2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics

2005 Season Preview

K e n t u c k y V o l l e y b a l l 

2005 Outlook 

Junior Jenni Casper remains one of the top defensive players in the Southeastern 

Conference. The 2003 SEC Defensive Player 

of the Year totaled 478 digs as a sophomore. 

Senior Amy Kaplan led the team in hitting efficiency last season, hitting 

.305 for the year. Her 97 blocks were second-most on the team in 2004, 

making her both an offensive and defensive threat. 

Entering his first season at Kentucky, 

Coach Craig Skinner feels he has taken the reins 

of a program that has the potential for unprecedented 

success. And for Skinner, the beginning 

of a new era in UK Volleyball has begun. 

"The timeline for our program is now," Skinner 

said. "We have high expectations and with the 

current team we feel that we can have success." 

Skinner feels that a new mental approach 

combined with the talent of the team's current 

players and a tenacious recruiting effort will 

result in a realization of the team's goals. 

Add in first-class facilities, unwavering 

administrative support and a dedicated fan base 

to the mix and the Wildcats have all the elements 

in place to take the volleyball program to a championship 

level. 

"Any sport that is successful at UK has the 

opportunity to create a great following," Skinner 

said. "I think volleyball is a sleeping giant." 

32 Kentucky Volleyball Fall 2005 

The Wildcats return a core group of veteran 

leadership to complement its youthful enthusiasm. 

The fourth-year trio of middle blocker Amy 

Kaplan, setter Leigh Marcum and outside hitter 

Danielle Wallace provides a powerful punch for 

the Cats. Their experience in the rigors of Southeastern 

Conference play, combined with their 

ability to mentor up-and-coming young players 

looks to factor into the success equation for the 

squad this season. 

Outside Hitter 

Kentucky will have big shoes to fill on the 

outside in 2005 as the Wildcats will be forced to 

compensate for the loss of four-year starter Sarah 

Spinner, who finished her career as one of the top 

hitters in UK history. The Satellite Beach, Fla., 

native closed her playing days ranked third alltime 

for kills (1,565), attack attempts (4,172) 

and digs (1,127). 

Wallace returns as the team's leader on the 

outside after a stellar junior campaign. A heady 

player, Wallace was second on the squad in hitting 

percentage with a .256 clip and second in 

kills with 395. Wallace, who was named the Most 

Valuable Player of the Kentucky Conference 

Challenge last season, will be counted on to 

anchor a young outside game. 

Junior Melissa Popp returns from a shortened 

2004 season, where she saw limited action due to 

recurring shoulder problems. Popp, a confident 

competitor, showed promise in the team's spring 

matches this year. She played in each of the 

squad's 28 matches her freshman campaign and 

was an All-SEC Freshman selection in 2003. 

Julie Gagnon saw limited time on the outside 

last season after playing primarily in a defensive role, 

but looks to make an impact in 2005. Six-foot freshman 

Erin Turner joins the team from Winnetka, 

Calif., looking for a starting spot early in her career.


"Danielle Wallace has great offensive output. 

Melissa Popp is healthy again and will be able to 

have a big impact on our success. Julie Gagnon 

and our freshmen will have the chance to contribute 

at the other outside hitting position. All 

three have different strengths that will give them 

the opportunity to play and start." 

Newcomer Ashlee Fisher joins the Cats from 

West Bend, Wisc., and could see immediate playing 

time in the UK lineup. 

Middle Blocker 

Kaplan headlines the Kentucky middle in 

2005 with an unmatched determination and 

work ethic. Her experience should pay dividends 

in refining a talented, yet untested group of 

young players at her position. She hit a squadbest 

.305 hitting percentage in 2004 and was the 

team's second-leading blocker with 97. 

Sophomore Kristen Cunningham gained a 

wealth of experience last season, starting 24 of 

the 29 matches she played in last year. She led the 

team in blocking with 0.94 bpg. 

Redshirt freshman Queen 

Nzenwa will be counted on to log 

major time in the middle this season. 

The Baltimore native had a 

strong showing in the team's spring 

matches after being sidelined with 

a leg injury just before the start of 

last season. 

"In the middle blocking position, 

we have great experience with 

Amy (Kaplan). She has led the SEC 

in hitting percentage. We have great 

physicality in Queen, who is 

unproven, but athletically is as good 

as anybody. Kristen may be the 

hardest working and the most fundamentally 

sound middle. So we 

have a good core of people to help 

us be successful." 

Setter 

The Wildcats can rely on a constant 

force at the setter position 

with the return of the battle-tested 

Marcum. Marcum is ranked sixth 

all-time at UK for career assists 

with 2,615. The Noblesville, Ind., 

native was tops on the squad last 

season with 12.36 apg and posted 

four double-doubles (assists and 

digs) on the year. Marcum played 

in each of the team's 126 games as 

a sophomore and saw the majority 

of the action last season in a twosetter 

rotation. 

Canadian Tess Edwards is a 6- 

foot freshman who is a two-time 

member of the Ontario Provincial 

team. Edwards, who hails from 

Ottowa, Ontario, is armed with credentials that 

should more than prepare her for a collegiate 

role. She should immediately compete with Marcum 

for the starting position. 

"Leigh has great experience and a very good 

natural ability. She has adjusted to our new system 

very well and there has been a smooth transition 

in the way we play the game offensively. 

Tess is a dynamic player and teammate and has 

considerable ability in all skills at the setter position 

and will compete to start." 

Senior Danielle Wallace had her most impressive season so far in 2004. 

Her 3.62 kills per game are the most of any returning player. 

Libero/Defensive Specialist 

Junior Jenni Casper has established herself as 

one of the leading liberos in the competitive 

SEC. Casper will be central to the UK defensive 

game in 2005. The Louisville native led the team 

defensively last year with 478 digs (4.31 dpg). 

She showed her endurance, playing in 111 of the 

team's 112 games - the most of any Wildcat. 

Rookie Alisa Pearce, a two-time All-State 

first-team selection from Louisville, is a converted 

outside hitter who will see quality time as a 

defensive specialist at UK. Pierce, 5-foot-7, has 

considerable height for a back-row player. 

Sophomore Kathleen Bowler brings extensive 

athleticism to the position and has proven that 

she can compete for playing time with anyone. 

"I think we can be exceptional at the 

libero/defensive specialist position. Jenni 

(Casper) has a wealth of experience. She's led the 

SEC defensively the last couple of years. Kathleen 

(Bowler) is a superior athlete who continues 

to improve every week. Alisa (Pierce) has played 

at the highest level in club and has the ability and 

will compete to start at the position right away." 

The Staff 

Not only will the Wildcats be looking to 

play at a championship level in 2005, the UK 

bench will have a championship feel to complement 

the successes on the court. Robert Pulliza, 

an assistant coach at perennial-power Texas 

and Jenae Dowling, a former four-year letterwinner 

and defensive specialist at 

Nebraska complete the first coaching 

staff for Skinner. 

"Robert and Jenae are great people 

whom I trust very much," Skinner 

said. "Robert is one of the most 

experienced recruiters in the country 

with a great mind for the game. We 

will not lose a beat in recruiting with 

him on our staff. His enthusiasm for 

volleyball and life in general is a great 

asset to our program. Jenae is a 

young, energetic coach who has 

played at the highest level and is really 

excited to be starting her coaching 

career at UK." 

Outlook 

The Wildcats begin the 2005 season 

with a renewed energy and all the 

pieces in place for championship success. 

With all the components in 

position, Kentucky looks to not only 

be a national contender but an exciting 

team to follow. 

"What's important to me is that 

when the fans come once, they'll 

want to come again," Skinner said. "I 

think we're going to put an exciting 

team on the floor. They're going to 

play with a lot of joy and passion. I 

think when kids come to watch our 

team play they're going to walk away 

wanting to be part of it." 

"We expect to compete in every 

match and have a chance to win with 

the way we play. My players will have 

a winning mentality. Our results will 

stem from our work ethic and our 

commitment to our philosophy." 

Fall 2005 Kentucky Volleyball 33


Television Chart 

Melissa Popp 


1 

5-11 – Jr. 

Indianapolis, Ind. 

(Bishop Chatard) 

Kathleen Bowler 

Defensive Specialist 

2 

5-4 – So. 

Naperville, Ill. 

(Naperville North) 

Amy Kaplan 


3 

5-10 – Sr. 

Cary, Ill. 

(Cary-Grove) 

Leigh Marcum 

Setter 

4 

5-8 – Sr. 

Noblesville, Ind. 

(Noblesville) 

Julie Gagnon 

Outside Hitter/Def. Specialist 

5 

5-9 – Jr. 

Wheaton, Ill. 

(Wheaton-Warrenville South) 

Kristen Cunningham 


7 

6-0 – So. 

Farifax Station, Va. 

(Robinson) 

Danielle Wallace 


8 

6-2 – Sr. 

Port Charlotte, Fla. 

(Out of Door Academy) 

Ashlee Fisher 

Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter 

9 

5-11 – Fr. 

West Bend, Wisc. 

(West Bend West) 

Jenni Casper 

Defensive Specialist/Libero 

10 

5-3 – Jr. 

Louisville, Ky. 

(Mercy Academy) 

Alisa Pierce 

Defensive Specialist/Libero 

11 

5-7 – Fr. 

Louisville, Ky. 

(Pleasure Ridge Park) 

Erin Turner 


12 

6-0 – Fr. 

Winnetka, Calif. 

(Bishop Alemany) 

Tess Edwards 

Setter 

14 

6-0 – Fr. 

Ottawa, Ontario 

(All Saints Catholic) 

Queen Nzenwa 


20 

6-2 – RS-Fr. 

Baltimore, Md. 

(Kenwood) 

Craig Skinner 

Head Coach 

Robert Pulliza 

Assistant Coach 

Jenae Dowling 


34 Kentucky Volleyball Fall 2005

Coaches and Staff


Head Coach 

Craig Skinner 



Craig Skinner, the head assistant 

coach and recruiting coordinator at the University 

of Nebraska, was named the University 

of Kentucky's head volleyball coach on 

December 17, 2004. 

"This is a wonderful opportunity for my wife 

and myself," Skinner said. "We're very excited to 

be at the University of Kentucky. I see special 

things happening here and I'm looking forward 

to building a great program." 

Skinner quickly brought together an 

impressive staff after being hired at UK. 

Together, Skinner and assistants Robert Pulliza 

and Jenae Dowling claim two NCAA National 

Championships, eight Final Four appearances, 

11 conference titles and 19 NCAA Tournament 

appearances. 

“Robert (Pulliza) and Jenae (Dowling) are 

great people who I trust very much,” Skinner 

said. “Robert is one of the most experienced 

recruiters in the country with a great mind for the 

game. Jenae is a young, energetic coach who has 

played at the highest level and is really excited to 

be starting her coaching career at UK. We will 

work hard, enjoy what we do and I think our 

players, recruits and fans will feed off that.” 

