance (fourth overall) in the NCAA Tournament. The Blazer football squad again boasted another “bowl eligible” season, as the team went 6-5 in 2001. The men’s soccer team made its third consecutive trip (fourth overall) to the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the “Sweet 16.” The UAB softball team had its best season to date, advancing to the C-USA Championship game and boasting a 39-22 overall record. Denise Peters and Lisa Nowoslawski of the women’s soccer team were both named Verizon Academic All-Americans. In addition, Peters was named the C-USA Women’s Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year. Synchronized swimming earned its highest finish to date at the U.S. Collegiate Championships, taking third. Four swimmers received Academic All-America honors and three swimmers were named AllAmericans by the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Coaches Committee. April 4, 2002: Athletics Director Herman Frazier and UAB President Ann Reynolds announce the hiring of Mike Anderson as UAB’s third men’s basketball coach. November 21, 2002: Watson Brown is named UAB‘s third athletics director. 2002-03: In his first season at the helm of the men’s basketball program, Mike Anderson guided the Blazers to a 21-win season and a quarterfinal finish in the NIT. Lisa Nowoslawski capped off her career for the women’s soccer program by earning several prestigious academic awards, including an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, the C-USA Postseason Scholarship Award and first-team Verizon / CoSIDA Academic All-America honors for the second straight year. The synchronized swimming team posted its second straight third-place finish at the U.S. Collegiate Championships and recorded a fourth place finish, its highest to date, at the U.S. National Championships. Six swimmers received Academic All-America honors and three swimmers were named All-Americans by the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Coaches Committee. 2011 UAB Volleyball

Sept. 4, 2003: The UAB football team plays host to Southern Miss in front of the biggest crown in UAB history, and the most people ever to watch a Conference USA football game when 44,669 people flocked to Legion Field. October 31, 2003: With a dominating 2-0 win on the road against USF, the UAB women’s soccer team earned its first Conference USA Championship and set the school record for shutouts in a season with nine. The Blazers’ Tara Kidwell and Jill Knottek each scored second half goals to lead UAB to its momentous victory. March, 2004: The UAB men’s basketball team shocks the college basketball world with its 76-75 upset over top-seeded Kentucky to advance to the “Sweet 16” of the NCAA Tournament. The Blazers would finish the season with a 22-10 overall record and ranked No. 23 in the country. Also, the Blazers’ 12-4 record in Conference USA earned them a share of the first C-USA regular season championship. Head coach Mike Anderson was also named the 2004 Conference USA Coach of the Year. Spring, 2004: The synchronized swimming team posted is third straight third-place finish at the U.S. Collegiate Championships and recorded a fifth-place finish at the U.S. National Championships. Fall, 2004: The UAB women’s soccer team claimed the C-USA Tournament title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over host and regular-season champion Saint Louis in St. Louis, Mo., to earn its first NCAA Tournament berth in school history. The UAB football team made its first bowl game appearance in school history as the Blazers faced Hawai’i in the 2004 Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl. The Blazers fell to the Warriors, 59-40, on Christmas Eve in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Spring, 2006: The UAB men’s basketball team earned its third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament after finishing as Conference USA regular season and tournament runner-up. The synchronized swimming team took fourth place at the U.S. Collegiate Nationals. The Blazer softball team turned in one of its finest seasons in program history as the team won 31 games during the season to finish as the C-USA runnerup. Head coach Marla Townsend was named the C-USA Coach-of-the-Year. April 7, 2006: Mike Davis named as the fourth head basketball coach in the program’s 28-year history. Fall, 2006: UAB’s fall sports teams made three NCAA Tournament appearances, claimed three C-USA titles and beat the No. 1 team in the country. The UAB cross country team won the conference championship and head coach Ray Stanfield was named C-USA Coach of the Year. The women’s soccer team ran through the C-USA Tournament, and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament. UAB’s men’s soccer team beat the No. 1 team in the country during the regular season and hosted a first-round NCAA Tournament game. To conclude the fall sports season, the Blazer volleyball squad won its firstever Conference USA Tournament title and made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

The 2006 UAB volleyball team won the Conference USA Tournament title and competed in the program’s first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament.

In 2011, the UAB men’s basketball team secured the program’s first outright Conference USA regular season championship. December 17, 2006: Former Georgia offensive coordinator Neil Callaway was chosen to lead the UAB football team, becoming the third coach in the program’s history, and the second coach to lead the Blazers since becoming a Division I program in 1996. Spring, 2007: Zack Sucher matched UAB’s highest finish ever at the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships, closing the tournament tied for fourth place with a fiveunder 275 during four rounds of play. Sucher became just the fourth UAB men’s golfer in program history to earn All-American status, nabbing a spot on the honorable mention All-America team. In addition, the men’s golf team made its fifth NCAA Regional appearance in the past eight years. February 14, 2007: Former UAB baseball player and alumnus Brian Mackin was selected as the

2011 UAB Volleyball

program’s fourth full-time Athletics Director. Spring, 2008: UAB men’s golf team captures the program’s first-ever Conference USA Championship. The Blazers went on to make the program’s seventh NCAA Regional and third NCAA National Championship appearances. Zack Sucher was tabbed second-team All-America and captured four individual titles during the 2007-08 men’s golf season. May 21, 2008: The UAB baseball team made history by recording the program’s first-ever win over the then-No. 5 Rice Owls, 8-2, in the opening round of the Conference USA Tournament. Not only did the Blazers defeat the Owls for the first time in 10 tries, but it also was the second-highest ranked opponent the baseball team has defeated in program history. The Blazers would go on to match their best-ever result in the C-USA Tournament, making it to the semifinals. 2009-10: The softball team capped arguably the most successful season in program history with 37 wins and its first ever NCAA tournament berth. The men’s basketball team also Participated in the postseason, advancing to the NIT quarterfinals and hosting defending national champion North Carolina at Bartow Arena. Individually, football’s Joe Webb and men’s soccer’s Two-Boys Gumede were selected as C-USA Offensive Players of the Year for their sports. Jala Harris became the first C-USA women’s basketball player ever to earn Freshman and Sixth Player of the Year honors in the same season. Feb. 23, 2010: The UAB softball team opened its new, on-campus facility, drawing a schoolrecord crowd of 1,323 to its contest with Alabama. Spring, 2011: The UAB

men’s basketball team captured the program’s firstever outright Conference USA regular season championship. The Blazers were also selected to the NCAA Tournament, marking their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2006 and the program’s 14th NCAA selection in its 32-year history. The softball team earned its second NCAA berth in as many seasons as well. Furthermore, women’s tennis standout Jenny Cape became the first Academic All-American for her sport, while track and field also received its first Academic All-America selections, as Nora Mehl and Rhiannon Johns received the nod.

