The team is looking to continue the improvement from the 2010 campaign, when the Redhawks posted an 18-13 record, won the Independent Championship, put together a nine-match winning streak, and earned wins over Portland, Gonzaga, Akron, Cal State Northridge, and Eastern Washington. Seattle U also took Pac-10 schools Oregon and Oregon State as well as Wyoming, Utah State, and San Jose State to five sets.
Head coach Shannon Ellis welcomes two new additions to her coaching staff alongside herself and assistant coach Teron Uy. Katie Wilson comes to Seattle U after a five-year stint as head coach at Seattle Prep, winning the state title this past November. She will focus on the middle hitters as well as statistical and video analysis. Bil Callier took Kentwood High School to numerous state tournaments during his tenure as head coach. He will spend most of his time working with the liberos and defensive specialists.
"Both Katie and Bil bring a fresh perspective, are very knowledgeable, and are used to running the same system we do, which is perfect for us," Ellis said. "The players are already noticing a difference, especially having as many sets of eyes working together to make the team better."
The starting libero position is one that is up for grabs after the graduation of Emily Deleissegues. Megan Augustavo (Shoreline, Wash.), Lani Beadle (Seattle, Wash.), and Allie Hoskins (Colorado Springs, Colo.) have been competing for playing time since the start of individual workouts in the winter, and the competitive nature of all three players has shown since the start of full team practices.
The other position in the starting lineup that will see a change is at setter, as Jamie Mellies finished one of the best careers in Seattle U volleyball history. Jacquie Brice (Fullerton, Calif.) sat as a redshirt during the 2010 season, giving her some perspective on how a collegiate setter should respond to certain situations. Brice is now working with all of the hitters to start formulating plays and routines that will be used not only in the spring, but when the fall begins next August.
Other than graduating senior Janet Beckerman, the other hitters for Seattle U return after one of the best offensive seasons in program history. Cristin Richards (Olympia, Wash.) set numerous records last fall despite dealing with elbow and shoulder issues, but she is now at her healthiest and ready to lead the team. Karina Miastkowska (Northbrook, Ill.) is ahead of her rehabilitation schedule after suffering a knee injury in the season opener against Portland State.
"The effort is there, and this team really wants to get better. We have spent some time outlining our goals, and the desire to improve is driving us in the early morning practices," said Ellis. "We are ready to see the team play a match and see how they respond in a competitive situation. We are going to use different lineups on the floor to see how well they communicate with each other."
The spring schedule begins with a home match against Central Washington Wednesday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at the Connolly Center North Court, followed by a scrimmage this Saturday, May 7, at the University of Washington. Seattle U will head across town to Seattle Pacific next Thursday, May 12, for a 7:30 p.m. scrimmage, with the final competition of the spring coming next Friday, May 13, against Western Washington back at the Connolly Center starting at 6 p.m.
The 2011 fall schedule will be announced sometime in the next couple of weeks.