Skinner spent the past five seasons as an assistant 

at Nebraska under John Cook and was 

named head assistant coach in 2003. During his 

tenure, the Huskers have put together a 154-11 

record and claimed the 2000 NCAA title with a 

perfect 34-0 record. The Huskers made a return 

trip to the Final Four in 2001 and advanced to 

NCAA regional semifinals or finals in every season 

after. In Skinner’s five years, Nebraska compiled 

a 97-3 record in Big 12 action and four Big 

12 Championships. 

"It's exciting to have someone join our program 

who brings credentials like Craig," UK 

Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said. "He's 

had the opportunity to recruit and coach elite 

athletes at the highest level of women's collegiate 

volleyball. That will be a tremendous asset 

for Kentucky volleyball as we continue to grow 

our program." 

That excitement has already become evident 

after the team competed for the first time under 

Skinner during the Spring 2005 season. 

“This spring we laid a great foundation for 

the future of our program our program,” Skinner 

said. “Understanding the mentality and 

concentration it takes to win championships is 

critical. And getting our players to understand 

that was paramount this year. Our staff hasn’t 

questioned the work ethic of our returning 

players - it’s fantastic.” 

Skinner clearly understands what it takes to 

move this program to the next level. He served as 

defensive coordinator at Nebraska and worked 

primarily with the middle blockers. He coached 

three women to six All-America honors during his 

five-year stay, including Melissa Elmer, who 



received her second All-America honor in 2004. 

The Huskers led the nation in blocking in four of 

the past five seasons. 

A 1993 graduate 

of Ball State, Skinner 

was an outside 

attacker for the Cardinals 

and helped 

guide BSU to a 28- 

11 record and a 

third-place finish at 

the 1990 NCAA 

Championships. He 

was a team captain 

his final two seasons. 

While attending 

Ball State, 

Skinner also served 

on staff at the Asics 

Munciana Volleyball 

Club, helping lead 

the 18-and-under 

squad to the U.S. 

Skinner and his wife, Megan, 

are the proud parents of a oneyear-old 

daughter, Sophie Jane. 

Volleyball Association national 

runner-up finish in 1992. 

A native of Muncie, Ind., 

Skinner spent three seasons as an 

assistant coach under Cook at 

Wisconsin, from 1994-96, aiding 

the Badgers to a 68-35 record and 

three postseason appearances, 

including the 1996 NCAA 

regional semifinals. 

Skinner returned to his alma 

mater in 1999, helping guide the 

Ball State men to wins over three 

nationally ranked teams and an 8-4 

record at midseason in 2000 before 

leaving for Nebraska. That team 

finished the season ranked 13th in 

the USA Today/AVCA Top 25. 

The 35-year-old Skinner is 

married to former Nebraska assistant 

women's soccer coach Megan Bechtold 

Skinner and the couple has a one-year-old 

daughter, Sophie Jane. 

Skinner's Year-by-Year Coaching Record 

Year School Position Record Conf. Record Accomplishments 

1994 Wisconsin Assistant 21-12 11-9 

1995 Wisconsin Assistant 22-15 9-11 NIVC Champions 

1996 Wisconsin Assistant 25-8 13-7 NCAA Regionals 

1999 Ball State Assistant 13-14 8-6 

2000 Ball State Assistant 16-15 6-8 

2000 Nebraska Assistant 34-0 20-0 NCAA/Big 12 Champs 

2001 Nebraska Assistant 31-2 20-0 NCAA Final Four/Big 12 Champs 

2002 Nebraska Assistant 31-2 20.0 Big 12 Champs 

2003 Nebraska Head Assistant 28-5 17-3 NCAA Regionals 

2004 Nebraska Head Assistant 30-2 20-0 NCAA Regionals/Big 12 Champs 

Personal 

Full Name: John Craigin Skinner 

Birth Date: June 4, 1970 

Hometown: Muncie, Ind. 

High School: Muncie Northside 

College: Ball State 

Sport Played: Volleyball 

Years Lettered: 1990-93 

Degree: Bachelor’s – Accounting (1993) 

Family: Wife, Megan; Daughter, Sophie (1) 

Coaching Career 

1990-93 

Asics Munciana Volleyball Club 

Club Coach 

1994-96 

University of Wisconsin 


1999-2000 

Ball State University (Men’s Team) 


1999 

U.S. Men’s Junior National Team 


2000-04 

University of Nebraska 

Head Assistant Coach 

2004-present 

University of Kentucky 

Head Coach 

The Skinner File 

Skinner on 

Kentucky Volleyball... 

“We expect to compete in every match 

and have a chance to win with the way we 

play. Our players will have a winning mentality. 

Our results will stem from our work ethic 

and our commitment to our philosophy.” 

Skinner on Kentucky... 

“One of the reasons I wanted to be at 

Kentucky was the people. The people are 

what make the University and what make the 

state. I just had a great gut feeling on the 

interview that this is where I want to start my 

head coaching career.” 



What They Are Saying 

About Skinner... 

"I've followed Craig's career since he was a club coach and he's produced 

nothing but winners. It won't be long before he has the Kentucky program 

competing with the best teams in the country." 

- Pete Waite, 

Wisconsin Head Coach 

“Playing for Craig was unbelievable. He made us, as athletes, work hard 

and love the game. That motivates me—I want to be the kind of coach that 

Craig is. He has such a deep knowledge of the game and I have learned so 

many things about the game both playing for him and coaching with him. 

He’s got a great family, he approaches his job with an outstanding work ethic 

and he makes work fun.” 

- Jenae Dowling, 

Kentucky Assistant Coach 

"Craig has enjoyed tremendous success everywhere he has been. With his 

leadership and staff, there is no doubt that he will direct Kentucky Volleyball 

back to the top of the SEC and return it to national prominance." 

– Jaime Gordon, 

Morehead State Head Coach and former Kentucky Assistant 

“I believe Craig to be a coach of great character and integrity. There is no 

doubt in my mind that he is one of the best coaches in the country! In a day 

where winning seems to be everything, Craig has been able to keep a balance 

in which our players can maintain their pure love for the game and can enjoy 

their college years to the fullest.” 

– Robert Pulliza, 

Kentucky Assistant Coach 

"I know Craig will do a great job in his new position. His experiences at 

Nebraska and Wisconsin, in addition to the tradition at Kentucky, make for a great 

match. Craig is a great person and will have success leading the Wildcat program." 

- Russ Rose, 

Penn State Head Coach 

“From everything that we’ve heard, Kentucky is a perfect place for him. 

He’s hired a great staff, and we are proud that two of the three staff members 

he hired have Nebraska ties. He’s in a tremendous opportunity to build that 

program and compete in the Southeastern Conference.” 

– John Cook, 

Nebraska Head Coach 




Robert Pulliza 

Robert 

Pulliza, who 

most recently 

served a an assistant 

coach at 

Texas and Wisconsin, 

is in 

his first year 

as the top 

assistant 

coach for 

the Kentucky 

volleyball program. 

“I'm really excited about being a part 

of a great university like the University of 

Kentucky," Pulliza said. "This was an opportunity 

I couldn't pass up - from the great reputation 

of the University and the wonderful city 

of Lexington to a coach I respect so much in 

Craig Skinner. It was 

a deal I couldn't 

resist and I 

look forward 

to 

making 

Kentucky 

one 

of the best volleyball programs in the country." 

Pulliza, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, 

joined the Kentucky staff as the top assistant 

and recruiting coordinator after working with 

some of the top volleyball programs in the 

country. Pulliza spent three seasons as an assistant 

at Texas before pursuing a career in private 

business in May 2004. While at Texas, 

Pulliza helped the Longhorns to two NCAA 

Tournament appearances. 

"Robert is a great coach and this is certainly a 

great addition for the program," Skinner said. "I'm 

really excited to have Robert join the UK family. 

He brings an incredible ability to 

coach and recruit, which will help 

us get to the top of the SEC 



and become a program on the national scene." 

Prior to his move to Austin, Pulliza spent two 

years on the Wisconsin staff and helped the team 

to the 2000 Big Ten title and a spot in the 

NCAA title match against Nebraska. Seated on 

the bench opposite Pulliza was Skinner, who was 

in his first year as assistant coach for the 

Huskers. At Wisconsin, Pulliza coached All- 

America setter Lizzie Fitzgerald. 

Pulliza spent the 1998 season at Northern 

Illinois, where he assisted the Huskies to the 

Mid-American Conference Championship and 

Pulliza and his wife Jamie 

reside in Lexington with their 

dog, Zoey. 

the second round of the 

NCAA Tournament. Prior to 

his stint at NIU, he coached 

two years as an assistant at 

James Madison while pursuing 

his master's degree in administration 

and coaching. 

The 32-year-old Pulliza 

began his coaching career as an 

assistant coach at Burris High 

School in Muncie, Ind. Burris 

claimed two state titles and was 

named the national runner-up 

by USA Today in 1994. 

Pulliza has international 

coaching experience as well, 

serving as an assistant coach 

for the US National A2 Team 

in 2003 and the US Girls 

Youth National Team in 2000 

and 2001. The 2000 team claimed a silver medal 

at the NORCECA Zonal Championships. Pulliza 

is a 1996 graduate of Ball State with a degree 

in general studies and sports administration. He 

served as team captain for two seasons as Ball 

State advanced to the NCAA Final Four in both 

1994 and 1995. Pulliza also was a member of 

BSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Board and 

earned dean's list honors in 1995-96. 

Pulliza and Skinner were teammates on the 

Cardinals' volleyball team for two seasons. Pulliza 

and his wife, Jamie, reside in Lexington. 

Personal 

Full Name: Robert Pulliza Garcia 

Birth Date: February 6, 1973 

Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico 

High School: Academia Nuestra 

Senora de la Providencia 

College: Ball State 



Degrees: Bachelor’s – General Studies 

and Sports Administration (1996) 

Master’s — Athletics Administration 

and Coaching (1998) 

Coaching and 

Playing Career 

1994-96 

Ball State 

Player 

1996-97 

James Madison 


1998 

Northern Illinois 


1999-2000 

Wisconsin 


2001-04 

Texas 


2004-Present 



The Pulliza File 

Skinner on Pulliza: 

“Robby is one of the most experienced 

recruiters in the country. He brings a level of 

experience, enthusiasm that will be contagious 

with our players, fans and recruits.” 




Jenae Dowling 

Personal 

Full Name: Jenae Lynn Dowling 

Pronunciation: juh-NAE DOW-ling 

Birth Date: September 8, 1981 

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Ind. 

High School: Northrop 

College: University of Nebraska 



Degree: Bachelor’s – Finance (2004) 

Coaching and 

Playing Career 

2000-03 

University of Nebraska 

Libero/Defensive Specialist 

2005-present 

University of Kentucky 


The Dowling File 

Skinner on Dowling: 

“Jenae’s work ethic and passion for the 

sport of volleyball will be a huge asset for our 

program. She’s played at the highest level, 

which will help our players understand what 

it takes to win championships.” 

Dowling on the transition 

from playing to coaching… 

“I grew up with a passion for volleyball 

and always knew I wouldn’t be able to stay 

away; but when I graduated college I was out 

of the mix for a while. I missed the game, 

missed the camaraderie, and missed being 

part of a team. Coaching has brought back 

that passion and I’m looking forward to sharing 

it with and passing it on to our athletes 

this fall.” 