Men’s Basketball • 14 NCAA Tournament and 10 NIT appearances • Eight conference championships • 28 winning seasons in 33 years • 21 20-win seasons in 33 years • Three Sweet 16 appearances • Four All-Americans Football • First bowl game appearance in 2004 (7-5 record) • First “bowl-eligible” season with 7-4 overall record in 2000 • Played first season at Division I-A level in 1996; now competes as a member of Conference USA • Roddy White selected in first round of 2005 NFL draft (No. 27 overall) • Bryan Thomas selected in first round of 2002 NFL draft (No. 22 overall) • Eight All-Americans Men’s Soccer • NCAA Tournament participant (1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2006) • 1999 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight and 2001 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 • Three conference championships (1994, 1995, 1999) • Eight All-Americans Women’s Basketball • 2000 NCAA Sweet 16 participant • Four conference championships (1990, 1991, 1992, 1994) • NCAA Tournament participant (1994, 2000) • Four-time WNIT participant (1990, 1991, 2001, 2007) • 2011 WBI Champions • Four All-Americans Baseball • Three conference championships (1991, 1992, 1994) • 1991 NCAA Tournament participant

• Shayne Carnes (1998) and Ryan Keedy (2008) named All-Americans by multiple publications • Four All-Americans Men’s Tennis • Six All-Americans • Three Academic All-Americans • Five NCAA Tournament appearances (1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000) • Top-30 ranking from 1993-2000 • Five conference championships (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995) Women’s Tennis • Four conference championships (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996) • Six national rankings (1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) • Top-ranked singles player in nation (Mirela Vladulescu-1997-98) • One All-American Volleyball • Two-time NCAA Tournament participant (2006 and 2008) • Four conference championships (1990, 1991, 1992, 2006) • Five WIVC postseason appearances (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992) • Two Academic All-Americans • Three AVCA All-America honorable mention honorees Men’s Golf • 2001, 2002 and 2008 NCAA Championship Participant • NCAA Regional Participants 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008 • 2008 Conference USA Champions • 1995 Great Midwest Conference Champions • No. 1-ranked golfer and Fred Haskings Award winner (Graeme McDowell) • Six All-Americans

Blazer

Track & Field/ Cross Country • 2002 Cross Country NCAA All-Academic Team • 1995 Great Midwest Conference Women’s Indoor & Outdoor Champions • Three All-Americans • 1992 Women’s Great Midwest Conference Cross Country Champions • Two Olympic Trials Qualifiers • Cross Country conference champions, 2006 • 2005 Individual Cross Country C-USA Champion • Eight-time USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Softball • Two-time NCAA Tournament participant (2010 and 2011) • 18 NFCA All-American Scholar Athletes • Five athletes named Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I AllRegion Rifle • One C-USA Shootout third place finisher • 1997-98 Individual fifth place finisher at C-USA Championship Women’s Golf • Seven All-Conference USA Selections • C-USA Freshman of the Year Women’s Soccer • UAB Academic Award (1997, 1998, 2000) • Five All-Americans • Three conference championships (2003, 2004, 2006) • Two NCAA Tournament appearances (2004, 2006)

Highlights 41

2011 UAB Volleyball

UAB

All-Americans U A B

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Soccer

Men’s Golf

Aaron Johnson Clint Baumstark Jerome Mincy Peter Byaruhanga Steve Mitchell Leandro de Oliveira y moving to the Atlantic 10 Conference Oliverfor Robinson Tony McManus the 1997 season, Villanova UniverMonteiro sity’s nine-year membership Flavio of the Yankee ConRumbani Football ference and the conference’s 50-yearMunthali football Marin Rodregis Brooks legacy came to a close. Under the Pusek direction of Houston Smith a Cedrick Buchannon head coach Andy Talley, Villanova compiled Josh Evans lifetime mark of 38-31 in Yankee Conference Kerry Frazier Women’s Soccer contests. During their Yankee Conference hisRobertthe Leslie Kidwell tory, Wildcats shared theTara league championDerrick Ingram ship twice, 1991 and 1989, finished second on John Whitcomb Men’s three occasions, in 1996, 1992 and Tennis 1990, and Roddy White Gerd Albiez third once in 1988. Mike Kirsten The addition of three college football proPaul Rosner Women’s grams in 1993 (James Madison, Northeastern Basketball and William and Mary) Frank made Schaffner the Yankee Vaughn Snyman Wanda Hightower Conference the largest NCAA Division I-AA Martin Woisetschläger Deanna Jackson conference, with 12 total members. Each one

