Pages 1-15 - Creighton University Bluejays

Table of ContentsBluejay seniors Alicia Runge (far left), Allie Oelke (middle) and Lauren Bloemke (far right) hang on to Nayka Benitez (front).The 2010 SeasonD.J. Sokol Arena and Ryan Athletic Center IFC, 2Home Venue History 3D.J. Sokol Arena Records & Timeline 42010 Season Outlook 102010 Roster and Quick Facts 11Head Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth 12-14Assistant Coaches Behrens, Mendoza, Sjuts 15Player ProfilesNayka Benitez 16Lauren Bloemke 17Allie Oelke 18Alicia Runge 19Karisa Almgren 20Laurel Sanford 21Megan Bober 22Brooke Boggs 23Lisa Greisch 24Brittany Moon 25Heather Thorson 26Brianne Fliss and Natalie Hackbarth 27Lexi Malm and Julianne Mandolfo 28Savannah Smith 29Career Match-by-Match Stats 30-32Player Survey 33Table of Contents2010 Opponent InformationBradley, Central Michigan, DrakeEvansville, Illinois State, Indiana State 34Iowa, KansasLipscomb, Marquette, Missouri State 35Nebraska, Northern Iowa, Saint LouisSan Francisco, Southern Illinois, Toledo 36Wake Forest, Wichita StateMVC Tournament, Bluejay Invitational Records 37MVC Composite Schedule 38The Missouri Valley Conference 39Bluejay Volleyball HistoryThe 2009 Season in Pictures 6-7Alumni Testimonials 8Bluejays in the Pros 92009 Recap 402009 MVC Awards and Tournament Review 412009 Statistics and Results 422009 MVC Standings and Statistics 43Creighton Volleyball All-Time Honor Roll 44-45Annual Statistical Leaders 46Kill Records 47Attack Percentage & Attempt Records 48Assist Records 49Ace Records 50Dig Records 51Block Solo/Assist Records 52Total Blocks Records 53Point Records 54Set & Match Played Records 55All-Time Roster & Stats 56All-Time Uniform Numbers, Year-by-Year Stats 57Creighton Volleyball Timeline 58Year-by-Year Scores 59-61Series Records 62-651Creighton UniversityOmaha, Nebraska 5University Information 66-67President Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J. 68Athletics Director Bruce Rasmussen 68Athletics Department Directory 69Student-Athlete Support Center 71Media & Web Site Info 72Team PhotoInside Back CoverMedia Guide CreditsThe 2010 Creighton Volleyball Media Guide is a productionof the award-winning Creighton University SportsInformation Office, directed by Robert Anderson. Interiordesign, writing and editing by Anderson using an iMacwith QuarkXPress and Adobe Photoshop CS3 software.Editorial assistance and research provided by RobSimms, Kevin Sarver, Creighton Public Relations and theCreighton Volleyball coaching staff. Photography byCreighton University Creative Services, Korie Lebeda, KellyGoc, Evansville Athletics, Wichita State Athletics, DougFrench, Teddy Young, Dave Weaver, Scott Bruhn, MichelleRatzlaff, Portrait Innovations, Brad Williams, White andBlue Review and Eric Francis. Outside cover designs byMark Joekel. Printing by Creighton University Varsity Press.

