Season Preview
And so begins another CMS Volleyball season! Hello again to all the Athenas' fans who have been anxiously awaiting the start of the 2007 season, and to all newcomers, a sincere welcome! The year has kicked off with a tremendous start late last week as one of our most talented freshmen classes merged with one of our strongest groups of upperclassmen and took to the floor eager to boost CMS to the top of the conference. With 3 SCIAC schools nationally ranked, the competition will be as fierce as ever, and this team is ready.
Returning from the 2006 squad are 5 seniors, the largest graduating class in over 15 years. Leading the group is outside hitter and co-captain, Lindsay Hull (Literature; Phoenix, AZ). Averaging over 3 kills and digs per game in last year's campaign, Lindsay returned to Claremont after a semester of study in Ireland in fantastic shape and ready to lead. Outside and opposite hitter, Alicia Freeman (Government/Leadership; Santa Barbara, CA) posted a 2nd Team-All SCIAC performance in 2006 and also returns from a semester in Ireland hoping to again lead the team in kills/game and overall service aces. She will see time in both positions this year and is co-captain of the team. Middle blocker, Camille Butts (History; Ontario, CA) was honored as Scripps College Athlete of the Year in 2006 after being named to the All-SCIAC first team for the second straight time. She also captured conference championships in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 meter relays in track and field. She looks to improve her blocking averages and to fuel the offense with her dynamic play. Lizzie Balch (Neuroscience; Louisville, CO) and Collette Hooper (Economics/Accounting; Bellevue, WA) recently returned from semesters in Prague, Czech Republic and Strausburg, France respectively, and will round out the senior class with superb leadership, each seeing time at the right side.
Featuring 4 returners from last year's squad, the junior class is equally strong and nearly as large. Each returned from summer vacation ready to assume even greater ownership of the team and have impressed the coaching staff with their work ethic and leadership. Alex Harrison (Government; Tucson, AZ) and Kristine Grigsby (Math; Issaquah, WA) will pace the offense as setters. Each was ranked in the top 6 in the SCIAC for assists/game last season and both have grown tremendously as setters in terms of their play selection and the sophistication of their offense. The team has great confidence in both. Middle blocker, Helena Bottemiller (Government/Leadership; Burien, WA) looks to boost her kill/game average of last year (1.59) and will surely continue to excel as a blocker. She was second only to senior, Camille Butts in blocking last year and is anxious to increase her control the net this season. Handling the back row, is libero, Greer Donley (Philosophy/Ethics/Public Health; Leawood, KS). Greer averaged 5.61 digs/game in 2006, and ranked 2nd in the conference, leading the team in passing. She was voted our most inspirational player and is a co-captain. She will return to her defensive position this season and has devoted great effort to improving her serve receive.
The lone sophomore on the squad, Jamie Matusiak (Economics/Accounting; Tucson, AZ) battled back from wrist surgery last semester, and has really come on strong in training camp. Doubling as both a right side attacker and a middle blocker, Jamie is one of the most versatile players on the team and will contribute in both positions.
The 2007 team will feature 7 talented freshmen. Sonia Bao (Psychology/Pre-Med; Arcadia, CA) played for San Gabriel Volleyball Club and was MVP of the Rio Hondo League her senior year of high school. A relative newcomer to the sport, Sonia is working hard to improve her technical skills and will provide a formidable block throughout the year as an outside hitter. Fellow outside hitter, Kendra Huff (Math; Downey, CA) joins us from Warren High School (1st team All-CIF) and Golden West Volleyball Club. A talented attacker with a range of shots, Kendra is also a consistent, primary passer in serve receive. Sarah Beattie (Studio Art/Art History; Quechee, VT) brings size and athleticism to the middle. She is steadily becoming more comfortable with the pace of the college game and is a wonderfully coachable and positive addition. Jessica Waggoner (Economics; Scottsdale, AZ), an All-State honoree while at Chaparral High School also played for Club Red. Though an outside hitter for her high school program, Jessica will specialize in defense for the Athenas and will provide back-up support for Greer Donley this season. Leanne Ringquist (Undecided; Ben Lomond, CA) competed for San Lorenzo HS where she was a 3-time All-League selection. She also played for Main Beach Volleyball Club, leading her team to 4 JO appearances and a 5th place finish in the National Division as a senior. Leanne also brings versatility to the program and will compete as an outside hitter and middle blocker this year. Jenna Suttmeier (Undecided; Issaquah, WA) is a feisty outside hitter with excellent ball control and a wide range of shots. She was an All-State honoree her senior year and competed for Island Thunder Volleyball Club. Rounding out the freshmen class is Angela Estrella-Lemus (Government/Literature; Gilroy, CA). She competed for City Beach Volleyball Club and brings tremendous consistency to the floor. As she develops her power and grows more comfortable with our offensive and defensive systems, she will become one of the team's strongest assets.
The present and future are bright for CMS Volleyball! The energy in the gym in these early stages of the season has been exceptional. The willingness of the upperclassmen to quickly include the newcomers, both on and off the court is quickly creating a remarkably cohesive team. Opening the season with Chapman University on September 5, the Athenas are anxious to compete. We look forward to including you in our journey throughout the season and hope to see you in the stands! Thank you for all the support!