Paul Dickinson Graeme McDowell Garrett Osborn Zack Sucher

F o o t b a l l

2008 UAB Outlook

Academic All-Americans

Baseball Brent Laircey

Men’s Soccer

Rebecca Johnson

Kristen Kramer Lane Knight 1996); Maine twice (1987, 1989); New HampLoucas Papaconstantinou Stacy Leiker shire twice (1991, 1994); James Madison twice Karen Meyer Men’s Lukasz Kwapisz (1994, 1995), William & Mary Saratwice Petrov (1993Basketball Synchronized 1996) and Richmond (1987) Sarah once.w PikalHampCarter Long Women’s Soccer Swimming shire and the University of Rhode Island), and a Moraine Ruddick Danielle Blair Morgan Clarke Mid-Atlantic ofTodd Delaware, Hallie Football BriannaDivision McCarty (University Meryl Grandia Johnny Rea Lisa Nowoslawski James Madison University, Northeastern UniAmanda Haeuser Softball Petersof Richmond, versity, Denise University VILLANOVA Stephanie Jackson Byrne and Volleyball Jill Porto and the CollegeAmanda UNIVERSITY of William Stacey Jackson Allisonhad Davis Suzie Johnson Woodward Mary). Vanessa Also, each individual school to play Patti Schroder Margareta Jakovac each team in its own division,Amanda as wellEllis as three Candice Hithe Synchronized Stacy Leiker teams from the other division each year for a Kris Lara Men’s Tennis Swimming Sara Petrov total of Vanessa eight league Sebastian Falk Dash contests. Emily Scarbrough Hallie Todd The Andrea YankeeDash Conference originally developed Megan Stephenson Frank Schaffner Bogdana Zareva from the New England College Conference of Martin Woisetschläger Kelli Dickerson Intercollegiate Athletics. When Northeastern Track/Cross Amanda Haeuser Volleyball Country Women’s Tennis Frances Halloran University offered its resignation from that Ivana Bozic Rhiannon Johns a Jenny Cape Stacey Jackson group, the Land Grant institutions appointed of the 12 schools competed for the conferSam Serley Baseball Women’s Nora Stephanie Jackson committee to form a new league. OnMehl December ence title, playing an eight-game leagueTennis slate. Nevena Stefanov Shayne Carnes purposes only, Mirela 8, 1945, that committee recommended an athFor scheduling theVladulescu league was Jay Cole into a New England Division (Boston letic conference formed by the six New England divided Mitch Jones University of Connecticut, Track/CrossUniCountry Land Grant colleges, namely; the University University, Ryan Keedy Ambrus of Connecticut, University of Maine, Massaversity of Maine, UniversityElizabeth of Massachusetts, Vonetta Flowers chusetts State College (now the University of University of New Hampshire and the UniverKing DiviMassachusetts), Rhode Island State College sity of Rhode Island), and a Angela Mid-Atlantic (now the University of Rhode Island), the Unision (University of Delaware, James Madison iate Athletics. When Northeastern University of New Hampshire and the University University, Northeastern University, University versity offered its resignation from of Vermont.Ryan of Richmond, VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY that group, the Land Grant institutions Steve Keedy Mitchell On August 24, 1946, representatives from and the College of William and Mary). Also, the schools met. A preamble and code of the each individual school had to play each team were conducted in the 1947-48 season. first league championships were conducted Yankee Conference were adopted, and became in its own division, as well as three teams from effective on December 3, 1946. The On August the other division each year for a total of eight in the 1947-48 season. In 1978, with the creation by the NCAA of 24, 1946, representatives from the schools met. league contests. The Yankee Conference originally developed Division I-AA Football, the Yankee Conference A preamble and code of the Yankee Conference from the New England College Conference of disbanded in all sports with the exception of were adopted, and became effective on DecemIntercollegiate Athletics. When Northeastern football. Vermont, which had dropped football ber 3, 1946. The first league championships University offered its resignation from that in 1974, dropped out of the league. As a result, were conducted in the 1947-48 season. first league championships were conducted group, the Land Grant institutions appointed a the Yankee Conference, after already adding committee to form a new league. On December Boston University in 1973, was six members in the 1947-48 season. In 1978, with the creation by the NCAA of 8, 1945, that committee recommended an ath- strong. In 1984, the University of Delaware and Division I-AA Football, the Yankee Conference letic conference formed by the six New England Land Grant colleges, namely; the University University of Richmond joined the league, and disbanded in all sports with the exception of of Connecticut, University of Maine, Massa- became eligible for the league title in 1986, football. Vermont, which had dropped football chusetts State College (now the University of while the Villanova University Wildcats came in 1974, dropped out of the league. As a result, Massachusetts), Rhode Island State College on board in 1985. They became eligible for the the Yankee Conference, after already adding Boston University in 1973, was six members (now the University of Rhode Island), the Uni- league title in 1988. The Yankee Conference was one of the strong. versity of New Hampshire and the University In 1984, the University of Delaware and original conferences to receive an automatic bid of Vermont. On August 24, 1946, representatives from to the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs in 1978. University of Richmond joined the league, and Elizabeth Division I-AA, Bos- became eligible for the league title in 1986, the schools met. A preamble and code of the Since the birth of NCAA Flavio Ambrus to the playoffs five times while the Villanova University Wildcats came Yankee Conference were adopted, and became ton University went Monteiro effective on December 3, 1946. The On August (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1994); Rhode Island on board in 1985. They became eligible for the 24, 1946, representatives from the schools met. three times (1981, 1984, 1985); Massachusetts league title in 1988. The Yankee Conference was one of the A preamble and code of the Yankee Conference three times (1978, 1988, 1990); Delaware were adopted, and became effective on Decem- six times (1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, original conferences to receive an automatic bid ber 3, 1946. The first league championships 1996); Villanova four times (1989, 1991, 1992, to the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs in 1978.

