Reimer ‘encouraged’ about 2006 Volleyball Season
By: David Toelle, KWU Sports Infomation

If you thought the 2005 KWU volleyball team was impressive, wait until you see what’s on store in 2006.

“This is by far the best group of volleyball talent I have had since coming to Kansas Wesleyan University,” head coach Gordon Reimer said. “At this point I am very encouraged about the future of Kansas Wesleyan University volleyball and expect nothing but great things for this season.”

Reimer’s 2006 team will feature three top returners from last year’s squad that went 18-11 overall and 13-5 in the KCAC, behind conference co-champions Bethel and Tabor. First Team All-KCAC selection at middle hitter, Kristal Griffeth (6-1, Sr., Beatrice, Neb./Emporia State) will anchor an impressive front line, along with Second Team All-KCAC selection at outside hitter, Kelli Berg (5-9, Sr., Logan, Kan./Colby CC) and outside hitter Sarah Carlson (5-8, Sr., Minden, Neb./Cloud County CC).

Also returning for the Coyotes will be Whitney DuBois (6-0, RS/S, Jr., Weskan, Kan./Colby CC) on the right side, who saw considerable action at the end of the season last year. “Whitney is stronger and much improved over last year,” Reimer said.

Also returning after missing the last season with a knee injury is setter Jenny Baney (5-6, Jr., Benkelman, Neb./Dundy County). “Jenny is back and ready to play after her injury,” Reimer said. “She will compete for a setter position this year.”

Also returning are sophomore Sarah Hill (5-10, OH, Sharon Springs, Kan./Wallace County) and junior Chelsie Knudson (5-4, DS, Augusta, Kan./Central Christian (Kan.)). Hill has shown remarkable improvement over the summer and Knudson has also made considerable strides in her game during the off-season.

Reimer and the Coyotes do have to deal with the losses of two key players from last season, Tessa Showman and Doris Kometani. Showman was a four-year letterwinner at the middle hitter position for the Coyotes. Kometani was last year’s KCAC Freshman of the Year, starting every match for the Coyotes at the setter position.

Wesleyan wasted no time in stocking up the talent level behind the returnees, signing a talented group of key newcomers that will give the Coyotes the firepower necessary to compete for the KCAC Title.

Kolby Rhoades (5-8, OH, Jr., Burlington, Colo./West Texas A&M) transfers to KWU after playing two seasons at NCAA-II West Texas A&M, averaging 2.75 kills per game last season, earning Honorable Mention All-Lone Star Conference honors. Amanda Cano (5-6, S, Jr., Santa Anita, Calif./Rio Hondo CC (Calif.)) comes to Wesleyan after setting for two seasons at Rio Hondo CC in California. Another California junior college product, Naomi Hobayan (5-2, DS, Jr., West Covina, Calif./Cerritos CC (Calif.)) comes in at the defensive specialist position. Felicia Hoskins (5-8, MH, Jr., Excelsior Springs, Mo./Penn Valley CC) will be counted on to replace the void left by Tessa Showman in the middle. Landree MacLennan (5-6, S, Fr., Byers, Colo./Byers) will compete at the setter position entering as a freshman from Byers, Colorado.

Reimer also gives accolades on his incoming group of freshmen, including MacLennan. “This is the best and strongest freshman class I have ever had,” Reimer said. The freshmen group includes Nicole Douglas (5-11, MH, Belleville, Kan.), Haley Edwards (5-5, DS, Valley Falls, Kan.), Shawna Fuller (5-5, S, Tescott, Kan./Tescott), MacLennan, Caitlan Rush (5-8, OH, Brewster, Kan.), Kathleen Thomas (5-7, OH, Gardner, Kan.), Carly Deckert (5-9, OH, Tescott, Kan.), and Danielle Griffis (5-9, OH, Palmdale, Calif.).

Three more junior college transfers will also make their presence felt on the court for the Coyotes. Julie Garrett (5-8, RS, Higginsville, Mo./Coffeyville CC) will be looked upon to provide power from the right side position, and a pair of Allen County CC transfers, Ashley Winters (5-6, OH, Meriden, Kan.) and Melissa Harrington (5-3, DS, Meriden, Kan.). Reimer feels both will compete for time.

“Practices will be very competitive,” Reimer said. “I feel this group will push each other to improve throughout the season.”

Reimer fully believes this group has what it takes to push Wesleyan over the top.

“Barring injury, I will disappointed if we do not win the KCAC Conference Title this season,” Reimer said.