Click here to go to the YouTube video interview with OJ Olson
Let's get straight to it: OJ Olson is the odds on favorite for 2015 Libero of the Year in the Southland Conference. In the interview you'll watch (link above), she clearly states she wouldn't trade that honor for the championship she helped the 'Jacks earn in 2014 and I have no doubt that response is genuine. Still, as someone who picks All-Conference teams each year here at this site, one has to wonder what Olson has left to prove.
Olson will cement herself as a digging legend when all is said and done in December. There is Stephanie Figgers and then everyone else when it comes to 'Jacks back row defenders. Figgers was the best libero this league has ever seen. Olson is on pace to finish near Maddie Hanlan in total digs as a 'Jack. Health permitting, OJ will join Figgers and Hanlan as the only Ladyjacks to amass 2000+ digs in their time in purple.
Unlike some of the other other all-time leaderboards at SFA, I've seen all the top stat-gatherers at libero that SFA has put on the floor. If you want to call Olson the 2nd best libero in SFA history, I probably won't argue with you. I'm still sorting out her strengths versus Hanlan's in my mind. By the end of the year, I may get off the fence. One benefit of OJ's career is that she has been healthy her entire time here in Nacogdoches. Hanlan, unfortunately, had to deal with several large scale injuries and recoveries during her playing career.
Honestly, this may be a down year for off-colored jersey in the Southland. I made a list of all the projected liberos recently and the tally of truly strong players at that position can probably be counted on one hand. There are many new liberos and inexperienced ones suiting up for our Southland competition in 2015. That, coupled with OJ's sheer dominance and reputation should set her up for a strong run at hardware come voting time in November.
Actually, she was as good a choice as any for the award in 2014. She was my pick as you can recount here. Part of the trouble with individual awards in this conference is that the voters seem to forget that these aren't team awards. Or at least, if they realize it, they don't apply their knowledge when they vote. Two things repeatedly happen in SLC voting for all-conference: 1) Because the process is flawed, undeserving players get too many votes because of coach submitted pre-rankings and 2) standout players on poor teams don't get their due.
Coaches submit ranked lists of up to five players and then other coaches and SID's use these lists to pick their top players overall in the conference (by ranking them from 1 to 18). The top 12 get first team (as if, 12 is a team?) and then the next six form the second team. This sort of convoluted way of voting allows coaches to have too much power and creates crazy lists of "teams" sometimes containing 6 blockers, 3 setters and no liberos or something like that. Case in point, last years' 2nd team All-SLC squad had three middles, two liberos and one outside hitter. I've never seen that combination of girls form a "team" in my entire life.
I know the point is to obtain a list of the top 18 players in the conference, but wouldn't you think that if that were really the goal then coaches and SID's could just make their 18 picks without the lists of five submitted by each coach? A few times, coaches have COMPLETELY left a player off the ballot that others thought were highly deserving (see Pancratz, Jessica, Oral Roberts University, 2012). At other times - like SFA last year - the list serves to minimize the contributions of players on strong teams. SFA had Jill Ivy, Paige Holland, Jacque Allen, Justice Walker and OJ Olson all deserving of post-season honors. Shoot, maybe all five should have been on the first team. But, Humphreys unfortunately is asked to rank those five players. Now, whoever gets ranked 4th or 5th on that list is going to look less-valued to the rest of the voters when that simply isn't the case.
If instead, coaches and SID's are asked to submit a list of 18 or so players without the coaches pre-ranks, an SID or opposing coach can reasonably look at the season, the stats, and use their memory to assess that SFA has five players all deserving of being in the Top 12. But, there is less chance of that happening while they are sitting there looking at a list that has a name like OJ Olson or Justice Walker listed 4th or 5th on the team ranks. Now, I want to be clear. I don't 100% KNOW that Olson was ranked 4th or 5th. Humphreys' might have told me how she set them - sometimes I know that after the fact - and sometimes I don't. I have NEVER asked her how she voted, yet we talk about players together a lot.
For instance, I know she had winner Heather Schnars at the top of her picks last year, whereas I would have chosen Devaney Wells-Gibson. She read my post to learn my choice and the coaching staff and I talked about how they preferred Schnars while we were all sitting around between matches at the SLC Tourney last year. I know people that voted like she did. I know people that submitted actual votes like my blog ballot. I don't have an actual vote in the All-SLC teams published by the conference, but do occasionally get a media vote for All-Tournament teams. I print my lists here before the conference does and so I specifically do NOT want to know how coaches are setting their lists to avoid the bias I am arguing against here in this post.
Oh well, that's in the past. The facts for the here-and-now are that OJ Olson is the best libero in the conference. If she puts up stats and we get wins and she leads the way like she has for the last two years, you can bet I'll be clamoring all season long for the voters to get it right this time. See - that's just the thing - Olson is so good that she probably can eventually overcome any balloting system.
She just shouldn't have to.
SFA has been blessed by having back-to-back standouts in Maddie Hanlan and OJ Olson anchoring the back row.
It sure is nice knowing we'll have the libero advantage all season long when we make our run at a repeat for conference champions! #AxeEm
Showing posts with label Maddie Hanlan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maddie Hanlan. Show all posts
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Monday, November 5, 2012
Sabrina Burns & Maddie Hanlan: Thank You
Tuesday night in Nacogdoches we will honor two very special people. We have two seniors on the team this year and both of these players have carved out quite a legacy for themselves in the lore of SFA Volleyball. This post is my token tribute to two fantastic volleyball players and even better people. I’ve been so blessed to be included approximately on the circumference of Ladyjack Volleyball’s inner circle. I’m not a full-fledged inner circle person, but I’m privy to a lot. I’m granted access pretty much where I want to be and I’ve had the opportunity to speak to and watch these players in both game and practice environments. I’ve had plenty of conversations with coaches, athletic department staff and others around the Southland conference about these two players. I can tell you without a moment of hesitation: Sabrina Burns and Madison Hanlan are universally positively regarded around the league.
This is true not just for their play on the court, but for their leadership and character. I only know them both in a tangential way – having short conversations with each, interviewing each from time to time, but as usual, I am a very careful observer. What I’ve seen is quality. I want to personally in this space thank both of them for their time, support and willingness to allow me to interview and chat with them through the years. But, thank you both primarily for the outstanding dedication you have given to SFA Volleyball and the University as a whole. You will be missed…dearly.
When Hanlan goes on the road, she almost always is introduced during the starting lineup as “Madison”. In Johnson Coliseum and Shelton Gym I have universally announced her as “Maddie”. Before her first game in an SFA uniform, I sent her a short message asking what name she’d prefer and she sent me a one line reply: “Maddie will be just fine”. And it’s been that way ever since.
I spent her first season at SFA in denial. I honestly couldn’t believe we were just going to hand the libero jersey over to a freshman right after we had had a veteran hold down that spot so well the year before. I spent the better half of the season defending the veteran on this blog while not trying to slight Hanlan’s efforts. Then one day, I was in the middle of a conversation with Debbie Humphreys and she was talking about the recruiting class of 2009. When she got to Hanlan, she made a statement that used the phrases “I think we got”, “libero” and “best in state” all together. I didn’t hear another word of that conversation. My mind drifted off thinking about the level of the praise that had just been showered down.
I figured that I better start watching (and learning) rather than looking backwards. It took me way too long, but by the end of Hanlan’s first year in purple I was convinced she was the right person for the job. I’ve never doubted this since. Many, many times I have written that back row defense is my favorite part of the game. I think I am just now realizing how spoiled I have been the last four years to be able to watch Hanlan play. More so than I probably realize, Hanlan’s play has more than likely continued to influence why I enjoy the digging and passing part of volleyball. If she weren’t so darn good at it, then it’s entirely possible that over the last four years my fascination with the skills it takes to play back row might have waned.
Oh, when we introduce her tomorrow night, you’ll hear all the numbers, so I won’t repeat them all here. All you really need to know is that she is one of only two Ladyjacks to ever record 2000 digs, ranking only behind All-American Stephanie Figgers on the school list. We don’t really need to discuss this point – it is plainly obvious – Hanlan is the 2nd best back row player ever to come to SFA. To average 4.60 digs per set for a four year career is unbelievably impressive, so yeah – I’ll remember all that digging ability.
But what else? I’ll remember the energy. Go through and look at the pictures of Hanlan on the SFA website. Many of them pose her in enthusiastic jumps after points won, or with a huge smile on her face. The best time to watch Maddie is when she is digging up some cross court kill attempt, but the second best time is right after we score. I’ll remember the interviews I did with her – she’d admit to you that she was nervous doing things like that. Hanlan’s not the one to seek out interviews or conversations that are going to be taped or broadcast. I’ll remember the intelligence. Hanlan won numerous accolades for her academic work at SFA and maintained a regal transcript in a very tough Biology major at SFA. Think about the dedication it takes to be an athlete and take courses that often involve lab work. No really. Stop and think about that. As a scientist myself, that hasn’t been lost on me.
I’ll remember the influence she’s had on others. Numerous girls – some who have already graduated – would routinely comment on her leadership and friendship. And yes, unfortunately, I’ll remember the times she’s been hurt, most recently the injury last year that ended her season prematurely. Those times won’t be my focus, but they stick in my head nonetheless. I’ll remember her parents and their dedication. How many times have I said that these volleyball parents never cease to amaze me. They set an incredible example of how to support your kid through thick and thin. Debbie and Scott Hanlan are prime examples of this.
Earlier in the year, while in Hanlan’s home city of Arlington, the family was having a get together after a match. Scott politely brought me the directions to their home and told me that he’d enjoy it if I could attend the dinner that night at their home. That invitation wasn’t lost on me either. C’mon think about it – that dinner is a team event. The girls were invited because they are on Maddie’s team. The support staff – trainers, managers, etc. – these folks are inner circle – they go where the team goes so it’s natural that they be invited to those kind of events. It’s really NOT natural for someone in my position to have that level of kindness extended to him. I couldn’t go since my Mom lives in the area and we had plans, but I was honored at the inclusiveness.
I know someone else will wear the libero jersey – maybe an OJ Olson or a Janet Hill or someone else. I get it. And those girls will surely carry on a great legacy of back row play at SFA. But, it is going to be really different not seeing Maddie back there. I know I am spoiled. Thanks for all the great plays, Maddie. I’ve probably reacted on the sidelines more to your efforts than any other player during the time you’ve been with us. I said this last week in a post, but just go ask the other staff at the media table how many times during a play I’ve leaned back in my chair and said “Oh, what a dig by Hanlan”. The kills and the blocks get announced, but it terms of “oooh’s and “ahhhh’s”, I think Hanlan’s spectacular ability to keep the ball off the floor has elicited just as much emotion with the mic off as the announcements made with the microphone open.
Speaking of blocks, let’s talk a little Sabrina Burns, shall we? Here’s the list of middle blockers on the Top 10 Career Blocks list at SFA that I have seen play (and seen a lot): Traci Rohde, Brittany Burton, MC Bottles, Jennifer Wilson, Kristy Rhodes… and Sabrina Burns. That’s quite a list. When I think back to when Burns first arrived on campus, it is really amazing that her place in SFA Volleyball history will be cemented among those players. All of those players have left a lasting personal impression on me and Burns is no different. She’ll finish no lower than 9th all time at SFA in total blocks and of course, that clearly places her among the best middle blockers to ever come to SFA.
There are some players that you look at and you wonder: what position does she play? One look at Sabrina Burns and you KNOW she’s a middle blocker. Tall, strong, long arms – yep, she’s got middle blocker written all over her. 367 attacks that have come her way have been rejected back to the other side. That’s good for 0.92 blocks per set across a four year career and whenever you start sniffing a block per set then you know you’ve got an elite defender.
I remember when the tide turned. I remember the very hour that Sabrina Burns made it known that we were going to be graced with one of the best we’d ever see: Rice Tournament. Sophomore Year. August 17, 2010. Match against Samford. It still ranks as her career high in blocks. That day, 11 balls got blocks and I swear about six of them were in a row at one point. I genuinely don’t like to laugh at our competition, but that day, Burns was so dominant that she had me literally laughing at the poor girls trying to get the ball past her. I remember at one point sitting there at the media table laughing to myself as the Samford sets continued to go to the right side hitter thinking: Are you serious? You are going to try to hit it over her again? And then.. a microsecond later.. boom.. the attack would fall right back in the face of whomever hit it. What fun. It was highly entertaining to see Samford fail so mightily at getting balls past Burns that day.
After that day, we all knew we had MC and Sabrina for two more years and then we’d have this year where Sabrina could shine as the primary blocker. It’s worked out pretty good, hasn’t it? Hey, all I’ve mentioned so far is defense, but what about these four numbers: 1.00, 1.42, 1.85, 2.42? Or, what about these: .068, .160, .245, .237? Those kill per set numbers and attack percentages by year show a generally increasing trend. That’s called improvement. Sabrina Burns is all about getting better.
Talk to anyone – I mean – anyone in the SFA Volleyball inner circle about Sabrina Burns and one phrase is guaranteed to come up: work ethic. I will bet you a large pizza in Conway at the SLC Tournament that when Humphreys gets her chance to talk about Burns during Senior Day ceremonies that she uses the term “work ethic” at some point in her description of Sabrina. How could one possibly outwork this girl? It’s not possible. Her dedication is unrivaled – I mean, possibly unmatched in the history of the program. Frankly, I think it’s amazing. Just like Hanlan, here we have a stellar student (valedictorian of her high school class) taking on a tough Accounting major, living a life of honor , humility and grace, while busting her tail - day in, day out - to get better at volleyball. Seriously, how can you not be impressed by Burns? If you’re not, then you probably have no soul.