9B 1 Volleyball 2 0 1 1 U1 A

EXCELLENCE U A B

F o o t b a l l

At The Next Level 2008 UAB Outlook

Deanna Jackson

Years At UAB: 1998-2002

• First and only UAB player selected in the WNBA Draft, chosen Years At UAB: 1999-2002 eighth overall by 1989); the Cleveland Rock1996); Maine twice (1987, New Hampy moving to the Atlantic 10 Conference • Captured the 2010 U.S. Open Chamers in 2002 shire twice (1991, 1994); James Madison twice for the 1997 season, Villanova Univerpionship – the first major title by a former Competed Basketball (1994, 1995), •William & with MaryUSA twice (1993sity’s nine-year membership of the Yankee ConUAB golfer and the first U.S. Open win by a on the 2000 Jones Cup Team that 1996) and won Richmond once.w HampEuropean player in nearly 40 years ference and the conference’s 50-year football the Gold(1987) in Taipei shire and the University of Rhode Island), player and a legacy came to a close. Under the direction of• Has won six professional tournaments, • Only women’s basketball Mid-Atlantic (University of Delaware, head coach Andy Talley, Villanova compiledfive a of which have come on the European in Division C-USA and UAB history to record more than 2,000 pointsUniversity, and 1,000 career reboundsUniJamescareer Madison Northeastern lifetime mark of 38-31 in Yankee ConferenceTour • A member of Europe’s Ryder Cup • Two-time C-USA Player ofofthe Year (2000-01, 2001-02) versity, University Richmond, VILLANOVA contests. During their Yankee Conference his- Team in 2008 and helped lift his team and the league’s Freshman ofand the the YearCollege in 1999of William and UNIVERSITY tory, the Wildcats shared the league championto the trophy in 2010 • UAB career leader in rebounds (1,118) and ranks second Mary). Also, each individual school had to play ship twice, 1991 and 1989, finished second on • Named 2010 ASWA Pro- in school history in points (2,144) fessional Athlete of the Year and each team in its own division, as well as three three occasions, in 1996, 1992 and 1990, and GWAA Golfer of the Year teams from the other division each year for a third once in 1988. • Ranked as high as No. 4 in the total of eight league contests. The addition of three college football proworld golf rankings Bryan Thomas The Yankee Conference originally developed grams in 1993 (James Madison, Northeastern • First-team All-America selection Years At UAB: 1998-2001 from the New England College Conference of and William and Mary) made the Yankee and C-USA Golfer of the Year in 2001 Selected No. 22 overall by the Intercollegiate • Athletics. When Northeastern Conference the largest NCAA Division I-AA and 2002 New York Jets in 2002, becoming the • Winner of the 2002 Fred Haskins University Blazers’ offered highest-ever its resignation frompick that conference, with 12 total members. Each one NFL draft group, the Land Grant institutions appointed of the 12 schools competed for the confer- Award, given annually to the nation’s • Entering his 10th year as a Jet witha committee to a new league. December ence title, playing an eight-game league slate. top collegiate golfer 141form career games played,On compiling 91 starts, 404 tackles, 31 sacks, sevenanforced 8, 1945, that committee recommended athFor scheduling purposes only, the league was Roddy White fumbles and five recoveries letic conference formed by fumble the six New England divided into a New England Division (Boston Years At UAB: 2001-04 • Ranks namely; as UAB’s the all-time leader Land Grant colleges, University University, University of Connecticut, Uni• Drafted No. 27 overall by the in career sacks (36) and tackles for of Connecticut, University of Maine, Massaversity of Maine, University of Massachusetts, Atlanta Falcons in 2005 loss (56) • Was named as an NFL All-Pro State College the which University of University of New Hampshire and the Univer• Led thechusetts “Steel Shield” defense (now in 2001, topped Massachusetts), Rhode Island State College sity of Rhode Island), and a Mid-Atlantic Divi- wide receiver in 2010 the nation in rushing defense (57.3 yards per game) and • Became the first UAB alum to earn was ranked No. in the nation inoftotal defense (265.9 (now5 the University Rhode Island), the yards Unision (University of Delaware, James Madison iate Athletics. When Northeastern Unian invitation to the NFL Pro Bowl, per game) versity of New Hampshire and the University University, Northeastern University, University receiving versity offered its resignation from the nod in three consecutive of Vermont. of Richmond, VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY seasons that(2008-2010) group, the Land Grant institutions On August 24, 1946, representatives from and the College of William and Mary). Also,• First Falcon ever to have 80 catches and in four straightinseasons (2007-10) the schoolsDejan met. A Jakovic preamble and code of the were conducted the 1947-48 season. each individual school had to play 1,100-plus each team yards 71first receptions an NCAA-leading league for championships were conducted Yankee Conference in its own division, as well as three teams• Collected from Years Atwere UAB:adopted, 2005-07and became C-USA-record 1,452 yards and a C-USAeffective on December 3, 1946. The On in the 1947-48 season. the other division each year for a totaland of eight • A starting defender forAugust D.C. record 14 touchdowns as a senior in 2004 United in Major League Soccer met. 24, 1946, representatives from the schools In 1978, with the creation by the NCAA of league contests. • Ranks second in the UAB record books in Formerly Red Star of theplayed YankeeforConference Division Football, Yankee Conference A preamble and• code The Yankee Conference originally developed career receptions (163),I-AA receiving yardsthe (3,112) Belgrade in Serbia’s First Division disbanded in(26) all sports with the exception of were adopted, and became effective on Decemfrom the New England College Conference of touchdowns and receiving • Has made 16 international The firstforleague championships Intercollegiate Athletics. When Northeastern football. Vermont, which had dropped football ber 3, 1946. appearances the Canadian NationVonetta Flowers in the 1947-48 season. 1974, dropped out of the league. As a result, were conducted University offered its resignation from that in(Jeffrey) al Team Years aAt UAB: 1992-95Conference, after already adding first league •championships conducted the Yankee group, the Land Grant institutions appointed A three-timewere all-conference • Inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of selection at UAB season. committee to form a new league. On December Boston University in 1973, was six members in the 1947-48 Fame in 2010 • Twice earned honors In first-team 1978, withall-region the creation by the NCAA of 8, 1945, that committee recommended an ath• Madestrong. history at the 2002 Winter OlymDivision I-AA Football, the Yankee Conference In 1984, the University of Delaware and letic conference formed by the six New England pics in Salt Lake City, becoming the first and University of Richmond joined the league, and disbanded in all sports with the exception of Land Grant colleges, namely; the University only former UAB athlete to earn an Olympic Gold Medal had dropped football became eligible for the league title in 1986, football. Vermont, of Connecticut, University of Maine, MassaChris which Hammond the Villanova Gold in the bobsledWildcats as outUAB: of the1985 league. As a result, while the University came in 1974, dropped chusetts State College (now the University •ofCaptured Years At the first black athlete (male They or female in any • Drafted inafter 1986already by Cincinnati adding on board in 1985. became eligible for the the Yankee Conference, Massachusetts), Rhode Island State College country) to win a gold medal at the Winter Reds andinmade league debut Boston University 1973,major was six members (now the University of Rhode Island), the Olympics Uni- league title in 1988. in 1990 The Yankee Conference versity of New Hampshire and the University • Selected to carrywastheone of the strong. • Pitched 14 seasons in the major In 1984, the University of Delaware and originalAmerican conferences to receive automatic bid of Vermont. flag in the an 2002 leagues, including four with the Reds closing Division ceremonies the league, and I-AA Playoffs in 1978. University of On August 24, 1946, representatives from to the NCAA andRichmond five withjoined the Florida Marlins, • Honored as the 2002 I-AA, Bos- became eligible for his the career league with title an in overall 1986, of NCAA Division the schools met. A preamble and code of the Since the birth finishing USOC Team with five times while the Villanova University went oftothe theYear playoffs Yankee Conference were adopted, and became ton University record of 66-62 and aWildcats 4.14 ERAcame teammate Jill Bakken • Pitched inbecame the 2003 Worldfor Series on board in 1985. They eligible the (1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1994); Rhode Island effective on December 3, 1946. The On August • All-American in track & with the New York Yankees league title in 1988. (1981, 1984, 1985); Massachusetts 24, 1946, representatives from the schools met. three times field at UAB, where she still • Known more a hitter atConference UAB, posting Theas Yankee wasa .275 one average of the (1978, 1988, 1990); Delaware A preamble and code of the Yankee Conference three times holds numerous school records with 32 runs scored and 16 RBI in 1985 were adopted, and became effective on Decem- six times (1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, original conferences to receive an automatic bid ber 3, 1946. The first league championships 1996); Villanova four times (1989, 1991, 1992, to the NCAA Division I-AA Playoffs in 1978.