C r a i g 

Skinner has 

completed his 

first coaching 

staff by naming 

former Nebraska 

defensive player 

Jenae Dowling 

assistant coach in 

January. 

“I’m so thankful 

to have been 

given this coaching opportunity,” Dowling 

said. “I can’t imagine anything I would love 

doing more. We have great athletes, unbelievable 

support from the fans and athletic department, 

a great conference, and a beautiful city. I 

couldn’t be happier, and I’m really looking forward 

to this season.” 

Dowling, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., was a 

four-year letterwinner at Nebraska, helping the Huskers to three Big 12 titles and the 2000 

NCAA Championship. The 

5-6 libero walked on at 

Nebraska in 2000 and 

appeared in 93 matches during 

her career. She was named 

a co-captain during her senior 

season of 2003 and split time 

at the libero position. 

Dowling shined in the 

classroom, earning first-team 

All-Big 12 honors three times 

and was a six-time member of 

the Big 12 Commissioner's 

Honor Roll. She majored in 

finance and graduated with a 

bachelor's degree in business 

in May 2004. 

"Jenae is exactly what we 

are looking for in people that 

we want to be part of our program 

here at Kentucky," Skinner 

said. "She is enthusiastic, 

hard working and passionate 

about the sport of volleyball. 

She has played at the highest 

level and won a national 

championship, which will 

help us continue building for 

championships of our own." 

Dowling, 23, is the daughter 

of Jim and Sue Dowling of 

Fort Wayne, Ind.


Volleyball Support Staff 

Sara Sjuts 

Administrative Support Associate 

Sara Sjuts enters her first season with Kentucky 

volleyball as the administrative support 

associate after spending the last four years in a 

similar student role at Nebraska. 

Sjuts is responsible for managing daily office 

functions, coordinating team travel and administrating 

summer camp programs. She also assists in 

recruiting functions and budget management and 

oversees the office’s student workers. 

Sjuts, 23, spent her entire undergraduate 

career at Nebraska working as an assistant to the 

Director of Volleyball Operations. While with the 

Huskers, Sjuts worked closely with UK coach 

Craig Skinner and assistant Jenae Dowling. She 

was on staff in 2000 when Nebraska claimed the 

NCAA title as well. 

She graduated from Nebraska in December 

2004 with a degree in business administration 

and took a position with a publishing company 

before coming to UK. Sjuts plans to pursue her 

Master’s degree in business administration while 

in Lexington. 

A native of York, Neb., Sjuts was active in volleyball, 

basketball, softball and track in high 

school. She is the daughter of Dave and Linda 

Sjuts. 

Philip Bennett 

Team Manager 

Philip Bennett is in his second season as a 

team manager for the volleyball program. A 

junior at UK, Bennett handles day-to-day management 

of practice setup, equipment and gameday 

duties, including videography and statistical 

assistance. 

Bennett hails from Knoxville, Tenn., and 

graduated from Carter High School. He is working 

toward a degree in kinesiology and exercise 

science and plans to pursue a career in coaching. 

Bennett was a member of UK’s club volleyball 

team for two years before joining the varsity 

women’s staff. 

Bennett, 28, is the son of Chyral and Michael 

Clark of Knoxville, Tenn. He is married to Jessica 

Walker of Louisville, Ky., who is an electrical 

engineer and a UK graduate. 

The couple resides in Lexington. 

Abbey Buchert 

Team Manager 

The 2005 season marks Abbey Buchert’s second 

year as team manager for the volleyball program. 

A junior at UK, Buchert handles 

day-to-day management of practice setup, equipment 

and game-day duties, including videography 

and statistical assistance. 

Buchert, a native of Orlando, Fla., graduated 

from University High School in June 2003 and is 

pursuing a degree in elementary education at UK. 

While in high school, Buchert played volleyball, 

basketball and was president of the student government 

association. 

Buchert, 21, is a member of the Alpha 

Gamma Delta social sorority and serves as the 

intramural chair for the group. 

Buchert is the daughter of Gerald and Shauna 

Buchert. She resides in Lexington. 

Lindsay Columna 

Team Manager 

Lindsay Columna is in her first season as a 

team manager for the volleyball program. A 

junior at UK, Columna handles daily office 

responsibilities for the volleyball staff, including 

recruiting duties and camp administration. She 

also will assist in practice setup and equipment 

and game-day duties. 

Columna is from Fishers, Ind., and graduated 

from Hamilton Southeastern High School. She is 

majoring in psychology and plans to pursue a 

career in counseling. She also hopes to coach volleyball 

at the high school level. Columna is a 

member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority 

and the UK Women’s Choir. 

Columna, 20, is the daugher of Tom and Beth 

Roberts. 

Paul Graves 

Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer 

Paul Graves is in his first season as the graduate 

assistant athletic trainer for the volleyball program. 

The York, N.Y., native is pursuing his 

master’s degree in athletic training after earning a 

bachelor’s degree in the same field from Canisius 

College in Buffalo, N.Y. in May 2005. 

While at Canisius, Graves worked with men’s 

basketball, men’s hockey and women’s lacrosse. 

Graves also worked with the Buffalo Bills and the 

University of Buffalo football teams during his 

undergraduate years. 

Graves, 22, is the son of Dan and Donna 

Graves. He resides in Lexington. 

Jill Kindy 

Team Nutritionist 

Jill Kindy joined the University of Kentucky 

staff in August 1998 as a registered dietitian and 

serves as a nutrition consultant for the entire 

athletics department. She also co-coordinates 

UK CARES about Eating Disorders, a student 

organization. 

Kindy came to Kentucky from Auburn, Ala., 

where she spent a year serving as the program 

coordinator for hte Alabama Department of Public 

Health and a year working as a clinical dietitian 

at the East Alabama Medical Center. 

The Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native earned 

her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State in 

1993 before earning a master’s degree in health 

education from Alabama in 1995. 

Kindy, formerly Jill Bigman, also served as a 

graduate assistant athletic trainer at Alabama. She 

is married to David Kindy, a native of Port Washington, 

N.Y. The couple resides in Lexington and 

has two children - son Andrew, 5, and daughter 

Lauren, 3. 

Jamie Moberly 

Event Manager 

Jamie Moberly begins his 14th year with the 

UK Athletics Association. He serves as the event 

manager for volleyball and also manages special 

events in Memorial Coliseum and UK’s many 

other athletics facilities. 

Moberly, a native of Lexington, received his 

bachelor’s degree from Kentucky in 1991 and 

earned a master’s degree in sport management 

from UK in 1994. 

Moberly and his wife Esther have a three-yearold 

son, Ethan. 



Tracy Cayson 

Official Scorekeeper 

Don Deluca 

Stats Crew 

Stephanie Tracey 

Strength & Conditioning Coach 

Stephanie Tracey begins her fourth season 

with the Kentucky volleyball team after coming 

on staff as the head Olympic sport strength and 

conditioning coach in August 2002. 

The Huntsville, Ohio native has extensive volleyball 

knowledge after playing as an outside hitter 

for four years (1993-96) at Ohio University in 

Athens. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in 

journalism and a master’s degree in physical education 

from OU. 

Tracey began her career in strength and 

conditioning as a graduate assistant at her alma 

mater from 1997-98. She was hired in the 

same role at UCLA in 1998 and left the Bruins 

as the associate head strength and conditioning 

coach last fall. 

In addition to working with volleyball, 

Tracey works with the men’s and women’s 

swimming & diving, softball and men’s soccer 

teams at UK and oversees all other Olympic 

sports with the assistance of Assistant Strenth 

Coach Jeff Sydes. 

Tracey is a certified strength and conditioning 

specialist and a United States Weightlifting Association 

Level I Club Coach. She is the daughter of 

Steve Tracey and Jan Lambert. 

UK Media Relations Directory 

Don Hart 

PA Announcer 

Sharon McCauley 

Stats Crew 

Scott Stricklin 

Assistant Athletics 

Director 

stricklin@uky.edu 

Tony Neely 

Media Relations 

Director 

tneely@uky.edu 

Susan Lax 

Associate Media 

Relations Director 

slax0@uky.edu 

Mandy Polley 

Assistant Media 


anpoll0@uky.edu 

Patti Stanton 

Official Timer 

Scott 

Dean 



sdean1@uky.edu 

Amy 

Ratliff 



aaratl00@uky.edu 

Matt 

Steinke 



mstei2@uky.edu 

Meredith 

Mendez 

Office 

Coordinator 

mnelson@uky.edu 

Andrew 

Lange 


Assistant 

TBA@uky.edu 

Jeffrey 

Salmon 


Assistant 

TBA@uky.edu 

David 

Coyle 

Staff 

Photographer 

Craig 

Hornberger 

Publications 

Director 

chorn3@uky.edu 

Kim 

Troxall 

Creative 

Director 

tba@uky.edu 


Meet the Wildcats


2005 UK Volleyball Rosters 

By Class 

Freshmen 

5 

Tess Edwards 

Ashlee Fisher 

Queen Nzenwa 

Alisa Pierce 

Erin Turner 

Sophomores 

2 



Juniors 

3 

Jenni Casper 

Julie Gagnon 

Melissa Popp 

Seniors 

3 

Amy Kaplan 

Leigh Marcum 


By Position 

Defensive 

Specialists 

3 


Jenni Casper 

Alisa Pierce 

Middle 

Blockers 

3 


Amy Kaplan 

Queen Nzenwa 

Outside Hitters 

5 

Ashlee Fisher 

Julie Gagnon 

Melissa Popp 

Erin Turner 


Setters 

2 

Tess Edwards 

Leigh Marcum 

Alphabetical Roster 

No. Name Position Hgt. Class Hometown/Previous School 

2 Kathleen Bowler DS/L 5-4 So. Naperville, Ill./Naperville North 

10 Jenni Casper DS/L 5-3 Jr. Louisville, Ky./Mercy 

7 Kristen Cunningham MB 6-0 So. Fairfax Station, Va./Robinson 

14 Tess Edwards S 6-0 Fr. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada/All Saints Catholic 

9 Ashlee Fisher MB/OH 5-11 Fr. West Bend, Wisc./West Bend West 

5 Julie Gagnon OH 5-9 Jr. Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South 

3 Amy Kaplan MB 5-10 Sr. Cary, Ill./Cary-Grove 

4 Leigh Marcum S 5-8 Sr. Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville 

20 Queen Nzenwa MB 6-2 RS-Fr. Baltimore, Md./Kenwood 

11 Alisa Pierce DS/L 5-7 Fr. Louisville, Ky./Pleasure Ridge Park 

1 Melissa Popp OH 5-11 Jr. Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard 

12 Erin Turner OH 6-0 Fr. Winnetka, Calif./Bishop Alemany 

8 Danielle Wallace OH 6-2 Sr. Port Charlotte, Fla./Out of Door 

Numerical Roster 

No. Player Pos. Hgt. Cl. Hometown/High School 

1 Melissa Popp OH 5-11 Jr. Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard 

2 Kathleen Bowler DS/L 5-4 So. Naperville, Ill./Naperville North 

3 Amy Kaplan MB 5-10 Sr. Cary, Ill./Cary-Grove 

4 Leigh Marcum S 5-8 Sr. Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville 

5 Julie Gagnon OH 5-9 Jr. Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South 

7 Kristen Cunningham MB 6-0 So. Fairfax Station, Va./Robinson 

8 Danielle Wallace OH 6-2 Sr. Port Charlotte, Fla./Out of Door 

9 Ashlee Fisher MB/OH 5-11 Fr. West Bend, Wisc./West Bend West 

10 Jenni Casper DS/L 5-3 Jr. Louisville, Ky./Mercy 

11 Alisa Pierce DS/L 5-7 Fr. Louisville, Ky./Pleasure Ridge Park 

12 Erin Turner OH 6-0 Fr. Winnetka, Calif./Bishop Alemany 

14 Tess Edwards S 6-0 Fr. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada/All Saints Catholic 

20 Queen Nzenwa MB 6-2 RS-Fr. Baltimore, Md./Kenwood 

Head Coach: Craig Skinner (Ball State ‘93) 