What else will I remember? I’ll remember someone that was positive. She is genuinely excitable – she allows herself to experience joy and let it overflow in conversations with others. Think for a minute how rare that is. With Sabrina, what you see is what you get. She’s not faking this – she is truly that genuine. She’s fun to talk to because sometimes she is innocently aloof in the middle of conversations. Not really spaced out, she’s just so genuinely excitable that she becomes bubbly and energetic just because you can tell she enjoys things and events around her. I’ll remember her tendency to shake her head back and forth after a big block. I’ll remember how confident she spoke about the freshman middle blockers (Allen and Leslie) during a recent interview. I’ll remember her serve – so improved during the last year that she’s actually become one of the team’s best. Like Hanlan, I’ll remember how inclusive she has been - always thanking me for supporting Ladyjack Volleyball.
One major thing I’ll remember is what she said to me one of the first times I talked to her before her junior season. She was elated to tell me that over the summer of 2011 that she had grown – she was 6’3” now. I told her I’d be glad to change it on my roster cards that I bring to the matches to help me with starting lineups and announcements. I told her I’d play my part in trying to get it changed on the official website and sure enough after an email or two, we got her listed as 6’3” on the official website.
Like Hanlan, how could I ever think back on Burns and not pair her up with her family? Just as recently as last Friday night, I drove away from Natchitoches with two bags full of goodies baked and put together by Anita Burns. Anita and Tim Burns are dedication personified. Someone should tell their story to Michelin or Goodyear, ‘cause these people probably need new tires just after driving – literally all over the country to watch their daughter play volleyball. North Dakota? Check. Illinois? Check. The swamps of Louisiana? Of course. Wherever SFA Volleyball goes, one of – and often both – Anita and Tim Burns go. What’s insane to think about is that Sabrina has brothers that have played collegiate tennis and they get this kind of support as well.
Oh, and finally, we can’t forget the calls… you know the “Sasquatch” calls of “hooooooo” after a Burns block or kill. I seriously wish we had a Burns highlight film where there was an audio delay of about two seconds after each play so that the video would include the audio portion of “hoooooo” after every Burns’ moment. By my count there have over 1000 “hooooos” in honor of Burns during the years as her kills plus blocks exceed that number. My bet is that an occasional assist or dig – hey, she’s got a couple dozen of the former and over a 100 of the latter – have also been “hooooooo’d”.
Six foot three and on the front row. Five foot six and on the back row. What they do on the court couldn’t be more opposite. What they’ve meant to SFA Volleyball couldn’t be more similar:
Quality players who are quality people from quality families.
Thank you. I am more of a volleyball fan for having watched you play.
This is true not just for their play on the court, but for their leadership and character. I only know them both in a tangential way – having short conversations with each, interviewing each from time to time, but as usual, I am a very careful observer. What I’ve seen is quality. I want to personally in this space thank both of them for their time, support and willingness to allow me to interview and chat with them through the years. But, thank you both primarily for the outstanding dedication you have given to SFA Volleyball and the University as a whole. You will be missed…dearly.
When Hanlan goes on the road, she almost always is introduced during the starting lineup as “Madison”. In Johnson Coliseum and Shelton Gym I have universally announced her as “Maddie”. Before her first game in an SFA uniform, I sent her a short message asking what name she’d prefer and she sent me a one line reply: “Maddie will be just fine”. And it’s been that way ever since.
I spent her first season at SFA in denial. I honestly couldn’t believe we were just going to hand the libero jersey over to a freshman right after we had had a veteran hold down that spot so well the year before. I spent the better half of the season defending the veteran on this blog while not trying to slight Hanlan’s efforts. Then one day, I was in the middle of a conversation with Debbie Humphreys and she was talking about the recruiting class of 2009. When she got to Hanlan, she made a statement that used the phrases “I think we got”, “libero” and “best in state” all together. I didn’t hear another word of that conversation. My mind drifted off thinking about the level of the praise that had just been showered down.
I figured that I better start watching (and learning) rather than looking backwards. It took me way too long, but by the end of Hanlan’s first year in purple I was convinced she was the right person for the job. I’ve never doubted this since. Many, many times I have written that back row defense is my favorite part of the game. I think I am just now realizing how spoiled I have been the last four years to be able to watch Hanlan play. More so than I probably realize, Hanlan’s play has more than likely continued to influence why I enjoy the digging and passing part of volleyball. If she weren’t so darn good at it, then it’s entirely possible that over the last four years my fascination with the skills it takes to play back row might have waned.
Oh, when we introduce her tomorrow night, you’ll hear all the numbers, so I won’t repeat them all here. All you really need to know is that she is one of only two Ladyjacks to ever record 2000 digs, ranking only behind All-American Stephanie Figgers on the school list. We don’t really need to discuss this point – it is plainly obvious – Hanlan is the 2nd best back row player ever to come to SFA. To average 4.60 digs per set for a four year career is unbelievably impressive, so yeah – I’ll remember all that digging ability.
But what else? I’ll remember the energy. Go through and look at the pictures of Hanlan on the SFA website. Many of them pose her in enthusiastic jumps after points won, or with a huge smile on her face. The best time to watch Maddie is when she is digging up some cross court kill attempt, but the second best time is right after we score. I’ll remember the interviews I did with her – she’d admit to you that she was nervous doing things like that. Hanlan’s not the one to seek out interviews or conversations that are going to be taped or broadcast. I’ll remember the intelligence. Hanlan won numerous accolades for her academic work at SFA and maintained a regal transcript in a very tough Biology major at SFA. Think about the dedication it takes to be an athlete and take courses that often involve lab work. No really. Stop and think about that. As a scientist myself, that hasn’t been lost on me.
I’ll remember the influence she’s had on others. Numerous girls – some who have already graduated – would routinely comment on her leadership and friendship. And yes, unfortunately, I’ll remember the times she’s been hurt, most recently the injury last year that ended her season prematurely. Those times won’t be my focus, but they stick in my head nonetheless. I’ll remember her parents and their dedication. How many times have I said that these volleyball parents never cease to amaze me. They set an incredible example of how to support your kid through thick and thin. Debbie and Scott Hanlan are prime examples of this.
Earlier in the year, while in Hanlan’s home city of Arlington, the family was having a get together after a match. Scott politely brought me the directions to their home and told me that he’d enjoy it if I could attend the dinner that night at their home. That invitation wasn’t lost on me either. C’mon think about it – that dinner is a team event. The girls were invited because they are on Maddie’s team. The support staff – trainers, managers, etc. – these folks are inner circle – they go where the team goes so it’s natural that they be invited to those kind of events. It’s really NOT natural for someone in my position to have that level of kindness extended to him. I couldn’t go since my Mom lives in the area and we had plans, but I was honored at the inclusiveness.
I know someone else will wear the libero jersey – maybe an OJ Olson or a Janet Hill or someone else. I get it. And those girls will surely carry on a great legacy of back row play at SFA. But, it is going to be really different not seeing Maddie back there. I know I am spoiled. Thanks for all the great plays, Maddie. I’ve probably reacted on the sidelines more to your efforts than any other player during the time you’ve been with us. I said this last week in a post, but just go ask the other staff at the media table how many times during a play I’ve leaned back in my chair and said “Oh, what a dig by Hanlan”. The kills and the blocks get announced, but it terms of “oooh’s and “ahhhh’s”, I think Hanlan’s spectacular ability to keep the ball off the floor has elicited just as much emotion with the mic off as the announcements made with the microphone open.
Speaking of blocks, let’s talk a little Sabrina Burns, shall we? Here’s the list of middle blockers on the Top 10 Career Blocks list at SFA that I have seen play (and seen a lot): Traci Rohde, Brittany Burton, MC Bottles, Jennifer Wilson, Kristy Rhodes… and Sabrina Burns. That’s quite a list. When I think back to when Burns first arrived on campus, it is really amazing that her place in SFA Volleyball history will be cemented among those players. All of those players have left a lasting personal impression on me and Burns is no different. She’ll finish no lower than 9th all time at SFA in total blocks and of course, that clearly places her among the best middle blockers to ever come to SFA.
There are some players that you look at and you wonder: what position does she play? One look at Sabrina Burns and you KNOW she’s a middle blocker. Tall, strong, long arms – yep, she’s got middle blocker written all over her. 367 attacks that have come her way have been rejected back to the other side. That’s good for 0.92 blocks per set across a four year career and whenever you start sniffing a block per set then you know you’ve got an elite defender.
I remember when the tide turned. I remember the very hour that Sabrina Burns made it known that we were going to be graced with one of the best we’d ever see: Rice Tournament. Sophomore Year. August 17, 2010. Match against Samford. It still ranks as her career high in blocks. That day, 11 balls got blocks and I swear about six of them were in a row at one point. I genuinely don’t like to laugh at our competition, but that day, Burns was so dominant that she had me literally laughing at the poor girls trying to get the ball past her. I remember at one point sitting there at the media table laughing to myself as the Samford sets continued to go to the right side hitter thinking: Are you serious? You are going to try to hit it over her again? And then.. a microsecond later.. boom.. the attack would fall right back in the face of whomever hit it. What fun. It was highly entertaining to see Samford fail so mightily at getting balls past Burns that day.
After that day, we all knew we had MC and Sabrina for two more years and then we’d have this year where Sabrina could shine as the primary blocker. It’s worked out pretty good, hasn’t it? Hey, all I’ve mentioned so far is defense, but what about these four numbers: 1.00, 1.42, 1.85, 2.42? Or, what about these: .068, .160, .245, .237? Those kill per set numbers and attack percentages by year show a generally increasing trend. That’s called improvement. Sabrina Burns is all about getting better.
Talk to anyone – I mean – anyone in the SFA Volleyball inner circle about Sabrina Burns and one phrase is guaranteed to come up: work ethic. I will bet you a large pizza in Conway at the SLC Tournament that when Humphreys gets her chance to talk about Burns during Senior Day ceremonies that she uses the term “work ethic” at some point in her description of Sabrina. How could one possibly outwork this girl? It’s not possible. Her dedication is unrivaled – I mean, possibly unmatched in the history of the program. Frankly, I think it’s amazing. Just like Hanlan, here we have a stellar student (valedictorian of her high school class) taking on a tough Accounting major, living a life of honor , humility and grace, while busting her tail - day in, day out - to get better at volleyball. Seriously, how can you not be impressed by Burns? If you’re not, then you probably have no soul.
What else will I remember? I’ll remember someone that was positive. She is genuinely excitable – she allows herself to experience joy and let it overflow in conversations with others. Think for a minute how rare that is. With Sabrina, what you see is what you get. She’s not faking this – she is truly that genuine. She’s fun to talk to because sometimes she is innocently aloof in the middle of conversations. Not really spaced out, she’s just so genuinely excitable that she becomes bubbly and energetic just because you can tell she enjoys things and events around her. I’ll remember her tendency to shake her head back and forth after a big block. I’ll remember how confident she spoke about the freshman middle blockers (Allen and Leslie) during a recent interview. I’ll remember her serve – so improved during the last year that she’s actually become one of the team’s best. Like Hanlan, I’ll remember how inclusive she has been - always thanking me for supporting Ladyjack Volleyball.
One major thing I’ll remember is what she said to me one of the first times I talked to her before her junior season. She was elated to tell me that over the summer of 2011 that she had grown – she was 6’3” now. I told her I’d be glad to change it on my roster cards that I bring to the matches to help me with starting lineups and announcements. I told her I’d play my part in trying to get it changed on the official website and sure enough after an email or two, we got her listed as 6’3” on the official website.
Like Hanlan, how could I ever think back on Burns and not pair her up with her family? Just as recently as last Friday night, I drove away from Natchitoches with two bags full of goodies baked and put together by Anita Burns. Anita and Tim Burns are dedication personified. Someone should tell their story to Michelin or Goodyear, ‘cause these people probably need new tires just after driving – literally all over the country to watch their daughter play volleyball. North Dakota? Check. Illinois? Check. The swamps of Louisiana? Of course. Wherever SFA Volleyball goes, one of – and often both – Anita and Tim Burns go. What’s insane to think about is that Sabrina has brothers that have played collegiate tennis and they get this kind of support as well.
Oh, and finally, we can’t forget the calls… you know the “Sasquatch” calls of “hooooooo” after a Burns block or kill. I seriously wish we had a Burns highlight film where there was an audio delay of about two seconds after each play so that the video would include the audio portion of “hoooooo” after every Burns’ moment. By my count there have over 1000 “hooooos” in honor of Burns during the years as her kills plus blocks exceed that number. My bet is that an occasional assist or dig – hey, she’s got a couple dozen of the former and over a 100 of the latter – have also been “hooooooo’d”.
Six foot three and on the front row. Five foot six and on the back row. What they do on the court couldn’t be more opposite. What they’ve meant to SFA Volleyball couldn’t be more similar:
Quality players who are quality people from quality families.
Thank you. I am more of a volleyball fan for having watched you play.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Veteran Previews: Senior Maddie Hanlan & Bonus Interview w/ Coach Debbie Humphreys
To get you ready for the Butler Tournament this weekend, we will continue our veteran previews with Senior libero Maddie Hanlan. Even though we have the bulk of the season remaining, a fair amount of isolated thought has led me to the conclusion that Hanlan is one of the best back row Ladyjacks I’ve ever seen. Stephanie Figgers was the best, but that’s an unfair comparison. Figgers may be the best back row player the conference has ever had. At the very least, Hanlan is a very special player. Later in the year, I have an entire article that I’ll post – after making some 2012 additions to it – exclusively about her. So, rather than mix online questions with audio interviews as I typically do for these previews, we will stick to the audio and then shine more light on just Maddie’s accomplishments later in the year in another post. The next veteran preview will center on fellow senior Sabrina Burns.
As a bonus today, I’ve also included an interview with Coach Debbie Humphreys that was done right before the chat with Maddie. Make sure and listen to them both.. Humphreys throws out a lot of really great stuff in our 12 minute talk. As always, I am thankful for the time from both Coach Humphreys and our players. Both interviews were done shortly after practice, so the sacrifice of time at a point in the day where both players and coaches were tired is greatly appreciated.
