Aug. 19, 2002

ABILENE, Texas - This could be the year that the Hardin-Simmons' volleyball team takes people by surprise.

"Each year, the team as a whole and certain individuals have been improving, especially the seniors, said third-year head coach Krystal Brodbeck. Hopefully all of that work will show up in the win column this season."

Casey Dowdy, Terri Guajardo, Angie King, Niki Olsen, and Brittoni Reynolds, the five seniors, have endured so much in rebuilding the Hardin-Simmons Volleyball program and all have special qualities that hold the team together.

Dowdy led the team last season with 81 total blocks and has her heart and soul invested into the Cowgirl volleyball program. In 2001 Guajardo was plagued with injuries; however, the team still voted her MVP because she is the go to player as an outside hitter and the opponents fear her.

King, defensive specialist, led the team with 291 digs for the 2001 season. Olsen, the starting setter for the Cowgirls, hustles on the court and sets the harmony of the team. Reynolds is a fierce competitor.

The seniors understand that this is their last season. They want to put their heart and soul in all of the practices and matches. They have the determination to work as and for the team. "I am proud of all five seniors, this is the year that they have been working so hard for," said Brodbeck.

Along with the seniors, Maggie Barnhill and Kasey Ridings round out this year's returnees. Barnhill, a sophomore middle blocker, had an outstanding freshman year by improving her competitive attitude and is fired up for this season. Ridings, a setter and outside hitter for the Cowgirls, has a phenomenal serve and will look to start for the second straight year.

The newcomers to the team will look to add depth on the roster and also compete for valuable playing time. The Cowgirls will have eight new players this season including Jenny Brawner, Megan Donohue, Kerra LeBlanc, Jessica Shrieve, Heather Reynolds, Jocelyn Davis, Mary Helen Snowden, and Rebecca Delgado. Jessie Jackson will also play for the Cowgirls, after playing on the soccer team for two years.

The Cowgirls goals for this season are healthy and positive competition between players and a balance of team unity with determination on winning.

This summer, for the first time, many players have joined in pick up volleyball matches in the gym. Also, the team attended a building and strengthening retreat in Wimberley, Texas. "The team this year has bonded, on and off the volleyball court," says Brodbeck.

Look for an experienced bunch of Cowgirls to surprise some teams and improve on their 6-22 record from 2001.