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2010 Outlook
What’s next for the Geneva College volleyball team? Co-head coaches Wendy Smith and Curt Conser have built a solid foundation on College Hill with a program that now demands high expectations year after year. Coming off a 19-12 season in 2009, the Golden Tornadoes will look for bigger and better results in 2010.
Improving upon the results from a year ago will be no easy task based on the departure of seniors Brandi Snavely and Michelle Zimmovan. Both played a significant role in the success of Geneva volleyball in recent years and will leave some holes to fill in the very near future. “They don't make them much better than Brandi and Michelle,” says Smith. “Those two were the heart and soul of our program, both on and off the court and we will have to find some new leaders to take us to where we want to go.”
The most obvious choice to grab the torch will be two-time NCCAA All-American Adriane Blake. Blake once again led the President’s Athletic Conference last year in kills per game (3.51) and was among the team leaders in digs (3.34) and blocks (0.38). Alongside Blake and looking to improve on a very impressive sophomore campaign will be Rachel Kuegler. Kuegler was second on the team and fourth in the league in kills per game and a PAC coaches’ honoree. Her dynamic play on the court made her a crowd favorite. Senior outside hitter Laura Zerbe was a consistent contributor last season, and will help provide solid upperclassman leadership. Maggie Bowersox should also be a big presence in 2010 after leading the team with 0.68 blocks per game in her inaugural season, including a team best 54 solo blocks. She also posted a strong 210 kills from the middle. “We are very excited about what we have at the net,” says Conser. “Adriane has continued to improve every year, Rachel can really explode on the ball, and Maggie now has a full year of experience under her belt.”
Of course many in the volleyball circles would say your hitters are only as good as their setter. With that being the case, the Golden Tornadoes will have to wait and see how the lofty shoes of Brandi Snavely will be filled. Getting the first opportunity to fill that role will be incoming freshman Deanna Briody from Oakdale, NY. “It is always a little nerve wracking to rely heavily on a freshman for immediate contributions,” says Smith. “But we are pretty sure about what we have in Deanna and are confident that she will be able to handle the spotlight.”
Along with Briody, Ashley Davis will also be making her first appearance as an incoming freshman for the Golden Tornadoes. A two-sport student-athlete from Springfield Local, Davis shows great promise for a bright career on College Hill.
While Davis and Briody are just beginning their college experience, Blake and fellow senior standout Laura Zerbe will be looking to end their careers on a positive note. The only two seniors on the 2010 roster, each player will provide continued leadership to a young group in the upcoming season. “Leadership is an important element for this team,” says Conser. “We know that Adriane and Laura, along with some other experienced veterans will grab that responsibility.”
An impressive core of returning players will also help the cause with the likes of Kristland McCracken, Rachel Kuegler, Brianna Mixter and Erin Smith suiting up for the Golden Tornadoes in 2010. “We believe that this is a special group of young ladies and that we can do some special things this year,” says Smith. “We always want to keep pushing the envelope and improving each year and we have the group that can get that done.”