Graeme McDowell

8B 9 Volleyball 2 0 1 1 U1 A

Gene Bartow Alabama Sports Hall Of Fame ’89 National College Basketball Hall Of Fame ’09

ne of the most respected figures in intercollegiate athletics, Gene Bartow, forged the UAB athletic program into a well-rounded organization with outstanding teams in several sports. Bartow, considered the “founding father” of UAB athletics, grew the intercollegiate sports program there from its infancy into one that featured 17 sports and an annual operating budget of more than $8 million by the time he retired from the position in 2000. Among his achievements were guiding the program through three conference changes, growing the football team from a club sport into a Division I-A program, and adding several women’s sports to the university’s athletics roster. Bartow was at the helm of the UAB men’s basketball program for 18 seasons, compiling a record of 366-203 (.643) during his tenure. He led the Blazers to the NIT in the program’s second year of existence, and followed that up with seven straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including trips to the Sweet 16 in 1981 and the Elite Eight in 1982. In all, he led UAB to 14 postseason appearances, nine of which were NCAA Tournaments. In addition to his time at UAB, Bartow is one of the top college basketball coaches of all time. By the time he retired from collegiate coaching in 1996, he had led teams for 34 years at six universities (Central Missouri State, Valparaiso, Memphis State, Illinois, UCLA and UAB), compiling 647 wins, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Final Four appearances, one national title game appearance and one national Coach of the Year Award (both with Memphis State in 1973), and no probation problems with the NCAA. The Browning, Missouri native coached 34 years at six universities. He coached at Central Missouri State University from 1961-64, Valparaiso University from 1964-1970, Memphis State University from 1970-74, and he led the Tigers to the ‘73 NCAA national championship game and consecutive Missouri Valley Conference titles in the ‘71-’72 and ‘72-’73 seasons. In 1974 Bartow accepted the head coaching position at the University of Illinois. Illinois finished 8-18 in his only season coaching the Fighting Illini, and Bartow left his position to succeed John Wooden as the head coach of UCLA. Bartow coached at UCLA from 1975 to 1977, guiding them to a 52-9 record, including a berth in the 1976 Final Four. Bartow left UCLA after the 1977 season to take over the job of creating an athletic program at UAB. Bartow retired from coaching in 1996, and in 1997, UAB renamed its basketball venue, Bartow Arena, in his honor. The Birmingham News has voted him one of the top 10 most influential figures in Alabama sports for the past century. Bartow and his wife, the former Ruth Huffine, have three children, Mark, Beth and Murry, who is the head men’s basketball coach at East Tennessee State. 44

2011 UAB Volleyball

“Founding Father” of UAB Athletics • UAB head basketball coach (1977-96) • UAB’s first Athletics Director (1977-2000) • Nine NCAA Tournament appearances at UAB • 14 postseason appearances during 18-year coaching career at UAB • 11 20-win seasons during UAB coaching career tenure • 647 career coaching victories • 366 victories at UAB • Led UAB to NCAA Sweet 16 in 1981 and Elite Eight appearance in 1982 • Voted by the Birmingham News as one of the top-10 influential figures in Alabama sports over the past century

UAB At A Glance UAB is a young, dynamic university that has, over four decades, won international renown for its leading-edge research, medical care and academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Home to more than 17,500 students and 2,000 faculty members, UAB impacts every facet of the Birmingham community, improving the lives of residents through innovative health care, education, and active service and engagement. On a campus encompassing 86 city blocks, breakthroughs are made daily in the arts and sciences, business, dentistry, education, engineering, health professions, medicine, nursing, optometry and public health.

Bharat Soni, one of America’s top computing experts and a UAB engineering professor, has created a high-performance virtual reality lab on campus. In more than 80 interdisciplinary research centers all over campus, faculty and students are pushing the envelope in science and medicine, developing new treatments and cures for conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer’s to heart disease. UAB’s physicianresearchers, and the facilities in which they work, are recognized as among the best in the nation. UAB’s impact on its community and state is tremendous, and is seen not only in improved education and health care, but in a stronger economy. As Alabama’s largest single employer, UAB has some 18,000 employees and is responsible for more than 61,000 jobs statewide (that’s one of every 33 jobs), and has an annual economic impact of $4.6 billion. One of every 25 dollars in the state’s budget is generated by UAB.

A University Forging the Future • UAB has seen record overall enrollment for three consecutive years. In fall 2011, UAB welcomed 17,575 students and its largest freshman class ever (over 1,600), with two-thirds of those freshmen living on campus. • Forbes lists UAB among the top 20% of all U.S. undergraduate institutions and The Princeton Review has ranked the university in the top 10 nationally for student diversity for three consecutive years (currently 5th).

UAB enriches Birmingham’s cultural landscape through a diversity of people and activities such as athletics, performing arts, theatre, social service, and much more.

• An exciting nexus of the sciences, business and education, and the arts and humanities, UAB is forging the ideas and technologies of tomorrow with intensely collaborative research and scholarship. It’s where creativity and innovation are campus traditions—and where successful futures begin.