Assistant Coaches: Robert Pulliza (Ball State ‘96), Jenae Dowling (Nebraska ‘04) 

Pronunciations 

Jenae (Ju-NAY) Dowling 

Julie Gagnon (GAAN-yon) 

Queen Nzenwa (Nuh-zen-wah) 

Alisa (Uh-LEE-sa) Pierce 

Robert Pulliza (Poo-leez-uh) 



Wildcats by State 

California 

1 

Erin Turner (Winnetka) 

Canada 

1 

Tess Edwards (Ottawa, Ontario) 

Florida 

1 

Danielle Wallace (Port Charlotte) 

Illinois 

3 

Kathleen Bowler (Naperville) 

Julie Gagnon (Wheaton) 

Amy Kaplan (Cary) 

Indiana 

2 

Leigh Marcum (Noblesville) 

Melissa Popp (Indianapolis) 


2 

Jenni Casper (Louisville) 

Alisa Pierce (Louisville) 

Maryland 

1 

Queen Nzenwa (Baltimore) 

Virginia 

1 

Kristen Cunningham (Fairfax Station) 

Wisconsin 

1 

Ashlee Fisher (West Bend) 



#3 • Amy Kaplan 

Senior • 3VL • 5-10 • Middle Blocker • Cary, Ill. • Club Team: Sky High • Cary-Grove HS • Major: Education 

Career Highs 

Kills: 21, vs. Ole Miss (10/17/04) 

Attacks: 41, vs. Arkansas (10/22/04) 

Hit %: 1.000, vs. Fairfield (8/31/02) 

Aces: 3, vs. N.C. State (9/6/02) 

Blocks: 10, vs. Eastern Kentucky 

(9/1/04) 

Digs: 10, vs. Tennessee (11/7/03) 

2004 Highs 

Kills: 21, vs. Ole Miss (10/17) 

Attacks: 41, vs. Arkansas (10/22) 

Hit %: .625, vs. Ole Miss (10/17) 

Aces: 2, Three times 

Blocks: 10, vs. Eastern Kentucky (9/1) 

Digs: 8, Twice 

Why Kentucky? 

“I chose Kentucky because there is no place better 

to be. There is no where else you can be a complete 

student athlete. I chose Kentucky because I saw 

a place that I could call my second home, I saw an 

athletic program that could make me the best I could 

be. I chose Kentucky because I saw a University that 

would take care of me in the present, and prepare me 

for my future. I chose Kentucky because they have 

some darn good sweet tea.” 

Coach Skinner on Kaplan: 

“Amy is one of the most impressive attackers off one 

foot that I have coached. She will be a major part of our 

offense in her final campaign. We're really looking forward 

to her having an outstanding year in 2005.” 

2004 – Played in 29 matches as a junior, playing in 

107 games ... Led the team in hitting percentage and 

ranked sixth in the league with a .305 accuracy ... Averaged 

3.02 kills per game, which ranked fourth on the 

squad ... Had 97 blocks on the year, second best for the 

Wildcats ... Totaled a career-best 21 kills against Ole 

Miss, while hitting a season-high .625 ... Posted a careerbest 

10 blocks in the season opener against Eastern Kentucky 

... Hit .380 in league play, ranking third in the 

conference ... Hit .300 or better 17 times on the season 

and topped .400 hitting on seven occasions. 

2003 – Played in 25 matches as a sophomore, totaling 

81 games ... Missed seven matches due to injury ... 

Had a season-high 11 kills on .455 hitting against No. 2 

Hawaii ... Had a career-best 10 digs against Tennessee in 

Lexington ... Had a solid match against UNLV in the 

season’s final tournament, recording eight kills, seven 

digs and six blocks ... Was named to the Southeastern 

Conference Academic Honor Roll. 

2002 – Had a solid freshman campaign, playing in 30 

matches with 26 starts… Was second on the team in hitting 

percentage with a .238 average… Recorded 150 kills 

and 54 digs, while ranking third on the team in blocks 

with 103… Accounted for 230.5 points on the season, 

including a season-best 15.5 against LSU with 13 kills on 

.455 hitting and five blocks… Followed the performance 

with 13 kills on .480 hitting against Morehead State… 

Topped .400 hitting 10 times on the season. 

High School – Led the Trojans to the 2001 Fox Valley 

Conference title and the Illinois State Super Sectional… 

Led her team to a 36-2 record during her senior 

year, earning All-Conference and All-Area honors… Was 

named All-State honorable mention by the Chicago Tribune 

and the Champaign Register… Named secondteam 

All-State by the Chicago Tribune in 2001… Ended 

career as school’s all-time leading blocker… Also played 

basketball and softball and ran track for Cary-Grove 

where she was a four-year varsity letter winner and twotime 

captain for the basketball squad… Was named All- 

Conference and All-Area in basketball in 2001 and 2002 

and finished career with 1,217 points… Was named 

third-team All-State, All-Area and All-Conference for 

softball in 2001, while winning the state batting title… 

Won the Fox Valley Conference Championship in the 

shot put, discus and high jump in 2002 and qualified for 

state competition… Was also a member of the National 

Honor Society and the a cappella choir... Coached in 

high school by Patty Langanis… Played club volleyball 

at Sky High under Coach Scott Harris. 

Personal – Full name is Amy Kristine Kaplan ... 

Daughter of Bruce and Debbie Kaplan… Born April 25, 

1984 in her family home in Cary, Ill… .Has three brothers, 

Brian (26), Kevin (24) and Jacob (17) ... Has been 

named to the dean’s list four times at UK. 

Kaplan’s Career Stats 

Year GP-MP K E TA HIT% KPG AST APG BHE SA SE RE DIG DPG BS BA TB BPG 

2002 101-30 150 68 344 .238 1.49 3 0.03 1 24 21 3 54 0.53 10 93 103 1.02 

2003 81-25 118 51 325 .206 1.46 4 0.05 2 13 17 1 71 0.88 7 41 48 0.59 

2004 107-29 323 208 705 .305 3.02 9 0.08 2 19 12 1 104 0.97 6 91 97 0.91 

Totals 289-84 591 227 1374 .265 2.04 16 0.06 5 56 50 5 229 0.79 23 225 248 0.86 



#4 • Leigh Marcum 

Senior • 3VL • 5-8 • Setter • Noblesville, Ind. • Noblesville HS • Club Team: Munciana • Major: Arts Administration 

Career Highs 

Assists: 71, vs. LSU (10/17/03) 

Kills: 7, Twice - Last vs. Auburn 

(11/12/04) 

Attacks: 14, vs. Alabama (9/24/04) 

Hit %: 1.000, vs. Florida (11/16/03) 

Aces: 3, Six times 

Blocks: 6, Three times 

Digs: 18, Twice - 

Last vs. Valparaiso (9/10/04) 

2004 Highs 

Assists: 67, vs. Purdue (9/18) 

Kills: 7, vs. Auburn (11/12) 

Attacks: 14, vs. Alabama (9/24) 

Hit %: .800, vs. Long Beach State 

(11/26) 

Aces: 3, vs. South Caronlina (10/31) 

Blocks: 6, vs. Eastern Kentucky (9/1) 

Digs: 18, vs. Valparaiso (9/10) 


“The University of Kentucky has a great deal of 

tradition. All the banners, the retired jerseys, the trophy 

cases, and the plaques on the wall remind me of 

what a great school and what a great athletic program 

I have the privilege to be a part of. The support the 

community gives to athletics is second to none, and 

every athlete here at UK should be proud to be a part 

of something so special.” 

Coach Skinner on Marcum: 

“Leigh's experience and natural ability will help us 

to immediately be able to do some exciting things 

offensively this season. We have dramatically changed 

the offense system since last year, and Leigh has handled 

it very well.” 

2004 – Played in 23 matches, totaling 76 games ... 

Averaged 12.32 assists per game to lead the team and 

rank fourth in the conference ... Also contributed 2.25 

digs per game and 0.64 blocks per game ... Matched her 

career high with seven kills against Auburn ... Also tied 

her career-best digs with 18 against Valparaiso ... Totaled 

936 assists on the year to bring her career total to 2,615, 

which ranks sixth on the UK career charts ... Was named 

to the Dean’s list for the Spring 2005 semester. 

2003 – Played in all 126 games as UK’s only setter ... 

Averaged 12.39 assists per game and totaled 1,561 assists 

on the year, which ranks third in the single-season 

records at UK ... Moved into the top-10 for career assists 

with 1,679, which ranks eighth after only two seasons ... 

Was named Most Valuable Player of the Cyclone Challenge 

... Totaled a career-high 71 assists in a 3-2 win over 

LSU ... Recorded a career-best 18 digs against Virginia ... 

Had two six-block games to set a new career best ... 

Topped the 60-assist mark six times ... Was named to the 

SEC Academic Honor Roll and the dean’s list for the 

spring semester. 

2002 – Played in 12 matches as the reserve setter in 

2002, earning two starts… .Recorded 13 kills in her 

first year of collegiate volleyball, averaging a .235 hitting 

percentage… Averaged 3.93 assists per game and 

1.4 digs per game… Her best match of the season 

came on Sept. 21 vs. Oral Roberts where she recorded 

four kills, 34 assists and nine digs while hitting .273… 

Was named to the Southeastern Conference Academic 

Honor Roll. 

2001 - Redshirt season. 

High School - Received second-team All-State honors 

in Indiana her senior season in leading Noblesville 

to a 24-10 record... She was a four-time all-conference 

and all-county selection and two-time county player of 

the year... Marcum was chosen as the Indianapolis 

Metro North Co-Player of the Year both her junior 

and senior seasons ... Also played forward on her High 

School basketball team for two seasons and was named 

first team All-County, Conference and Metro North... 

Coached in high school by her father, Joe Marcum… 

Played club volleyball at Munciana under Coach Dave 

Pilkington. 

Personal - Full name is Leigh Allison Marcum ... 

Daughter of Joe and Debbie Marcum… Born May 13, 

1983 in Noblesville, Ind. ... Has one younger sister, 

Lynn (19). 

