North Carolina State University Athletics
2003 NC State Volleyball Outlook
7/29/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
July 28, 2003
An experienced nucleus in place and loads of depth at all positions highlights the 2003 version of NC State volleyball. Returning 10 letterwinners, including five starters, from a year ago and adding four newcomers loaded with athleticism and potential have third-year head coach Mary Bryne and her staff excited about how competitive the Wolfpack will be in 2003.
"I'm very excited about this year's team," Bryne says. "We have many players capable of playing many positions, so I look for a highly competitive fall preseason, but also a very positive team environment. This team is highly motivated to achieve success this season. I truly believe this team will become stronger and more focused with each match we play. It will take time for a few players to adjust to new positions and build the court chemistry with the additions of new players, but that will come with match experience.
Middle Blocker
Highlighting NC State's strongest position will be juniors Sarah Ensminger and Maya Mapp. With both standing at 6-0, Ensminger and Mapp quickly became two of the Wolfpack's more versatile players in 2002. Mapp led the team with a .293 hitting percentage and 339 kills, while Ensminger added 205 kills of her own. But the frontcourt duo also came up big defensively, combining for 174 total blocks on the year. Backing Ensminger and Mapp, but certainly vying for significant playing time will be Paige Gilliam, a junior college transfer from Iowa Central. Gilliam brings experience, strength and athleticism that will be useful assets as she adds strong depth at the position.
Two more players who could possibly see action in the middle will be sophomores Adeola Kosoko and Casey Wyatt.
"The middle hitter position will be the strongest and deepest since I have been here at NC State," Byrne says. "Our most experienced middles are Sarah Ensminger and Maya Mapp. They both have played a tremendous amount their first two years here at NC State. Sarah is a strong blocker and Maya has provided offensive force. Paige Gilliam, a JC transfer, will also provide offensive force and is a very strong blocker as well. We also look to use Adeola Kosoko and Casey Wyatt in the middle as needed. They both did a fantastic job during the spring season, while both Sarah and Maya were sidelined. Sarah with mono and Maya with a head injury.
Outside Hitter
The starting role at outside hitter was left vacant after the graduation of Rebecca Anderson. Vying for the spot will be junior Melanie Rowe, Kosoko and Wyatt. Known for her excellent ball control, Rowe appears to have the edge heading into the season. Seeing some action at outside hitter last season, Rowe also emerged as a strong defensive player for the Wolfpack, totaling 183 digs in 99 games.
Having a solid first year in 2002, Kosoko, a very quick and agile player, especially came on offensively for the Wolfpack, finishing with 215 kills, second best on the team. Meanwhile, at 6-1, Wyatt adds height and athleticism to the frontcourt.
Byrne will also look to freshman Julia Reis for added depth.
"I look for Melanie Rowe to lead the way in our outside hitter position," Byrne says. "She has proved her consistency during the offseason and I look for her to have a breakout year for us. We will also utilize Adeola and Casey in this position. Both of these players add a uniqueness to the outside with their different styles of play. Julia Reis, a newcomer from Brazil, will also add consistency to this position if needed. Many of our hitters gained experience during the spring, so I'm looking for a competitive preseason to determine our L1 and L2 spots."
Right Side
The position at right side will be up for grabs between sophomores Amy Cochran, Kelly Althaus and Kayla Ragan, and senior Heather Wilson.
A dynamic player with a strong serve, Cochran began to emerge as a go-to player after the first weekend of action in 2002, but was sidelined with an ankle injury in the seventh match of the season. She returned to action around the midpoint of the season, but saw limited action through the remainder of the schedule.
Althaus, a highly competitive player with a strong work ethic, showed improvement throughout 2002 and during the offseason. Ragan and Wilson both bring important assets to the right side. Ragan possesses a strong knowledge of the game and is very sound technically, while Wilson will provide added height at 6-2.
"There will be four players vying for this position as well during the preseason," Byrne says. "Amy Cochran has the edge on the experience, but I also look for Kelly Althaus, Kayla Ragan and Heather Wilson competing for this position. Kelly showed great strength in her blocking during the offseason and was a steady player when called upon last season in different team situations. She is able to execute at game time. Kayla will be able to contribute for us offensively with her shotmaking skills and sound fundamentals of the game. Heather, a transfer who sat out last season, gives us size at the position with her height at 6-2. She will provide a solid block for us when needed and her offense also continues to improve."
Setter
Heading into the season, the starting role at setter appears to be taken by senior Crystal Shannon. Possessing both a competitive spirit and improved defensive skills, Shannon can execute well at both setter, and in the backcourt.
Challenging for time at setter will be Reis and fellow newcomer Melissa Rabe from nearby Northwest Guilford High School.
"The starting setter position will be challenged during the preseason," says Byrne. "We return Crystal Shannon, a senior, who will be competing with two newcomers for that position, Julia and Melissa Rabe. Crystal is most familiar with the offense, but both Julia and Melissa are players who I think will adjust quickly."
Libero
With the addition of the Libero last year, senior Caroline Frede quickly became a fixture at the position for the Wolfpack and appears to have the nod again this season. Counted on for her experience as a defensive player, Frede finished 2002 with the second most digs on the team with 191.
Adding depth to the backcourt will be freshman Bruna Maraccini and Reis.
"Carolina Frede brings solid experience to this position," says Byrne. "She is a very hard working defensive player, who has also added a strong passing game for us. We look for her to handle a majority of the serves for us and will also give us great digs in the backcourt. Bruna Maraccini, a newcomer from Apex, will also be training at this position. Julia also has played this position in Brazil, so she will be able to give us added depth if needed."
