Junior Outside Hitter ⢠Rachel Wolf
Junior Outside Hitter • Rachel Wolf
Table of Contents
2009 Season Preview
Season Outlook..................................... 4-5 2009 Roster...............................................6 2009 Preseason Notes...............................7 Team Picture.............................................8
The Players
Shay Gracy..............................................10 Catherine Cutbirth...................................10 Shea McBrearty......................................11 Rachel Wolf.............................................11 Kendall Hansen.......................................12 Margaret Luedecke.................................12 Jessie Hartman........................................13 Gina Galitski...........................................13 Danielle Perkins......................................14 Kelsi McLaren........................................15 Monica Hamel.........................................15 Chrisi Lee Coles......................................15 Ebony Byrd.............................................16 Erin Lynn................................................16 Morgan Wallace......................................16
The Coaches
Mary Domine Schindler............................18 Christabell Mariner...................................19 Support Staff...........................................20
2009 Opponents
TexAnn Opponents........................... 22-29 Postseason Information...........................29 2009 TexAnn Schedule...........................30
2008 Review
2008 Wrap-Up.........................................32 2008 LSC Awards...................................32 2008 Final Results..................................33 2008 Final Statistics................................34 2008 Match Leaders................................35 2008 LSC Results/Leaders......................36
History & Records
Coaching History/Results.......................38 All-Time Honors and Awards.................39 Individual Career Records......................40 Single-Season Records............................41 Team/Opponent Match Records.............42 Annual Leaders.......................................43 Jersey History..........................................44 Letterwinners..........................................45 All-Time Series Records.........................46 All-Time Series Results.................... 47-54 Year-by-Year Results........................ 55-60
Lone Star Conference
About the LSC........................................62 LSC Previous Champions.......................63 LSC Map.................................................63 LSC Records...........................................64 LSC Award Winners................................65 LSC Composite Schedule.......................66
This is Tarleton
Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio..........................68 Tarleton Administration..........................69 This is Tarleton........................................70 Tarleton Traditions..................................71 Athletics Facilities..................................72 Texan/TexAnn Weight Room..................73 A.D. Lonn Reisman................................74 Athletics Administraiton.........................75 Head Coaches..........................................76 Athletics Staff.........................................77 Compliance.............................................78 Tarleton Media Relations........................79 Media Information..................................80 Media Outlets..........................................80
CREDITS The 2009 Tarleton TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide was written, edited and designed by Tarleton Assistant Director for Athletics Media Relations, Dameon Myres, with the assistance of Athletics Media Relations Director, Joey Roberts, using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. Photography was provided by Dameon Myres, Joey Roberts, Reed Baize, Nathan Bural, Jeremy Enlow of Steelshutter Photography, and the Tarleton Athletics Media Relations archives. Special thanks to the Tarleton publications and graphic design staff. The cover features (from left to right) Rachel Wolf, Shay Gracy, Shea McBrearty and Jessie Hartman.
tarletonsports.com • 2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide
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Quick Facts/Pre-season Polls Volleyball Quick Facts Tarleton Quick Facts Location............................................... Stephenville, Texas 76402 Founded................................................................................. 1899 Enrollment............................................................................. 9,021 Nickname.........................................................................TexAnns Colors....................................................................Purple & White Affilliation.........................................................NCAA Division II Conference.................................................. Lone Star Conference Home Court..........................................Wisdom Gym South (700) President....................... Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio (Ohio State ‘73) Athletic Director.................. Lonn Reisman (Pittsburg State, ‘77) Faculty Representative......................................... Dr. Steve Crews Dept. of Athletics Phone.......................................... 254.968.9178 Dept. of Athletics Athletics Fax............................... 254.968.9674 Coaching Staff Head Coach...................... Mary Domine Schindler (Tarleton, ‘02 Record at Tarleton (years)......................................65-58 (4 years) Career Record (years)............................................65-58 (4 years) Office Phone............................................................. 254.968.9542 Assistant Coach................Christabell Mariner (Eastern N.M., 04) History First Year of Volleyball.......................................................... 1969 All-Time Record.................................................... 381-491 (.443) Division II Record.................................................. 176-297 (.372) LSC Record.............................................................. 51-131 (.280) LSC Postseason Tournament Record............................. 2-4 (.333) Last Time in LSC Tournament.................. 2008, vs. ACU, L (2-3) NCAA Postseason Record............................................. 0-0 (.000) 2008 Volleyball Information Overall Record......................................................................22-10 LSC Record................................................................... 10-3 (2nd) Starters Returning................................................................. 3/Lib Starters Lost................................................................................. 3 Letterwinners Returning.............................................................. 9 Letterwinners Lost....................................................................... 6 Athletics Media Relations Mailing Address.......................................................... Box T-0720 Stephenville, Texas 76402 Office Phone.......................................................... (254) 968-9077 Office Fax.............................................................. (254) 968-1806 Director.............................. Joey Roberts (Abilene Christian, ‘99) Assist. Director/Volleyball Contact..............Dameon Myres (Tarleton, ‘07) Office Phone........................................................... (254)968-1803 Cell Phone.............................................................. (254)413-5000 E-mail.............................................................myres@tarleton.edu Athletics Website................................... www.tarletonsports.com Tarleton on Twitter..................... www.twiiter.com/TarletonSports