D.J. Sokol Arena Inside the Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic CenterOn Oct. 16, 2007, an important milestone was reached when Creightonbroke ground for a new on-campus facility at the northeast corner of 19thand Webster – just north of Michael G. Morrison, S.J., Stadium – thanks tothe generous donations of Wayne and Eileen Ryan and family and Dave andPeggy Sokol.D.J. Sokol Arena inside the Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Center is a 75,000square-foot facility, that houses a gymnasium holding 2,950 fans, as well ascoaches’ offices and locker rooms for women’s basketball, volleyball, men’ssoccer, women’s soccer, baseball and softball. It also houses areas for ticketing,athletic training, meeting rooms, media workrooms, hospitality functionsand additional academic space. The arena is also being used for othercampus and community events, including assemblies, coaching camps andclinics, concerts, speakers and high school graduations.The Ryan and Sokol familes were honored during the dedication of thefacility at intermission of the Creighton vs. Texas Tech volleyball matchon Aug. 28, 2009.Wayne and Eileen Ryan and their family have been long-time supporters ofCreighton University. Wayne Ryan, BS'49, MS'51, chairman and CEO of StreckLaboratories, Inc., began his career teaching at Creighton before pursuinghis passion for research that led to the founding of his company. The Ryansare also Jaybackers and their daughter, Connie, serves on Creighton’s Boardof Directors.Dave and Peggy Sokol are honoring their son, D.J. Sokol, who died in 1999following a battle with Hodgkin’s disease, by naming thegymnasium the D.J. Sokol Arena. Sokol serves as chairmanand CEO of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, a globalleader in the production, supply and distribution of energyfrom diversified fuel sources and recently served onCreighton University’s Board of Directors.D.J. Sokol“We have been searching to find a more suitable venue for women’s basketballand volleyball competitions for some time,” said Creighton athleticsdirector Bruce Rasmussen. “Visionary donors like the Ryans and Sokols makeour dreams of an even stronger athletics program, championed by intenselyloyal fans, more of a reality. This Bluejay spirit is a unifying characteristicthat enhances the institution’s visibility and reputation.”Wayne and Eileen Ryan pose with Billy Bluejay at the groundbreakingfor the Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Center and D.J. Sokol Arena.The facility was fully funded by private monies and is home to Bluejay volleyballand women’s basketball.Ground was broken on the Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Center and D.J. Sokol Arena on Oct. 16, 2007.2

D.J. Sokol Arena Timeline And RecordsConstruction TimelineOct. 10, 2007 Oct. 3, 2008D.J. Sokol Arena/Ryan Athletic Center RecordsFacility Firsts (Regular-Season)First Match: Texas Tech at Creighton, 8/28/09Dedication: At intermission of Texas Tech at Creighton, 8/28/09First Serve: Tory Vaughan, Texas Tech at Creighton, 8/28/09First Attack Attempt: Allie Oelke, Creighton vs. Texas Tech, 8/28/09First Dig: Jenn Goehry, Texas Tech at Creighton, 8/28/09First Kill: Megan Bober, Creighton vs. Texas Tech, 8/28/09First Assist: Nayka Benitez, Creighton vs. Texas Tech, 8/28/09First Service Ace: Amanda Dowdy, Texas Tech at Creighton, 8/28/09First Block: Laurel Sanford, Heather Thorson and Alicia Runge, Creighton vs.Texas Tech, 8/28/09First Telecast: Missouri State at Creighton (NET Sports), 10/3/09First Ranked Opponent: #10 Illinois at Creighton, 8/29/09First Creighton Win Over Ranked Opponent: Creighton def. #25 WichitaState, 10/2/09Single-Season RecordsKills1. 151 Jessica Houts, 20092. 141 Allie Oelke, 20093. 134 Alicia Runge, 2009Attack Percentage (min. 50 kills)1. .331 Megan Bober, 20092. .273 Laurel Sanford, 20093. .262 Jessica Houts, 2009Nov. 14, 2008 Dec. 15, 2008Assists1. 534 Megan Bober, 20092. 203 M. Hooper (WSU), 20093. 124 Bre Payton (UNI), 2009Digs1. 257 Nayka Benitez, 20092. 205 Allie Oelke, 20093. 158 Sarah Schulze, 2009Jan. 9, 2009 Feb. 7, 2009Service Aces1. 19 Nayka Benitez, 20092. 8 Jessica Houts, 20093. 6 Laura DeBruler (IL), 2009Total Blocks1. 90 Jessica Houts, 20092. 70 Laurel Sanford, 20093. 47 Megan Bober, 2009Single-Match RecordsKills: 30, Emily Stockman, Wichita State vs. Missouri State, 11/27/09Attack Attempts: 70, Emily Stockman, Wichita State vs. Missouri State,11/27/09Attack Pct. (min. 12 kills): .538, Sarah McGee, Wichita State vs. SouthernIllinois, 11/26/09Points: 31, Emily Stockman, Wichita State vs. Missouri State, 11/27/09Assists: 66, Mary Elizabeth Hooper, Wichita State vs. Missouri State, 11/27/09Digs: 36, Nayka Benitez, Creighton vs. Wichita State, 10/2/09Total Blocks: 12, Jessica Houts, Creighton vs. Indiana State, 10/24/09 andJessica Houts, Creighton vs. Evansville, 11/14/09Aces: 4, Jennifer Berwanger, Southern Illinois at Creighton, 11/14/09March 23, 2009 June 4, 2009June 26, 2009 Aug. 19, 2009Megan Bober had the first kill.Nayka Benitez owns the most aces.4