Marcum’s Career Stats 


2002 30-12 13 5 34 .235 0.43 118 3.93 15 6 9 5 42 1.40 1 5 6 0.20 

2003 126-32 88 37 228 .224 0.70 1561 12.39 66 26 38 2 234 1.86 3 48 51 0.40 

2004 76-23 54 21 155 .213 0.71 936 12.32 39 14 26 1 171 2.25 7 42 49 0.64 

Totals 232-67 155 63 417 .221 0.67 2615 11.27 120 46 73 8 447 1.93 11 95 106 0.46 



#8 • Danielle Wallace 

Senior • 3VL • 6-2 • Outside Hitter • Port Charlotte, Fla. • Out of Door Academy • Club Team: White Sands • Major: Pharmacy 

Career Highs 

Kills: 27, vs. Central Michigan 

(9/18/04) 

Attacks: 60, vs. Purdue (9/18/04) 

Hit %: 1.000, Twice - 

Last vs. Ole Miss (10/5/03) 

Aces: 2, Four times - 

Last vs. American (11/27/04) 

Blocks: 7, vs. LSU (10/24/04) 

Digs: 15, vs. LSU (10/17/03) 

2004 Highs 

Kills: 27, vs. Central Michigan (9/18) 

Attacks: 60, vs. Purdue (9/18) 

Hit %: .615, vs. Indiana State (9/11) 

Aces: 2, Three times - 

Last vs. American (11/27/04) 

Blocks: 7, vs. LSU (10/24) 

Digs: 9, vs. South Carolina (10/1) 


“I say Kentucky because of the amazing support 

system that surrounds this athletic program. I truly 

feel like people are looking out for my well-being and 

care about me. The support extends past my teammates 

and coaches and I think that's something 

unique about this school. Every person I interact 

with in the department has been so sincere and helpful 

in making my time here go as smoothly as possible. 

So, why Kentucky? Because I wouldn't be happy 

anywhere else!” 

Coach Skinner on Wallace: 

“Dani has an opportunity to be one of the leading 

attackers in the SEC. Her physicality and arm speed will 

allow her to be one of the elite players in this conference. 

She has worked extremely hard since January to make an 

impact in her senior season.” 

2004 – Saw action in all 30 matches and played in 

109 games ... Was second on the team in hitting percentage 

with a .256 mark ... Averaged 3.62 kills per game 

and 0.72 blocks per contest ... Her 395 kills for the year 

were the second-most on the squad ... Posted a careerhigh 

27 kills against Central Michigan ... Had a personal-best 

seven blocks against LSU in October ... Had 

double-figure kills on 21 occassions, including 13 of the 

first 14 matches of the year ... Her kills average ranked 

10th in the conference. 

2003 – Played in 26 matches as a sophomore totaling 

70 games ... Averaged 3.13 kills per game on .237 hitting 

for the season ... Posted a career-high 23 kills on .260 hitting 

against Auburn ... Recorded double-figure kills on 10 

occassions including 19 kills on .533 hitting at Tennessee 

... Also had six double-doubles on the year including a 16- 

kill, 13-dig performance at UNLV in the season’s final 

tournament ... Had a career-best 15 digs against LSU ... 

Was named to the Southeastern Conference Academic 

Honor Roll and represented volleyball on UK’s Student- 

Athlete Advisory Committee ... Was named to the CoSI- 

DA Academic All-District second team. 

2002 – Played in eight matches with one start in her 

first season… Saw her first collegiate action against 

Western Michigan, recording two kills, four digs and 

three blocks… Had eight kills, a career-best, against Oral 

Roberts on Sept. 21… Averaged 1.31 kills per game and 

0.85 digs per game. 

High School – A two-year letter winner at Out of Door 

after lettering her sophomore season at Charlotte… Was a 

member of district championship squads at both schools 

and was named team MVP at ODA ias a junior and senior 

… Named Herald-Tribune Player of the Year for the quadcounty 

area as a senior and first-team All-State… Also was 

named to the Herald-Tribune All-County team and Team 

Florida, comprised of the top-12 players from the state… 

Was an AAU All-American for the under-17 division in 

2000… Also played basketball, softball and ran track during 

high school… Was a member of the National Honor 

Society.. Coached in high school by Jeff Horr… Played club 

volleyball at Whitesands under Coach Sean Ford. 

Personal – Full name is Danielle Loren Wallace ... 

Daughter of Wayne and Nina Wallace… Born Sept. 

30, 1984 in North Miami, Fla. ... Has one younger sister, 

Caitlyn (7) ... Has been named to the dean’s list six 

times at UK ... Was accepted to UK’s College of Pharmacy 

in the spring of 2005 and will begin the four-year 

program in Fall 2005. 

Wallace’s Career Stats 


2002 13-8 17 15 53 .038 1.31 1 0.08 1 0 3 2 11 0.85 1 2 3 0.23 

2003 70-26 219 97 514 .237 3.13 8 0.11 1 6 16 9 116 1.66 2 19 21 0.30 

2004 109-30 395 147 969 .256 3.62 27 0.25 8 7 30 4 74 0.68 6 73 73 0.72 

Totals 192-64 631 259 1536 .242 3.29 36 0.19 10 13 49 15 201 1.05 9 94 103 0.54 



#10 • Jenni Casper 

Junior • 2VL • 5-3 • Libero/Defensive Specialist • Louisville, Ky. • Mercy Academy • Club Team: KIVA • Major: Undeclared 

Career Highs 

Digs: 33, vs. Auburn (11/2/03) 

Kills: 4, vs. American (11/27/04) 

Attacks: 18, vs. American (11/27/04) 

Hit %: 1.000, vs. Florida (10/24/03) 

Assists: 6, Twice - 

Last vs. South Carolina (10/1/04) 

2004 Highs 

Digs: 30, vs. South Carolina (10/1) 

Kills: 4, vs. American (11/27) 

Attacks: 18, vs. American (11/27) 

Hit %: .111, vs. South Carolina (10/1) 

Assists: 6, vs. South Carolina (10/1) 


“I chose Kentucky because it felt like home and 

it was close to home. UK was the perfect place for 

me, because it gave me an opportunity to succeed in 

athletics and in academics. I am so happy with my 

decision, I love it here!” 

Coach Skinner on Casper: 

“Jenni is a very talented athlete who has proven that 

she can play the libero position with the best. She has led 

the conference in digs for most of her 

career and will be relied on heavily 

again this year.” 

2004 – Played in all 30 matches as 

a sophomore, including a team-high 

111 games ... Totaled 478 digs on the 

season, which ranked second in the 

conference ... Her 4.39 dpg average in 

league play was best in the SEC ... 

Had double-figure digs in all but four 

matches ... Topped the 20-dig mark 

on 11 times on the season ... Also 

totaled 17 service aces on the year, 

including three at Arkansas ... Has 

totaled 951 career digs, which already 

ranks ninth in school history. 

2003 – Was named the first-ever 

SEC Defensive Player of the Year ... 

Also was named to the All-SEC First 

Team and the All-SEC Freshman 

Team ... Totaled 473 digs on the season, 

the third-highest single-season 

total in UK history ... Her single-season 

total was the most by a Wildcat 

since 1993 ... Had a season-best 33 

digs in UK’s win at Auburn ... Had 

double-figure digs in 25 of UK’s 32 

matches and topped the 20-dig mark 

seven times ... Recorded a season-high 

six assists in UK’s win over Mississippi 

State in October ... Had one kill 

against Florida, a then-career-best. 

High School – Was named second-team 

All-State as a senior while 

earning All-Region and All-District 

honors… Also was recognized as honorable 

mention Academic All-State in 2003… As a 

junior, was named All-Region and All-State while being 

named an AAU All-American… Played high school volleyball 

under coach Ken Garvey… Finished her club 

career at the Kentucky-Indiana Volleyball Academy 

under Coach Dan Palmer. 

Personal – Full name is Jennifer Marie Casper ... 

Daughter of Will and Judy Casper… Born Nov. 8, 1984 

in Louisville, Ky… Has one older sister, Kelly (25)… 

Her father played college basketball and ran track at 

Lambuth College… Her uncle, Virgil Casper, played 

college basketball at Indiana University-Southeast. 

Casper’s Career Stats 


2003 126-32 1 4 45 -.067 0.01 48 0.38 3 0 0 56 473 3.75 0 0 0 0.00 

2004 111-30 6 9 68 -.044 0.05 41 0.37 5 17 61 41 478 4.31 0 2 2 0.02 

Totals 237-62 7 13 113 -.053 0.03 89 0.38 8 17 61 107 951 4.01 0 2 2 0.01 


#5 • Julie Gagnon 


Junior • 2VL • 5-9 • Outside Hitter • Wheaton, Ill. • Wheaton Warrenville South HS • Club Team: West Suburban • Major: Elementary Education 


“In my search for a college, Kentucky seemed like 

a good fit for me. I was looking for a big school that 

was far enough away from home that my parents 

couldn't come visit me every weekend:) When I 

came to visit UK, I felt Kentucky would give me a 

fun college volleyball experience as well as give me an 

opportunity to satisfy my academic goals.” 

Coach Skinner on Gagnon: 

"Julie has an incredible work ethic and is a great 

example of the blue-collar attitude that we 

are developing within our program. I predict 

she will have a breakout year in 2005 

at both the defensive specialist and outside 

hitter positions." 

2004 – Saw playing time in 27 

matches and 87 games ... Was an important 

defensive reserve player ... Totaled 

177 digs on the season to go with 42 

kills ... Recorded a career-high 13 digs 

twice in SEC play ... Had a career performance 

against American in the season 

finale, notching 14 kills and 10 digs for 

her first career double-double ... Had 

nine kills on .421 hitting in the SEC 

closer at Alabama. 

2003 – Played in 20 matches as a 

freshman, totaling 40 games, primarily 

in a defensive specialist role ... Had a 

season-high eight digs and two kills 

against Hawaii ... Had five digs against 

South Carolina in Columbia and vs. 

Western Illinois at the Cyclone Challenge 

... Was named to the dean’s list for 

the spring semester. 

High School – Was named All-State 

by the Illinois High School Athletics 

Association in 2002 and earned All-Tournament 

team honors after leading her 

team to a fourth-place finish in the state 

tournament … Was unanimously named 

All-Conference in 2001 and 2002 … 

Was recognized as the 2002 Illinois 

Gatorade Player of the Year … Was a 

Chicago Tribune All-State honorable 

mention as a junior and a senior … Was named 

Defensive Player of the Year for her team as a senior as 

well as Best Digger, Best Passer and Best Hitter as a 

junior and a senior … Played high school volleyball for 

Bill Schreier … Played club volleyball at West Suburban 

Volleyball Club under Coach April Carroll … 

Also was named Scholastic All-Conference. 

Personal – Full name is Julie Kristine Gagnon ... 

Daughter of Bob and Heidi Gagnon ... Born Sept. 

28, 1984 in LaGrange, Ill. ... Has an older sister, 

Jacqueline (22), and two younger sisters, Megan (18) 

and Morgan (7) ... Has been named to the Dean’s list 

twice at UK. 