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2009 Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll Rank School Points (1st-place votes) 1. West Texas A&M 524 (31) 2. Abilene Christian 478 (4) 3. Tarleton 427 (3) 4. Midwestern State 384 5. Texas Woman’s 352 6. Angelo State 349 7. Central Oklahoma 314 8. Texas A&M-Commerce 258 9. Southeastern Oklahoma 246 10. Cameron 198 11. Texas A&M-Kingsville 175 12. East Central 133 13. Southwestern Oklahoma 104 14. Eastern New Mexico 48
2009 Lone Star Conference Preseason Players of the Year Offensive - Laura Prinsen, WTAMU* Defensive - Shawna Hines, ACU# Setter - Katie Rickwartz, WTAMU^
* - 2008 Offensive Player of the Year; # - 2008 Defensive Player of the Year; ^ - 2008 Setter of the Year
2009 Bison/AVCA Preseason Poll
Rnk School (1st-place votes) Points 1 Concordia-St. Paul (36) 800 2 Cal State San Bernardino 760 3 Emporia State 710 4 Grand Valley State 692 5 West Texas A&M 671 6 Nebraska-Kearney 655 7 Minnesota Duluth 572 8 Southwest Minnesota State 549 9 Truman 530 10 Tampa 511 11 Washburn 468 12 Central Missouri 442 13 UC San Diego 411 14 California (Pa.) 394 15 West Florida 346 16 Florida Southern 293 17 Pittsburg State 269 18 Cal Poly Pomona 247 19 Nova Southeastern 213 20 Cal State L.A. 187 21 Lewis 150 22 Augustana (S.D.) 126 23 Western Washington 106 24 Western Oregon 73 25 Wayne State (Neb.) 56
2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
2008 2008 Record Finish 37-1 1 30-4 2 34-4 5 33-4 3 34-5 7 32-4 6 26-9 9 27-6 8 33-8 4 27-5 10 30-6 13 29-10 11 21-7 17 41-2 12 25-7 15 25-9 19 28-8 16 20-8 14 24-12 20 21-8 18 31-8 NR 23-11 22 21-3 21 22-3 23 23-10 25
2009 Season Outlook THE OUTLOOK The TexAnns will enter the 2009 campaign looking to build-on what it accomplished in the 2008 season. Coming off one the most successful seasons in school history, the TexAnns return four starters and nine letterwinners from a squad that went 22-10 last year. Aside from tying the school record in overall wins, the TexAnns set a school record in conference wins going 10-3 on their way to a second-place finish in the Lone Star Conference and earning the No. 2 seed in the LSC Postseason Tournament. Last season’s LSC Head Coach of the Year, Mary Domine Schindler, returns for her fifth season at the helm and she too has her sights set on taking this program above the expectations. “With the core group of girls that we have coming back, it is going to be exciting to finally see what they can do,” Schindler said. “A lot of them have waited their turn and now it’s here.” Tarleton is picked to finish third this season in the LSC Preseason Poll. With a majority of players returning along with six newcomers added to the mix., the TexAnns realize that this year is about getting better and improving on their game.
Team Information 2008 Record 22-10 overall, 10-3 LSC (2nd) 2008 LSC Championship Quarterfinals - defeated TAMUC, (30-24, 30-23, 34-32) Semifinals - lost to ACU, (30-24, 30-23, 34-32) All-LSC Honorees Returning Shay Gracy, first-team Jessie Hartman, honorable mention Shea McBrearty, honorable mention Top Returners Catherine Cutbirth (Junior, OH) Shay Gracy (Senior, MB) Jessie Hartman (Sophomore, S) Shea McBrearty (Junior, L) Rachel Wolf (Junior, OH) Starters Returning/Lost 3, plus Libero/3 Letterwinners Returning/Lost 9/6
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“We were picked to finish third, but I want our players to know that we are going to have to work hard to get there and beyond,” Schindler said. “We know that we are capable of surpassing that expectation, provided that we keep doing the small things. We have to be able to do the little things in order to be rewarded the big prize.” With the new season and the high expectations that come with it, Schindler and the TexAnns feel that this team is more than capable of accomplishing all of the goals that are set in front of them. OUTSIDE HITTERS The TexAnns, while losing some experience at the outside/right side position, return some of their main depth too. Juniors Rachel Wolf (2L, Windthorst) and Catherine Cutbirth (2L, Monahans) look to take over the roles that former All-LSC honorees, Missy Castro and Allison Hill, left behind. Wolf returns after finishing last season fifth on the team with 193 kills and a .222 hitting percentage. She tallied 70 digs, 44 blocks and 40 assists as well. “Rachel will be a bigger part part of the offense this year,” Schindler said. “She has worked a lot on her passing and will be able to stay in more matches through different rotations.”
RETURNING: Catherine Cutbirth, Jr., 5-10, Monahans Kendall Hansen, Jr., 6-0, Euless Margaret Luedecke, Jr. 5-10, Austin Rachel Wolf, Jr., 5-10, Windthorst LOST: Missy Castro (1st Team All-LSC) Allison Hill (2nd Team All-LSC) Sotaria Mariner (Freshman NEWCOMERS: Erin Lynn, (See Middle Blockers) Kelsi McLaren, Fr., 5-11, Texas City Morgan Wallace, Fr., 5-10, Spring Cutbirth finished the 2008 season with 135 kills - sixth most on the team - a .156 hitting percentage, 31 blocks, 29 digs and 25 assists. “Catherine is so versatile and she has so many weapons,” Schindler said. “She’s a little small as a middle, but she’s quick so we are working her at the right side as well.” Juniors Kendall Hansen (2L, Euless) and Margaret Luedecke (2L, Austin) return to the team to provide more depth to the outside hitter position as well. “Margaret is someone who can come into
any match, in any situation,” Schindler said. “She has been one of our most consistent players and her role will increasea lot more this season.” “Kendall will have a much larger role this year as well,” Schindler said. “She has really worked on her foot work and has come in this season more explosive. She’s also a huge block for us defensively.” Also in the mix will be junior Erin Lynn (TR, New Mexico State) and incoming freshmen Kelsi McLaren (HS, Texas City) and Morgan Wallace (HS, Spring). “Kelsi and Morgan will both push for playing time this year.” Schindler said. “They are extremely good players and fit in nicely with this team. MIDDLE BLOCKERS Shay Gracy (3L, Stephenville) returns to the team following what was presumed to be her final season in 2008. But after a heartbreaking, five-set loss to Abilene Christian in last year’s LSC Tournament Semifinal match, Gracy steps back into the middle blocker position as the only member of the team with LSC experience. She immediately regains her role as both the emotional and vocal leader of this group heading into the season.
