Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Volleyball Prepares for the 2005 Season
8/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 14, 2005
Winston-Salem, N.C. - Coming into the 2005 season, the Wake Forest volleyball team has a desire to make an impact both in the ACC and the nation.
With the combination of strong upperclassmen, the top recruiting class in programs history and new head coach Heather Kahl, the Demon Deacons have all the elements it takes to make the upcoming season a successful one.
"My expectations for 2005 are very high," said Kahl, an assistant for the Deacs over the past five seasons. "We have such a talented group of players both from our returning classes and our incoming freshmen. I expect that we will be very competitive this season."
The Demon Deacs will be led by a group of four experienced seniors, including 2003 AVCA All-American honorable mention Christy Williams. Williams, who struggled with an injury last year, is expected to return in full force during her final season. Also returning to guide the team will be setter Erin Borhart, whose smart and consistent style of play will help lead the team. Coupled with Klarysa Henry and AJ Nicholas, the leadership of the older players should greatly benefit the team.
"All of our seniors are hungry to make their mark in the ACC," said Kahl. "Erin is one of the most consistent players we have and Christy never backs down from a challenge. Along with the natural leadership of AJ and the consistent defensive performances from Klarysa, all four of them will step up to the challenge and lead this team."
Middle: The Deacs will add two strong newcomers to the pair that is returning, making the middle one of the strongest positions.
"The girls competing for the middle position possess the skills to potentially be dominate in the league," said Kahl.
Leading in the middle with will be Williams. She has proven that she has the talent to be one of the top players in the league, despite a tough junior season due to injury.
"Christy came off an incredible freshman and sophomore year," said Kahl. "I expect that she will be back this season in full force. With her desire to win in her final year, she is going to make a big impact in the middle for us."
Sophomore Jackie Lucas will also return to the middle after a strong freshman campaign that included a spectacular spring season. "Jackie had a tough time adjusting to the middle in the beginning of last year, but she had a phenomenal spring and really came into her own," said Kahl.
Joining Williams and Lucas in the middle will be transfer Natalie Mullikin. Freshman Ashley Homitz will also compete for playing time in the middle.
"Natalie will bring a lot of intensity and determination that we need," said Kahl. "She adds a higher level of expectation on the court that will be important to the success of the program.
"Like Natalie, Ashley is an incredible athlete that should be able to contribute right away. She is an outstanding player who comes to Wake with a tremendous amount of high level training."
Outside: The Deacs return three players, including Lauren Peterson, Michael Faulkner and Jessica Furlong. Each with their own unique style of play, the trio will challenge each other for playing time.
"I like the fact that we have so many talented players on the outside," said Kahl. "It is going to be exciting to see the competition for this position."
Peterson, returning for her junior year, has a very quick arm and can be dangerous at the net, while Faulkner gained a lot of experience in her freshman season.
"Lauren has an opportunity to make her mark on the ACC," said Kahl. "Her hard work in the off season has improved her explosiveness at the net.
"Michael is one of our best all around players. As she continues to develop her style of play, she will become a threat to her opponents."
Furlong, who redshirted last season after a shoulder injury, brings power to the game and the strength of her attack is competitive to former standout Valerie Rydberg.
"Jessica worked very hard to recover from her shoulder injury. In addition to a strong attack, she has the back row skills that we need from an outside hitter," said Kahl.
Setter: Wake Forest returns Borhart to the starting role of setter, but juniors Jenna Doane and Natasha Schaefer will train as back-up setters. Schaefer has played primarily in the back row and Doane on the right side.
"We are going to look to Erin to lead the team as our starting setter. She is one of our most consistent players and she has a natural ability to see the court and opponents weaknesses," said Kahl. "She is creative with our offensive system and deceptive with her style of play."
Right Side: The Deacs will see Jenna Doane and Shannan Homan on the right side. Playing behind Kim Stern the past two years, Doane continued to develop her presence in the back row.
"Jenna has worked very hard this past off season on her explosiveness in the front row," said Kahl.
Homan, who played middle in high school and club, comes to Wake Forest with a strong background, playing for one of the top club teams in California.
"The transition from high school to college should be smooth for Shannan because she came from a competitive club team," said Kahl. "Her athleticism in the front row will help develop her into a top-notch player."
Defense: The Deacs return three veterans, in addition to one freshman. Schaefer, Nicholas and Henry will anchor the defense, while newcomer Mary-Margaret Langston will add support and depth.
"One of our primary focuses this season is our defense," said Kahl. "I am excited about the level of competitiveness that Mary-Margaret will bring to the position."
"Natasha is one of the more versatile athletes we have and is a very focused player.
"AJ sets an incredible example for her fellow teammates with her work ethic. Klarysa made a huge impact defensively last season. I would like to see our defensive specialists pick up where they left off last season and continue to improve."