2009 - The Year In PicturesFrom left: Brooke Boggs, Allie Oelke, Alicia Runge, Nayka Benitez, Lisa Greisch and Heather Thorson dress up for the team’s annual postseason banquet.Creighton’s 2009 team poses for a photo after a Breast Cancer Awareness Night victory over Indiana State. This year the team will once again wear pink jerseysfor its match against Indiana State. Date of this year’s match is Oct. 29th.The team gathers for a group photo following the MVC Tournament banquet.6

2009 - The Year In PicturesThe team gathers in the locker room around Carly Bruxvoort (bottom row, middle), acancer patient who received support from the team.Celebrating a birthday are Laurel Sanford, Allie Oelke, Lisa Greisch,Alicia Runge and Brooke Boggs.Creighton’s Pep Band and Dance Team help keep the crowd involved and the arena loud.Creighton President the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J., (left) enjoysa laugh with Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (right).Creighton’s line-up is introduced against Texas Tech.7

Katie Mehal (2004-07)Creighton Degree: 2008 in Marketing & Graphic Design"When I look back at all the decisions I made, mychoice to play volleyball for Creighton is by far the onewhich has influenced me the most. As I look back, I rememberall of the practices and matches, but what I value mostwere the lessons I learned with the family I became a partof.“As I pushed myself to become a better player, Ilearned discipline, hard work and perseverance. As I traveledand missed class, I learned responsibility and timemanagement.And as I grew throughout my four years, Ilearned that you can learn life skills from things other thanvolleyball, but the friendships – they last a lifetime."Alumni TestimonialsEmily Greisch (2003-06)Creighton Degree: 2007 in Nursing“Playing volleyball at Creighton was one of the best decisionsthat I have ever made. I loved everything that we did together. Iloved the practices, the matches, the road trips, and most of all theteammates and friends that I have made throughout my four years.“I learned so much during my time at Creighton. I got a great educationin the classroom and learned many life lessons from theteam. I really was able to grow as a person. I have taken so manyskills that I learned while playing volleyball into my career as a nursenow. Being a student athlete really helped me to understand beinga true team player and it also helped me use time-managementskills.“I am so grateful for the wonderful coaching staff and the lastingfriendships with my teammates. I am very excited to have been apart of Creighton volleyball's history and to see the great places theteam will go in the future!”Leah Ratzlaff (2002-05)Creighton Degree: 2006 in Psychology“I had never even heard of Creighton when I was recruited,and now I can't imagine my life without Creighton volleyball.Being part of this program created some of the best memoriesI will ever have and also introduced me to some amazing peoplewho I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life.“The team is going to be making some huge strides thisseason and in the next few years. The NCAA tournament is definitelywithin their reach. I'm just glad I'll be able to say I wasthere to help build the foundation and get it all started.“I truly feel that playing volleyball has made me the personI am today. Not only did it take some qualities I already had andimprove on them, like competitiveness and determination, butbeing part of this program also helped me develop new skills,like leadership and time-management, that will be equally asvaluable in the future.”8

Bluejays In The ProsFormer Bluejays Playing Professional VolleyballName Country TeamAmanda Cvejdlik Albania Marin BarletiKelly Goc Albania Marin BarletiKorie Lebeda Spain Voley MurciaBianca Rivera Puerto Rico Bayamón VaquerasKelly Goc andAmanda Cvejdlik - AlbaniaKelly Goc (right) will be returning to Albaniathis fall for her second season with Marin Barletiin Tirana, Albania, where she plays forcoach Kreshnik Tartari.Last year Goc combined with former Bluejayteammate Amanda Cvejdlik (left) to helpwin a the Albania Cup. The pair are picturedholding the championship trophy in the photobelow.Bianca Rivera - Puerto RicoBianca Rivera’s (below) first year in Puerto Rico’s Women’s SuperiorVolleyball League was a huge success.Under the direction of Yarelis Rodriguez, the San Juan nativewas named the league’s Rookie of the Year while playing for theBayamón Vaqueras. Her team qualified for the postseason andshe finished the year ranked third in the league with 5.16 digs perset.Rivera also participated in the league’s All-Star Game.9Korie Lebeda - SpainAfter a record-setting career at Creighton from 2005-08, KorieLebeda (left) spent last winter in Murcia, Spain, where she playedfor Voley Murcia in a league called Superliga Feminina 2. Theteam is located in the southeastern part of Spain about an hourfrom the Mediterranean Sea.Lebeda got the call when Voley Murcia’s regular setter wasinjured in November, joining a team that also included playersfrom Spain, Brazil, the Canary Islands and the United States.