RETURNING: Shay Gracy, Sr., 6-0, Stephenville LOST: Emily Richardson (2nd Team All-LSC) Kaley Hoover (Junior) NEWCOMER: Ebony Byrd, Fr., 5-10, Madisonville Monica Hamel, So., 6-0, Mesquite Erin Lynn, Jr., 6-2, Carlsbad, N.M. Gracy led the team last season with 108 blocks with 26 of them coming without an assist. She finished ranked fourth in the LSC averaging .94 blocks per game. She was second on the team with 267 kills and had a career-high .290 hitting percentage. “Shay is a great leader on and off the court,” Schindler said. She will be a large part of both our offense and defense and I am extremely excited to have her back.” Lynn, along with sophomore Monica Hamel (TR, San Jacinto JC) and freshman Ebony Byrd (HS, Madisonville) will provide the depth at the position. Lynn transfers to Tarleton after redshirting last season at New Mexico State. She spent the previous two seasons at Tennessee Tech where she had over 370 kills and 120 blocks. She tallied 20 aces and 97 digs as
2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
2009 Season Outlook well. “It has been a quick transition getting Erin in here for us,” Schindler said. “But, she knows the game very well and she will make an immediate impact on this team.” Hamel signed on to play at Tarleton after just one season with San Jacinto JC. The middle blocker led the squad in blocks per game with a 0.68 per game average. Both Lynn and Hamel will see significant playing time as the season goes on. “I like the experience of Monica coming out of San Jacinto, a nationally ranked junior college,” Schindler said. “She’s really quick and she can put a lot of power behind the ball offensively.” Byrd will red-shirt the 2009 season, but Schindler looks forward to her future. “Ebony has a lot of raw talent,” Schindler said. “She will do a lot for us in the future and I look for her to have four great years with us.” SETTERS Starting setter and All-LSC Honorable Mention honoree Jessie Hartman (1L, San Antonio) returns for her sophomore season with the TexAnns after compiling 737 assists (6.19/game) as a true freshman. She played in all 119 games for the TexAnns and finished the season with 44 kills, 252 digs and 27 aces in her first season on the court. Hartman was named the LSC Setter of the Week during the second week of October last year. “Jessie had an amazing year last season and I look for her to improve on that this season,” Schindler said. “She is comfortable with the offense and she has assumed the leadership role with more comfort after having a year of playing time.” RETURNING: Jessie Hartman, So., 5-8, San Antonio Danielle Perkins, Sr., 5-7, Friendswood LOST: Taylor VanHove (Freshman) NEWCOMERS: none
Returning senior Danielle Perkins (1L, Alvin CC) backs up Hartman in the 6-2 offense that the TexAnns run and will play a key role in the offense again this year after recording 439 assists in her first year as a TexAnn last season. “Danielle is a very smart palyer,” Schindler said. “She really knows the game very well. She will help this offense but she is someone that takes a lot of pride in her defense as well.”
LIBERO/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST Junior Shea McBrearty (2L, Dripping Springs) returns to anchor the libero position after having a school record-breaking season in 2008. An All-LSC Honorable Mention honoree, McBrearty set the school record with 489 digs while averaging 4.11 digs per game in 2008. The 489 total breaks the previous mark of 479 set by Kim Franklin back in 1991. In just two seasons as the primary libero, McBrearty has 820 digs for her career and will surely ascend into Tarleton’s top-five list following this season. “Shea is a fun player and likes to keep everything with a fun-filled mentality,” Schindler said. “I also like the fire she brings to the court and how she keeps that on the floor the entire match.” RETURNING: Shea McBrearty, Jr., 5-8, Dripping Springs Gina Galitski, Sr., 5-6, Amarillo LOST: none NEWCOMERS: Christi Lee Coles, Fr., 5-5, San Angelo
Backing up McBrearty will be senior Gina Galitski (1L, Frank Phillips JC). Galitski returns as Tarleton’s third senior on the roster. She saw action in a few matches last season after red-shirting in 2007. “Gina red-shirted for us a few years ago and then played some last season.” Schindler said. “She has come to find her niche with this group and she will be a tremendous role player for us in the back row.” Incoming freshman Christi Lee Coles (FR, San Angelo) is in her first season with TexAnns after playing high school volleyball at Central High School in San Angelo. Coles will red-shirt the 2009 season. “Christi will work hard to help this team and she is very motivated to be here and help us out in any capacity,” said Schindler. THE SCHEDULE The TexAnns will play in four mid-season tournaments this season, kicking off the 2009 campaign in Omaha, Neb. on Aug. 28-29 at the UNO Showcase. Tarleton will start the year off with tournament-host, NebraskaOmaha, and will follow playing Minnesota State-Mankato in a first-ever meeting. The TexAnns will conclude the tournament against Truman State and then a familiar opponent in Dallas Baptist. Tarleton will take a short break from tournament competition to open the home season with a match against Texas Wesleyan
on Sept. 2. After making the return trip home, the TexAnns travel up US-281 to play in the Midwestern State Hampton Inn-vitational. Tarleton will take on Emporia State for the first time since the 1999 season before playing Northwood (Mich.) for the first time ever. Tarleton will play Drury to begin the final day of the tournament and will then get the chance to avenge last season’s loss to Southwest Baptist in the final match. Tarleton then returns back home on Sept. 11-12 to host the TexAnn Invitational for the second straight season. The TexAnns will welcome Texas-Permian Basin, Oklahoma Panhandle State, Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-International to the tournament along with fellow LSC teams East Central, Southwestern Oklahoma and Texas Woman’s. None of the LSC teams will face each other in the tournament. The TexAnns open conference play at home against TWU on Sept. 17 and will follow-up with Texas A&M-Commerce (Sept. 19) at home before heading back onto the road with matches against Central Oklahoma (Sept. 24) and SWOSU (Sept. 26). Tarleton will make it’s final mid-season tournament appearance on Oct. 2-3 as the team travels to Topeka, Kan. to participate in the Washburn Lady Blues Fall Classic. The TexAnns will face tournament-host Washburn and Northwest Missouri State, and will take on Truman and SBU for a second time each. Tarleton will finish the regular-season with nine more LSC matches sandwiched in-between non-conference match-ups with Arkansas-Monticello (Oct. 24) on the road and a home match against St. Edward’s (Nov. 2). Tarleton’s remaining home schedule will include matches against MSU (Oct. 8), Cameron (Oct. 10), West Texas A&M (Oct. 29) and Eastern New Mexico (Oct. 31). Tarleton will play it’s toughest portion of the schedule with four consecutive road games. The TexAnns will travel to ECU (Oct. 15), Southeastern Oklahoma (Oct. 17) and Texas A&M-Kingsville (Oct. 22) before heading to Monticello, Ark. The TexAnns end the regular-season on the road as well with matches against Angelo State (Nov. 5) and Abilene Christian (Nov. 7). “I know it is a tough schedule,” Schindler said. “But, it’s only going to make us a better team and it will be more beneficial for us come regional-ranking time at the end of the season. It is all about getting better and better with each practice and each game.”
