2004 NC State Volleyball Outlook

Aug. 26, 2004

The 2004 verison of Wolfpack volleyball welcomes back seven veterans, as well as seven newcomers.

The 2004 college volleyball season will bring with it two new teams to the Atlantic Coast Conference in Miami and Virginia Tech. The NC State volleyball team will also feature a new look. Seven newcomers will join the squad and two new assistant coaches will join the coaching staff of fourth-year head coach Mary Byrne. Along with her seven newcomers, Byrne returns seven letterwinners from last year, providing for a talented mixture of athleticism, confidence and determination. "A component that we have not had in the past years, but I think will be a strong asset for us in 2004 is that of strong court leadership," Byrne says. "I think we have players that are ready to step up and take control of the future of our program. The attitudes, commitment level and confidence are so much stronger." "We will have to work very hard in the preseason to establish a chemistry with all of the new players. I think our schedule will allow us to utilize many players in the non-conference season, and help prepare us for the tough ACC schedule. The most important aspect of our team is going to be having a solid leadership and having players step up during crunch time. We were close in so many first games last year, but this year we need to close that first game out. and push on from there. I believe we have a team that can step up and get that accomplished this season." Middle Blocker
Part of the new look the Wolfpack will offer in 2004 will be some new faces at middle blocker. Highlighting the position will be junior Adeola Kosoko, who stepped into the role out of necessity during the 2003 season due to injuries. Kosoko finished third on the team in kills with 148, while also notching 112 digs and 68 total blocks in 2003. Joining Kosoko will be junior Stefani Eddins, a transfer from North Carolina A&T. Dubbed extremely athletic and competitive by the coaching staff, Eddins was a second team All-MEAC selection last season, while leading the Aggies in kills (375), hitting percentage (.337) and total blocks (125). "Adeola Kosoko has emerged to be a starting middle blocker for us," Byrne says. "Adeola was a natural from the beginning, as she is extremely quick and her approach touch is 10-foot, three inches. Her spring training has raised her level another notch and has put her time in her summer training. As a captain, she also has emerged as a leader for us." "Joining Adeola will be a four-year transfer from North Carolina A&T, Stefani Eddins. Stefani brings both experience and athletic ability, and is extremely competitive and very confident in her game. I don't think we stopped Stefani one time when we played A&T last season. I am very excited that she has joined the Wolfpack, and I think Adeola and Stefani will compliment each other very well." Adding depth behind Kosoko and Eddins will be senior Sarah Ensminger and freshman Ashley Wallace. "Others that will help out in the middle are Sarah Ensminger and Ashley Wallace," Byrne says. "Sarah will be primary playing the rightside due to a shoulder injury, but if needed, could also see some action in the middle. Ashley has great club experience, playing for Toledo volleyball club, and I think she will make the transition to the college game quickly. She will have two great middles to learn from." Outside Hitter
A familiar face returns at outside hitter in senior Melanie Rowe. Known for her determination, Rowe finished fourth on the team in kills with 139 a year ago. She also exhibited versatility by playing along the back row, tallying 150 digs. Having a strong year last season, junior Casey Wyatt will also see time at outside hitter. At 6-1, Wyatt adds height and athleticism to NC State's frontcourt. Wyatt came on strong toward the end of last season, recording 93 kills and 104 digs, to go with 25 total blocks. Byrne will also look to freshmen Emily Bertrand and Kelly Higgins for added depth. "Melanie is pushing herself very hard to be a dominant force for us on the outside this season," Byrne says. "She has all the skills necessary to be a strong player in the ACC this season. Casey Wyatt will be the other veteran player at the outside position, while other players to watch include freshmen Emily Bertrand and Kelly Higgins." Right Side
Vying for the starting role at right side will be Ensminger, along with juniors Amy Cochran and Kayla Ragan. Ensminger and Cochran, both six-footers, will provide added height for the Wolfpack. Seeing action in 90 games last season, Ensminger finished second on the team with a .233 attack percentage, while Cochran totaled 81 kills in 2003. Ragan, whom Byrne says is very sound technically, provided strong play at rightside for NC State last year, picking up 62 kills and 115 digs. "Sarah Ensminger, Amy Cochran and Kayla Ragan all return at the rightside position," Byrne says. "They all bring different strengths in that position and we're looking for solid consistent play. I think any one of them will be pushing for that starting position. It will be the most competitive position on our team this Fall. Freshman Stephanie Sims will also be training at that position. Although she lacks the game experience, at 6-2, she brings size to the rightside, which will be a great benefit in our practices." Setter
Sophomore Melissa Rabe earned significant playing time at setter as a freshman in 2003, dishing out 275 asssits. Shereturns this season, and will be joined by freshman Lauren Markowski. "Melissa Rabe played well this past spring and is much more confident in running the offense," Byrne says. "Freshman Lauren Markowski will also compete for the setter position. Lauren has strong high school experience as she helped lead her high school to back-to-back state championships. She also has solid club experience, so we will see how quickly she can adjust to the college game." Libero
The starting role at libero was left vacant after the graduation of Caroline Frede. Byrne will look to freshman Andi Bentley to fill the void, while Ragan, Rowe and Bertrand will be available to provide depth. "Andi Bentley had a great club season with the Triangle club program, including strong performances at Nationals," Byrne says. "She will be a freshman coming in that we think can fill the void we have at the libero position. Kayla, Melanie and Emily will also be available to fill this role as well."

North Carolina State University Athletics

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