2010 OutlookWith 11 letterwinners, includingfour starters and libero NaykaBenitez back, look for the 2010edition of the Creighton volleyballprogram to lean heavily onits experience and once again putitself in contention for an NCAATournament bid.Though graduated seniorsSarah Schulze and Jessica Houtsdeparted after starting more than200 matches between them, therest of last year’s team that finishedfourth in the Missouri ValleyConference returns.Coming off a season that sawthe Bluejays finish third nationallyin blocks per set and establish aschool record for home wins, thefans at D.J. Sokol Arena will see astrong home schedule thatincludes 2009 NCAA Tournamentparticipants Nebraska, NorthernIowa, Lipscomb and WichitaState.Megan BoberSettersSetter Megan Bober is back afterstarting every match of her freshmanseason as the Bluejay setter.Bober earned a spot on theMVC’s All-Freshman Team after arookie campaign that saw heraverage 9.63 assists. Additionally,the 6-foot-tall southpaw averaged0.93 blocks per set, the topmark nationally among setters.Competing with Bober for thesetting spot will be sophomoreBrittany Moon and freshmanBrianne Fliss.Moon had two assists and twodigs in a reserve role last year,while Wisconsin native Flisshelped her high school team to afifth-place finish at state.Laurel SanfordMiddle BlockersCreighton knew it would losetwo-time all-Valley selection JessicaHouts to graduation, butwere dealt an unexpected blowin late July when fifth-year seniorLauren Bloemke suffered a tornanterior cruciate ligament in herright knee that will cause her tomiss the 2010 season.Bloemke, who missed themajority of the 2009 season withan torn ACL in her left knee, hadmade 66 career starts and rankedin Creighton’s career top-10 inblocks and hitting percentage.Junior Laurel Sanford had abreakthrough season last year,ranking 25th nationally (thirdamong sophomores) with 1.30blocks per set. She also averaged1.68 kills per set last fall while hitting.240 to rank among the club’smost efficient attackers.Sophomore Heather Thorsonsaw the majority of her time lastseason on the right-side, but sawincreased opportunities in themiddle as the year wound down.The team’s tallest player (6-foot-3), Thorson’s versatility will givecoach Kirsten Bernthal Boothsome options.True freshman SavannahSmith could also contend fortime in the middle. The Oakland,Iowa, native is the first person inher high school’s history toreceive a Division I scholarship.She was named the OmahaWorld-Herald’s Class 2A WesternIowa Player of the Year last fall.Last year Creighton rankedthird nationally in blocks per set.Alicia RungeOutside & Right Side HittersThe return of seniors Allie Oelkeand Alicia Runge gives Creightontwo powerful weapons on thepins, both with the ability to takeover a match.Oelke is a three-year starterwho ranked second on the teamin both kills and digs per matchlast year. She topped the club indouble-doubles and is on pace tofinish her career in the top-five inCreighton history in kills and digs.Runge was third on the team inkills and emerged as a go-to playerdown the stretch last fall. Sheaveraged 3.24 kills while hitting.396 in Creighton’s last six matcheslast year.Junior Karisa Almgren provideda spark off the bench for theJays at times last year, and will tryto break through into a moreprominent role. She averaged0.54 kills and 0.33 blocks per setlast year.In addition to Thorson, twotrue freshmen, Lexi Malm andNatalie Hackbarth, will look tofind a spot in the rotation as well.Hackbarth had nearly 1,500kills as a prep and was a two-timefirst-team all-state pick at Algona(Iowa) High School. She wasnamed her team’s top offensiveplayer each of her final three seasonsas a prep.Malm hails from Central City(Neb.) and is a terrific athlete. Shewon 12 letters in high school(four each in volleyball, basketballand track) and owns her school’srecord for career kills.Nayka BenitezLiberos &Defensive SpecialistsThe battles for the back row spotsfigure to be among the mostcompetitive on the team.After playing every set asCreighton’s libero last year,Nayka Benitez returns for hersenior campaign. Benitez rankedseventh in the MVC with 516 digsand tied for second in The Valleywith 43 aces. Her overpoweringjump serve helped her record atleast one ace in 24 of 31 matcheslast fall.Lisa Greisch and BrookeBoggs split time as defensivespecialists last year.Greisch averaged 1.18 digs perset and could also be in the mix asan outside hitter.Boggs averaged 1.26 digs perset and was fifth on the team withnine aces.True freshman Julianne Mandolfocomes to campus with atremendous defensive reputationand will push for a spot as eitherlibero or defensive specialist afterhelping Omaha Marian HighSchool to a state title last fall.Allie Oelke and Lisa Greisch10