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Numerical
2009 Texann Roster No. 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18
Name Kelsi McLaren Shay Gracy Catherine Cutbirth Monica Hamel Christi Lee Coles Ebony Byrd Shea McBrearty Rachel Wolf Kendall Hansen Margaret Luedecke Jessie Hartman Gina Galitski Danielle Perkins Erin Lynn Morgan Wallace
Pos. RS MB OH MB DS MB L OH/RS OH OH S L S/DS MB/RS OH
Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-6 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-6 5-7 6-2 5-10
Year FR SR JR SO FR FR JR JR JR JR SO SR S JR FR
Hometown (Last School) Texas City (Texas City HS) Stephenville (Angelo State) Monahans (Monahans HS) Mesquite (San Jacinto JC) San Angelo (Central HS) Madisonville (Madisonville HS) Dripping Springs (Dripping Springs HS) Windthorst (Windthorst HS) Euless (Trinity HS) Austin (Bowie HS) San Antonio (Smithson Valley HS) Amarillo (Frank Phillips JC) Friendswood (Alvin CC) Carlsbad, N.M. (New Mexico State) Spring (Klein Oak HS)
Alphabetical
Head Coach: Mary Domine Schindler (5th season, Tarleton ‘02) Assistant Coach: Christabell Mariner (3rd season, Eastern New Mexico ‘04) Head Athletic Trainer: Jacob Fain (Tarleton ‘08) Graduate Assistant Trainer: Brandi Coe (Texas A&M-Commerce ‘08) Student Trainer: Kesha Barkemeyer Volleyball Contact: Dameon Myres (Tarleton ‘07)
No. 8 6 4 15 3 5 11 14 12 17 9 2 16 18 10
Name Ebony Byrd Christi Lee Coles Catherine Cutbirth Gina Galitski Shay Gracy Monica Hamel Kendall Hansen Jessie Hartman Margaret Luedecke Erin Lynn Shea McBrearty Kelsi McLaren Danielle Perkins Morgan Wallace Rachel Wolf
Pos. MB DS OH L MB MB OH S L MB/RS L RS S/DS OH OH/RS
Pronunciation Guide Galitski............................................................ guh-LITZ-kee Hamel.....................................................................HAM-uhl Luedecke........................................................ Luh-deh-KEE
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Ht. 5-10 5-6 5-10 5-6 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-2 5-8 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-10
Year FR FR JR SR SR SO JR SO JR JR JR FR SR FR JR
Hometown (Last School) Madisonville (Madisonville HS) San Angelo (Central HS) Monahans (Monahans HS) Amarillo (Frank Phillips JC) Stephenville (Angelo State) Mesquite (San Jacinto JC) Euless (Trinity HS) San Antonio (Smithson Valley HS) Austin (Bowie HS) Carlsbad, N.M. (New Mexico State) Dripping Springs (Dripping Springs HS) Texas City (Texas City HS) Houston (Alvin CC) Spring (Klein Oak HS) Windthorst (Windthorst HS)
McBrearty..................................................... MAC-breer-tee McLaren..........................................................MAC-lair-ehn
2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
2009 Preseason Notes Roster by Position
Roster Breakdown Height 6-2...............................Erin Lynn 6-0...........................Shay Gracy Monica Hamel Kendall Hansen 5-11......................Kelsi McLaren 5-10......................... Ebony Byrd Catherine Cutbirth Margaret Luedecke Morgan Wallace Rachel Wolf 5-8....................Shea McBrearty Jessie Hartman 5-5....................Danielle Perkins 5-6......................... Gina Galitski Christi Lee Coles Returning Letterwinners Three Years.............Shay Gracy
Outside Hitter Catherine Cutbirth Kendall Hansen Margaret Luedecke Erin Lynn Kelsi McLaren Morgan Wallace Rachel Wolf
Middle Blocker Ebony Byrd Shay Gracy Monica Hamel Erin Lynn
Setter Jessie Hartman Danielle Perkins
Libero Defensive Specialist Gina Galitski Christi Lee Coles Shea McBrearty
Roster by Classification Seniors (3) Juniors (6) Sophomores (2) Gina Galitski Catherine Cutbirth Monica Hamel Shay Gracy Kendall Hansen Jessie Hartman Danielle Perkins Margaret Luedecke Erin Lynn Shea McBrearty Rachel Wolf
Freshmen (4) Ebony Byrd Christi Lee Coles Kelsi McLaren Morgan Wallace
The TexAnns defeated Texas A&MCommerce, 3-0, in the first round of the 2008 LSC Tournament.