2004 Blazer Football

www.uab.edu

Top-Quality Health

Care

• UAB Hospital is the largest in the state and among the largest and most complex in the nation (1,146 beds), and the only Alabama hospital listed for 22 straight years in the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” issue, which lists only 3 percent of hospitals nationwide. In the current issue, UAB has six medical specialties in the top 25. • UAB is the largest academic medical center in Alabama and one of the top four largest academic medical centers in the United States, treating 1,187,230 patients last year. • UAB provides vital resources and services that are offered nowhere else in Alabama, such as an adult level 1 trauma center, a burn center, and a Level III (highest level) regional neonatal intensive care unit. • UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center was one of the nation’s first such centers designated by the National Cancer Institute and remains the only one in Alabama and a six-state region. • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has designated UAB as one of only six Diabetes Research and Training Centers in the country, putting the university at the forefront in development of new methods to treat, prevent and, ultimately, cure diabetes.

• The UAB School of Health Professions provides advanced opportunities and is one of the largest schools of its type in the nation, with 21 innovative programs at the baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degree levels within six departments: Critical Care, Diagnostic and Therapeautic Sciences; Health Services Administration; Nutrition Sciences; Occupational Therapy; and Physical Therapy. U.S. News & World Report ranks several SHP programs among the nation’s top 25. • UAB Kirklin Clinic is a state-of-the-art, full-service clinic that furnishes a full range of adult outpatient care. Housing more than 25 specialties and more than 700 specialists under one roof, UAB Kirklin Clinic conveniently provides in-house diagnostic testing, surgery services, a pharmacy and educational seminars. • Several graduate programs at UAB have been recognized for excellence nationally. In the most recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report of graduate programs, the School of Nursing ranks 26th overall, with the School of Medicine being 27th and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics 58th. Individual programs also have been cited, with the AIDS program within the School of Medicine ranked 5th and the School of Health Profession’s health administration program ranked 7th.

A Leading-Edge Research • UAB is ranked 31st nationally for federal research and development funding, attracting over $460 million in 2010, and is 21st in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). • UAB is among a handful of universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation for both “high research activity” and “community engagement,” which suggests how effectively the university harnesses that research to benefit the community—in terms of the economy, education, better health, and quality of life. • Recent breakthroughs include a novel bio-coating for cardiac stents that significantly reduces the need for follow-up surgery; using remote satellite imaging to discover ancient ruins in Egypt, featured in a recent BBC documentary; a new collaboration with HudsonAlpha (Huntsville) investigating the genetic roots of Parkinson’s disease; the opening the Materials Processing and Application Development (MPAD) facility, the largest academic research facility of its kind in the nation, offering the rare capability of developing both metals and composites under one roof.

Enterprise

• Innovation Depot, in which UAB is a founding partner, was recently named the Top High-Tech Business Incubator in the nation by the National Business Incubation Association. As the largest incubator in the Southeast, the Depot was responsible for 75 tenant companies and $274 million in sales impact in 2010 (and $1.4 billion in sales impact over the past five years). • Physician-researchers are at the top of their fields, serving as editors-in-chief of 25 peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, and in high-level national posts—UAB faculty are currently serving as President of the American Cancer Society and President-elect of the American Heart Association, and an alumna, Dr. Regina Benjamin, is U.S. Surgeon General.

• UAB is one of only two academic institutions available nationwide receiving requests for Crew Robotics and Vehicle Equipment (CRAVE) for NASA’s International Space Station, space shuttles, and beyond. Lee Moradi, CRAVE program manager in the Center for Biophysical Science and Engineering, says UAB will design, test, and manufacture high-precision research instruments and thermal carriers, he also foresees additional work to develop extravehicular activity and robotics equipment, crew health and conditioning systems, and environmental control and life-support technology.

Challenging, Distinctive

Academic Programs

• UAB offers one-of-a-kind programs, such as the only undergraduate biomedical engineering degree, the only industrial distribution degree in the Southeast, and one of only four forensic accounting and IT concentrations in the nation. • UAB also offers unrivaled research and scholarship opportunities for students at all levels, ranking 1st among all public universities in federal research funding per incoming freshman. Of the 138 undergraduates enrolled in the Science and Technology Honors Program (part of the acclaimed UAB Honors Academy) in 2010-11, 35 were published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. • In the U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate programs, UAB has 13 programs in the top 25 and five in the top 10: Master’s in health administration, 5th; School of Medicine’s AIDS program, 6th; Medicine’s primary care, 10th; nurse practitioner (adult), 10th; nursing service administration, 10th. • The Scientist ranked UAB 22nd nationally (and 6th among public universities) in its “Best Places to Work as a Postdoctoral Fellow” issue. • UAB’s Alys Stephens Center is celebrating its 15th anniversary as Birmingham’s “home for the performing arts,” housing a 1,330-seat concert hall, intimate recital hall and state-of-the-art theatres. With 24 Steinway pianos in its music department, UAB is Alabama’s first “AllSteinway School” and one of only 125 in the world. • The School of Nursing is designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for International Nursing, one of only 10 such centers in the U.S. and 45 in the world.

Athletic Achievements

• Former UAB men’s golfer Graeme McDowell (right) won the U.S. Open in 2010. At UAB, he was the nation’s No. 1-ranked collegiate golfer in 2002. • In 33 seasons of competition, the Blazer men’s basketball team has enjoyed 29 winning seasons, has made 25 trips to postseason tournaments (14 NCAA, 11 NIT), and has won eight conference championships. With the 2011 NCAA berth, the Blazers have reached postseason play in eight of the past nine years (4 NCAA, 4 NIT). UAB advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2004, knocking off tournament No. 1 seed Kentucky in the second round.

• Just in the past three years, UAB students earned 8 Goldwater Scholarships, 7 Fulbright scholarships, 3 Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships and an NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholarship (one of only 15 in the nation).

• The men’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA Championships for the fifth time overall in 2006. The team won the 1999 C-USA Championship and advanced to the NCAA Final 8. • The UAB women’s soccer team has won the C-USA Tournament title twice (2004 and 2006), earning NCAA trips both years. In 2003, the UAB women captured the C-USA regular season title.

• The UAB softball team made its first NCAA tournament appearance in 2010 and made a return trip in 2011. The Blazers defeated Florida State in the first round of the 2011 Athens Regional for their first ever NCAA tourney win.

