Aug. 14, 2009
8.14.09 - The 2009 season brings many new faces to the Mid-America Christian University volleyball team. Head coach Nikki Dieball hopes that her young team can build a successful program in her first season at the helm.
"With a new coach comes a new system of offense and defense as well as a new style of coaching," said Dieball, a former MACU and Southern Nazarene standout. "You can look at it as a challenge or as an opportunity to learn and grow as a player and a staff. We added several new players to the program so it will take time to develop this team's identity. With the girls we have coming in, paired with our returners, we will have all the elements for a great team."
The Lady Evangels return only one starter from last year's squad, outside hitter Jocelyn Mehlhaff who played in 91 games for MACU last season with 203 kills. She is an impact player offensively and defensively. "Jocelyn brings experience and leadership to the team as the only senior and returning starter," Dieball said.
Although the Lady Evangels are a young squad, Coach Dieball has high expectations for the program. "Even though we are a young team, I feel we are going to be very competitive," Dieball said. "My goal is to get us in contention for a conference title. We are going up against some programs that have strong winning traditions. We are going to have to be extremely disciplined and fundamentally sound in order for us to see the success we want. We will be keying off our defense and our ability to be smart with the ball."
Setter
Freshman Calle Solie, a native of Glendale, Arizona, played four years of varsity volleyball at Arizona Lutheran Academy (Phoenix, AZ). She was named the 2A-West Player of the Year as a senior. "She plays great defense and has good hands and good court awareness," Dieball said.
Outside Hitter
Junior Jamie Floyd is new to the Lady Evangel volleyball team but a familiar face at MACU. She is a double sport athlete who also plays basketball. Floyd played volleyball all four years at Sherman High School (Texas). "Jamie is an explosive jumper with a strong swing," Dieball said.
Freshman Taryn Walker comes to MACU after four year of varsity volleyball at Community Christian School (Okla.). CCS won back to back state championships in 2007 and 2008. She was named to the All-State team as a senior. "Taryn is a smart hitter that is able to put the ball on the floor," Dieball said.
Middle Blocker
Fifth year senior Denein Wells completed her basketball career at MACU in the spring of 2009. Although this will be her first season of collegiate volleyball, Wells played high school volleyball at Sonora High School (Sonora, CA). "Denein is a great blocker," said Dieball. "She is able to read opponent hitters well."
Junior Cris Costa will be a key newcomer for the Lady Evangels. She brings experience to the young squad, spending the last two years at Redlands Junior College (El Reno, OK). "Cris is an all-around player," Dieball said. "She is a dynamic hitter and great defender."
Freshmen Kara Kemp and Becca Anderson will also be in the mix, learning the college game. Kara was named to the All-State team while at Southwest Christian Academy in Oklahoma City. "Kara is able to put a solid block at the net," Dieball said. Becca comes to MACU from Cleburne High School in Cleburne, Texas. "Becca is going to add more size to our line up. She is a big blocking presence at the net and is a smart hitter."
Defensive Specialist
The Lady Evangels will have three players competing for time as the starting libero.Kamlynn Schodt, a Vancouver, Washington native, returns for her sophomore season being one of only two returners from last season. "Kamlynn has a lot of energy and reads the floor well," Dieball said.
Freshmen Lindsey Whipp and Shelbi Johnson both come to MACU from Bentonville High School. They both contributed to the Lady Tigers back to back state championship team (2007 and 2008). "Lindsey always gives maximum effort and never lets a ball hit the floor," Dieball said. "Shelbi has great court sense and ball control. She reads hitters very well and is always in the right spot."
The Lady Evangels will be able to gage their progress so far as they begin their season with a scrimmage against Cedar Valley College on Saturday, August 22nd at 3 p.m.
"We are looking forward to what this new group of players will be able to do," Dieball Said. "They work extremely hard and have great attitudes. They are very determined and have a winning mentality. They have set high goals for themselves and I expect them to achieve them."