Remember that NEXT weekend we will host the Chilly Fillmore Tournament here in Nacogdoches. As always, check the upper right sidebar for upcoming match times and dates. Conference play begins during that tourney as Northwestern State will be in town. I’ll be contacting co-head coach Hugh Hernesman to check on his availability for an interview over the weekend. I’ll also try and introduce you to 2011 Freshman of the Year Staci DiFranscesco.
The 2012 Southland Depth Chart is almost done and will be added in the right side bar over the weekend. SLC5 makes a return in the next few days – we’ll do a “Texas” version first and then a few days later cover the Southland teams from outside the Lone Star State.
The team is in Dallas on Wednesday night having an early morning flight on Thursday along with an afternoon scheduled practice. Here’s to safe travels and another strong showing during the tournament portion of the 2012 slate. Axe ‘Em Ladies!
As a bonus today, I’ve also included an interview with Coach Debbie Humphreys that was done right before the chat with Maddie. Make sure and listen to them both.. Humphreys throws out a lot of really great stuff in our 12 minute talk. As always, I am thankful for the time from both Coach Humphreys and our players. Both interviews were done shortly after practice, so the sacrifice of time at a point in the day where both players and coaches were tired is greatly appreciated.
Remember that NEXT weekend we will host the Chilly Fillmore Tournament here in Nacogdoches. As always, check the upper right sidebar for upcoming match times and dates. Conference play begins during that tourney as Northwestern State will be in town. I’ll be contacting co-head coach Hugh Hernesman to check on his availability for an interview over the weekend. I’ll also try and introduce you to 2011 Freshman of the Year Staci DiFranscesco.
The 2012 Southland Depth Chart is almost done and will be added in the right side bar over the weekend. SLC5 makes a return in the next few days – we’ll do a “Texas” version first and then a few days later cover the Southland teams from outside the Lone Star State.
The team is in Dallas on Wednesday night having an early morning flight on Thursday along with an afternoon scheduled practice. Here’s to safe travels and another strong showing during the tournament portion of the 2012 slate. Axe ‘Em Ladies!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Projecting Maddie Hanlan: Stuff You Don't Know
SFA took a big step towards a trip to the 2011 Southland Conference Tournament in Conway last night by defeating Texas A&M - Corpus Christi 3-1 in what was quite a strange match. More on that and other Southland Conference wackiness in upcoming posts, but for now, let's focus on junior libero Maddie Hanlan. Here's a short interview with her after the match:
Now, let's just go straight to the list of all-time dig leaders at SFA:
1. Stephanie Figgers (03-06) 2598
2. Heather Stumbaugh (96-99) 1631
3. Maddie Hanlan (09-12) 1562
The ace, king and queen of defense in SFA Volleyball history, right there. Of course, you can easily calculate that after digging 70 more balls, Hanlan will elevate to kingly status on that list.
We are math friendly here at the blog, so lets do a little projecting. The following is just for fun, but is NOT out of the realm of possibility, so hang on tight:
This year, we've played 108 sets in 28 matches for an average of 3.857 sets per match. We have at least four matches remaining (three plus tournament). Now, we all are shooting to play in way more than 4 matches in the next few weeks, but lets be conservative for the sake of statistics. Thus, we probably have at least 15 more sets to play this season. Hanlan is averaging right at 5 digs per set and so we add 75 more digs to her current total to land at 1637. Clearly, the chase to #2 all time will be exciting to watch in the next few weeks.
If Maddie does post 75 more digs this year, her season total will be 618. Her personal record at SFA is 585. By the way, the only person to ever post 600 digs in a season for SFA? Figgers. Figgers did it three times: 620 in '04, 621 in '05 and the absolutely insane total of 853 digs in '06. People, you have to realize: Stephanie Figgers' 853 dig season in 2006 was one of the best by a libero... all-time. Notice, I didn't say "SFA all time". I said, "all time".. as in NCAA DI Volleyball history. I witnessed it. I have never seen anything like it. Remember, Figgers was an All-American.
So, Hanlan:
1) Can become the 2nd player ever to have a season at SFA with 600 digs with 57 more digs this year
2) Can get to 2nd all time at SFA with 70 more digs this year
3) Can post the 2nd highest single season digs mark in SFA history with 79 more digs this year
4) With 618 digs this year (projected) and 618 next year (pray for health and as good a year in '12 as '11), could finish with 2255 digs.
She's not going to catch Figgers, but she cleanly projects as only the 2nd Ladyjack ever to dig 2000 balls.
Now for something you didn't know: The all-time NCAA Division I career record for digs is 3176 (Laura Newberry, Chattanooga, '05-'08) Figgers' total ranks 7th all time in NCAA DI history and is the most in Southland Conference history. To get into the Top 25 all time in NCAA DI history (25 is the number of girls printed in the NCAA record book), you would need 2298 for your career - just 43 digs above Hanlan's projected career total. By the way, the "UTSA Libero" Maddie refers to in the interview, Kelsey Jewasko, currently has 2183 career digs. She's a senior and so she and Maddie project to finish their careers very close to each other in terms of grand totals.
So, I'd say it is still remote, but at least possible, that Hanlan finishes her senior season in the Top 25 all time among NCAA DI liberos. Bet you hadn't calculated that. That's what I am here for.
Now, check this out: Suppose Hanlan can get to 2300 and finish in the Top 25 all time.
Then, SFA will be the only volleyball program in NCAA DI history with two liberos in the all-time Top 25 career dig leaders.
Pray for health and one more step forward in ability 'cause that would be really neat to say, wouldn't it? Regardless of how all that shakes out - after all, a year is a long time - I think its safe to say we are watching one of the all-time SFA digging greats. Enjoy it.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Conference Opponent Breakdown: UT-Arlington
To me, UT-Arlington is the kind of club that has the potential to cause all kinds of problems if everything is clicking for them. All in all, their list of current starters is pretty impressive...or maybe it's just that I personally like them all. This looks like it would be a good club and if I had to pick a team that is middle-of-the-pack which is most likely to wreak havoc at the end, this team might be my choice. Then again, maybe Sam Houston since they are hosting the tourney. I don't know.
I don't need to tell each of you how important this match is. SFA sits tied with the Mavericks, TAMUCC, and McNeese at 4-6 in SLC play. Technically, a four-way tie at 6th place. Four teams in the conference won't advance to Huntsville in late November. Northwestern La. and Southeastern La. look like they are on the outside looking in, but the other two who stay home may come from the above list of four. Like I said in the post prior to this, a record of 8-8 is most likely going to be required for postseason play. The team that loses Wednesday will drop to 4-7 with five to play. You do the math. Additionally, UTA's schedule down the stretch is slightly softer than ours having four of their last five at home.
UTA caught me by surprise last year. They finished at 8-8 and had the 5th seed in the SLC tournament losing to Lamar in the first round. One of the Mavericks big problems over the last two years was their complete inability to win on the road in conference play. Coming into 2010, they were just 1-15 on the road in SLC play over the last two years. This after going 7-1 on the stage in 2009. The road woes have cleared up a bit as they come to Nacogdoches an even 3-3 on travel trips during the conference slate this year.
Here's a look at the starting lineup that we will more than likely see head coach Diane Seymour turn in to the table Wednesday:
Who's Who?
OH Amanda Aguilera Girl can play. One of the more unheralded outside hitters in the conference. Bet you didn't know that her 28 kills vs. SHSU two weeks ago are the most tallies for any player in the SLC this year. Aguilera was on every one's radar as a freshman two years ago when she made first team all-conference. Last year, I think her stock slipped a little. This year she's a known quantity for sure as she ranks 4th in the SLC in kills per set (only behind Ridley, Hays and Kolbe, so watch out!). Kept unchecked.. she can burn you crisp. I like her a lot.
MB Emily Shearin OK, here is another one that has won me over. I wrote this last year in my now famous rant on the All-SLC teams: " [Nicole] Bowden [of McNeese] blocks 112 balls - third most in the entire conference and she gets nothing? Bowden in every way eclipsed UTA's Emily Shearin. I mean, in every measurable way, Bowden did better and yet Shearin gets 2nd team and Bowden nothing? Again, that decision is just not defensible." Now, I stand by that conclusion for 2009, but clearly Shearin is the better MB at this point. I know Bowden was injured at the end of last season - and I am sure that has played a role - but, I think the voters were wiser than what I was when picking Shearin. She comes into the match with a stellar 1.12 blocks/set which is good for 3rd in the conference. Only a Junior, Shearin should be a force next year too.
By the way, I have to admit I pretty much ignored UT-Arlington last year. Don't get me wrong, I don't think they are a top team in the conference by any means, but they probably deserved better coverage that I gave them last year. I have continued to see some of their stars as overrated until recently - the one that was sort of always on my skewer was now injured OH Tara Frantz.
S Reagan Daniel Again, a bit underrated I think. Daniel is the subject of the Stats Focus below, so I'll be brief here. As steady as she's been the last three years for the Mavericks, I am a little surprised by her omission from the cover of the 2010 UTA Volleyball Media Guide. UTA went with their "all-conference" selections rather than focusing on seniors. I don't like that idea, espcially considering some of those honors were questionable. Gramted.. Sauls is a senior, too.. which leads us to...
OH Bianca Sauls A very athletic player who comes into Wednesday's contest hitting a robust .210 on the year. She probably stands to be a little bigger fraction of the offense with Frantz out. To me, she is a key player on the squad, because if all three of Aguilera, Shearin and Sauls are knocking balls down then I think UTA can be really tough. Her play could really draw attention away from Aguilera and make things more difficult on opposing defenses. Second most digs on the team behind the libero so that tells you she is capable of being a strong all-rotation player on any given night.
L Alicia Shaffer Hey, I keep up pretty good...but what? Talk about a player that I knew NOTHING about until reading specifically about the Mavericks? How did I completely overlook a player who played in every Maverick set last year and started 29 times at libero the year before that? She is 3rd in the conference in digs per set this year at 4.66 d/s - that trails only Daigle (NICH) and Jewasko (UTSA) - two players that get way more pub than Shaffer. Shaffer is fresh off a career high 37 digs against NWLA and ranks 1st in the conference in digs per set during SLC play. She was 6th in the conference last year in digs per set. I just never noticed.
Excuse me Ms. Shaffer.. I will start paying attention.. Geez. A week ago, I could have told you something about every starter in their lineup - plus Frantz, of course, except her. Shows you that there are always players that fly under the radar even when you are trying to study up.
MB Christy Driscoll A lanky red-shirt junior who's a decent blocker. Second on the club in total blocks to this point this year and held that honor last year as well. Not flashy, but a middle-of-the-road M2. Not the kind of player that will beat you, though. Had a really nice freshman year, but then Shearin took over the main blocking gig and Driscoll has adequately played second fiddle to her since.
OH/MB Eld-hah Kaswatuka A short player for her position, but with good hops, Kaswatuka has been in the lineup the last two times out in place of Tara Frantz. I recently became aware that Frantz was in an accident after UTA's match against Sam Houston, but I really don't know the full extent of her injuries. Here is not the place to discuss them at any rate, so I will instead pass along "Get Well Soon" wishes and I seriously hope that she is OK and recovers quickly. Kaswatuka's did get 36 sets thrown her way against NWLA last Saturday. If she falters, look for freshman Emily Gentle in her place. This rotation spot has been rotating in/out with freshman DS Kendall Whitson when it moves back row. Otherwise, UTA doesn't tend to sub a lot. In fact, over the last three matches, the only person not mentioned to this point who has seen the court is sophomore Charae Grosser.
Who to Watch?
Well, Shaffer, obviously. I haven't paid her any mind for two years, I think it might be time to learn who the Maverick libero is. More seriously.. here are her digs per set over the last five matches: 5.50, 4.50, 6.60, 4.00 and a whopping 9.25!! Yeah, that merits some attention.
Aguilera attacking, Shearin blocking and Shaffer digging...this team isn't half bad.
We beat them 3-1 two weeks ago in Arlington as we had Bottles (13-1-27/.444), Daron (13-5-30/.267) and Owens (12-5-34/.206) all contributing on offense. Aguilera struggled that night committing 12 errors to match her 12 kills for a big-fat .000 attack percentage.
We hit .229 as a team that night. We have hit over one-hundred points lower since then (.124, 164-100-515). That coupled with Aguilera likely not to repeat her zero should be two causes for concern.
Stats Focus
You won't see these stats broadcast every day at your local leader board. Say, you like setters that are offensive weapons? Then this is the match for you. Here are the SLC's starting setters ranked by kills per set. Teams that use two setters or don't have a definitive starter have both their contributors listed.
1. Gideon, SFA (1.59)
2. Daniel, UTA (1.21)
3. Schwirtlich, UTSA (1.09)
4. Nolan, TAMUCC (0.94)
5. Bekelja, McNeese (0.77)
6. Cruckshank, SELA (0.73)
7. Morford, Lamar (0.72)
8. Peltier, NWLA (0.61)
9. Loving, SHSU (0.56)
10. Collins, UCA (0.55)
11. McCorquodale, TX ST (0.32)
12. Piatt, Lamar (0.29)
13. Karst, NICH (0.25)
14. Irvin, TX ST (0.18)
15. Young, SELA (0.16)
I did the math for you: That's 1.41 kills per set for Gideon and Daniel combined, and 0.56 kills per set for the rest of the setters in the conference combined. That's almost a full kill more in each set earned by the setter being offensive-minded. Remember, when comparing attackers, a full kill per set is statistically significant in general. So, with that 1.41 figure sitting there.. we'd expect Gideon and Daniel together to put up around 2.8 kills per set. How many did they put up together the first time they met? 11 kills in four sets for an average of 2.75 kills per set. Nifty how that works out, huh? See.. that's why you should read here more often.
Outlook for Wednesday's Match:
It's the most important match of the year, right? Has to be. Corpus Christi plays Central Arkansas on Wednesday, so whoever loses our match will more than likely be stuck at 4-7 in the basement of the SLC West with the Islanders. Considering we've lost to TAMUCC at home that would spell trouble (big time) for our hopes at advancing to postseason if that's us.