• The Blazers field 18 intercollegiate teams as a Division I member of the NCAA and a founding member of Conference USA.

• The Blazer volleyball team has made two NCAA tournament appearances in the past five years (2006 and 2008). The program earned its first NCAA tournament victory in 2008 with a first-round win over Missouri State.

• Vonetta Flowers, a former UAB track & field AllAmerican, made history in February of 2002 when she won a Gold Medal at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Flowers became the first Winter Olympics Gold Medalist ever from Alabama when she teamed with Jill Bakken to capture the two-woman bobsled competition.

• Blazer football earned its first postseason bowl appearance with a berth in the 2004 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. The Blazers have finished as Conference USA runner-up three times since they became a football-playing member of the league.

www.uabsports.com

Sports Medicine

The Sports Medicine staff provides for all 17 varsity teams and 350 University of Alabama at Birmingham student-athletes with high quality health care. Student-athletes have access to the leading sports medicine and health care professionals. The Sports Medicine staff consists of team physicians, dentists, athletic trainers and a sports nutritionist. The daily care, prevention, evaluation and treatment of injuries is supervised by a staff of seven full-time and five graduate assistants that have been certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and licensed by the state of Alabama.

Dr. Brenda Baumann Team Physician

cialists among the best in America. The Medical Director of UAB Sports Medicine is Dr. William Garth, an orthopedic surgeon. He is responsible for all services provided to student-athletes. General medical care is provided by Dr. Brenda Baumann and Dr. Marshall Crowther.

The Sports Medicine program is under the direction of Mike Jones; his full-time athletic trainers are Melissa Adams, Laurie Fincher, Bryan Koch, Gerald Mickler, Greg Mytyk and Jennifer Wallace. Graduate assistant trainers Seong Choi, Matt Fisher, Betsy Ostrowski, Ryan Richardson, Daniel Springer and Dani Stephenson complete the staff. Team physicians are affiliated with the acclaimed UAB Health System, health professional school and the UAB Sports Medicine. U.S. News & World Report and other national publications consistently rank UABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative programs and expert spe-

Dr. William Garth Team Physician

Dr. Marshall Crowther Team Physician

2011 UAB Volleyball

In the fall of 2008, the Wallace Building Athletic Training Room opened. The 9,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility offers the finest therapeutic modalities and rehabilitative equipment. It has an extensive collection of therapeutic and rehabilitation equipment including a BTE isokinetic testing machine and hydrotherapy tanks. The Wet Room features two free standing dual-tank consoles that offer whole-body and extremity immersion in either warm or cold hydrotherapy. UAB has the largest dual-tank console that has a stainless steel tank with a capacity of 1,450 gallons of water and can accommodate up to 25 football student-athletes at a time. In addition to the Wallace Building Facility, auxiliary athletic training rooms are located in Bartow Arena and in Young Memorial Field.

Mike Jones Assistant AD Athletic Training

Bryan Koch Associate Athletic Trainer

In the fall semester, 2008, the Wallace Building Athletic Training Room opened its doors. UAB student-athletes began enjoying a brand-new, state of the art athletic training facility. The new 9,000 square foot center allows the athletic training staff to work more efficiently and gives the student-athletes a much more comfortable facility.

Melissa Adams Assistant Athletic Trainer

Laurie Fincher Assistant Athletic Trainer

Gerald Mickler Assistant Athletic Trainer

2011 UAB Volleyball

Greg Mytyk Assistant Athletic Trainer

Jen Wallace Assistant Athletic Trainer

Academics

ssociate Athletic Director for Student Services Danez M. Marrable oversees a staff of eight full-time advisors, a learning specialist, reading and writing specialist and five assistants in the Don M. & Marsha Hoke Hire StudentAthlete Academic Center. Their mission is to provide the highest quality of academic support, counseling and guidance to UAB student-athletes by promoting academic excellence, self-responsibility, personal and professional growth.

2010-11 C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll (Student-athletes achieving cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better) Daniela Cavallo Rachel Fairbanks Kirsten Gallagher Becca Howard Andrea Lalic

class schedules, keeping in mind academic standing, practice, travel and competition schedules. In addition, athletic advisors regularly review the performance and class attendance of all student-athletes to help them keep on pace toward graduation.

In addition, the Life Skills program is run through this office. This NCAA program centers around the five commitments (academics, athletics, personal development, career development and community service) and was created to support the student-athlete development initiatives and enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the context of higher education.

Academic Center. Under the direction of athletics director Brian Mackin, and with a generous donation from Don M. & Marsha Hoke Hire, UAB was able to completely renovate the academic center and provide first-class facilities to the Blazers’ student-athletes. Sitting in the middle of UAB’s athletic complexes, including Bartow Arena and the football practice facilities, the Hoke Hire Student-Athlete Academic Center serves as the home for overseeing the educational development and progress toward graduation for all student-athletes.

Savannah Pegg Marrable and her staff act as a liaison between the Sam Serley Finally, the student-athlete, coaches Studentand UAB’s academic Ally Slaughter Athlete communities and ensures Advithat student-athletes Thais Soares s o r y comply with academic Comrules established by the Heather Thomas mittee university, the NCAA ( S A AC ) and Conference USA. Michelle Uzoh is advised The staff also coordithrough nates academic programs the studesigned to assist the stuAlison Woods dent serdent-athletes in acquiring vices offica quality education as well as programs to promote personal and career es. This group, the ‘voice’ of the student-athletes, is development. composed of representaUAB’s Student Services program wants to make tives from each team. At certain that student-athletes succeed to their UAB, this group works highest academic ability. Inherent in the pro- to promote UAB athletgram is the philosophy that student-athletes ics, organizes community take responsibility for their own growth and service efforts, provides development while receiving maximum support. administration with the voice The academic unit’s goals are to prepare student- of the student-athletes and works athletes for viable careers, to assist them in secur- to ensure student-athlete welfare and success in the Birmingham community. ing degrees and to produce responsible citizens. The athletic advisors, in conjunction with specific major advisors, work with student-athletes on a regular basis on necessary requirements for their chosen degree. The advisors also help plan

Danez Marrable Associate AD for Student Services

UAB’s commitment to academic excellence got a boost in the summer of 2008 with the completion of the Don M. & Marsha Hoke Hire Student-Athlete

Drew Barnette Academic Advisor

Sidney Ball Academic Advisor

(L-R) Marsha and Don Hire, Mr. Charles J. Hoke and UAB Athletics Director Brian Mackin cut the ribbon on the new Academic Center in 2008.

