2009 Harper Hawks Volleyball Preview Harper College's Women's Volleyball team has a history of success, and Head Coach Bob Vilsoet is looking for more success in 2008. With four consecutive 1st places finishes in N4C Conference play, the Hawks have compiled a 29-3 record over the last four seasons. The 2008 season saw finished ranked 2nd in the final NJCAA Div III national poll. At the NJCAA Div III National Tournament, Harper lost in the semi-final match and fell one win shy from playing for the national championship. Coach Bob Vilsoet (District Coach of the year 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008) is again very excited about this year’s team. At Outside Hitter will be sophomore Katie Spychala (Elk Grove H.S., 2007 Daily Herald H.S. All-Area Special Mention, Hawk Attack VBC). At Harper last year, Katie finished with 170 kills, 235 digs and 19 aces. Joining Katie at OH will be Katharina Loos (Elk Grove H.S., 2008 Daily Herald H.S. All-Area Special Mention, F.O.C.U.S VBC). Emily Nowicke ( Buffalo Grove, 2008 Daily Herald H.S. All-Area Special Mention) and Amy Fisher (Bartlett H.S.) round out the team at OH. At Middle Hitter will be second year player Alex Mason (Oregon Episcopal H.S., Volleyball in Portland Volleyball Club), Joanna Strzelec (Rolling Meadows H.S. and Rolling Thunder VBC) and Alyssa Collins (Prospect H.S.). At Right Side will be Jazmin Calep (Glenbard North H.S., Dynamic Force VBC), and Heather Coveliers (Ridgeland H.S., and Ignite VBC). At Setter will be newcomer Libby Bedwell (Gibson City Melvyn Sibley H.S., Illini Elite VBC). She will be backed up by Deborah Reber, Passeusse from Berufsschule für Verwaltung, Bern, Switzerland and Muenchenbuchsee VBC. At Defensive Specialist/Libero, sophomore Megan Maize (Elk Grove H.S., Daily Herald H.S.All Area, F.O.C.U.S.) returns. In 2008, she had 487 digs (2.93 digs/game), and served 94.8% with 38 aces. Jordin Bodine (Ottawa H.S., Illini Elite) rounds out the team. Assistant coaches are Laura Chelcun and Jeanie Janz. Laura is in her 4th year as Harper’s assistant coach and is a 2005 Div III All-American. This is Jeanie’s second year as assistant coach. Jeanie led the nation in assists in NJCAA in 2002. Jeanie is a certified referee and has club head coaching experience (Circus VBC). As players for Harper's Volleyball team, Laura and Jeanie led the team to 4th place finishes at nationals in their respective years while playing at Harper College. |