Roster and Quick FactsCreighton Quick FactsGeneral InformationLocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Omaha, Neb. (432,921)Founded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1878Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7,385President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. John P. Schlegel, S.J.Director of Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruce RasmussenSenior Woman Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . .Carol KetchamColors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Blue and WhiteAffiliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NCAA Division IConference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Missouri ValleyTicket Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-JAYSBluejay Volleyball InformationHead Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kirsten Bernthal BoothAlma Mater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Truman State, 1997Record at Creighton (Years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120-89 (7)Career Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SameOffice Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-5794E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .kbooth@creighton.eduAssistant Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Angie Oxley BehrensAlma Mater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nebraska-Lincoln, 2002Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-5812E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .aoxley@creighton.eduAssistant Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom MendozaAlma Mater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lewis, 2007Office Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-5781E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .thomasmendoza@creighton.eduVolunteer Assistant Coach . . . . . . . .Amanda (Gates) SjutsAlma Mater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nebraska, 2009Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morgan NicholsHome Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D.J. Sokol ArenaCapacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,9502009 Overall Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-17 (.452)2009 MVC Record (Place) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-8 (T-4th)Letterwinners Returning/Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 / 3Starters Returning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Four + LiberoCreighton Sports InformationSID / Volleyball Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rob AndersonOffice Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-5544Home Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 935-1807Cell Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 660-5854E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .randerson@creighton.eduAssociate SID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rob SimmsOffice Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-2433SID Intern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shannon PivovarOffice Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-5801Sports Information Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-2495Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.gocreighton.comCreighton on Twitter . . . . . . . . . . .twitter.com/gocreightonPress Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(402) 280-57242010 Creighton Volleyball Numerical RosterNo. Name Yr. Ht. Pos. Hometown (Last School)1 Nayka Benitez Sr. 5-3 DS San Juan, P.R. (Western Nebraska CC)2 Laurel Sanford Jr. 6-0 MB Eagan, Minn. (Eagan)3 Lisa Greisch So. 6-0 OH/DS Omaha, Neb. (Marian)4 Heather Thorson So. 6-3 MB/RS Mead, Neb. (Mead)5 Allie Oelke Sr. 6-1 RS/OH Chanhassen, Minn. (Chaska)6 Savannah Smith Fr. 6-2 MB Oakland, Iowa (Riverside Community)7 Megan Bober So. 6-0 S Murdock, Neb. (Elmwood-Murdock)8 Lauren Bloemke Sr. 6-0 MB Tampa, Fla. (C. Leon King)9 Lexi Malm Fr. 6-1 RS/OH Central City, Neb. (Central City)10 Brittany Moon So. 5-7 S Hesperia, Calif. (Sultana)11 Brianne Fliss Fr. 5-9 S Hubertus, Wis. (Divine Savior Holy Angels)12 Alicia Runge Sr. 6-1 RS/OH Swea City, Iowa (Iowa Western CC)14 Brooke Boggs So. 5-8 DS Wildwood, Mo. (Lafayette)15 Natalie Hackbarth Fr. 6-1 OH Algona, Iowa (Algona)16 Karisa Almgren Jr. 6-2 RS/OH Edmond, Okla. (Memorial)17 Julianne Mandolfo Fr. 5-7 DS Omaha, Neb. (Marian)2010 Creighton Volleyball Alphabetical RosterNo. Name Yr. Ht. Pos. Hometown (Last School)16 Karisa Almgren Jr. 6-2 RS/OH Edmond, Okla. (Memorial)1 Nayka Benitez Sr. 5-3 DS San Juan, P.R. (Western Nebraska CC)8 Lauren Bloemke Sr. 6-0 MB Tampa, Fla. (C. Leon King)7 Megan Bober So. 6-0 S