Mary Kathryn Borland Academic Advisor

2011 UAB Volleyball

Greg Green Coordinator of Football Academics

Christina Harris Academic Advisor

Don M. & Marsha Hoke Hire Student-Athlete Academic Center • Completed in the Summer of 2008 • Houses a director, a learning specialist, sevenfull-time advisors and five assistants • More than 50 tutors and mentors • Over 40 computers available for student use • Computer lab for general student use • Learning lab • Laptops for student-athlete checkout • Mentor meeting room Spring 2011 graduates (L-R): Jordan McDonald, Andrea Lalic, Savannah Pegg

• Nine small group and one-on-one tutor rooms • Five large group study areas • Staff conference room • Tutor/mentor resource library

UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith with members of the 2008-09 C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Wayne Hamberger Learning Specialist

Charlie Hogan Academic Advisor

Sharon Johnson Academic Advisor

Josh Watson Academic Advisor

2011 UAB Volleyball

Peggy Weiss Learning Specialist

AB’s Strength and Conditioning program, the Blazers’ staff and student-athletes can now boast of having one of the finest facilities around. The new center opened in January of 2008 and houses a 10,000 square-foot weight room that features more than 40,000 pounds of free weights. Strength and conditioning coach Stacey Torman and her staff work with members of the Blazer volleyball team to develop training programs and enhance each athlete’s performance.

Torman has more than 20 years experience in the area of strength and conditioning at UAB and has produced three NSCA All-Americans. Torman’s work is instrumental in the team’s fitness level and preparation for the season. Torman and the Blazers moved into their new strength and conditioning area in Bell Gymnasium, more than tripling the size of the area they had utilized previously in Bartow Arena. The bright and spacious weight room area includes state-of-the-art equipment for

weight training, stretching and conditioning workouts. Torman and the staff use a variety of techniques to assist the Blazers in achieving maximum performance and potential. With a heavy emphasis on Olympic style weightlifting, the program concentrates on speed, power, and strength.

Strength & Conditioning

Stacey Torman

Volleyball Strength & Conditioning Coach

2011 UAB Volleyball

he state-of-the-art, $25 million Campus Recreation Center has covered all the bases. It boasts 18,000 square feet of weight and fitness space outfitted with all-new equiptment and a one-eighth-mile oval running track that juts out of the building, curving toward University Boulevard and 15th Street South to provide panoramic views of the campus. And just to make sure no one gets bored, planners added a five-story, rock-climbing wall. The facility features four basketball courts, five racquetball courts, one of which converts to a squash court and a multi-purpose court that can be used for indoor soccer, volleyball, floor hockey or badminton. There are also four aerobic rooms and a swimming pool with four lap lanes and leisure and physical rehabilitation areas. The handicap-accessible pool has many special features. A continuous current in the “lazy river” carries swimmers around the outer edge of the pool in inner tubes – the ride ends under a waterfall – or individuals can walk against the flow as a part of a physical rehabilitation program. For more intense resistance training, center members can use the “vortex,” a circular area within the pool with forceful water jets.

One of the four aerobics rooms is dedicated to spinning; the others host Pilates, general aerobics, yoga, step, and kickboxing classes along with other specialty offerings. The facility also includes the Kids Zone, a supervised area – equipped with toys, books, and movies – where parents can drop off children while they work out. The center also has

a juice bar, wireless internet access, and an Outdoor Pursuits Center that rents camping gear and leads backpacking, rafting, and skiing trips to desitnations around the United States. The first floor houses a wellness center that coordinates with UAB groups to offer nutritional counseling, body-fat measurements, personal training, and general fitness assessments.

Campus

Recreation Center

2011 UAB Football

Birmingham The Magic City

The statue of Vulcan — Roman God of Fire and Iron — is the symbol of the city of Birmingham.

ith a population of more than 230,000 (more than one million in the metropolitan area), Birmingham has a strong, diverse, service-oriented economy and is recognized as a Southeast leader. Founded shortly after the Civil War, Birmingham rapidly became known as “The Magic City” because of its phenomenal

rate of industrial growth in its beginning. Its mountainous strata and forest surrounding the city are rich with ore deposits, and it was that natural wealth that quickly transformed young Birmingham into a bustling steel metropolis. Today, Birmingham continues to earn the distinction, “The Magic City,” but this tribute is due to the city’s economic competitiveness, technological advancements and quality of life — offerings which are sought after by professionals with an eye toward the future. Birmingham has been recognized as one of America’s “Most Livable Cities” by the U.S. Conference of Mayors — as recently as 1993. Birmingham’s strategic location and diverse economy position the city as one of tremendous opportunity and growth. Centrally located and the largest municipality in Alabama, the city is home to a number of renowned individuals who have made an impression on the nation and the world in music and entertainment, education, medicine and sports, to name a few. There is never a lack of cultural entertainment in “The Magic City”. Dozens of neighborhood and city-wide festivals, museums, parks, sports competitions and much more provide unlimited activity and amusement. Residents and visitors to Birmingham enjoy the city’s recreational and historical attractions such as the Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Botanical Gardens,

Vulcan Park, Sloss Furnaces, Southern Museum of Flight and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. Sports enthusiasts will never be at a loss for activity at the heart of the “Football Capital of the South.” UAB plays all of its home football games at historic Legion Field, which also was the site of preliminary round soccer matches at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Professional athletic teams in the area include the Class-AA Birmingham Barons (baseball). Several annual fests are held in Birmingham. The biggest is City Stages, held each spring in the downtown City Center. City Stages attracts nearly a quarter of a million people for a three-day weekend of unlimited music. All of this and more makes Birmingham “The Magic City” to residents and visitors year-round.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Museum stands as a reminder of the past and a beacon of hope for the future.

2011 UAB Volleyball

Official Volleyball of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Molten is the Official Ball of the NCAA® Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Championships NCAA® is a trademark of the National Collegiate Athletic Association