Two Years..... Catherine Cutbirth Kendall Hansen Margaret Luedecke Shea McBrearty Rachel Wolf One Year............... Gina Galitski Jessie Hartman Danielle Perkins Transfer Junior...........................Erin Lynn Sophomore..........Monica Hamel High School Freshman................ Ebony Byrd Christi Lee Coles Kelsi McLaren Morgan Wallace
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2009 Tarleton TexAnns Front Row: Mary Domine Schindler, Brandi Coe, Erin Lynn, Monica Hamel, Shay Gracy, Kendall Hansen, KesSha Barkemeyer, Christabell Mariner Second Row: Rachel Wolf, Morgan Wallace, Catherine Cutbirth, Margaret Luedecke, Kelsi McLaren, Ebony Byrd Back Row: Christi Lee Coles, Danielle Perkins, Jessie Hartman, Gina Galitski, Shea McBrearty
2009 Tarleton TexAnns
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2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
Table of Contents
2009 Season Preview
Season Outlook..................................... 4-5 2009 Roster...............................................6 2009 Preseason Notes...............................7 Team Picture.............................................8
The Players
Shay Gracy..............................................10 Catherine Cutbirth...................................10 Shea McBrearty......................................11 Rachel Wolf.............................................11 Kendall Hansen.......................................12 Margaret Luedecke.................................12 Jessie Hartman........................................13 Gina Galitski...........................................13 Danielle Perkins......................................14 Kelsi McLaren........................................15 Monica Hamel.........................................15 Chrisi Lee Coles......................................15 Ebony Byrd.............................................16 Erin Lynn................................................16 Morgan Wallace......................................16
The Coaches
Mary Domine Schindler............................18 Christabell Mariner...................................19 Support Staff...........................................20
2009 Opponents
TexAnn Opponents........................... 22-29 Postseason Information...........................29 2009 TexAnn Schedule...........................30
2008 Review
2008 Wrap-Up.........................................32 2008 LSC Awards...................................32 2008 Final Results..................................33 2008 Final Statistics................................34 2008 Match Leaders................................35 2008 LSC Results/Leaders......................36
History & Records
Coaching History/Results.......................38 All-Time Honors and Awards.................39 Individual Career Records......................40 Single-Season Records............................41 Team/Opponent Match Records.............42 Annual Leaders.......................................43 Jersey History..........................................44 Letterwinners..........................................45 All-Time Series Records.........................46 All-Time Series Results.................... 47-54 Year-by-Year Results........................ 55-60
Lone Star Conference
About the LSC........................................62 LSC Previous Champions.......................63 LSC Map.................................................63 LSC Records...........................................64 LSC Award Winners................................65 LSC Composite Schedule.......................66
This is Tarleton
Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio..........................68 Tarleton Administration..........................69 This is Tarleton........................................70 Tarleton Traditions..................................71 Athletics Facilities..................................72 Texan/TexAnn Weight Room..................73 A.D. Lonn Reisman................................74 Athletics Administraiton.........................75 Head Coaches..........................................76 Athletics Staff.........................................77 Compliance.............................................78 Tarleton Media Relations........................79 Media Information..................................80 Media Outlets..........................................80
CREDITS The 2009 Tarleton TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide was written, edited and designed by Tarleton Assistant Director for Athletics Media Relations, Dameon Myres, with the assistance of Athletics Media Relations Director, Joey Roberts, using Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop. Photography was provided by Dameon Myres, Joey Roberts, Reed Baize, Nathan Bural, Jeremy Enlow of Steelshutter Photography, and the Tarleton Athletics Media Relations archives. Special thanks to the Tarleton publications and graphic design staff. The cover features (from left to right) Rachel Wolf, Shay Gracy, Shea McBrearty and Jessie Hartman.
tarletonsports.com • 2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide
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Quick Facts/Pre-season Polls Volleyball Quick Facts Tarleton Quick Facts Location............................................... Stephenville, Texas 76402 Founded................................................................................. 1899 Enrollment............................................................................. 9,021 Nickname.........................................................................TexAnns Colors....................................................................Purple & White Affilliation.........................................................NCAA Division II Conference.................................................. Lone Star Conference Home Court..........................................Wisdom Gym South (700) President....................... Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio (Ohio State ‘73) Athletic Director.................. Lonn Reisman (Pittsburg State, ‘77) Faculty Representative......................................... Dr. Steve Crews Dept. of Athletics Phone.......................................... 254.968.9178 Dept. of Athletics Athletics Fax............................... 254.968.9674 Coaching Staff Head Coach...................... Mary Domine Schindler (Tarleton, ‘02 Record at Tarleton (years)......................................65-58 (4 years) Career Record (years)............................................65-58 (4 years) Office Phone............................................................. 254.968.9542 Assistant Coach................Christabell Mariner (Eastern N.M., 04) History First Year of Volleyball.......................................................... 1969 All-Time Record.................................................... 381-491 (.443) Division II Record.................................................. 176-297 (.372) LSC Record.............................................................. 51-131 (.280) LSC Postseason Tournament Record............................. 2-4 (.333) Last Time in LSC Tournament.................. 2008, vs. ACU, L (2-3) NCAA Postseason Record............................................. 0-0 (.000) 2008 Volleyball Information Overall Record......................................................................22-10 LSC Record................................................................... 10-3 (2nd) Starters Returning................................................................. 