Murdock, Neb. (Elmwood-Murdock)14 Brooke Boggs So. 5-8 DS Wildwood, Mo. (Lafayette)11 Brianne Fliss Fr. 5-9 S Hubertus, Wis. (Divine Savior Holy Angels)3 Lisa Greisch So. 6-0 OH/DS Omaha, Neb. (Marian)15 Natalie Hackbarth Fr. 6-1 OH Algona, Iowa (Algona)9 Lexi Malm Fr. 6-1 RS/OH Central City, Neb. (Central City)17 Julianne Mandolfo Fr. 5-7 DS Omaha, Neb. (Marian)10 Brittany Moon So. 5-7 S Hesperia, Calif. (Sultana)5 Allie Oelke Sr. 6-1 RS/OH Chanhassen, Minn. (Chaska)12 Alicia Runge Sr. 6-1 RS/OH Swea City, Iowa (Iowa Western CC)2 Laurel Sanford Jr. 6-0 MB Eagan, Minn. (Eagan)6 Savannah Smith Fr. 6-2 MB Oakland, Iowa (Riverside Community)4 Heather Thorson So. 6-3 MB/RS Mead, Neb. (Mead)Head Coach: Kirsten Bernthal BoothAssistant Coaches: Angie Oxley Behrens, Tom Mendoza, Amanda (Gates) SjutsPronunciation GuideNayka Benitez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NY-kuh Allie Oelke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ELL-keyKirsten Bernthal Booth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KEER-sten Angie Oxley Behrens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BEAR-ensLauren Bloemke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BLEM-key Alicia Runge . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-LEESH-a RUNG-geeMegan Bober . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BO-burr Amanda (Gates) Sjuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUITSLisa Greisch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GRYSHWhere They’re FromCalifornia (1) – Brittany MoonFlorida (1) – Lauren BloemkeIowa (3) – Natalie Hackbarth, Alicia Runge,Savannah SmithMinnesota (2) – Allie Oelke, Laurel SanfordMissouri (1) – Brooke BoggsNebraska (5) – Megan Bober, Lisa Greisch,Lexi Malm, Julianne Mandolfo,Heather ThorsonOklahoma (1) – Karisa AlmgrenPuerto Rico (1) – Nayka BenitezWisconsin (1) - Brianne Fliss2010 Bluejay Volleyball Roster BreakdownBy ClassBy PositionSeniors (4)Nayka Benitez, Lauren Bloemke, Allie Oelke,Alicia RungeJuniors (2)Karisa Almgren, Laurel SanfordSophomores (5)Megan Bober, Brooke Boggs, Lisa Greisch,Brittany Moon, Heather ThorsonFreshmen (5)Brianne Fliss, Natalie Hackbarth,Lexi Malm, Julianne Mandolfo,Savannah Smith11Setters (3)Megan Bober, Brianne Fliss, Brittany MoonRight Side & Outside Hitters (7)Karisa Almgren, Lisa Greisch,Natalie Hackbarth, Lexi Malm, Allie Oelke,Alicia Runge, Heather ThorsonMiddle Blockers (4)Lauren Bloemke, Laurel Sanford,Savannah Smith, Heather ThorsonDefensive Specialists & Liberos (4)Nayka Benitez, Brooke Boggs, Lisa Greisch,Julianne MandolfoBluejay BirthdaysAlmgren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .January 3, 1990Oelke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .January 26, 1989Runge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .February 5, 1988Benitez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .February 8, 1989Boggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 8, 1991Bloemke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 18, 1988Greisch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 10, 1991Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May 2, 1992Moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 11, 1991Thorson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 9, 1990Mandolfo . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 13, 1991Malm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 22, 1991Bober . . . . . . . . . . . . .September 28, 1990Hackbarth . . . . . . . . .September 29, 1991Sanford . . . . . . . . . . . .December 16, 1989Fliss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .December 23, 1991

The only coach in Creighton’smodern volleyball history to reach100 wins, Kirsten Bernthal Boothenters her eighth season with aneven brighter future, thanks to fourreturning starters and a spectacularon-campus facility.After back-to-back secondplacefinishes in the Missouri ValleyConference resulted in near-missesto the 2007 and 2008 NCAA Tournaments,Booth and her staff haveonce again assembled a top-notchschedule while challenging the bestthat college volleyball has to offer.Best of all, the Bluejays can hostthese matches at the D.J. SokolArena inside the Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Center. The on-campus facilityopened in 2009 to rave reviews and hosted six volleyball matches involvingranked teams in its inaugural year, including a win over No. 25 Wichita State.Booth enters her eighth year as head coach at Creighton with an impressivepast, both on and off the court.Under her direction, the program has attracted two crowds of more than12,000 while ranking in the top-40 nationally in attendance the past four years.Creighton has gone 120-89 while averaging 1,139 fans per home match inBooth’s