We'll have to get back to winning ways without standout libero Maddie Hanlan. What is known is that Maddie suffered a knee injury of some sort at Nicholls last weekend. I have no first hand details - and just like in the case of Frantz from UTA - those aren't the kind of things that are divulged in this space anyway. However, a brief chat with a few folks doesn't sound overly optimistic concerning Hanlan. Consultations with doctors surely await and the club should know more as the week goes on. Here's to a speedy recovery, Maddie. For those that aren't aware, Hanlan just topped the 1000 dig plateau for her career last week.
If Hanlan is out for Wednesday, then in all likelihood Melissa Miksch would get the call at libero. Well, at least that's who replaced her at Nicholls. Mel is an excellent back row defender and I think folks are confident with her in that capacity. I have to wonder aloud if Laurel Kuepker's health would allow her to take on such a role again. She did start against Nicholls - rotating in and out with Daron. However, I think if they went with Mel in the match against Nicholls, we'd see her again Wednesday.
This should be an intense match.. make sure you are there..... Johnson Coliseum at 7:00 on Wednesday!
Axe' Em!
I don't need to tell each of you how important this match is. SFA sits tied with the Mavericks, TAMUCC, and McNeese at 4-6 in SLC play. Technically, a four-way tie at 6th place. Four teams in the conference won't advance to Huntsville in late November. Northwestern La. and Southeastern La. look like they are on the outside looking in, but the other two who stay home may come from the above list of four. Like I said in the post prior to this, a record of 8-8 is most likely going to be required for postseason play. The team that loses Wednesday will drop to 4-7 with five to play. You do the math. Additionally, UTA's schedule down the stretch is slightly softer than ours having four of their last five at home.
UTA caught me by surprise last year. They finished at 8-8 and had the 5th seed in the SLC tournament losing to Lamar in the first round. One of the Mavericks big problems over the last two years was their complete inability to win on the road in conference play. Coming into 2010, they were just 1-15 on the road in SLC play over the last two years. This after going 7-1 on the stage in 2009. The road woes have cleared up a bit as they come to Nacogdoches an even 3-3 on travel trips during the conference slate this year.
Here's a look at the starting lineup that we will more than likely see head coach Diane Seymour turn in to the table Wednesday:
Who's Who?
OH Amanda Aguilera Girl can play. One of the more unheralded outside hitters in the conference. Bet you didn't know that her 28 kills vs. SHSU two weeks ago are the most tallies for any player in the SLC this year. Aguilera was on every one's radar as a freshman two years ago when she made first team all-conference. Last year, I think her stock slipped a little. This year she's a known quantity for sure as she ranks 4th in the SLC in kills per set (only behind Ridley, Hays and Kolbe, so watch out!). Kept unchecked.. she can burn you crisp. I like her a lot.
MB Emily Shearin OK, here is another one that has won me over. I wrote this last year in my now famous rant on the All-SLC teams: " [Nicole] Bowden [of McNeese] blocks 112 balls - third most in the entire conference and she gets nothing? Bowden in every way eclipsed UTA's Emily Shearin. I mean, in every measurable way, Bowden did better and yet Shearin gets 2nd team and Bowden nothing? Again, that decision is just not defensible." Now, I stand by that conclusion for 2009, but clearly Shearin is the better MB at this point. I know Bowden was injured at the end of last season - and I am sure that has played a role - but, I think the voters were wiser than what I was when picking Shearin. She comes into the match with a stellar 1.12 blocks/set which is good for 3rd in the conference. Only a Junior, Shearin should be a force next year too.
By the way, I have to admit I pretty much ignored UT-Arlington last year. Don't get me wrong, I don't think they are a top team in the conference by any means, but they probably deserved better coverage that I gave them last year. I have continued to see some of their stars as overrated until recently - the one that was sort of always on my skewer was now injured OH Tara Frantz.
S Reagan Daniel Again, a bit underrated I think. Daniel is the subject of the Stats Focus below, so I'll be brief here. As steady as she's been the last three years for the Mavericks, I am a little surprised by her omission from the cover of the 2010 UTA Volleyball Media Guide. UTA went with their "all-conference" selections rather than focusing on seniors. I don't like that idea, espcially considering some of those honors were questionable. Gramted.. Sauls is a senior, too.. which leads us to...
OH Bianca Sauls A very athletic player who comes into Wednesday's contest hitting a robust .210 on the year. She probably stands to be a little bigger fraction of the offense with Frantz out. To me, she is a key player on the squad, because if all three of Aguilera, Shearin and Sauls are knocking balls down then I think UTA can be really tough. Her play could really draw attention away from Aguilera and make things more difficult on opposing defenses. Second most digs on the team behind the libero so that tells you she is capable of being a strong all-rotation player on any given night.
L Alicia Shaffer Hey, I keep up pretty good...but what? Talk about a player that I knew NOTHING about until reading specifically about the Mavericks? How did I completely overlook a player who played in every Maverick set last year and started 29 times at libero the year before that? She is 3rd in the conference in digs per set this year at 4.66 d/s - that trails only Daigle (NICH) and Jewasko (UTSA) - two players that get way more pub than Shaffer. Shaffer is fresh off a career high 37 digs against NWLA and ranks 1st in the conference in digs per set during SLC play. She was 6th in the conference last year in digs per set. I just never noticed.
Excuse me Ms. Shaffer.. I will start paying attention.. Geez. A week ago, I could have told you something about every starter in their lineup - plus Frantz, of course, except her. Shows you that there are always players that fly under the radar even when you are trying to study up.
MB Christy Driscoll A lanky red-shirt junior who's a decent blocker. Second on the club in total blocks to this point this year and held that honor last year as well. Not flashy, but a middle-of-the-road M2. Not the kind of player that will beat you, though. Had a really nice freshman year, but then Shearin took over the main blocking gig and Driscoll has adequately played second fiddle to her since.
OH/MB Eld-hah Kaswatuka A short player for her position, but with good hops, Kaswatuka has been in the lineup the last two times out in place of Tara Frantz. I recently became aware that Frantz was in an accident after UTA's match against Sam Houston, but I really don't know the full extent of her injuries. Here is not the place to discuss them at any rate, so I will instead pass along "Get Well Soon" wishes and I seriously hope that she is OK and recovers quickly. Kaswatuka's did get 36 sets thrown her way against NWLA last Saturday. If she falters, look for freshman Emily Gentle in her place. This rotation spot has been rotating in/out with freshman DS Kendall Whitson when it moves back row. Otherwise, UTA doesn't tend to sub a lot. In fact, over the last three matches, the only person not mentioned to this point who has seen the court is sophomore Charae Grosser.
Who to Watch?
Well, Shaffer, obviously. I haven't paid her any mind for two years, I think it might be time to learn who the Maverick libero is. More seriously.. here are her digs per set over the last five matches: 5.50, 4.50, 6.60, 4.00 and a whopping 9.25!! Yeah, that merits some attention.
Aguilera attacking, Shearin blocking and Shaffer digging...this team isn't half bad.
We beat them 3-1 two weeks ago in Arlington as we had Bottles (13-1-27/.444), Daron (13-5-30/.267) and Owens (12-5-34/.206) all contributing on offense. Aguilera struggled that night committing 12 errors to match her 12 kills for a big-fat .000 attack percentage.
We hit .229 as a team that night. We have hit over one-hundred points lower since then (.124, 164-100-515). That coupled with Aguilera likely not to repeat her zero should be two causes for concern.
Stats Focus
You won't see these stats broadcast every day at your local leader board. Say, you like setters that are offensive weapons? Then this is the match for you. Here are the SLC's starting setters ranked by kills per set. Teams that use two setters or don't have a definitive starter have both their contributors listed.
1. Gideon, SFA (1.59)
2. Daniel, UTA (1.21)
3. Schwirtlich, UTSA (1.09)
4. Nolan, TAMUCC (0.94)
5. Bekelja, McNeese (0.77)
6. Cruckshank, SELA (0.73)
7. Morford, Lamar (0.72)
8. Peltier, NWLA (0.61)
9. Loving, SHSU (0.56)
10. Collins, UCA (0.55)
11. McCorquodale, TX ST (0.32)
12. Piatt, Lamar (0.29)
13. Karst, NICH (0.25)
14. Irvin, TX ST (0.18)
15. Young, SELA (0.16)
I did the math for you: That's 1.41 kills per set for Gideon and Daniel combined, and 0.56 kills per set for the rest of the setters in the conference combined. That's almost a full kill more in each set earned by the setter being offensive-minded. Remember, when comparing attackers, a full kill per set is statistically significant in general. So, with that 1.41 figure sitting there.. we'd expect Gideon and Daniel together to put up around 2.8 kills per set. How many did they put up together the first time they met? 11 kills in four sets for an average of 2.75 kills per set. Nifty how that works out, huh? See.. that's why you should read here more often.
Outlook for Wednesday's Match:
It's the most important match of the year, right? Has to be. Corpus Christi plays Central Arkansas on Wednesday, so whoever loses our match will more than likely be stuck at 4-7 in the basement of the SLC West with the Islanders. Considering we've lost to TAMUCC at home that would spell trouble (big time) for our hopes at advancing to postseason if that's us.
We'll have to get back to winning ways without standout libero Maddie Hanlan. What is known is that Maddie suffered a knee injury of some sort at Nicholls last weekend. I have no first hand details - and just like in the case of Frantz from UTA - those aren't the kind of things that are divulged in this space anyway. However, a brief chat with a few folks doesn't sound overly optimistic concerning Hanlan. Consultations with doctors surely await and the club should know more as the week goes on. Here's to a speedy recovery, Maddie. For those that aren't aware, Hanlan just topped the 1000 dig plateau for her career last week.
If Hanlan is out for Wednesday, then in all likelihood Melissa Miksch would get the call at libero. Well, at least that's who replaced her at Nicholls. Mel is an excellent back row defender and I think folks are confident with her in that capacity. I have to wonder aloud if Laurel Kuepker's health would allow her to take on such a role again. She did start against Nicholls - rotating in and out with Daron. However, I think if they went with Mel in the match against Nicholls, we'd see her again Wednesday.
This should be an intense match.. make sure you are there..... Johnson Coliseum at 7:00 on Wednesday!
Axe' Em!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
2010 Player Profile: Maddie Hanlan
Whew. Gotta tell ya: I am just glad Hanlan isn't boycotting the blog or planning to give me a cold shoulder the next three years she steps on the court for us. When setting up the following interview, I danced on eggshells a little bit by trying to make it abundantly clear that I am definitely a Maddie Hanlan fan.Last year, it just took me a while, you know? I know, I know: I was told by everyone who was anyone that Hanlan would step in - cool as a cucumber - dig balls, play libero, we'll all be happy. Trouble is: I am a scientist. You know..I'm a 'in God we trust - all others must bring data' kinda guy.
So, last year right before the SLC Tourney, I am sitting on this very couch upon which I am typing up this interview and I begin to review stats and match files. All the sudden my memories combine with the numbers on the page and I remember having the "a-ha" moment & thinking: Holy crap. Hanlan is good. Hanlan is really good.
I walked around my own house expecting my two-year old daughter to point at me and start up with "Nanny, nanny boo boo.. I told you so, I told you so". It was like I had discovered something that everybody else knew before me and now I was going around embarrassed. I was thinking that total strangers would walk up to me and say "Hey, aren't you that PA dude who writes that web-thingy? Dude, why aren't you cool with Hanlan at libero - she's awesome, bro!"
Of course, all the while I was thrilled Hanlan was succeeding. She was a vital part of our season last year and should be again this time around. The fact that she responded to my questions with a "thank you" and an humble acknowledgement that she had large shoes to fill when she stepped in last year just iced things over. In #7 we trust... all others better hit the ball another direction.
Here's my Q&A session with the Ladyjack Libero:
SFAVolleyBlog.net: You are coming off a year where you set an all-time SFA record for digs by a freshman. Talk me through how someone who so early in her college career is recognized as a great defensive player can get even better. Maddie: Well there is definitely always, always, always room for improvement, so I try to do some self-reflection after each season to identify specific skills I could get better at (which usually turns out to be all of them). Hopefully, a year of experience with the team and in this conference will help me improve in areas like reading college-level hitters, being better prepared for practices, game and travel routines, knowing some of my opponents (and teammates) tendencies to help me anticipate plays better. I know I have lots to learn and lots to improve on so hopefully I can keep building on everything that happened my first year.
SFAVolleyBlog.net: What is that one thing about your freshman experience that was really hard, but that this year you are saying to yourself “I know what to expect out of that now”. What was the biggest adjustment that you had to make coming from Arlington-Martin to SFA?
Maddie: Well first of all, just thinking about two-a-days last year scared the living daylights out of me so that definitely was a challenge. I know what to expect during the first two weeks now so all the anxiety or at least most of it will subside I hope (I have my fingers crossed). Other than that I think the hardest thing was adjusting to being away from home and doing absolutely everything on your own. It sounds nice and all but it takes more getting used to than I ever thought. I was really glad to have MC [Bottles] as a roommate to help me figure some things out about my first year of balancing volleyball and classes.
SFAVolleyBlog.net: Last year, as a freshman, were there any things that the upperclassmen made the freshmen do in order to “earn their stripes”? Any rituals or rites of passage that you had to go through? Are there any things that are just “left to the freshmen” to do that now you won’t have to do anymore?
Maddie: Yes, being a freshman comes with responsibilities such as setting up the nets and carrying the dirty clothes and extras bags at tournaments. Unfortunately, the sophomores have to do some of that too so I think I’ll be stuck with these extra little duties for one more year, but they are not too bad. Also there are only so many chairs in the Shelton Gym [ed. note: practice facility] locker room, so of course the elders got to sit in those and I often found myself sitting on the floor in the back. I don't mind, though. I know my time will come!