Career Highs 

Kills: 14, vs. American (11/27/04) 

Attacks: 30, vs. American 

(11/27/04) 

Hit %: 1.000, Twice - 

Last vs. Purdue (9/18/04) 

Aces: 2, vs. East Tennessee St. 

(9/17/04) 

Blocks: 3, vs. Alabama (11/14/04) 

Digs: 13, Twice - Last vs. South 

Carolina (10/31/04) 

2004 Highs 

Kills: 14, vs. American (11/27) 

Attacks: 30, vs. American (11/27) 

Hit %: 1.000, Twice - 

Last vs. Purdue (9/18) 

Aces: 2, vs. East Tennessee St. (9/17) 

Blocks: 3, vs. Alabama (11/14) 

Digs: 13, Twice - Last vs. 

South Carolina (10/31) 

Gagnon’s Career Stats 


2003 40-20 4 1 11 .273 0.10 4 0.10 1 0 2 9 42 1.05 0 0 0 0.00 

2004 87-27 42 21 120 .175 0.48 26 0.30 6 9 16 19 177 2.03 0 5 5 0.06 

Totals 127-47 46 22 131 .183 0.36 30 0.24 7 9 18 28 219 1.72 0 5 5 0.04 



#1 • Melissa Popp 

Junior • 2VL • 5-11 • Outside Hitter • Indianapolis, Ind. • Bishop Chatard HS • Club Team: Circle City • Major: Biology 

Career Highs 

Kills: 21, Four times 

Attacks: 52, vs. Tennessee 

(11/7/03) 

Hit %: .500, vs. Tennessee 

(10/29/04) 

Aces: 5, vs. Iowa (9/6/03) 

Blocks: 4, Twice - 


Digs: 16, Twice - 


2004 Highs 

Kills: 11, Twice - Last vs. LSU 

(10/24) 

Attacks: 37, vs. South Carolina (10/1) 

Hit %: .500, vs. Tennessee (10/29) 

Aces: 2, Twice - Last vs. Arkansas 

(10/22) 

Blocks: 3, vs. Auburn (9/26) 

Digs: 16, vs. South Carolina 

(10/1) 


“On October 27, 2002, I sat in the stands in 

Memorial Colesium and watched as the Kentucky 

volleyball team defeated the Georgia Bulldogs in a 

close five-game match. Despite what was happening 

on the court, the best part, for me, was what was 

going on in the stands. The fans were amazing. Students 

were cheering and getting rowdy over the littlest 

plays, parents were starting all the cheers, and 

most importantly the team seemed to be playing for 

not only themselves, but for the pride of all Kentucky 

athletics. I knew then, that there was no other place 

for me. Kentucky would be home and I would make 

it my job to continue the UK tradition and make our 

fans proud.” 

Coach Skinner on Popp: 

"Melissa is extremely excited to get back on the 

court healthy again. She will be an integral part of 

what we do this season. Melissa sees the game at a very 

high level which enables her to do things on the court 

which others can't." 

2004 – Played in just 14 matches and 36 games due 

to reccuring shoulder problems ... Had a season-high 11 

kills on two occassions, including a .417 hitting performance 

against Auburn at home ... Followed with eight 

kills and a career-best 16 digs at South Carolina ... Played 

her last match of the year against No. 16 Tennessee on 

Oct. 29, recording six kills on .500 hitting - a career best. 

2003 – Was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team 

... Played in all 32 matches as a freshman, totaling 120 

games ... Was third on the team in kills (369), second in 

assists per game (0.52) and third in points (426.5) ... 

Was named to the Kentucky Conference Challenge All- 

Tournament team after totaling 40 kills and 30 digs in 

the three-match event ... Had a season-high 21 kills on 

four occasions ... Had a career-best 16 digs against SMU 

... Totaled 21 kills on .405 hitting against Mississippi 

State ... Had double-figure digs 13 times ... Had 11 double-doubles 

as a freshman ... Scored a season-best 26.5 

points for UK in the win over LSU in Lexington ... 

Underwent offseason shoulder surgery. 

High School – A four-year varsity letter winner and 

two-year co-captain for Bishop Chatard … Was named 

the 2003 City Athlete of the Year for all sports by the 

Indianapolis Star after leading the Trojans to a 34-3 

record … Also was named the 2001 and 2002 City Volleyball 

Player of the Year by the Star … Named firstteam 

All-State and All-City in 2000, 2001 and 2002 … 

Was named to the first-team of the area Super Team in 

2001 and 2002 and was named Player of the Year for 

the team in 2002 … Earned 2002 North Suburban 

Player of the Year honors and to the 2001 and 2002 

Indiana South All-Star teams … Also earned three varsity 

letters in basketball and was twice named All-City 

in both the media and coaches' poll … Led the Indianapolis 

metro area in scoring and rebounding as a 

junior and a senior … Was a four-year varsity letterwinner 

in track as well … Her high school coach was Jill 

Starliper, who played high school volleyball under UK 

coach Jona Braden … Played club volleyball at Circle 

City for Coach Mark Britner. 

Personal – Full name is Melissa Blair Popp ... Daughter 

of Rich and Betty Popp … Born March 22, 1985 in 

Billings, Mont. … Has a younger sister, Whitney (18) 

and a younger brother, Drew (17) ... Has been named to 

the dean’s list twice at UK. 

Popp’s Career Stats 


2003 120-32 369 197 984 .175 3.08 63 0.52 4 36 0.30 26 249 2.08 2 39 41 0.34 

2004 36-14 49 31 182 .099 1.36 8 0.22 0 4 0.11 6 63 1.75 0 11 11 0.31 

Totals 156-46 418 228 1166 .163 2.68 71 0.46 4 40 0.26 32 312 2.00 2 50 52 0.33 


#2 Kathleen Bowler 


Sophomore • 1VL • 5-4 • DS/Libero • Naperville, Ill. • Naperville North HS • Club Team: GLC Select • Major: Undeclared 


“Walking into Memorial Coliseum, it is acknowledged 

that the dedicated scholar athletes before me 

have poured their hearts into every aspect of intercollegiate 

competition. Blue pride is passed down as 

a tradition and a way of life because every Wildcat 

holds themselves accountable to expectations. I cannot 

see myself anywhere but Kentucky and am honored 

to be wearing blue today.” 

Coach Skinner 

on Bowler: 

“Kathleen has the heart 

of a lion and incredible 

athletic ability. We anticipate 

her being a great contributor 

for us defensively. 

She puts in overtime in 

practice to improve all 

parts of her game.” 

2004 – Walk-on player 

who saw important time in 

23 matches for the Wildcats 

... Had 75 digs on the 

year, including a seasonbest 

12 against American in 

the season closer ... Had 11 

digs against Fresno State 

early in the season ... 

Played two games at libero 

against 23rd-ranked 

Louisville, adding eight 

digs for UK. 

High School – Was 

named most valuable player 

on her team as both a 

junior and senior, while 

guiding her team to two 

conference championships 

… Was named honorable 

mention All-Area by the 

Daily Herald… Helped 

guide the Huskies to the 

2004 regional, sectional 

and super sectional titles 

and a fifth-place finish in 

the Illinois State Championship … Also was named 

honorable mention All-Conference as a senior … 

Served as a captain for the track team as a senior, while 

finishing 15th in the 4 x 400 relay at the state championships 

… Played high school volleyball under coach 

Ric Krebs … Played at GLC Select Volleyball Club 

under coach Adam Beck. 

Personal – Daughter of Pat and Pam Bowler … 

Born Aug. 5, 1986 in Arlington Heights, Ill. … Has 

two sisters – Amy (25) and Kelsey (15), and one 

brother, Kevin (21). Sister Amy played college volleyball 

at Arizona State. 

2004 Highs 

Kills: 1, vs. Fresno State (9/4) 

Attacks: 2, vs. Fresno State (9/4) 

Hit %: .500, vs. Fresno State (9/4) 

Aces: 2, Twice - Last vs. American 

(11/27) 

Blocks: None 

Digs: 12, vs. American (11/27) 

Bowler’s Career Stats 


2004 57-23 1 3 9 -.222 0.02 9 0.16 3 5 10 11 75 1.32 0 0 0 0.00 



#7 Kristen Cunningham 

Sophomore • 1VL • 6-0 • Middle Blocker • Fairfax Station, Va. • Robinson Secondary School • Club Team: Wilson Metro Virginia • Major: Marketing 

2004 Highs 

Kills: 8, Twice - Last vs. American 

(11/27) 

Attacks: 19, vs. Alabama (9/24) 

Hit %: .667, vs. East Tennessee St. 

(9/17) 

Aces: 1, vs. Eastern Kentucky (9/1) 

Blocks: 9, vs. Middle Tennessee St. 

(9/4) 

Digs: 3, vs. Mississippi St. (10/15) 


“Why Kentucky? The question should be correctly 

stated as ‘Why anywhere else?’ Kentucky has 

it all—the people, the excitement, the atmosphere, 

the history. From its strong academic base to its 

prestigious, nationally acclaimed academics program, 

UK meets and exceeds the expectations and 

standards of a Class A university. Being able to be 

a part of Kentucky Volleyball and to contribute to 

such a divine school was an opportunity I just 

couldn’t give up.” 

Coach Skinner on Cunningham: 

“Kristen is our most fundamentally 

sound blocker at the middle position. Her 

blocking will allow our defense to go to 

another level. She also has a tremendous 

work ethic which help her reach new levels 

each season.” 

2004 – Played in 29 of UK’s 30 matches 

as a freshman, totaling 109 games ... Led 

the team in blocking with a 0.94 per game 

average ... Had 23 blocks in three matches 

early in the year ... recorded a season-high 

nine blocks against Middle Tennessee ... 

Posted a season-best eight kills on two occassions 

and had her best hitting performance 

against East Tennessee State with a .667 

mark ... Had three solo blocks and two block 

assists in the season finale against American 

... Also added eight kills on .412 hitting in 

the closer. 

High School – Played just two years of 

high school volleyball after a standout career 

as a basketball player and swimmer … 

Helped guide her team to the Final Four of 

the state championships in 2003, earning alldistrict 

and all-region tournament honors … 

Was the leading blocker for Robinson and 

becomes the first volleyball athlete from her 

school to earn a Division I scholarship … 

Earned the Team Spirit Award and was a 

four-year scholar athlete … Was heavily 

involved in the student marketing association 

and taught swimming to youngsters in 

the summer … Played high school volleyball 

under coach Jill Pearson and club volleyball at Metro 

Virginia under coach Brian Whitney. 

Personal – Full Name is Kristen Anne Cunningham 

… Daughter of Rob and Linda Cunningham … Born 

July 2, 1986 in Fairfax, Va. … Has one brother Cliff (24) 

and one sister Cara (9) … Her mother, Linda, was an All- 

American diver at the University of Texas … Her father, 

Rob, was a part of the Texas basketball team which 

claimed the 1978 NIT Championship … Grandfather 

Bob was captain and starting guard for the 1957 NCAA 

Champion North Carolina Tar Heels … Grandmother 

Minna Hamner is a former Olympic swimmer … Pete 

Hamner, Kristen’s uncle, was a pitcher for the New York 

Mets ... Has been named to the Dean’s list once at UK. 