tenure, compared to a 77-113 mark and 223 fans per match average theseven years before her arrival. All of Booth’s teams have qualified for the MVCTournament, with the last four of those squads reaching the semifinals.Booth’s .574 winning percentage and 120 wins are best in Creighton volleyball’smodern history. Added with her 112 wins in three years at Kirkwood CommunityCollege, Booth owns 232 career victories, an average of more than 23 winsper season.In seven seasons, Booth has coached 10 first-team and six second-team all-MVC picks, while also recruiting and coaching seven MVC all-Freshman Team honorees.Booth’s teams have also included 20 members of the MVC Scholar-AthleteTeam in that time, including 2006 Academic All-American Emily Greisch.The 2008 Bluejay squad finished in sole possession of second place for thefirst time in program history after going 15-3 in league play. Playing the most difficultnon-conference schedule in program history, Creighton finished 18-9 overalland had the second-best RPI of any team to not receive an NCAA bid.That club saw Korie Lebeda close her career as Creighton ’s all-time assistleader, while Jessica Houts was named MVC Defensive Player of the Year andearned AVCA Honorable-Mention All-America accolades. Joining Lebeda andHouts on the all-MVC First Team was Omaha product Amanda Cvejdlik, whilelibero Bianca Rivera was a second-team all-Valley selection.Creighton’s 2007 team finished 21-10 and tied for second in the MVC with a14-4 record. The Jays became the first team in history to rally from an 0-2 deficitto win at UNI, and hosted a record-setting crowd (13,081) at Qwest Center Omaha.Lebeda set a Creighton record for career assists, Rivera a record for single-seasondigs, and Kelly Goc a season and career mark for hitting percentage. Goc wouldalso become the program’s first honorable-mention All-American on the court.Booth’s 2006 team won a school-record 21 matches, picking up in-seasontournament titles at Montana State and Middle Tennessee, and reached the MVCTournament semifinals. They also took a set from eventual national championNebraska and picked up three wins over long-time nemesis Illinois State as well asa victory at Wichita State.The 2005 campaign was highlighted by the program’s first-ever win atNorthern Iowa, a win over Big East power Marquette, and the title at the SanDiego State Invitational. The Jays would finish 16-14.Booth’s 2004 club won a then-record 18 matches while also picking up tournamenttitles at events hosted by New Mexico and Missouri. Creighton was alsothe only club in the MVC to beat the regular-season and tourney champ, WichitaState, in 2004.In 2003, Booth inherited a team that went 3-23 prior to her arrival andimproved that nearly identical squad to a 12-18 mark in her debut season atCreighton. That fall, the Bluejays helped pave the foundation for a promisingKirsten Bernthal Booth12The Kirsten Bernthal Booth File• Creighton University (Head Coach)Year W L Pct. Highlights2009 14 17 .452 Hosted MVC Tourney; Opened Ryan Ctr.2008 18 9 .667 2nd in MVC, first to reach 100+ wins2007 21 10 .677 Tie-2nd in MVC, became CU win leader2006 21 10 .677 Record 21 wins, MVC semi’s2005 16 14 .533 Record crowds, first win over UNI2004 18 11 .621 Record 18 wins, 2 tournament titles2003 12 18 .400 Record crowds, 9-win improvementTotal (7 yrs) 120 89 .574 All-Time Creighton Wins Leader• Kirkwood Community College (Head Coach)Year W L Pct. Highlights2002 39 11 .780 10-1 at home2001 36 18 .667 4th at NJCAA nationals2000 37 12 .755 2nd at NJCAA nationalsTotal (3 yrs) 112 41 .732 Two-time District Coach of the Yearfuture by signing five Nebraska products that composed one of the nation’s mostheraldedrecruiting classes.Booth has proven to be a popular coach among her players and within theOmaha community, which is a key factor in the team’s record crowds, rankingamong the top 40 nationally each of the last four seasons.On the court, Booth was an all-state setter in high school at Lincoln (Neb.)East and conference MVP in college at Truman State.Off the court, she earned Academic All-American honors, was named the1997 Missouri NCAA Woman of the Year, earned her master’s degree, and hastwice been named District Coach of the Year.Prior to coming to Creighton, Booth went a combined 112-41 in three seasonsat Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. All three of her teamswon at least 36 matches. Her first team reached the NJCAA finals before falling toSt. Clair College. Her second team placed fourth nationally and her final club won39 matches and had seven players earn academic all-conference honors.In addition to her coaching responsibilities, she served as the school’shuman resource coordinator, where she was in charge of staff