SFAVolleyBlog.net: Your 40 aces last year far and away led the team. How would you categorize your serve and is it the same type of serve you have always had or have you experimented with different ways to serve and settled on the style you are using now?
Maddie: I would call my serve a jump floater and now that I think about it, it has always been my go-to serve. I started jump serving in the 8th grade and loved it. Once I figured out jumping and hitting made my contact point almost as high as a front row players’ standing serve, I was sold. That and I've always felt that a good floater is the toughest serve to pass consistently. Although sometimes I will get into little slumps where it’s just not working, and will occasionally change to a standing floater, I will always go back to the jump floater.
SFAVolleyBlog.net: Finally, rank the skills most necessary for a good libero. For instance, is footwork more important that being in the correct position? Is reading the attacker more important that those two? Lateral quickness, what?
Maddie: I think to be a good libero you need to have great discipline, read hitters and situations well, be really consistent in serve-receive, and be willing to do just about anything to keep the ball off the floor. Every coach I ever had drilled into me the importance of discipline. You must know your defensive assignment and get to the right spot every time. If you try to do too much and just fly around the court diving for balls it seems every ball hits the floor. The defense has to work as a unit and everyone has to be disciplined within their assignment. Reading the hitter is also very important and I think the most fun because it’s like a game within a game. Liberos need to serve-receive consistently well to keep the offense going. Also, just as important as any skill, a libero has to be tenacious. "Just keep the little white ball off the floor" is what one of my previous and favorite coaches always said and I think that sums it up as well as anything what the libero position is all about.
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It's reporting day! Sunday night is the annual kick-off-the-year social/dinner and I'll have a short report on that next week. This will personally be my first chance to see and meet all the new players and I really look forward to that. First practices will be on all their minds as Monday morning they get started bright and early with two-a-days.
My plan is to take in a practice on Thursday of next week sandwiched between major deadlines in my real job and a weekend vacation with my son.
I've got a call in to a former Ladyjack that I'd like to reintroduce all of you too in another week or so, but in the short term will try and have two posts in the next seven to ten days and they will be....
Next Player Profiles: Arielle Daron and Sabrina Burns
Previous Player Profiles:
Carrie Hahn
Laurel Kuepker
Melissa Miksch
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Stats 101: Hanlan, Cowgirls Dissed by Conference
As expected, the Southland Conference teases us with the release of the All-Conference teams right before the tournament which will determine which school represents the SLC in the NCAA Big Dance. To avoid selection bias, I put out my picks two days ago in the post underneath this one. As I stated there, picking All-Stars or All-Conference or All-Tournament teams is an inexact science. People will always see things different ways. However, this is a blog. Not a conference website. I can semi-tactfully criticize while simultaneously praising without all the necessary political correctness.
So, positives before negatives. Overall, I think the conference did a decent job in picking their teams. If you haven't seen them yet, then click here. The conference made the right choice on Player of the Year, Newcomer, Setter and Libero of the Year. Plus, though I would have preferred Chisum for Coach of the Year, its hard to argue with McRoberts from UCA repeating. I mean, they didn't lose a conference game.
With one huge exception, the first team All-SLC selections are very well done. But, there are a few basically indefensible choices on the SLC lists. The second team list released by the conference is a mess and basically, the conference totally blew the choice for Freshman of the Year. Shocked is not the word here. Stupid is.
I'm sure Wendy Krell from Lamar is a fine young lady and she certainly is a good volleyball player and I look forward to watching her Friday. She is not the best freshman in this conference. She is not one of the best three freshman in this league. She is not the best freshman on her own TEAM. Plain and simple: Krell was a terrible choice for this honor.
Let's look at two players, shall we:
Player 1: 182 kills, 1.92 kills per set, .300 attack percentage in 420 attacks, 71 blocks, 0.75 blocks per set.
Player 2: 177 kills, 1.92 kills per set, .262 attack percentage in 390 attacks, 114 blocks, 1.24 blocks per set.
So, pick one. The conference picked Player 1 as the Freshman of the Year and 2nd team All-SLC. OK. Well, then certainly Player 2 will get an honor, right? An Honorable Mention? Nope. Nothing. Zero. Player 1 is Krell. Player 2 is her teammate and Freshman, Jayme Bazile.
How can you defend Player 1 over Player 2? How? Oh, I see...its that .300 attack percentage, right. I mean, that nice round number that starts with a three. Look. THINK. Maybe, actually COMPUTE. You wanna know what the difference is between hitting .300 and .262 in 420 attacks? A difference of kills minus errors that equals 16. Yes, I calculated it. It's not hard. So, for instance, if Krell makes just eight more errors than she did, and Bazile tallies eight more kills than she did in their same number of attacks, then they have the same attack percentage for the entire season. I implore you: Re-read that statement carefully.
You gonna give the highest freshman honor to Krell and ignore Bazile completely over a grand total of 16 attacks across 27 matches? Oh, yeah.. we haven't even looked at the blocks! Geez, Bazile blocked 43 balls more than Krell. Plus, Bazile LED THE CONFERENCE IN BLOCKS PER SET. You think 43 blocks more isn't significant? Consider that the leading blocker for Southeastern La. had 49 blocks for the year! And she gets nothing? Whatever. That's not defensible. Any SID or coach who voted for Krell and not Bazile simply doesn't understand the statistics that are generated in their sport.
Of course, the real snub was our own Madison Hanlan. The conference did the right thing in giving Curl the Libero of the Year and sticking another libero on the first team. Just read my post below for my argument for doing exactly that. Just one problem. They put the wrong libero on the first team.
Hanlan and Kaylee Hawkins each dug balls at a rate of 4.28 per set. So, how do you separate out how to honor each of them? Only, libero of the year Cristin Curl had a higher rate. Certainly, two liberos putting up equal dig rates ought to be close in terms of their recognition. Nope. The conference blows it again by naming Hawkins on the first team and Hanlan as honorable mention. That gap in recognition is not equal to their gap in contributions. I think what happened here is that people look too heavily at conference only stats and weekly conference honors. Hawkins led the SLC in digs per set by quite a large margin in conference-only games and Hawkins won defensive player of the week one more time than Hanlan. But, I think you have to look at the entire picture. Hanlan had more aces than Hawkins and had a slightly better serve receive percentage than Hawkins - and serve receive is an important dimension of a libero. So, all in all, I just don't see the argument that these two liberos should be so far apart in recognition?
But, Greg...isn't that what YOU did? You named Hanlan 1st team and Hawkins third... so aren't you being hypocritical? No, I'm not. Because I actually selected TEAMS. I honored 14 girls between the first and second teams combined. So, me saying Hanlan deserves first team and Hawkins third doesn't separate them much. The conference put 12 girls on the first team alone and just one libero. If there is some rule that only one libero can be named to first team while simultaneously allowing 12 players on the first team, then that rule is goofy. If you are going to put 12 girls on the first team then what would be wrong with two liberos on the first team? They put two setters on the first team, right? My point: At least put two of Hawkins, Hanlan and Curl on the first team, so that the other can be on the second team. Hanlan getting snubbed all the way down to Honorable Mention just isn't right.
Plus, I'm gonna beat this drum one more time. Hanlan, Hawkins, Bazile and McNeese's Priscilla Massengale are all better choices for Freshman of the Year than Wendy Krell. To be honest, I see very little difference between the contributions of Krell and Nicholls State freshman Jennifer Brandt. I mean, Brandt led her team in kills with almost 100 more than Krell and she killed more than half a ball more than Krell per set. She didn't post many blocks and she hit .206 compared to Krell's .300, but please people...get off of that.300 thing. Hitting .300 in just 420 attacks is meaningless. That's just not that many attacks, so .300 isn't that impressive in that few swings. What' impressive is Anna Ferguson hitting .283 in 1069 attacks and Chloe Smith hitting .280 in 1121 attacks. But hitting .300 in just 420 attacks? It just isn't that big of a deal, because the chance Krell could maintain that over 700 more attacks is really low. Voters clearly don't understand rate statistics and therefore they inflate their value. Remember, the difference between .300 and .262 is 16 swings over the season if you are going to attack only 420 times. That's meaningless.
But finally....and this is ridiculous...what do the voters have against McNeese? Chanel Tyler, Nicole Bowden and Sarah Cartie all left off the entire list of honors? You can't be serious? One of them left off? Well, maybe...but all three?
Meengs of Lamar gets first team with 857 assists, 8.74 per set and 216 digs, but Cartie gets nothing with over 1000 assists and 9.42 per set with 270 digs? That makes no sense at all. Oh, wait....Meengs hit .293 in 444 attacks- among the conference leaders. Cartie hit .251 in 263 attacks. Do I need to do the math again to show you how insignificant those differences are?
Bowden blocks 112 balls - third most in the entire conference and she gets nothing? Bowden in every way eclipsed UTA's Emily Shearin. I mean, in every measurable way, Bowden did better and yet Shearin gets 2nd team and Bowden nothing? Again, that decision is just not defensible. Do you realize that two of the top four leading blockers per set in the entire conference didn't even get an honor? Dang. Why call the position middle BLOCKER, if you're not going to honor people for blocking the friggin' ball?
But leaving Chanel Tyler off the entire list? Pure insanity. Here is what is absolutely stupid: Tara Frantz is a first teamer, while Chanel Tyler is left off the list. Frantz, by far was the worst pick on the first team.. she didn't come close to deserving that. She's the only first rounder named by the conference that I look at and think something horribly went wrong.
Frantz: 220 kills in 598 attacks, 2.75 kills per set, .179 attack %, 40 blocks, only 27 digs and actually served the ball nine times all year (zero aces).
Tyler: 340 kills in 1010 attacks, 2.96 kills per set, .185 attack%, 31 blocks, 323 digs and 32 service aces.
I'm just gonna end it right there. How anyone could look at Tara Frantz and see a first team selection and then look at Chanel Tyler and see someone who doesn't deserve an honor just isn't caring about their responsibility of voting on teams like this. Its just that simple.
So, positives before negatives. Overall, I think the conference did a decent job in picking their teams. If you haven't seen them yet, then click here. The conference made the right choice on Player of the Year, Newcomer, Setter and Libero of the Year. Plus, though I would have preferred Chisum for Coach of the Year, its hard to argue with McRoberts from UCA repeating. I mean, they didn't lose a conference game.
With one huge exception, the first team All-SLC selections are very well done. But, there are a few basically indefensible choices on the SLC lists. The second team list released by the conference is a mess and basically, the conference totally blew the choice for Freshman of the Year. Shocked is not the word here. Stupid is.
I'm sure Wendy Krell from Lamar is a fine young lady and she certainly is a good volleyball player and I look forward to watching her Friday. She is not the best freshman in this conference. She is not one of the best three freshman in this league. She is not the best freshman on her own TEAM. Plain and simple: Krell was a terrible choice for this honor.
Let's look at two players, shall we:
Player 1: 182 kills, 1.92 kills per set, .300 attack percentage in 420 attacks, 71 blocks, 0.75 blocks per set.
Player 2: 177 kills, 1.92 kills per set, .262 attack percentage in 390 attacks, 114 blocks, 1.24 blocks per set.
So, pick one. The conference picked Player 1 as the Freshman of the Year and 2nd team All-SLC. OK. Well, then certainly Player 2 will get an honor, right? An Honorable Mention? Nope. Nothing. Zero. Player 1 is Krell. Player 2 is her teammate and Freshman, Jayme Bazile.
How can you defend Player 1 over Player 2? How? Oh, I see...its that .300 attack percentage, right. I mean, that nice round number that starts with a three. Look. THINK. Maybe, actually COMPUTE. You wanna know what the difference is between hitting .300 and .262 in 420 attacks? A difference of kills minus errors that equals 16. Yes, I calculated it. It's not hard. So, for instance, if Krell makes just eight more errors than she did, and Bazile tallies eight more kills than she did in their same number of attacks, then they have the same attack percentage for the entire season. I implore you: Re-read that statement carefully.
You gonna give the highest freshman honor to Krell and ignore Bazile completely over a grand total of 16 attacks across 27 matches? Oh, yeah.. we haven't even looked at the blocks! Geez, Bazile blocked 43 balls more than Krell. Plus, Bazile LED THE CONFERENCE IN BLOCKS PER SET. You think 43 blocks more isn't significant? Consider that the leading blocker for Southeastern La. had 49 blocks for the year! And she gets nothing? Whatever. That's not defensible. Any SID or coach who voted for Krell and not Bazile simply doesn't understand the statistics that are generated in their sport.
Of course, the real snub was our own Madison Hanlan. The conference did the right thing in giving Curl the Libero of the Year and sticking another libero on the first team. Just read my post below for my argument for doing exactly that. Just one problem. They put the wrong libero on the first team.
Hanlan and Kaylee Hawkins each dug balls at a rate of 4.28 per set. So, how do you separate out how to honor each of them? Only, libero of the year Cristin Curl had a higher rate. Certainly, two liberos putting up equal dig rates ought to be close in terms of their recognition. Nope. The conference blows it again by naming Hawkins on the first team and Hanlan as honorable mention. That gap in recognition is not equal to their gap in contributions. I think what happened here is that people look too heavily at conference only stats and weekly conference honors. Hawkins led the SLC in digs per set by quite a large margin in conference-only games and Hawkins won defensive player of the week one more time than Hanlan. But, I think you have to look at the entire picture. Hanlan had more aces than Hawkins and had a slightly better serve receive percentage than Hawkins - and serve receive is an important dimension of a libero. So, all in all, I just don't see the argument that these two liberos should be so far apart in recognition?
But, Greg...isn't that what YOU did? You named Hanlan 1st team and Hawkins third... so aren't you being hypocritical? No, I'm not. Because I actually selected TEAMS. I honored 14 girls between the first and second teams combined. So, me saying Hanlan deserves first team and Hawkins third doesn't separate them much. The conference put 12 girls on the first team alone and just one libero. If there is some rule that only one libero can be named to first team while simultaneously allowing 12 players on the first team, then that rule is goofy. If you are going to put 12 girls on the first team then what would be wrong with two liberos on the first team? They put two setters on the first team, right? My point: At least put two of Hawkins, Hanlan and Curl on the first team, so that the other can be on the second team. Hanlan getting snubbed all the way down to Honorable Mention just isn't right.