Cunningham’s Career Stats 


2004 109-29 85 48 272 .136 0.78 5 0.05 3 1 3 2 18 0.17 8 94 102 0.94 



#20 • Queen Nzenwa 

RS Freshman • HS • 6-2 • Middle Blocker • Baltimore, Md. • Kenwood HS • Club Team: Time Out • Major: Biology 


“Kentucky is a place with friendly people. It provides 

good education and an excellent athletic volleyball 

program. It is where you find amazing athletes 

with the heart of “go-getters,” who bust their tails 

everyday to make winning possible. These athletes 

understand the concept of “pain is temporary and 

pride is forever.” UK provides lots of opportunities 

during and after your years in Kentucky. It is a great 

place to expand continuously in anything you set 

your mind to. And most of all, it has the coolest mascot 

anybody would ever encounter, and besides blue 

and white looks good on me. So go ahead and answer 

the call of the WILDCAT, and bleed blue too.” 

Coach Skinner on Nzenwa: 

"Obviously, Queen has the athletic ability to be a difference-maker 

in this sport. We are going to put her in 

positions and situations to take advantage of her physicality 

at the net." 

2003 – Sat out season as a redshirt ... Underwent 

surgery in the fall and returned to practice with the team 

during the spring season. 

High School – Was twice named the MVP of her 

high school squad … Was named All-Baltimore 

County/City First Team in 2003 and to the second 

team in 2002 … Helped guide the Bluebirds to the 

2003 and 2004 regional titles ... Was a member of the 

Senior All-Stars squad in 2004 … Also was four-time 

MVP of her high school track team … Earned the 

Baltimore County high jump title in each of her four 

years, while earning two shot put titles and twice 

earning regional high jump championships … Was 

named MVP of her high school basketball squad as a 

senior, while earning top rebounding honors three 

times … Was a member of National Honor Society, 

Students Against Destructive Decisions and Sports 

Science Academy … Was coached in high school by 

Dennis Shields … Played club volleyball at Time Out 

under coach Ian Blanchard. 

Personal – Daughter of Okechukwu and Gloria 

Nzenwa … Born Feb. 20, 1986 in Lagos, Nigeria. 



#14 • Tess Edwards 

Freshman • HS • 6-0 • Setter • Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • All Saints Catholic HS • Club Team: National Capitals/Ottawa Kangaroos • Major: Communications 


“If I was going to come south, I wanted to make 

absolutely sure that I would be coached by the very 

best people in a program where the athletes and the 

team were well supported by the school. Kentucky 

has such a great sporting reputation and Craig, Robbie 

and Jenae are just exactly the type of people that 

I wanted to spend the next few years of my life with. 

Coaches! Conference! Cats! Kentucky!” 

Coach Skinner on Edwards: 

“Tess is a gifted player and a great teammate. She 

will do whatever it takes to make an impact in our 

program right away and compete to be our starting 

setter. She is one of only a few setters at the Division 

I level who has the ability to excel in all areas of the 

setting position.” 

Games in 2004 and was one of only 20 athletes invited 

to train with the 2004 Canadian Junior National Team 

... Was awarded the 2005 Evelyn Holick Award, presented 

annually at the Ontario Championships to a female 

youth-division athlete who demonstrates the qualities of 

determination, leadership, athletic ability, sportsmanship 

and fair play ... Is left-handed ... Club coach was 

Cathy O’Doherty. 

Personal – Full name is Tessa Louise Audrey Edwards 

... Daughter of Paul and Eva Edwards… Born Dec. 4, 

1987 in Ottawa, Ontario … Has four sisters - Christina 

(19), Laura (14), Grace (7) and Holly (4) and one brother 

- Dean (12). 

High School – Was a four-time Ontario Volleyball 

Association Award of Excellence recipient ... A two-time 

member of the Ontario Provincial team ... Served as the 

captain for her club teams for five of six seasons ... Was 

a member of the Region 6 Team at the Ontario Summer 

#9 • Ashlee Fisher 

Freshman • HS • 5-11 • Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter • West Bend, Wisc. • West Bend West HS • Club Team: Milwaukee Sting • Major: Undeclared 


“I chose Kentucky because this place simply fits 

me. The girls on the team were so friendly and 

made me feel at home right away. I really liked the 

campus, and Lexington itself is so beautiful with all 

the horse farms around. I knew right away I wanted 

be a part of UK.” 

Coach Skinner on Fisher: 

"Ashlee has great jumping ability and has just begun 

playing outside hitter this year. We believe that she can 

play that position very well in college and we look forward 

to coaching her." 

Played for the Milwaukee Sting club program and 

helped guide her 15-Open team to a third-place finish at 

nationals and her 16-Open team took second at nationals 

in 2003, where she earned All-America honors ... Was 

coached at West Bend West by Laurie Scholemer ... Was 

coached at Milwaukee Sting by Doug Hext. 

Personal – Daughter of Mark and Laura Fisher … 

Born Sept. 27, 1986 in Fort Washington, Wisc. ... Has 

two sisters - Hilaree (13) and Emilee (8) and one brother 

- Jonathan (10). 

High School – Helped guide her squad to the Wisconsin 

state title match in 2004, earning all-tournament 

team honors ... Was named second-team All-Conference 

in the Little Ten and earned All-County recognition as a 

senior ... Also was named West Bend West's most valuable 

player in 2004 ... Was named fifth-team All-State by 

the Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches’ Association in 2004 

... Was a three-year letterwinner in volleyball and also 

earned a high school letters in track and basketball ... 



#11 • Alisa Pierce 

Freshman • HS • 5-7 • Libero/Defensive Specialist • Louisville, Ky. • Pleasure Ridge Park HS • Club Team: KIVA • Major: Pre-Pharmacy 


“I chose University of Kentucky because it's a 

school rich in tradition. I'm excited to be able to play 

near my hometown of Louisville, so I can see my 

family more often. The coaches are amazing and I 

couldn't imagine playing volleyball for anyone else. I 

know it's an exciting time to be a Wildcat!” 

Coach Skinner on Pierce: 

“Alisa has the mentality and competitiveness that 

we are looking for in the libero position. She has 

played club at the highest level which will help her 

come in and compete for immediate playing time.” 

her high school all four years ... Was coached at PRP 

by cousin Leslie Drury Prather ... Was coached at 

KIVA by Annie Filley. 

Personal – Full name is Alisa Shayne Pierce ... 

Daughter of Monica Tabor and Jim Pierce … Born Dec. 

21, 1986 in Louisville, Ky. ... Her mother played college 

softball at Louisville … Her cousins, Lesley Drury 

Prather and Sarah Drury, both played volleyball at 

Louisville ... Sarah was a two-time member of the US 

National Team ... Her aunt, Joan Burks, played softball 

and basketball at Louisville. 

High School – Played outside hitter in high school, 

but will transition to a defensive role at Kentucky ... 

Was a two-time first-team All-State selection and a 

standout club player at Kentucky Indiana Volleyball 

Association ... Was named to the All-District and All- 

Region teams in each of her four seasons as a Panther 

and was a second-team All-State selection in 2001 ... 

Was named a Junior Olympic All-American in 2004 

and 2002 ... Also been a member of the honor roll at 

#12 • Erin Turner 

Freshman • HS • 6-0 • Outside Hitter • Winnetka, Calif. • Bishop Alemany HS • Club Team: Santa Monica Beach Club • Major: Physical Therapy 


“I picked Kentucky for the challenge of playing at 

a top Division I school while also experiencing a different 

part of the country. When I visited Kentucky, 

the campus and city of Lexington were beautiful. I 

love the sense of community at the school and was 

very impressed with the athletic department and all 

the people I met.” 

Coach Skinner on Turner: 

“Erin is a complete volleyball player who can execute, 

at a high level, the skills of an outside hitter. We are looking 

forward to seeing her blossom as a Wildcat.” 

High School – Earned four varsity volleyball letters at 

Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills, Calif. ... 

Finished her career by being named first-team All-Mission 

League in 2004, while earning her team’s Best 

Offensive Player award ... Won the Vincent Zarcone 

Memorial Scholarship, awarded to the top female scholar-athlete 

in the school ... Also received the President’s 

Award for Educational Excellence as a senior ... Was 

named first-team All-Mission League as a junior in 2003 

while earning her team's Most Valuable Player award ... 

Was a second-team All-Mission League seledtion in 

2002 ... Was named a Scholar Athlete in 2001, 2002 and 

2003 and was selected as the Best JV Offensive Player in 

2001 ... Played club volleyball for Santa Monica Beach 

Club where her 17-1 team finished seventh at the Volleyball 

Festival in Reno, Nev. in 2004 ... Her 16-1 team 

finished 14th overall at the Southern California Volleyball 

Association Tournament in 2003 ... Was given a citizenship 

award at her school in 2004 for coordinating a 

special presentation to the family of a volleyball teammate 

who was killed in a car accident ... 

Personal – Full name is Erin Nicole Turner ... Daughter 

of Kerry and Kina Turner … Born April 29, 1987 in 

Van Nuys, Calif. ... Has one brother - Karl (15) ... Her 

father, Kerry, was on the crew team at UCLA. 



UK Volleyball: Off the Court 

Below: The team 

threw t-shirts to the 

crowd at a football 

game last year. 

Above: The group enjoys the rides of 

Disneyland on a trip to 

Southern California in November. 

Below: These Wildcats enjoyed a 

spring break trip together. 

Above: Future stars? The Wildcats visited 

the HollywoodWalk of Fame last year. 

Below: The team was in the holiday mood as 

the 2004 season winded down. 

The squad is 

always in the mood 

to stop and pose 

for a photo. 


2005 Opponents


2005 Opponents 

Alabama 

Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala. 

Conference: Southeastern 

Enrollment: 20,000 

Nickname: Crimson Tide 

Colors: Crimson & White 

Arena (Capacity): The CAVE (1,000) 

Athletics Director: Mal Moore 

Head Coach: Judy Green 

Record at School (years): 147-141 (9 years) 

Overall Record (years): 543-215 (19 years) 

2004 Record: 21-9 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 10-6 

(T-1st West) 

Starters Returning/Lost: 5/2 

Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 9/3 

Newcomers: 5 

Volleyball SID: Chris Woodfin 

Office Phone: (205) 348-7496 

E-mail: cwoodfin@ia.ua.edu 

SID Fax: (205) 348-8841 

Website: www.rolltide.com 

Arkansas 

Location: Fayetteville, Ark. 



Nickname: Lady Razorbacks 

Colors: Cardinal & White 

Arena (Capacity): Barnhill Arena (9,000) 

Athletics Director: Bev Lewis 

Head Coach: Chris Poole 



2004 Record: 17-16 


(T-1st West) 



Newcomers: 4 

Volleyball SID: Jeri Thorpe 

Office Phone: (479) 575-5037 

E-mail: jthorpe@uark.edu 

SID Fax: (479) 575-7410 

Website: www.ladybacks.com 

Auburn 

Location: Auburn, Ala. 