3/Lib Starters Lost................................................................................. 3 Letterwinners Returning.............................................................. 9 Letterwinners Lost....................................................................... 6 Athletics Media Relations Mailing Address.......................................................... Box T-0720 Stephenville, Texas 76402 Office Phone.......................................................... (254) 968-9077 Office Fax.............................................................. (254) 968-1806 Director.............................. Joey Roberts (Abilene Christian, ‘99) Assist. Director/Volleyball Contact..............Dameon Myres (Tarleton, ‘07) Office Phone........................................................... (254)968-1803 Cell Phone.............................................................. (254)413-5000 E-mail.............................................................myres@tarleton.edu Athletics Website................................... www.tarletonsports.com Tarleton on Twitter..................... www.twiiter.com/TarletonSports
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2009 Lone Star Conference Preseason Poll Rank School Points (1st-place votes) 1. West Texas A&M 524 (31) 2. Abilene Christian 478 (4) 3. Tarleton 427 (3) 4. Midwestern State 384 5. Texas Woman’s 352 6. Angelo State 349 7. Central Oklahoma 314 8. Texas A&M-Commerce 258 9. Southeastern Oklahoma 246 10. Cameron 198 11. Texas A&M-Kingsville 175 12. East Central 133 13. Southwestern Oklahoma 104 14. Eastern New Mexico 48
2009 Lone Star Conference Preseason Players of the Year Offensive - Laura Prinsen, WTAMU* Defensive - Shawna Hines, ACU# Setter - Katie Rickwartz, WTAMU^
* - 2008 Offensive Player of the Year; # - 2008 Defensive Player of the Year; ^ - 2008 Setter of the Year
2009 Bison/AVCA Preseason Poll
Rnk School (1st-place votes) Points 1 Concordia-St. Paul (36) 800 2 Cal State San Bernardino 760 3 Emporia State 710 4 Grand Valley State 692 5 West Texas A&M 671 6 Nebraska-Kearney 655 7 Minnesota Duluth 572 8 Southwest Minnesota State 549 9 Truman 530 10 Tampa 511 11 Washburn 468 12 Central Missouri 442 13 UC San Diego 411 14 California (Pa.) 394 15 West Florida 346 16 Florida Southern 293 17 Pittsburg State 269 18 Cal Poly Pomona 247 19 Nova Southeastern 213 20 Cal State L.A. 187 21 Lewis 150 22 Augustana (S.D.) 126 23 Western Washington 106 24 Western Oregon 73 25 Wayne State (Neb.) 56
2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
2008 2008 Record Finish 37-1 1 30-4 2 34-4 5 33-4 3 34-5 7 32-4 6 26-9 9 27-6 8 33-8 4 27-5 10 30-6 13 29-10 11 21-7 17 41-2 12 25-7 15 25-9 19 28-8 16 20-8 14 24-12 20 21-8 18 31-8 NR 23-11 22 21-3 21 22-3 23 23-10 25
2009 Season Outlook THE OUTLOOK The TexAnns will enter the 2009 campaign looking to build-on what it accomplished in the 2008 season. Coming off one the most successful seasons in school history, the TexAnns return four starters and nine letterwinners from a squad that went 22-10 last year. Aside from tying the school record in overall wins, the TexAnns set a school record in conference wins going 10-3 on their way to a second-place finish in the Lone Star Conference and earning the No. 2 seed in the LSC Postseason Tournament. Last season’s LSC Head Coach of the Year, Mary Domine Schindler, returns for her fifth season at the helm and she too has her sights set on taking this program above the expectations. “With the core group of girls that we have coming back, it is going to be exciting to finally see what they can do,” Schindler said. “A lot of them have waited their turn and now it’s here.” Tarleton is picked to finish third this season in the LSC Preseason Poll. With a majority of players returning along with six newcomers added to the mix., the TexAnns realize that this year is about getting better and improving on their game.
Team Information 2008 Record 22-10 overall, 10-3 LSC (2nd) 2008 LSC Championship Quarterfinals - defeated TAMUC, (30-24, 30-23, 34-32) Semifinals - lost to ACU, (30-24, 30-23, 34-32) All-LSC Honorees Returning Shay Gracy, first-team Jessie Hartman, honorable mention Shea McBrearty, honorable mention Top Returners Catherine Cutbirth (Junior, OH) Shay Gracy (Senior, MB) Jessie Hartman (Sophomore, S) Shea McBrearty (Junior, L) Rachel Wolf (Junior, OH) Starters Returning/Lost 3, plus Libero/3 Letterwinners Returning/Lost 9/6
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“We were picked to finish third, but I want our players to know that we are going to have to work hard to get there and beyond,” Schindler said. “We know that we are capable of surpassing that expectation, provided that we keep doing the small things. We have to be able to do the little things in order to be rewarded the big prize.” With the new season and the high expectations that come with it, Schindler and the TexAnns feel that this team is more than capable of accomplishing all of the goals that are set in front of them. OUTSIDE HITTERS The TexAnns, while losing some experience at the outside/right side position, return some of their main depth too. Juniors Rachel Wolf (2L, Windthorst) and Catherine Cutbirth (2L, Monahans) look to take over the roles that former All-LSC honorees, Missy Castro and Allison Hill, left behind. Wolf returns after finishing last season fifth on the team with 193 kills and a .222 hitting percentage. She tallied 70 digs, 44 blocks and 40 assists as well. “Rachel will be a bigger part part of the offense this year,” Schindler said. “She has worked a lot on her passing and will be able to stay in more matches through different rotations.”
RETURNING: Catherine Cutbirth, Jr., 5-10, Monahans Kendall Hansen, Jr., 6-0, Euless Margaret Luedecke, Jr. 5-10, Austin Rachel Wolf, Jr., 5-10, Windthorst LOST: Missy Castro (1st Team All-LSC) Allison Hill (2nd Team All-LSC) Sotaria Mariner (Freshman NEWCOMERS: Erin Lynn, (See Middle Blockers) Kelsi McLaren, Fr., 5-11, Texas City Morgan Wallace, Fr., 5-10, Spring Cutbirth finished the 2008 season with 135 kills - sixth most on the team - a .156 hitting percentage, 31 blocks, 29 digs and 25 assists. “Catherine is so versatile and she has so many weapons,” Schindler said. “She’s a little small as a middle, but she’s quick so we are working her at the right side as well.” Juniors Kendall Hansen (2L, Euless) and Margaret Luedecke (2L, Austin) return to the team to provide more depth to the outside hitter position as well. “Margaret is someone who can come into
any match, in any situation,” Schindler said. “She has been one of our most consistent players and her role will increasea lot more this season.” “Kendall will have a much larger role this year as well,” Schindler said. “She has really worked on her foot work and has come in this season more explosive. She’s also a huge block for us defensively.” Also in the mix will be junior Erin Lynn (TR, New Mexico State) and incoming freshmen Kelsi McLaren (HS, Texas City) and Morgan Wallace (HS, Spring). “Kelsi and Morgan will both push for playing time this year.” Schindler said. “They are extremely good players and fit in nicely with this team. MIDDLE BLOCKERS Shay Gracy (3L, Stephenville) returns to the team following what was presumed to be her final season in 2008. But after a heartbreaking, five-set loss to Abilene Christian in last year’s LSC Tournament Semifinal match, Gracy steps back into the middle blocker position as the only member of the team with LSC experience. She immediately regains her role as both the emotional and vocal leader of this group heading into the season.
