Wilmington College Volleyball

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Volleyball 2007 Season Outlook

“Rebuilding and Reloading” are the words to best describe the 2007 Wilmington College volleyball team. After have a small squad in 2006 with many injuries, the Wildcats have brought in four new faces in addition to adding back a red-shirt senior. The Wildcats also return five starters with extensive experience. After a great preseason, the Wildcats are eager to get back into competition, and are very excited to be able to begin our season hosting a home tournament.

This year’s team begins with three outstanding senior captains. Returning from a red-shirt year, Julia Atkins, the 2004 CACC Player of the Year, will provide strength in the middle. She is a quick and aggressive hitter with great blocking skills. Shannon Freel will continue to dominate the Wildcat defense. After losing a month to a head injury in 2006, Shannon returns healthy and ready to play. Our offense will be led by senior setter, Cheyann Gilroy. Cheyann is an aggressive and driven athlete who looks to a host of great hitters to help in the offense.

The junior class includes two exceptional athletes. Brittani Leathern will once again be a dominant force in the middle. At 6’1”, Brittani is a blocking and hitting machine. Kristie Shropshire, a 2006 CACC All-Tournament Team member, will continue to abuse blocks and add to the defensive success of the team. At only 5’4”, Shropshire proves that you don’t have to be tall to be an offensive threat.

The sophomore class includes just one student-athlete, Katie Mason. Katie was a 2006 Player of the Week as a middle hitter. She will continue to contribute to the Wildcat success in the middle and outside hitting positions. Mason is an excellent blocker who reads and moves very well.

This year’s freshmen class is one of the best recruiting classes that Wilmington has seen in the last five years. Michelle Boyd, an outside hitter and setter from Northeast, Maryland, will be a great addition on the outside or right side. She is an all-around player with a great work ethic. Kate Brown, a 6’1” right side hitter from Northeast, Maryland, will add to the power of our offense. With great hand-eye co-ordination, Kate is a blocking threat to any hitter. Meghan Frick, an outside hitter from Fairfax, Virginia, is one of the most athletic and versatile players on the floor. She is a great passer and defensive player, in addition to being able to fire off a swing. Last, but not least, Brittany O’Neill, of Newark, Delaware, joins us as a defensive specialist and libero. Brittany is quick on the floor and reads hits very well. She adds to this a fantastic serve. These fine young ladies will be fun to watch as they join this year’s squad.

Returning to the Wildcat Program is fourth year Head Coach, Kim Huggins-Habbert and Assistant Coach Ross Barlow, also in his fourth season. Together they provide a wealth of knowledge and experience for the team. Also returning is second year Assistant Coach, Mandy Williams, a former member of the Wildcat volleyball team.

Overall, the Wildcats are looking forward to a great year. The squad has made the playoffs every year under coach Huggins-Habbert. This year, the Wildcats are looking for the opportunity to return to the NCAA tournament, and the attitude and determination amongst this year’s squad should go a long way in helping them achieve their goals.