Aug. 18, 2008
YOU GOTTA BELIEVE
Injuries last season haunted the UIC volleyball team as numerous players were sidelined, but this year's depth, leadership, versatility and drive to win might be the perfect combination this team needs in order to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history.
Head coach Nancy Mueller is confident that in order to reach the ultimate goal, one mentality will propel the 2008 squad: You Gotta Believe.
This motto doesn't mean just believing they can win a Horizon League title, but believing in the system, in each other and the ability to compete at a higher level.
"This team needs to believe they can win," said Mueller. "We have a lot of experience returning from last season and in order for this team to succeed, they need to come prepared every day and have a mind of one."
Last year's injuries may have put a damper on the 2007 season, but the diverse experiences that each player gained through those hardships will only add to the existing firepower.
"Because many players were forced to play out of position, they have a better understanding of the game," said Mueller. "I think that it is going to help us because we will have different lineups that fit each opponent."
Captains Christin Hunt, Katarina Nedeljkovic and Casie Sullivan each bring a leadership quality that will keep this team motivated on the court. Whether it is vocal encouragement or leading by example, this group of veterans will inspire the team to reach new heights.
With the loss of just one starter from 2007, the Flames return nine letterwinners and welcome four newcomers, including a transfer from Mississippi, to this year's squad.
"The newcomers will come into the program and immediately challenge the returners," said Mueller. "They have the ability to make an immediate impact and I look forward to seeing them respond to the high level of competition."
Joining the three captains from last season's rotating lineup are sophomore libero Taylor Szatkowski, junior middle hitter Epiphany Davis, sophomore setter Dana Van Syckle, junior middle hitter Lana Lobdell and junior outside hitter Katerina Hanackova.
OUTSIDE HITTERS/RIGHT SIDE
Returning Players:
Katarina Nedeljkovic (medical redshirt in 2007)
Katerina Hanackova (3.11 kpg, 2.94 dpg)
Casie Sullivan (injured first half of season, set for remainder)
Christin Hunt (2.53 kpg, 0.77 bpg)
Newcomers:
Kate Eldred and Erin Tofanelli
The outside will be packed with veteran talent and extreme versatility in 2008.
"This position is potentially our strongest asset because we have four solid players that have the capability to play there on any given day," said Mueller.
In addition to Hunt and Hanackova, Nedeljkovic returns strong following shoulder surgery, as well as Sullivan, who will finally be able to show off her talent in her natural position.
"After stepping in for injured setter Van Syckle mid-October last year, Sullivan has been training in the outside hitter position all spring and summer, so I expect her to explode on the court this season and be a big shock to the league," said Mueller.
Following a year off, Nedeljkovic is looking to add to her lengthy list of accomplishments that she has already achieved in three seasons with the Flames. The senior has been an All-Horizon League selection twice and also ranks eighth in the UIC career record book with 1,165 kills.
Hanackova has two years of experience under her belt, returning with a team-best 3.11 kills per game from 2007.
Adding to an already talented group of players are newcomers Kate Eldred and Erin Tofanelli.
"Kate is a very talented player and if she isn't playing outside, then she will be helping out in some way because she also has a vicious serve," said Mueller.
Tofanelli will also be vying for time as an outside hitter, in addition to training as a defensive specialist.
"The players in this position are going to be game changers," said Mueller. "They have the ability to consistently play at a high level, which will help give this team the confidence it needs to be successful."
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Returning Players:
Epiphany Davis (0.97 bpg)
Lana Lobdell (0.98 bpg)
Newcomers:
Chelsea Sloan and Janise Dismuke
The front row will have a similar look with Davis and Lobdell returning from last year's starting lineup. The double-threat combo totaled 227 blocks in 2007.
Lobdell led the Flames, averaging 0.98 blocks per game, earning the junior a ninth place spot in the UIC single-season record book with a total of 119. Davis was close behind with 108 blocks which highlighted an impressive freshman campaign.
"They are both solid players that have trained hard since last season, so I think they understand the position better and know exactly what we expect," said Mueller.
Adding to the depth of the position are redshirt freshman Chelsea Sloan and freshman Janise Dismuke.
Sloan will be pushing the returning starters and challenging for a role after having the opportunity to observe from the bench for one season. The Michigan native is very physical and has the ability to move side-to-side and get off her feet quickly.
Mueller also sees Dismuke as making an impact as a rookie.
"Janise is a 6-1 raw middle hitter that can hit a heavy ball and will surprise some people in the league this season," said Mueller.
SETTERS
Returning Players:
Dana Van Syckle (10.98 apg, 2.63 dpg)
Newcomers:
Jessica Dalke
After knee surgery that sidelined the setter midway through her freshman year, Van Syckle returns healthy but will have to work extra hard with newcomer Jessica Dalke on her heels for a starting nod.
In 21 matches during her rookie season, Van Syckle averaged 10.9 assists per game and ranked second on the squad with 27 service aces.
Highly recruited out of high school as a setter, Dalke transfers to UIC from Mississippi. Looking for more playing experience, the redshirt sophomore joins the program with a positive attitude and a competitive drive.
"She is a feisty competitor," said Mueller. "She is a great addition to the program and I hope that she draws out the fire in the other players. She wants to play and will do whatever it takes to get on the floor."
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST
Returning Players:
Taylor Szatkowski (3.45 dpg, 0.12 sapg)
Emily Schaffer (1.42 dpg, 0.14 sapg)
Keri Hee (0.25 dpg)
Newcomers:
Erin Tofanelli
Similar to middle blocker, the defensive specialist position features solid veterans with few newcomers. Szatkowski, redshirt sophomore Emily Schaffer and senior Keri Hee will bring the experience, while Tofanelli will be learning the system.
Leading UIC with 3.45 digs per game, Szatkowski started in all but one game as a freshman.
"The experience that Taylor got as a freshman will help her grow as a player," said Mueller.
Challenging Szatkowski will be Schaffer, who dabbled as a defensive specialist after struggling with several injuries over the last year and a half.
"Emily is an excellent server and passer, so she will be fighting for time," said Mueller.
Mueller's plan is to switch up the liberos depending upon the strategy against each opponent.
"The position is open right now, and someone is going to have to step up to the plate to earn a spot," said Mueller.
SCHEDULE
UIC's 2008 schedule is highlighted by crosstown rivalries, a battle against 2007 national champion Penn State and three matches against programs the Flames will see for the first time in school history.
The Flames open the season over Labor Day weekend at the Chicagoland Classic, where they will take on local foes Northwestern, DePaul and host Loyola.
UIC's tournament slate continues with the Doublewood Inn Classic at North Dakota State on Sept. 5-6, followed by the Chicago Classic at Mother McAuley on Sept. 12-13.
The Flames will face powerhouse Penn State, in addition to Illinois State, Louisville, Northern Colorado, Texas-El Paso and host NDSU during those weekends of competition.
"We wanted to create a non-conference schedule that would prepare us for the Horizon League season," said Mueller. "In order to reach that level of play, we scheduled high-quality teams that would expose us to fierce competition."
UIC kicks off Horizon League action on Sept. 19 at Youngstown State. Intermixed throughout the league schedule are matchups against Central Michigan, Quinnipiac, Bradley and SIU Edwardsville.