RETURNING: Shay Gracy, Sr., 6-0, Stephenville LOST: Emily Richardson (2nd Team All-LSC) Kaley Hoover (Junior) NEWCOMER: Ebony Byrd, Fr., 5-10, Madisonville Monica Hamel, So., 6-0, Mesquite Erin Lynn, Jr., 6-2, Carlsbad, N.M. Gracy led the team last season with 108 blocks with 26 of them coming without an assist. She finished ranked fourth in the LSC averaging .94 blocks per game. She was second on the team with 267 kills and had a career-high .290 hitting percentage. “Shay is a great leader on and off the court,” Schindler said. She will be a large part of both our offense and defense and I am extremely excited to have her back.” Lynn, along with sophomore Monica Hamel (TR, San Jacinto JC) and freshman Ebony Byrd (HS, Madisonville) will provide the depth at the position. Lynn transfers to Tarleton after redshirting last season at New Mexico State. She spent the previous two seasons at Tennessee Tech where she had over 370 kills and 120 blocks. She tallied 20 aces and 97 digs as
2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
2009 Season Outlook well. “It has been a quick transition getting Erin in here for us,” Schindler said. “But, she knows the game very well and she will make an immediate impact on this team.” Hamel signed on to play at Tarleton after just one season with San Jacinto JC. The middle blocker led the squad in blocks per game with a 0.68 per game average. Both Lynn and Hamel will see significant playing time as the season goes on. “I like the experience of Monica coming out of San Jacinto, a nationally ranked junior college,” Schindler said. “She’s really quick and she can put a lot of power behind the ball offensively.” Byrd will red-shirt the 2009 season, but Schindler looks forward to her future. “Ebony has a lot of raw talent,” Schindler said. “She will do a lot for us in the future and I look for her to have four great years with us.” SETTERS Starting setter and All-LSC Honorable Mention honoree Jessie Hartman (1L, San Antonio) returns for her sophomore season with the TexAnns after compiling 737 assists (6.19/game) as a true freshman. She played in all 119 games for the TexAnns and finished the season with 44 kills, 252 digs and 27 aces in her first season on the court. Hartman was named the LSC Setter of the Week during the second week of October last year. “Jessie had an amazing year last season and I look for her to improve on that this season,” Schindler said. “She is comfortable with the offense and she has assumed the leadership role with more comfort after having a year of playing time.” RETURNING: Jessie Hartman, So., 5-8, San Antonio Danielle Perkins, Sr., 5-7, Friendswood LOST: Taylor VanHove (Freshman) NEWCOMERS: none
Returning senior Danielle Perkins (1L, Alvin CC) backs up Hartman in the 6-2 offense that the TexAnns run and will play a key role in the offense again this year after recording 439 assists in her first year as a TexAnn last season. “Danielle is a very smart palyer,” Schindler said. “She really knows the game very well. She will help this offense but she is someone that takes a lot of pride in her defense as well.”
LIBERO/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST Junior Shea McBrearty (2L, Dripping Springs) returns to anchor the libero position after having a school record-breaking season in 2008. An All-LSC Honorable Mention honoree, McBrearty set the school record with 489 digs while averaging 4.11 digs per game in 2008. The 489 total breaks the previous mark of 479 set by Kim Franklin back in 1991. In just two seasons as the primary libero, McBrearty has 820 digs for her career and will surely ascend into Tarleton’s top-five list following this season. “Shea is a fun player and likes to keep everything with a fun-filled mentality,” Schindler said. “I also like the fire she brings to the court and how she keeps that on the floor the entire match.” RETURNING: Shea McBrearty, Jr., 5-8, Dripping Springs Gina Galitski, Sr., 5-6, Amarillo LOST: none NEWCOMERS: Christi Lee Coles, Fr., 5-5, San Angelo
Backing up McBrearty will be senior Gina Galitski (1L, Frank Phillips JC). Galitski returns as Tarleton’s third senior on the roster. She saw action in a few matches last season after red-shirting in 2007. “Gina red-shirted for us a few years ago and then played some last season.” Schindler said. “She has come to find her niche with this group and she will be a tremendous role player for us in the back row.” Incoming freshman Christi Lee Coles (FR, San Angelo) is in her first season with TexAnns after playing high school volleyball at Central High School in San Angelo. Coles will red-shirt the 2009 season. “Christi will work hard to help this team and she is very motivated to be here and help us out in any capacity,” said Schindler. THE SCHEDULE The TexAnns will play in four mid-season tournaments this season, kicking off the 2009 campaign in Omaha, Neb. on Aug. 28-29 at the UNO Showcase. Tarleton will start the year off with tournament-host, NebraskaOmaha, and will follow playing Minnesota State-Mankato in a first-ever meeting. The TexAnns will conclude the tournament against Truman State and then a familiar opponent in Dallas Baptist. Tarleton will take a short break from tournament competition to open the home season with a match against Texas Wesleyan
on Sept. 2. After making the return trip home, the TexAnns travel up US-281 to play in the Midwestern State Hampton Inn-vitational. Tarleton will take on Emporia State for the first time since the 1999 season before playing Northwood (Mich.) for the first time ever. Tarleton will play Drury to begin the final day of the tournament and will then get the chance to avenge last season’s loss to Southwest Baptist in the final match. Tarleton then returns back home on Sept. 11-12 to host the TexAnn Invitational for the second straight season. The TexAnns will welcome Texas-Permian Basin, Oklahoma Panhandle State, Incarnate Word and Texas A&M-International to the tournament along with fellow LSC teams East Central, Southwestern Oklahoma and Texas Woman’s. None of the LSC teams will face each other in the tournament. The TexAnns open conference play at home against TWU on Sept. 17 and will follow-up with Texas A&M-Commerce (Sept. 19) at home before heading back onto the road with matches against Central Oklahoma (Sept. 24) and SWOSU (Sept. 26). Tarleton will make it’s final mid-season tournament appearance on Oct. 2-3 as the team travels to Topeka, Kan. to participate in the Washburn Lady Blues Fall Classic. The TexAnns will face tournament-host Washburn and Northwest Missouri State, and will take on Truman and SBU for a second time each. Tarleton will finish the regular-season with nine more LSC matches sandwiched in-between non-conference match-ups with Arkansas-Monticello (Oct. 24) on the road and a home match against St. Edward’s (Nov. 2). Tarleton’s remaining home schedule will include matches against MSU (Oct. 8), Cameron (Oct. 10), West Texas A&M (Oct. 29) and Eastern New Mexico (Oct. 31). Tarleton will play it’s toughest portion of the schedule with four consecutive road games. The TexAnns will travel to ECU (Oct. 15), Southeastern Oklahoma (Oct. 17) and Texas A&M-Kingsville (Oct. 22) before heading to Monticello, Ark. The TexAnns end the regular-season on the road as well with matches against Angelo State (Nov. 5) and Abilene Christian (Nov. 7). “I know it is a tough schedule,” Schindler said. “But, it’s only going to make us a better team and it will be more beneficial for us come regional-ranking time at the end of the season. It is all about getting better and better with each practice and each game.”