Plus, I'm gonna beat this drum one more time. Hanlan, Hawkins, Bazile and McNeese's Priscilla Massengale are all better choices for Freshman of the Year than Wendy Krell. To be honest, I see very little difference between the contributions of Krell and Nicholls State freshman Jennifer Brandt. I mean, Brandt led her team in kills with almost 100 more than Krell and she killed more than half a ball more than Krell per set. She didn't post many blocks and she hit .206 compared to Krell's .300, but please people...get off of that.300 thing. Hitting .300 in just 420 attacks is meaningless. That's just not that many attacks, so .300 isn't that impressive in that few swings. What' impressive is Anna Ferguson hitting .283 in 1069 attacks and Chloe Smith hitting .280 in 1121 attacks. But hitting .300 in just 420 attacks? It just isn't that big of a deal, because the chance Krell could maintain that over 700 more attacks is really low. Voters clearly don't understand rate statistics and therefore they inflate their value. Remember, the difference between .300 and .262 is 16 swings over the season if you are going to attack only 420 times. That's meaningless.
But finally....and this is ridiculous...what do the voters have against McNeese? Chanel Tyler, Nicole Bowden and Sarah Cartie all left off the entire list of honors? You can't be serious? One of them left off? Well, maybe...but all three?
Meengs of Lamar gets first team with 857 assists, 8.74 per set and 216 digs, but Cartie gets nothing with over 1000 assists and 9.42 per set with 270 digs? That makes no sense at all. Oh, wait....Meengs hit .293 in 444 attacks- among the conference leaders. Cartie hit .251 in 263 attacks. Do I need to do the math again to show you how insignificant those differences are?
Bowden blocks 112 balls - third most in the entire conference and she gets nothing? Bowden in every way eclipsed UTA's Emily Shearin. I mean, in every measurable way, Bowden did better and yet Shearin gets 2nd team and Bowden nothing? Again, that decision is just not defensible. Do you realize that two of the top four leading blockers per set in the entire conference didn't even get an honor? Dang. Why call the position middle BLOCKER, if you're not going to honor people for blocking the friggin' ball?
But leaving Chanel Tyler off the entire list? Pure insanity. Here is what is absolutely stupid: Tara Frantz is a first teamer, while Chanel Tyler is left off the list. Frantz, by far was the worst pick on the first team.. she didn't come close to deserving that. She's the only first rounder named by the conference that I look at and think something horribly went wrong.
Frantz: 220 kills in 598 attacks, 2.75 kills per set, .179 attack %, 40 blocks, only 27 digs and actually served the ball nine times all year (zero aces).
Tyler: 340 kills in 1010 attacks, 2.96 kills per set, .185 attack%, 31 blocks, 323 digs and 32 service aces.
I'm just gonna end it right there. How anyone could look at Tara Frantz and see a first team selection and then look at Chanel Tyler and see someone who doesn't deserve an honor just isn't caring about their responsibility of voting on teams like this. Its just that simple.
Monday, November 16, 2009
1st Annual SFAVolleyBlog.net All-Conference Teams
Well, now this is gonna be fun. This is what you think it is...my picks for all-Southland Conference. The rules for me are simple. I want these to actually be teams..not 14 players on first team and eight on second team and all that. The Southland Conference voting is done by Sports Information Directors and coaches and they have their own criteria. Mine are simple. There are seven starters each night for any particular team, so we will pick seven girls per team. Each team is required to have a a setter, libero, two middle blockers, two hitters and a seventh player that can either be MB or OH. Now that you know my rules, let's get straight to it. Comments follow the lists.
1st Team All-SLC
S Robyn Smith, Central Arkansas
L Madison Hanlan, SFA
OH Chloe Smith, Central Arkansas
OH Carli Kolbe, Sam Houston
MB Ashley Bailey, SFA
MB Anna Ferguson, Sam Houston
OH Jessica Weynand, Texas State
2nd Team All-SLC
S Sarah Cartie, McNeese
L Cristin Curl, Central Arkansas
OH Chanel Tyler, McNeese
OH Yelena Enwere, Northwestern State
MB MC Bottles, SFA
MB Nicole Bowden, McNeese
OH Kendra Rowland, UTSA
3rd Team All-SLC
S Adrianne Meengs, Lamar
L Kaylee Hawkins, Sam Houston
OH Emma Ridley, Texas A&M - Corpus Christi
OH/MB Lauren Holdorff, Lamar
MB Amber Calhoun, Texas State
MB Evaree Franklin, Central Arkansas
MB Jayme Bazile, Lamar
Setter of the Year: Robyn Smith, Central Arkansas
Libero of the Year: Cristin Curl, Central Arkansas
Newcomer of the Year: Emma Ridley, TAMUCC
Freshman of the Year: Madison Hanlan, SFA
Coach of the Year: Karen Chisum, Texas State
Player of the Year: Chloe Smith, Central Arkansas
Just Missed:
S Michelle Miller, Sam Houston
L Danielle Daigle, Nicholls State
OH Jessica Hays, Central Arkansas
MB Briana Mason, UTSA
Comments:
So, how do I justify giving Hanlan first team All-SLC, but not libero of the Year? Well, to be honest, I had a really hard time deciding between Hanlan and Curl. In the end, I felt like Hanlan's additional attributes such as her good serve and higher reception percentage made her the better overall player. But, Curl's significantly higher digs per set per her as the top at that position. I went with the better overall player for 1st team, but better specifically in terms of the statistics that defines liberos when it came to the award. Plus, I decided on Hanlan for Rookie of the Year, so that gives her more total accolade anyway. The only person that could knock Hanlan off of Freshman of the Year would be Bazile at Lamar, but I think Maddie's made her case.
What really stands out to me is how balanced Texas State as a team is. Weynand was my hardest choice for 1st team...the others are locks, I believe. Chanel Tyler, or our own MC Bottles almost pushes her out in my mind. The teams announced by the conference may very well include both of those on the 1st team since they usually balloon those beyond seven players. But, for as good as Texas State is, they don't have many players worthy of individual honor - which points to depth, and I believe coaching. Despite our rivalry with Texas State, I believe Karen Chisum deserves the credit for organizing this depth and getting that group of players to truly play as a team. In my mind, they are the definitive favorite this weekend. That being said, any number of teams could trip them up including us. It just won't be Southeastern Louisiana, who is foolish to book any more than one night worth of a hotel.
It would not be an upset in my mind if Anna Ferguson won Player of the Year. I would not argue with that. Compare Smith and Ferguson:
Smith: 442 kills, 4.46 kills/set, .280 attack %, 59 blocks, .60 bl/s
Ferguson: 434 kills, 3.50 kills/set, .283 attack %, 120 blocks, .97 bl/s
So, do the blocks make up for the roughly one kill per set less? That's twice as many blocks as Smith you're looking at there. Of course, she's an MB and Smith hits from the right side. Still, I think Chloe Smith is the best player in this league this year, Ferguson second and Ashley Bailey third.
How is McNeese bad? I think all three of their second team picks are more than defensible. Nicole Bowden had a great year (112 blocks, 1.o1 blocks per set, 242 kills and 33 aces), Cartie is so solid and Tyler could have made my first team. Then, there is Priscilla Massengale, who dropped off a little at the end of the year, but still had a solid freshman season at over three kills per set. How are they terrible? How did they not make the tournament?
For those that want Daigle in place of Hawkins...fine. That was a toss up to me. I saw Hawkins make some unbelievable digs early in the year when they played UL-Lafayette and I wasn't overly impressed with Daigle when she came to Nacogdoches, so I let my own eyes rather than stats break the tie.
The four girls that just missed were my best of the rest picks. I seriously considered them for third team. I will also tell you that I stared hard at the following players: Priscilla Massengale (McNeese), Jennifer Brandt and Jasmine Harris (Nicholls), Alex Greer (SELA), Mo Middleton and AJ Watlington (Texas State), Whitney Walls (UTSA), Tara Frantz and Emily Shearin (UTA), Jessica Korda (TAMUCC) and Arielle Daron (SFA). So, if a girls name is not in this article, I don't think they have a case for the top-three teams at all.
Finally, I want to end where I began with the comments. If you could just lift everything in 30+ posts I've written this year about Maddie Hanlan and put it all in chronological order, you'd realize that at the beginning of the year I was quite skeptical about how sticking a freshman at libero was going to work out. But, when its all said and done.. what more can you say about her? She racked up some serious stats. Midway through the year, I really thought Bazile or Massengale was your best Freshman. But honestly, after reviewing the numbers and thinking back over things I've seen, I don't really think its close: Hanlan is the best. She flies under the radar a bit because she really isn't a flashy player. She's just....there. She's just where the ball is hit. It's not an upset if she gets first team-SLC, Libero AND Freshman of the Year. So, I know it took me an entire year, but the numbers don't lie: Maddie Hanlan can play.
Picking teams like this always creates a wave of emotion and any two people rarely completely agree. Then of course, I do not actually SEE all these teams equally, nor am I paid to follow college volleyball. As I said at the mid-point in the year. I do study and I do read around the conference daily. So, I feel like I've picked the folks that are most deserving. I'm a stats guy, but what was picked above wasn't based solely on numbers. Its also based on observation, conversation, reading and listening at just the right times.
Got a different opinion that me? Snub your favorite player? Let me know what you think. See you in San Antonio! Axe' Em 'Jacks!!
1st Team All-SLC
S Robyn Smith, Central Arkansas
L Madison Hanlan, SFA
OH Chloe Smith, Central Arkansas
OH Carli Kolbe, Sam Houston
MB Ashley Bailey, SFA
MB Anna Ferguson, Sam Houston
OH Jessica Weynand, Texas State
2nd Team All-SLC
S Sarah Cartie, McNeese
L Cristin Curl, Central Arkansas
OH Chanel Tyler, McNeese
OH Yelena Enwere, Northwestern State
MB MC Bottles, SFA
MB Nicole Bowden, McNeese
OH Kendra Rowland, UTSA
3rd Team All-SLC
S Adrianne Meengs, Lamar
L Kaylee Hawkins, Sam Houston
OH Emma Ridley, Texas A&M - Corpus Christi
OH/MB Lauren Holdorff, Lamar
MB Amber Calhoun, Texas State
MB Evaree Franklin, Central Arkansas
MB Jayme Bazile, Lamar
Setter of the Year: Robyn Smith, Central Arkansas
Libero of the Year: Cristin Curl, Central Arkansas
Newcomer of the Year: Emma Ridley, TAMUCC
Freshman of the Year: Madison Hanlan, SFA
Coach of the Year: Karen Chisum, Texas State
Player of the Year: Chloe Smith, Central Arkansas
Just Missed:
S Michelle Miller, Sam Houston
L Danielle Daigle, Nicholls State
OH Jessica Hays, Central Arkansas
MB Briana Mason, UTSA
Comments:
So, how do I justify giving Hanlan first team All-SLC, but not libero of the Year? Well, to be honest, I had a really hard time deciding between Hanlan and Curl. In the end, I felt like Hanlan's additional attributes such as her good serve and higher reception percentage made her the better overall player. But, Curl's significantly higher digs per set per her as the top at that position. I went with the better overall player for 1st team, but better specifically in terms of the statistics that defines liberos when it came to the award. Plus, I decided on Hanlan for Rookie of the Year, so that gives her more total accolade anyway. The only person that could knock Hanlan off of Freshman of the Year would be Bazile at Lamar, but I think Maddie's made her case.
What really stands out to me is how balanced Texas State as a team is. Weynand was my hardest choice for 1st team...the others are locks, I believe. Chanel Tyler, or our own MC Bottles almost pushes her out in my mind. The teams announced by the conference may very well include both of those on the 1st team since they usually balloon those beyond seven players. But, for as good as Texas State is, they don't have many players worthy of individual honor - which points to depth, and I believe coaching. Despite our rivalry with Texas State, I believe Karen Chisum deserves the credit for organizing this depth and getting that group of players to truly play as a team. In my mind, they are the definitive favorite this weekend. That being said, any number of teams could trip them up including us. It just won't be Southeastern Louisiana, who is foolish to book any more than one night worth of a hotel.
It would not be an upset in my mind if Anna Ferguson won Player of the Year. I would not argue with that. Compare Smith and Ferguson:
Smith: 442 kills, 4.46 kills/set, .280 attack %, 59 blocks, .60 bl/s
Ferguson: 434 kills, 3.50 kills/set, .283 attack %, 120 blocks, .97 bl/s
So, do the blocks make up for the roughly one kill per set less? That's twice as many blocks as Smith you're looking at there. Of course, she's an MB and Smith hits from the right side. Still, I think Chloe Smith is the best player in this league this year, Ferguson second and Ashley Bailey third.
How is McNeese bad? I think all three of their second team picks are more than defensible. Nicole Bowden had a great year (112 blocks, 1.o1 blocks per set, 242 kills and 33 aces), Cartie is so solid and Tyler could have made my first team. Then, there is Priscilla Massengale, who dropped off a little at the end of the year, but still had a solid freshman season at over three kills per set. How are they terrible? How did they not make the tournament?
For those that want Daigle in place of Hawkins...fine. That was a toss up to me. I saw Hawkins make some unbelievable digs early in the year when they played UL-Lafayette and I wasn't overly impressed with Daigle when she came to Nacogdoches, so I let my own eyes rather than stats break the tie.
The four girls that just missed were my best of the rest picks. I seriously considered them for third team. I will also tell you that I stared hard at the following players: Priscilla Massengale (McNeese), Jennifer Brandt and Jasmine Harris (Nicholls), Alex Greer (SELA), Mo Middleton and AJ Watlington (Texas State), Whitney Walls (UTSA), Tara Frantz and Emily Shearin (UTA), Jessica Korda (TAMUCC) and Arielle Daron (SFA). So, if a girls name is not in this article, I don't think they have a case for the top-three teams at all.
