Volleyball

Volleyball 2009 Season Outlook

“Team First” is the 2009 season motto for the Wilmington University Volleyball program. Returning only four starters from the 2008 team, the Wildcats have a lot of new faces and new talent. The 2009 recruiting class brings in a wealth of experience in transfer students, and adds depth to the team with freshmen. With only one senior, the Wildcats will look to younger players to step up and contribute immediately. The coaching staff has high hopes for these new additions and expects significant things from them this season.

Our lone senior is a returning member of the 2007 squad. Brittani Leathern (McKean HS/Wilmington, DE), a six-foot middle hitter has returned to the Wildcats after a year away from the game. She brings in a great deal of experience with a great block and versatile attack. Her leadership and positive attitude make her a true asset to this squad. Leathern leads by example with her hard work and dedication.

The junior class brings back familiar faces for the Wildcats, as three of the five are returning starters. Michelle Boyd (North East HS/Elkton, MD), an Academic All-CACC selection, is one of the most versatile of the bunch. She has experience on the outside and on the offside, and could fill in for a middle or setter in a pinch. Her attitude and dependability make her a huge asset to the program. Meghan Frick (James W. Robinson HS/Fairfax, VA), an Academic All-CACC honoree, is the heart and soul of the Wildcats. Her jump serve can blow teams out of the water, and she is the server the team wants to see on the line at crunch time. She is one of our most positive and productive players, and her ball control and all-around play make her one of our strongest players. Brittany O’Neill (St. Mark’s HS/Newark, DE), a libero, brings the defense to the Wildcat squad, and was a major contributor to the Wildcats’ success during the 2008 season. She can play all three defensive positions and adds a powerful serve to the game. Christina Lessard (St. Thomas More HS/Dover, DE), a setter, is ready to step up and take control of the Wildcat offense. She is one of our most vocal players whose leadership will help take the Wildcats all the way. Fabiana Scavicchio (Garnet Valley/Boothwyn, PA) will challenge the returning defensive players for a libero position.

Our sophomore class looks to add four players to the starting line-up. Sheri Hunley (Christiana HS/Newark, DE), is a 5’10” middle hitter who has a great jump and is quickly learning the speed of the college game. She worked hard in the off season to be a more dominant player. Shannon Rumple (Fallston HS/Fallston, MD), is a 5’9” setter who is both an offensive and defensive addition. She runs a great court and also adds some offensive possibilities as well. She can dominate teams with her outstanding jump serve and blocking ability. Also returning is Kim Shropshire (A.I. duPont HS/Wilmington, DE). She is an amazing defensive player and moves well on the court. Shropshire passes and serves aggressively and her experience adds to the team’s current defensive focus. She also has the potential to fill in as an outside hitter as well. Rounding out the sophomore class is transfer, Paige Norvell (St. Elizabeth’s HS/Newark, DE). As a left-handed outside and offside hitter, Paige adds some diversity to our team. She has a strong swing and serve, and will be an offensive threat for the ‘Cats.

The freshmen class brings in one new player in Kaitlyn Leonardi (St. Elizabeth’s HS/Wilmington, DE). Kaitlyn is an outside hitter, and we will be looking for her to challenge our returning players for a spot on the floor. She moves well on the floor and is a strong passer.

Overall, there is a real sense of a team at Wilmington. The returning players worked hard in the off-season to build a true sense of togetherness. We worked to speed up the offense and challenge teams on the block. The coaching staff believes that if the squad works together, they can accomplish great things. It promises be an exciting season to watch.