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Numerical
2009 Texann Roster No. 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18
Name Kelsi McLaren Shay Gracy Catherine Cutbirth Monica Hamel Christi Lee Coles Ebony Byrd Shea McBrearty Rachel Wolf Kendall Hansen Margaret Luedecke Jessie Hartman Gina Galitski Danielle Perkins Erin Lynn Morgan Wallace
Pos. RS MB OH MB DS MB L OH/RS OH OH S L S/DS MB/RS OH
Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-0 5-6 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-6 5-7 6-2 5-10
Year FR SR JR SO FR FR JR JR JR JR SO SR S JR FR
Hometown (Last School) Texas City (Texas City HS) Stephenville (Angelo State) Monahans (Monahans HS) Mesquite (San Jacinto JC) San Angelo (Central HS) Madisonville (Madisonville HS) Dripping Springs (Dripping Springs HS) Windthorst (Windthorst HS) Euless (Trinity HS) Austin (Bowie HS) San Antonio (Smithson Valley HS) Amarillo (Frank Phillips JC) Friendswood (Alvin CC) Carlsbad, N.M. (New Mexico State) Spring (Klein Oak HS)
Alphabetical
Head Coach: Mary Domine Schindler (5th season, Tarleton ‘02) Assistant Coach: Christabell Mariner (3rd season, Eastern New Mexico ‘04) Head Athletic Trainer: Jacob Fain (Tarleton ‘08) Graduate Assistant Trainer: Brandi Coe (Texas A&M-Commerce ‘08) Student Trainer: Kesha Barkemeyer Volleyball Contact: Dameon Myres (Tarleton ‘07)
No. 8 6 4 15 3 5 11 14 12 17 9 2 16 18 10
Name Ebony Byrd Christi Lee Coles Catherine Cutbirth Gina Galitski Shay Gracy Monica Hamel Kendall Hansen Jessie Hartman Margaret Luedecke Erin Lynn Shea McBrearty Kelsi McLaren Danielle Perkins Morgan Wallace Rachel Wolf
Pos. MB DS OH L MB MB OH S L MB/RS L RS S/DS OH OH/RS
Pronunciation Guide Galitski............................................................ guh-LITZ-kee Hamel.....................................................................HAM-uhl Luedecke........................................................ Luh-deh-KEE
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Ht. 5-10 5-6 5-10 5-6 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-2 5-8 5-11 5-7 5-10 5-10
Year FR FR JR SR SR SO JR SO JR JR JR FR SR FR JR
Hometown (Last School) Madisonville (Madisonville HS) San Angelo (Central HS) Monahans (Monahans HS) Amarillo (Frank Phillips JC) Stephenville (Angelo State) Mesquite (San Jacinto JC) Euless (Trinity HS) San Antonio (Smithson Valley HS) Austin (Bowie HS) Carlsbad, N.M. (New Mexico State) Dripping Springs (Dripping Springs HS) Texas City (Texas City HS) Houston (Alvin CC) Spring (Klein Oak HS) Windthorst (Windthorst HS)
McBrearty..................................................... MAC-breer-tee McLaren..........................................................MAC-lair-ehn
2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
2009 Preseason Notes Roster by Position
Roster Breakdown Height 6-2...............................Erin Lynn 6-0...........................Shay Gracy Monica Hamel Kendall Hansen 5-11......................Kelsi McLaren 5-10......................... Ebony Byrd Catherine Cutbirth Margaret Luedecke Morgan Wallace Rachel Wolf 5-8....................Shea McBrearty Jessie Hartman 5-5....................Danielle Perkins 5-6......................... Gina Galitski Christi Lee Coles Returning Letterwinners Three Years.............Shay Gracy
Outside Hitter Catherine Cutbirth Kendall Hansen Margaret Luedecke Erin Lynn Kelsi McLaren Morgan Wallace Rachel Wolf
Middle Blocker Ebony Byrd Shay Gracy Monica Hamel Erin Lynn
Setter Jessie Hartman Danielle Perkins
Libero Defensive Specialist Gina Galitski Christi Lee Coles Shea McBrearty
Roster by Classification Seniors (3) Juniors (6) Sophomores (2) Gina Galitski Catherine Cutbirth Monica Hamel Shay Gracy Kendall Hansen Jessie Hartman Danielle Perkins Margaret Luedecke Erin Lynn Shea McBrearty Rachel Wolf
Freshmen (4) Ebony Byrd Christi Lee Coles Kelsi McLaren Morgan Wallace
The TexAnns defeated Texas A&MCommerce, 3-0, in the first round of the 2008 LSC Tournament.
Two Years..... Catherine Cutbirth Kendall Hansen Margaret Luedecke Shea McBrearty Rachel Wolf One Year............... Gina Galitski Jessie Hartman Danielle Perkins Transfer Junior...........................Erin Lynn Sophomore..........Monica Hamel High School Freshman................ Ebony Byrd Christi Lee Coles Kelsi McLaren Morgan Wallace
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2009 Tarleton TexAnns Front Row: Mary Domine Schindler, Brandi Coe, Erin Lynn, Monica Hamel, Shay Gracy, Kendall Hansen, KesSha Barkemeyer, Christabell Mariner Second Row: Rachel Wolf, Morgan Wallace, Catherine Cutbirth, Margaret Luedecke, Kelsi McLaren, Ebony Byrd Back Row: Christi Lee Coles, Danielle Perkins, Jessie Hartman, Gina Galitski, Shea McBrearty
2009 Tarleton TexAnns
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2009 TexAnn Volleyball Media Guide • tarletonsports.com