Finally, I want to end where I began with the comments. If you could just lift everything in 30+ posts I've written this year about Maddie Hanlan and put it all in chronological order, you'd realize that at the beginning of the year I was quite skeptical about how sticking a freshman at libero was going to work out. But, when its all said and done.. what more can you say about her? She racked up some serious stats. Midway through the year, I really thought Bazile or Massengale was your best Freshman. But honestly, after reviewing the numbers and thinking back over things I've seen, I don't really think its close: Hanlan is the best. She flies under the radar a bit because she really isn't a flashy player. She's just....there. She's just where the ball is hit. It's not an upset if she gets first team-SLC, Libero AND Freshman of the Year. So, I know it took me an entire year, but the numbers don't lie: Maddie Hanlan can play.
Picking teams like this always creates a wave of emotion and any two people rarely completely agree. Then of course, I do not actually SEE all these teams equally, nor am I paid to follow college volleyball. As I said at the mid-point in the year. I do study and I do read around the conference daily. So, I feel like I've picked the folks that are most deserving. I'm a stats guy, but what was picked above wasn't based solely on numbers. Its also based on observation, conversation, reading and listening at just the right times.
Got a different opinion that me? Snub your favorite player? Let me know what you think. See you in San Antonio! Axe' Em 'Jacks!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
3 UP, 3 DOWN
After nine games the 'Jacks stand at a respectable 5-4. This weekend they invade Tulsa, OK to repay a favor by playing in the Raddison Tulsa Airport Invitational Tournament. See, two years ago, Tulsa came to Nacogdoches to play in our tourney, so this is the return trip. Along with the Hurricane - oh excuse me - Golden Hurricane (I still don't get that), SFA will face Debbie Humphreys' alum Texas Tech and West Coast Conference member Gonzaga.
Next week at this time we hope you all will have cleared some weekend space to join us in Johnson Coliseum for the Ladyjack Invitational Tournament. The 'Jacks will get in two games next Friday (2:30 and 7:00) and two more next Saturday (12:30 and 7:00). Keep the 18th and 19th reserved for supporting the girls.
Its only been eight days, but it already seems like forever that the club played at home. I really, really dislike these long spells on the road. This one is a 17-day span away from our home court and unfortunately, we've got another 17 day span in October on the road too. I know schedules are made under all sorts of considerations, but that doesn't stop me from thinking that a weekday match stuck in the middle of those road swings would aid in overall support from fans. Ugh, I digress.
What we're gonna do here today is look at the first nine matches and play "3 Up, 3 Down". I've read through box scores a few times and looked over game stories and had a conversation here and there with folks, and here are my takes for three of the more positive signs early in the season - followed by three things that we'll want to change going forward.
I'll take the approach of saving the best for last.... so not to accent the negative, but in the spirit of ending on a high note.. we begin with:
3 DOWN:
1. Team Attack Percentage: .189
You might remember from a previous post that the conference as a whole hit .192 last year. Simply put, I don't think this club is going to play deep in the postseason if they are an average attacking club. Now, Owens getting hurt didn't help things, but the team has got to get balls to the floor at a better rate. The team hit .237 last year. We are a quarter of the way through the season (that feels weird to even type) and the club will have to hit approximately .253 the rest of the way to match last years' percentage. Balls have to be knocked down at a bit more consistent clip to wind up with a high seed in the SLC Conference Tournament in November. Our leading attacker in terms of total kills and attacks is hitting .120. If whoever leads the team in attacks at the END of the year hits .120 then we will be an average team in terms of the standings. To put things a different way, the leading attacker on this team WON'T hit .120. You just won't give that many swings to a person hitting that low. Need proof?...The lowest hitting percentage over the last decade for a Ladyjack leading her team in attacks for the year is .183.
2. Too Many Service Errors
Yes, its true that we have 13 more aces than our opponents (40-27). However, that advantage is nullified when we look at the free points we are giving opponents. SFA has committed 64 service errors as opposed to 45 by our opponents. There's some simple math here. That's 'Plus 13' on aces and 'Minus 19' on service errors. Bottom line here is that the serving isn't helping us win matches at this point. By way of comparison, last year the team had substantially more aces than opponents while simultaneously having LESS service errors than the competition.
3. Matches like UC-Davis Can't Happen
Look, I know UC-Davis is a good club. But the truth is, we played better against Missouri State and Missouri State beat UC-Davis earlier in the tourney completed last week. Granted... Missouri State was on their own floor, but still, you get my point. Say what you will, but getting beat 25-14, 25-14, 25-13 is getting spanked. We were down 8-15 in each set - never really in any of them obviously. UC-Davis only committed six errors on 88 total attacks for the entire match. If you take the starting middle blockers out of the equation, SFA hit a ridiculous -.121 in the match. Without Bottles and Bailey we had only 10 kills coupled with 17 errors. To be an elite team in our conference, poor outings like that have to be kept to a minimum. That match took 66 minutes which is all you really need to know about it.
3 UP:
1. Back Row Defense Appears Solid
Ok, listen. Go back and read my previous posts on the Kuepker switch and the trust in Hanlan at libero. If I'm gonna shoot straight on the things above, then I have to be truthful down here too. I have been pleasantly surprised at Maddie Hanlan's adaptation to the college-level libero spot. I know, I know.. all the coaches are thinking "Nanny nanny boo-boo - we told you". It's not that I didn't trust what I was being told, but hey - Libero is the chief of the back row. Trust it to a freshman when you had one of the best liberos in the conference already? Just count me skeptical. Until now. Hanlan's averaging an even 4.00 digs per set and throw in Melissa Miksch at 3.54 dps and things look mighty secure on away-from-net defense. Hanlan's the #1 reason I am itching to see the team get back home. I want to see all this for myself - and I want the fans to see it too. The one game we've had at home both Hanlan and Miksch had 18 digs in just three sets. Getting that one exposure to that kind of production has left me antsy to see the back row play again. Hanlan and Miksch right now have me at the top of their fan clubs. And yes, I can hear the "What took ya so long?" comments from the coaches about now as well.
2. Daron hitting .268 - leading the team
When I did Ari's preview capsule back on August 14, I wrote "how scary are the middles on this team if Daron contributes significantly?" Well, Daron deserves every bit of playing time she is getting now and the middles on this team are really, really scary good. Daron's career hitting percentage coming into this year was .067, so I don't have to elaborate on just how much of an improvement we are witnessing here. She's already racked up more kills and attacks in the first nine games than she did in either of her previous seasons. We are watching a breakout and the benefits are going to be felt deep into the conference schedule. The thing is: This club does have the cast of characters to knock down balls. We've just got to find out who to set the ball to and in what frequency. Daron has stuck her hand up as if to say 'I can handle a heavier role'. I say we continue to give it to her. Daron's (along with Miksch's) improvement is a big reason we should be optimistic going into conference play in a couple weeks - along with getting KO back.
3. The two-headed setting attack is working
Many matches so far have seen the assist totals be evenly split between Kuepker and Buckner. I think this is evidence for the twin approach. Kuepker setting while the spot is in a back row rotation and Buckner setting when the spot jumps forward appears to be a good call from Debbie Humphreys so far. I've got a lot of questions about the setting position that I want to ask in weeks to come. I'll do an entry just on the setters at some point with the answers I get, but for now... this dual approach appears stable. One other tidbit from being in practice: More than a couple of times, I have watched assistant coach Erin McClanahan work with the setters. She often turns to one of Buckner and/or Lo and complements them on their decision making and distribution of balls. I am learning that the "smarts" of distributing balls to attackers in the proper way is underrated. Both of our setters seem to understand how to do this really well. They don't appear to just do things in a cold, formulaic way. They appear to do a good job of "taking what the defense gives" and optimizing the distribution of the attacks per teammate. The more I think about that job, the more difficult I realize it is. Buckner and Kuepker appear savvy in that regard.
Next week, I will begin previewing teams for conference play and soon I will try and have another set of interviews with both coaches and players. As always, if you have an idea - let me know. Recently, I have rekindled old conversations with former Ladyjack players. I am planning on taking a look at some of SFA's history and re-introducing you to some of the players that used to grace the court while wearing purple. At some point next week I will try and pass along an update on Kelsey. I am planning on talking with her directly when the team returns from Tulsa.
Finally, and I meant to do this weeks ago, thank you to those of you that spoke to me after the ULL match with kind words about this blog. Several fans and parents were complementary of the effort being made here. I truly appreciate that support. I also want to say this to any prep player that might just happen to be scanning sites like this: we are unique in how much coverage we give our team. Go check how much effort is being put out at other Southland schools to cover their squad. Read the game wraps and you'll see that Ben does a way better job than his competition when it comes to writing up stories at sfajacks.com. Then, go ask yourself if other schools we compete against have a forum such as this for their team. The answers you find should tell you something about SFA Volleyball.
Next week at this time we hope you all will have cleared some weekend space to join us in Johnson Coliseum for the Ladyjack Invitational Tournament. The 'Jacks will get in two games next Friday (2:30 and 7:00) and two more next Saturday (12:30 and 7:00). Keep the 18th and 19th reserved for supporting the girls.
Its only been eight days, but it already seems like forever that the club played at home. I really, really dislike these long spells on the road. This one is a 17-day span away from our home court and unfortunately, we've got another 17 day span in October on the road too. I know schedules are made under all sorts of considerations, but that doesn't stop me from thinking that a weekday match stuck in the middle of those road swings would aid in overall support from fans. Ugh, I digress.
What we're gonna do here today is look at the first nine matches and play "3 Up, 3 Down". I've read through box scores a few times and looked over game stories and had a conversation here and there with folks, and here are my takes for three of the more positive signs early in the season - followed by three things that we'll want to change going forward.
I'll take the approach of saving the best for last.... so not to accent the negative, but in the spirit of ending on a high note.. we begin with:
3 DOWN:
1. Team Attack Percentage: .189
You might remember from a previous post that the conference as a whole hit .192 last year. Simply put, I don't think this club is going to play deep in the postseason if they are an average attacking club. Now, Owens getting hurt didn't help things, but the team has got to get balls to the floor at a better rate. The team hit .237 last year. We are a quarter of the way through the season (that feels weird to even type) and the club will have to hit approximately .253 the rest of the way to match last years' percentage. Balls have to be knocked down at a bit more consistent clip to wind up with a high seed in the SLC Conference Tournament in November. Our leading attacker in terms of total kills and attacks is hitting .120. If whoever leads the team in attacks at the END of the year hits .120 then we will be an average team in terms of the standings. To put things a different way, the leading attacker on this team WON'T hit .120. You just won't give that many swings to a person hitting that low. Need proof?...The lowest hitting percentage over the last decade for a Ladyjack leading her team in attacks for the year is .183.
2. Too Many Service Errors
Yes, its true that we have 13 more aces than our opponents (40-27). However, that advantage is nullified when we look at the free points we are giving opponents. SFA has committed 64 service errors as opposed to 45 by our opponents. There's some simple math here. That's 'Plus 13' on aces and 'Minus 19' on service errors. Bottom line here is that the serving isn't helping us win matches at this point. By way of comparison, last year the team had substantially more aces than opponents while simultaneously having LESS service errors than the competition.
3. Matches like UC-Davis Can't Happen
Look, I know UC-Davis is a good club. But the truth is, we played better against Missouri State and Missouri State beat UC-Davis earlier in the tourney completed last week. Granted... Missouri State was on their own floor, but still, you get my point. Say what you will, but getting beat 25-14, 25-14, 25-13 is getting spanked. We were down 8-15 in each set - never really in any of them obviously. UC-Davis only committed six errors on 88 total attacks for the entire match. If you take the starting middle blockers out of the equation, SFA hit a ridiculous -.121 in the match. Without Bottles and Bailey we had only 10 kills coupled with 17 errors. To be an elite team in our conference, poor outings like that have to be kept to a minimum. That match took 66 minutes which is all you really need to know about it.
3 UP:
1. Back Row Defense Appears Solid
Ok, listen. Go back and read my previous posts on the Kuepker switch and the trust in Hanlan at libero. If I'm gonna shoot straight on the things above, then I have to be truthful down here too. I have been pleasantly surprised at Maddie Hanlan's adaptation to the college-level libero spot. I know, I know.. all the coaches are thinking "Nanny nanny boo-boo - we told you". It's not that I didn't trust what I was being told, but hey - Libero is the chief of the back row. Trust it to a freshman when you had one of the best liberos in the conference already? Just count me skeptical. Until now. Hanlan's averaging an even 4.00 digs per set and throw in Melissa Miksch at 3.54 dps and things look mighty secure on away-from-net defense. Hanlan's the #1 reason I am itching to see the team get back home. I want to see all this for myself - and I want the fans to see it too. The one game we've had at home both Hanlan and Miksch had 18 digs in just three sets. Getting that one exposure to that kind of production has left me antsy to see the back row play again. Hanlan and Miksch right now have me at the top of their fan clubs. And yes, I can hear the "What took ya so long?" comments from the coaches about now as well.
2. Daron hitting .268 - leading the team
When I did Ari's preview capsule back on August 14, I wrote "how scary are the middles on this team if Daron contributes significantly?" Well, Daron deserves every bit of playing time she is getting now and the middles on this team are really, really scary good. Daron's career hitting percentage coming into this year was .067, so I don't have to elaborate on just how much of an improvement we are witnessing here. She's already racked up more kills and attacks in the first nine games than she did in either of her previous seasons. We are watching a breakout and the benefits are going to be felt deep into the conference schedule. The thing is: This club does have the cast of characters to knock down balls. We've just got to find out who to set the ball to and in what frequency. Daron has stuck her hand up as if to say 'I can handle a heavier role'. I say we continue to give it to her. Daron's (along with Miksch's) improvement is a big reason we should be optimistic going into conference play in a couple weeks - along with getting KO back.