Nickname: Tigers 

Colors: Burnt Orange & Navy 

Arena (Capacity): Student Activities Center 

(1,320) 

Athletics Director: Jay Jacobs 

Head Coach: Laura Farina 




2004 Record: 11-16 


(4th West) 



Newcomers: 6 

Volleyball SID: Carol White 

Office Phone: (334) 844-9800 

E-mail: whitecr@auburn.edu 

SID Fax: (334) 844-9807 

Website: www.auburntigers.com 

Brown 

Location: Providence, R.I. 

Conference: Ivy League 


Nickname: Bears 

Colors: Seal Brown, 

Cradinal Red & White 

Arena (Capacity): Pizzitola Memorial 

Sports Center (2,800) 

Athletics Director: David T. Roach 

Head Coach: Diane Short 



2004 Record: 8-17 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 5-9 (6th) 



Newcomers: 6 

Volleyball SID: Christina O’Brien 

Office Phone: (401) 863-6069 

E-mail: Christina_OBrien@brown.edu 

SID Fax: (401) 863-1436 

Website: www.brownbears.ocsn.com 

Cincinnati 

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio 

Conference: Big East 


Nickname: Bearcats 

Colors: Red & Black 

Arena (Capacity): Fifth Third Arena (13,176) 

Athletics Director: Bob Goin 

Head Coach: Reed Sunahara 



2004 Record: 22-11 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 10-3 (T-2nd) 



Newcomers: 4 

Volleyball SID: Shawn Sell 

Office Phone: (513) 556-0618 

E-mail: TBA 

SID Fax: (513) 556-0619 

Website: www.ucbearcats.com 

Clemson 

Location: Clemson, S.C. 

Conference: Atlantic Coast 



Colors: Burnt Orange & 

Northwest Purple 

Arena (Capacity): Jervey Gym (2,000) 

Athletics Director: Dr. Terry Don Phillips 

Head Coach: Jolene Jordan Hoover 

School Record (years): 253-143 (12 years) 


2004 Record: 20-14 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 7-9 (T-8th) 



Newcomers: 5 

Volleyball SID: Philip Sikes 

Office Phone: (864) 656-1985 

E-mail: philips@clemson.edu 

SID Fax: (864) 656-0299 

Website: www.clemsontigers.com 

Connecticut 

Location: Storrs, Conn. 



Nickname: Huskies 

Colors: National Flag 

Blue & White 

Arena (Capacity): Gampel Pavilion (10,167) 

Athletics Director: Jeffrey Hathaway 

Head Coach: Holly Strauss 

School Record (years): First Season 

Overall Record (years): First Season 

2004 Record: 17-11 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 6-4 (5th) 


Newcomers: 3 

Volleyball SID: TBA 

Office Phone: (860) 486-4486 

E-mail: TBA 

SID Fax: (860) 486-5085 

Website: www.uconnhuskies.com


Eastern Illinois 

Location: Charleston, Ill. 

Conference: Ohio Valley 


Nickname: Panthers 

Colors: Blue & Gray 

Arena (Capacity): Lantz Arena (5,300) 

Athletics Director: Dr. Richard McDuffie 

Head Coach: Lori Bennett 

School Record (years): 0-0 (First year) 

Overall Record (years): 0-0 (First year) 

2004 Record: 25-6 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 15-1 (T-1st) 



Newcomers: 4 

Volleyball SID: Ben Turner 

Office Phone: (217) 581-7020 

E-mail: bwturner@eiu.edu 

SID Fax: (217) 581-6434 

Website: www.eiu.edu/panthers 

Florida 

Location: Gainesville, Fla. 



Nickname: Gators 

Colors: Orange & Blue 

Arena (Capacity): O’Connell Center (12,000) 

Athletics Director: Jeremy Foley 

Head Coach: Mary Wise 



2004 Record: 28-5 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 15-1 (T-1st) 



Newcomers: 3 

Volleyball SID: Mike Vietti 

Office Phone: (352) 375-4683 ext. 6120 

E-mail: mikev@gators.uaa.ufl.edu 

SID Fax: (352) 375-4809 

Press Row: (352) 367-1801 

Website: www.gatorzone.com 

Georgia 

Location: Athens, Ga. 



Nickname: Bulldogs 


Arena (Capacity): Ramsey Center (2,400) 

Athletics Director: Damon Evans 

Head Coach: Steffi Legall 

School Record (years): First Year 


2004 Record: 18-12 


(3rd East) 


Newcomers: 4 

Volleyball SID: Tyler Sabo 

Office Phone: (706) 542-1621 

E-mail: tyler@sports.uga.edu 

SID Fax: (706) 542-9339 

Website: www.georgiadogs.com 

LSU 

Location: Baton Rouge, La. 




Colors: Purple & Gold 

Arena (Capacity): Pete Maravich Assembly 

Center (14,164) 

Athletics Director: Skip Bertman 

Head Coach: Fran Flory 



2004 Record: 17-12 


(3rd West) 



Newcomers: 6 

Volleyball SID: Melissa Reynaud 

Office Phone: (225) 578-8226 

E-mail: mreynaud@lsu.edu 

SID Fax: (225) 578-1861 

Website: www.lsusports.net 

Louisville 

Location: Louisville, Ky. 



Nickname: Cardinals 


Arena (Capacity): Cardinal Arena (840) 

Athletics Director: Tom Jurich 

Head Coach: Leonid Yelin 



2004 Record: 30-3 

2004 Conference Record (Finish): 13-0 (1st) 



Newcomers: 3 

Volleyball SID: Nancy Worley 

Office Phone: (502) 852-6581 

E-mail: nasmit01@louisville.edu 

SID Fax: (502) 852-7401 

Website: www.uoflsports.com 

Location: Oxford, Miss. 



Nickname: Lady Rebels 

Colors: Cardinal Red 

& Navy Blue 

Arena (Capacity): Gillom Sports Center (1,000) 

Athletics Director: Pete Boone 

Head Coach: Joe Getzin 



2004 Record: 10-18 


(6th West) 



Newcomers: 5 

Volleyball SID: Bill Bunting 

Office Phone: (662) 915-7522 

E-mail: wbunting@olemiss.edu 

SID Fax: (662) 915-7006 

Website: www.olemisssports.com 

Location: Starkville, Miss. 



Nickname: Bulldogs 

Colors: Maroon & White 

Arena (Capacity): Newell- 

Grissom Building (3,500) 

Athletics Director: Larry Templeton 

Head Coach: Tina Seals 

School Record (years): 14-16 (1 year) 

Overall Record (years): 14-16 (1 year) 

2004 Record: 14-16 


(5th West) 



Newcomers: 6 

Volleyball SID: Joe Dier 

Office Phone: (662) 325-0540 

E-mail: jbdier@athletics.msstate.edu 

SID Fax: (662) 325-3654 

Website: www.mstateathletics.com 

Location: Morehead, Ky. 

Ole Miss 

Mississippi State 



Morehead State 

Conference: Ohio Valley 


Nickname: Eagles 

Colors: Blue & Gold 

Arena (Capacity): Wetherby 

Gym (5,000) 

Athletics Director: Brian Hutchinson 

Head Coach: Jaime Gordon 



2004 Record: 9-20 


(6th) 



Newcomers: 3 

Volleyball SID: TBA 

Office Phone: (606) 783-2500 

E-mail: TBA 

SID Fax: (606) 783-8550 

Website: www.morehead-st.edu 

Northwestern 

Location: West Lafayette, Ind. 

Conference: Big Ten 


Nickname: Boilermakers 

Colors: Old Gold & Black 

Arena (Capacity): Intercollegiate Athletic Facility 

(1,696) 

Athletics Director: Morgan J. Burke 

Head Coach: Dave Shondell 

School Record (years): 14-17 (1 year) 

Overall Record (years): 14-17 (1 year) 

2004 Record: 14-17 


(8th) 



Newcomers: 5 

Volleyball SID: Wendy Mayer 

Office Phone: (765) 494-3919 

E-mail: wbroker@purdue.edu 

SID Fax: (765) 447-5447 

Website: www.purduesports.com 

South Carolina 

Location: Columbia, S.C. 



Nickname: Gamecocks 

Colors: Garnet & Black 

Arena (Capacity): Volleyball Competition 

Facility (1,500) 

Athletics Director: Eric Hyman 

Head Coach: Nancy Somera 




2004 Record: 12-15 


(4th East) 



Newcomers: 3 

Volleyball SID: Ayanna Wakefield 

Office Phone: (803) 777-8017 

E-mail: ayanna@gwm.sc.edu 

SID Fax: (803) 777-2967 

Website: www.uscsports.com 

Southern Illinois 

Location: Carbondale, Ill. 

Conference: Missouri Valley 


Nickname: Salukis 

Colors: Maroon & White 

Arena (Capacity): Davies Gym (1,250) 

Athletics Director: Paul Kowalczyk 

Head Coach: Brenda Winkeler 

School Record (years): 0-0 (First year) 


2004 Record: 9-21 


(T-7th) 



Newcomers: 3 

Volleyball SID: Shalae Schulte 

Office Phone: (618) 453-7102 

E-mail: sschulte@siu.edu 

SID Fax: (618) 453-2648 

Website: www.siusalukis.com 

Tennessee 

Location: Knoxville, Tenn. 



Nickname: Lady Volunteers 

Colors: Orange & White 

Arena (Capacity): Stokely Athletics Center 

(5,000) 

Athletics Director: Joan Cronan 

Head Coach: Rob Patrick 



2004 Record: 32-3 


(T-1st) 



Newcomers: 5 

Volleyball SID: Matt MacDonald 

Office Phone: (865) 974-4275 

E-mail: mmacdon5@utk.edu 

SID Fax: (865) 974-8875 

Website: www.utladyvols.com 

Western Carolina 

Location: Cullowhee, N.C. 

Conference: Southern 


Nickname: Catamounts 

Colors: Purple & Gold 

Arena (Capacity): Ramsey Activity Center 

(7,826) 

Athletics Director: Chip Smith 

Head Coach: Stephanie Dragan 



2004 Record: 12-16 


(3rd North) 



Newcomers: 4 

Volleyball SID: Daniel Hooker 

Office Phone: (828) 227-2336 

E-mail: dhooker@wcu.edu 

SID Fax: (828) 227-7688 

Website: www.catamountsports.com 

Wright State 

Location: Dayton, Ohio 

Conference: Horizon League 


Nickname: Raiders 

Colors: Hunter Green & Gold 

Arena (Capacity): McLin Gymnasium (500) 

Athletics Director: Dr. Michael Cusack 

Head Coach: Trina Smith 


Overall Record (years): First Year 

2004 Record: 4-26 


(7th) 



Newcomers: 2 

Volleyball SID: Matt Zircher 

Office Phone: (937) 775-2831 

E-mail: matt.zircher@wright.edu 

SID Fax: (937) 775-2818 

Website: www.wsuraiders.com

2005 Season Preview - University of Kentucky Athletics

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