3. The two-headed setting attack is working
Many matches so far have seen the assist totals be evenly split between Kuepker and Buckner. I think this is evidence for the twin approach. Kuepker setting while the spot is in a back row rotation and Buckner setting when the spot jumps forward appears to be a good call from Debbie Humphreys so far. I've got a lot of questions about the setting position that I want to ask in weeks to come. I'll do an entry just on the setters at some point with the answers I get, but for now... this dual approach appears stable. One other tidbit from being in practice: More than a couple of times, I have watched assistant coach Erin McClanahan work with the setters. She often turns to one of Buckner and/or Lo and complements them on their decision making and distribution of balls. I am learning that the "smarts" of distributing balls to attackers in the proper way is underrated. Both of our setters seem to understand how to do this really well. They don't appear to just do things in a cold, formulaic way. They appear to do a good job of "taking what the defense gives" and optimizing the distribution of the attacks per teammate. The more I think about that job, the more difficult I realize it is. Buckner and Kuepker appear savvy in that regard.
Next week, I will begin previewing teams for conference play and soon I will try and have another set of interviews with both coaches and players. As always, if you have an idea - let me know. Recently, I have rekindled old conversations with former Ladyjack players. I am planning on taking a look at some of SFA's history and re-introducing you to some of the players that used to grace the court while wearing purple. At some point next week I will try and pass along an update on Kelsey. I am planning on talking with her directly when the team returns from Tulsa.
Finally, and I meant to do this weeks ago, thank you to those of you that spoke to me after the ULL match with kind words about this blog. Several fans and parents were complementary of the effort being made here. I truly appreciate that support. I also want to say this to any prep player that might just happen to be scanning sites like this: we are unique in how much coverage we give our team. Go check how much effort is being put out at other Southland schools to cover their squad. Read the game wraps and you'll see that Ben does a way better job than his competition when it comes to writing up stories at sfajacks.com. Then, go ask yourself if other schools we compete against have a forum such as this for their team. The answers you find should tell you something about SFA Volleyball.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
2009 Freshmen Inteviews
The SFA Volleyball squad, coaches and travel personnel left for Springfield, Missouri early this morning and hopefully are chillin' in their hotel about now. They'll need their rest after playing here in Nacogdoches yesterday and four matches on the horizon in two days starting tomorrow. Since the girls will play on the road the next two weekends, we can use their time away to introduce you to the five new freshmen that you'll see when we all get back to the Coliseum on September 18 and 19 for the Ladyjack Invitational.
Before we get into this, I want to thank the freshmen so much for being willing to sit down and pen these answers. We did this electronically (so, they didn't really use a pen, I guess) and their schedules are unbelievably tight. I really appreciate their time and have found each of them really polite and accommodating. They are getting used to being "college athletes" - doing interviews, having to respond to various requests, dealing with media relations folks and participating in other formalities are new to them. The fact that they graciously answered these questions voluntarily in the middle of a time where they HAD to do other things is not overlooked here.
In case you've been under a rock, the cast of characters here is:
Madison (Maddie) Hanlan (#7, Libero, Arlington, TX)
Sabrina Burns (#8, Outside Hitter, McAlester, OK)
Emily (Em) Franklin (#9, Outside Hitter, Oregon, WI)
Amber Doolittle (#11, Middle Blocker, Arlington, TX)
Allison Gideon (#12, Setter, Georgetown, TX)
VolleyBlog: In practices it appears the freshmen are already blending very well with the veterans. Have you had a chance to spend time with your veteran teammates off the court?
Allison: We have actually spent a lot of time together as a team. We've done several team dinners and a team movie. We get along really well and always have fun together.
Sabrina: The "veterans" are amazing! They are all really nice and inclusive, we have gotten to hang out with the team, going to the movies, football scrimmage, playing games at one of the girls houses, and eating together of course!
VolleyBlog: Amber, speaking of the veterans, what are the things that impress you most about the veteran middle blockers on this squad? Do you consider it an advantage to your development to be a young middle blocker with such successful college MB’s to work with and learn from?
Amber: The way they play and their demeanor impressed me. Middle blockers have hard job and they do it well. I do think it's an advantage to my development because they don't mind to take the time out to show me or tell me what I need to correct or congratulate me in practice.
VolleyBlog: I've been able to watch several practices and noticed the veterans' support. This is for any of you: To this point, what would you say is the main difference between college-level practices and the practices you went to with high school or club teams?
Maddie: The main difference is the intensity. High school practices were much less intense but in college the practices require 100% every minute.
Amber: The attitudes in practice are a lot different than high school because everybody has a positive attitude instead of complaining about practice.
Sabrina: The main difference between college level practices and high school practices for me is that the college practices are more structured and more position specific and higher energy.
Allison: I'd have to say the biggest difference in practice is the speed of the game. The game is just so much faster now, it takes some getting used to. There is also a higher level of competitiveness in practices.
VolleyBlog: Emily, as a very successful outside hitter at the high school and club level, what is the primary thing you feel you have to improve on or add to your game to continue to be a successful player at the college level?
Emily: I feel that I need to continue [working] on my blocking technique in order to be consistent. And instead of hesitating towards the ball i need to just go for it. Other than that i feel like I am learning new things everyday and will continue to grow.
VolleyBlog: Our program has had a recent run of fantastic recruits at libero which adds to our excitement of having you here at SFA, Maddie . Are there a couple of things you are specifically trying to improve on to assure your success at libero this year?
Maddie: I am trying to improve all areas of my game such as passing and defense and I am also trying to be an excitement factor for the team - always trying to rev everyone up.
VolleyBlog: Sabrina, you’ve worked a lot in practice on the right side. In your past as a high school player and/or club player, have you spent more time on the left or right?
Sabrina: In club I mainly played right side, although I had a bit of time as a left side, but its been mainly right side for the past two years. In high school I played middle for three years and right side one year.
VolleyBlog: Allison, would you say you are more of an “attacking” setter than most? Clearly, putting attackers in the best position to hit is your first job, but when you are on the floor, do you consider the club to have one additional hitting option in yourself?
Allison: I've always been taught to be an offensive weapon as a left-handed setter and I love doing it, it's one of my favorite parts of the game. There is always room for me to be more offensive but for the most part I try to keep myself an option as much as possible.
VolleyBlog: Sabrina, clearly you have strengths as both as a hitter and as a blocker, but what do you enjoy most: coming up with a big kill or a big block?
Sabrina: Man! That is a tough question! I don't know an honest answer to that because I LOVE both! Both are helping the team win... I do like connecting with the setter to get a kill! But I'd say that both make me REALLY happy!!!
VolleyBlog: So, Amber...What was the #1 reason you chose to come to SFA as opposed to going somewhere else to play?
Amber: I chose to come here because just watching the team in practice you could tell that they bond well. Other teams have winning seasons too but they don't get along with their teammates and I didn't want to be involved with that.
VolleyBlog: Same question to you, Maddie. What was your #1 reason?
Maddie: I loved the campus and the small town feel. I also loved the high level of play.
VolleyBlog: Emily, you came a long way to play here. What would you say was your #1 reason for choosing SFA?
Emily: I chose to go to SFA because of the team. They made me feel welcome and wanted. The second reason that I chose to come here was because of the campus - it is beautiful.
VolleyBlog: What about you, Allison?
Allison: My best friend actually high jumps at SFA, so that's what got me looking here in the first place. It's just a great school, I loved the atmosphere and it seemed like a great fit with the coaches and the girls on the team.
VolleyBlog: Thanks again to each of you for making yourselves available for this Q&A session. We'll keep this short and we'll have plenty of opportunities throughout your tenure here at SFA to chat with each of you specifically. Have a great time on the road.. play well and we'll get everyone rockin' when you get back home for our tourney.
Fans, make absolutely sure that you are back in Johnson Coliseum on Friday, September 18 at both 2:30 and 7:00. You'll be able to root on these freshmen as well as the rest of the squad as we battle Alcorn State and The University of Houston.
We'll post again after the weekend with a look at things around the conference and a recap and analysis of SFA's performance in Missouri. Hopefully a trophy and some All-Tourney honors make the long bus ride home a tad bit more comfortable!
Get well, KO!!
Before we get into this, I want to thank the freshmen so much for being willing to sit down and pen these answers. We did this electronically (so, they didn't really use a pen, I guess) and their schedules are unbelievably tight. I really appreciate their time and have found each of them really polite and accommodating. They are getting used to being "college athletes" - doing interviews, having to respond to various requests, dealing with media relations folks and participating in other formalities are new to them. The fact that they graciously answered these questions voluntarily in the middle of a time where they HAD to do other things is not overlooked here.
In case you've been under a rock, the cast of characters here is:
Madison (Maddie) Hanlan (#7, Libero, Arlington, TX)
Sabrina Burns (#8, Outside Hitter, McAlester, OK)
Emily (Em) Franklin (#9, Outside Hitter, Oregon, WI)
Amber Doolittle (#11, Middle Blocker, Arlington, TX)
Allison Gideon (#12, Setter, Georgetown, TX)
VolleyBlog: In practices it appears the freshmen are already blending very well with the veterans. Have you had a chance to spend time with your veteran teammates off the court?
Allison: We have actually spent a lot of time together as a team. We've done several team dinners and a team movie. We get along really well and always have fun together.
Sabrina: The "veterans" are amazing! They are all really nice and inclusive, we have gotten to hang out with the team, going to the movies, football scrimmage, playing games at one of the girls houses, and eating together of course!
VolleyBlog: Amber, speaking of the veterans, what are the things that impress you most about the veteran middle blockers on this squad? Do you consider it an advantage to your development to be a young middle blocker with such successful college MB’s to work with and learn from?
Amber: The way they play and their demeanor impressed me. Middle blockers have hard job and they do it well. I do think it's an advantage to my development because they don't mind to take the time out to show me or tell me what I need to correct or congratulate me in practice.
VolleyBlog: I've been able to watch several practices and noticed the veterans' support. This is for any of you: To this point, what would you say is the main difference between college-level practices and the practices you went to with high school or club teams?
Maddie: The main difference is the intensity. High school practices were much less intense but in college the practices require 100% every minute.
Amber: The attitudes in practice are a lot different than high school because everybody has a positive attitude instead of complaining about practice.
Sabrina: The main difference between college level practices and high school practices for me is that the college practices are more structured and more position specific and higher energy.
Allison: I'd have to say the biggest difference in practice is the speed of the game. The game is just so much faster now, it takes some getting used to. There is also a higher level of competitiveness in practices.
VolleyBlog: Emily, as a very successful outside hitter at the high school and club level, what is the primary thing you feel you have to improve on or add to your game to continue to be a successful player at the college level?
Emily: I feel that I need to continue [working] on my blocking technique in order to be consistent. And instead of hesitating towards the ball i need to just go for it. Other than that i feel like I am learning new things everyday and will continue to grow.
VolleyBlog: Our program has had a recent run of fantastic recruits at libero which adds to our excitement of having you here at SFA, Maddie . Are there a couple of things you are specifically trying to improve on to assure your success at libero this year?
Maddie: I am trying to improve all areas of my game such as passing and defense and I am also trying to be an excitement factor for the team - always trying to rev everyone up.
VolleyBlog: Sabrina, you’ve worked a lot in practice on the right side. In your past as a high school player and/or club player, have you spent more time on the left or right?
Sabrina: In club I mainly played right side, although I had a bit of time as a left side, but its been mainly right side for the past two years. In high school I played middle for three years and right side one year.
VolleyBlog: Allison, would you say you are more of an “attacking” setter than most? Clearly, putting attackers in the best position to hit is your first job, but when you are on the floor, do you consider the club to have one additional hitting option in yourself?
Allison: I've always been taught to be an offensive weapon as a left-handed setter and I love doing it, it's one of my favorite parts of the game. There is always room for me to be more offensive but for the most part I try to keep myself an option as much as possible.
VolleyBlog: Sabrina, clearly you have strengths as both as a hitter and as a blocker, but what do you enjoy most: coming up with a big kill or a big block?
Sabrina: Man! That is a tough question! I don't know an honest answer to that because I LOVE both! Both are helping the team win... I do like connecting with the setter to get a kill! But I'd say that both make me REALLY happy!!!
VolleyBlog: So, Amber...What was the #1 reason you chose to come to SFA as opposed to going somewhere else to play?
Amber: I chose to come here because just watching the team in practice you could tell that they bond well. Other teams have winning seasons too but they don't get along with their teammates and I didn't want to be involved with that.
VolleyBlog: Same question to you, Maddie. What was your #1 reason?
Maddie: I loved the campus and the small town feel. I also loved the high level of play.
VolleyBlog: Emily, you came a long way to play here. What would you say was your #1 reason for choosing SFA?
Emily: I chose to go to SFA because of the team. They made me feel welcome and wanted. The second reason that I chose to come here was because of the campus - it is beautiful.
VolleyBlog: What about you, Allison?
Allison: My best friend actually high jumps at SFA, so that's what got me looking here in the first place. It's just a great school, I loved the atmosphere and it seemed like a great fit with the coaches and the girls on the team.
VolleyBlog: Thanks again to each of you for making yourselves available for this Q&A session. We'll keep this short and we'll have plenty of opportunities throughout your tenure here at SFA to chat with each of you specifically. Have a great time on the road.. play well and we'll get everyone rockin' when you get back home for our tourney.
Fans, make absolutely sure that you are back in Johnson Coliseum on Friday, September 18 at both 2:30 and 7:00. You'll be able to root on these freshmen as well as the rest of the squad as we battle Alcorn State and The University of Houston.
We'll post again after the weekend with a look at things around the conference and a recap and analysis of SFA's performance in Missouri. Hopefully a trophy and some All-Tourney honors make the long bus ride home a tad bit more comfortable!
Get well, KO!!
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