development andwellness for all faculty and staff at Kirkwood.Booth served as a volunteer coach with the University of Iowa in the fall of1997, helping to run drills and scout opponents. The following spring, she servedas interim head coach while running practice and doing other assorted administrativetasks. She later earned her master’s degree in higher education administrationwith an emphasis in athletic administration from Iowa in 2000.As an undergrad, Booth’s teams at Truman State went 101-54 with her runningthe offense at setter. She was named the Mid-America Intercollegiate AthleticAssociation Freshman of the Year in 1993, and earned all-MIAA accolades herfinal three seasons as well. She capped off her career in 1996 by earning MIAAPlayer of the Year honors and setting new school records for assists in a season(1,662) and career (6,077), the latter of which ranked third in NCAA history at theDivision II level when she graduated. She remains among Truman’s all-time leadersfor digs (1,410), aces (127)and blocks (230).She was also a memberof the Student Senate at TrumanState, where she graduatedmagna cum laude with adegree in communications.Growing up, Boothexcelled in both tennis andvolleyball at Lincoln EastHigh School, where she is amember of the school’s AthleticHall of Fame. In tennis, she was a three-time All-American and two-time statechampion at #1 singles. She was also a second-team all-state volleyball player.Booth and her husband, Erik, reside in Omaha. The couple has two daughters:Reese (5) and Hayden (3).

What has the Ryan Athletic Center/D.J. SokolArena meant to your program?“For the first time since our staff’s been here wehave a home court advantage. First, the atmospherein the arena is truly awesome. Combine theband, dance team, Blue Crew and fans and it is atough place to play. Second, we get to practicethere and I think that’s been key to us from a servingand passing perspective and just a better comfortlevel for the players. Finally, winning begetswinning. I think our players have the expectationthat you protect your home court and our kids didthat, especially in the conference season.”Q & A With Kirsten Bernthal BoothWhat are you looking for from prospectivestudent-athletes interested in your program?“We have lots of kids on our team that turned downBCS schools because they felt Creighton was theperfect mix of academics and athletics. They are drivento be in a top-25 program. They chooseCreighton because they can feel the support fromthe administration on down. They want a degreethat when their career is up, will open doors forthem in life. And there’s no question a Creightondegree will provide great opportunities in thefuture.”You have some new faces on the staff. What doTom Mendoza and Amanda (Gates) Sjuts bringto the table?“I’m really excited about our staff this fall. I hadbeen fortunate to have the same staff for seven seasons,but at some point you need new blood, newideas, new energy, and I think Tom and Amandadefinitely bring that.Tom was an outstanding college player who hasplayed multiple positions and he’s very good fundamentally.His knowledge of the game is outstanding.He enjoys going out to recruit. When youare looking for key things for a great assistant, hehas all of those components.And we’re 1-for-1 when it comes to formerNebraska players in our program with assistantcoach Angie Oxley Behrens, who is about as goodas you can be. What I’ve been told by numerouspeople, including coach John Cook at Nebraska, isthat they don’t get any better than Amanda (Gates)Sjuts. That’s been our experience thus far with her.She wants to be a college coach and heavilyinvolved, not only in the training on the court but inthe office also. We feel fortunate to have someonewith her level of playing experience and character,and that’s key in my opinion and something elsethat attracted me to her.”Last year your team was third in the country inblocking. Is that a point of pride for you and thewomen in your program?“Absolutely! We always want to get the opportunityto play defense and put up a good block. I thinkblocking is one component of success. You have tobe great behind the block defensively and then youhave to terminate. But there’s no question that ourplayers take a lot of pride shutting down hitters inthe front row.”Last year’s record was a little deceiving becauseof a tough start. Why will it be better this fall?“Experience. Obviously we lose Jessica (Houts) andSarah (Schulze), but I think we’ve got a lot of experiencereturning, particularly Megan Bober runningthe court as a setter. It was fun seeing her progressthroughout the year and she had a good spring.Hopefully she can make strides this season like shedid last season.Alicia Runge, who is a very talented athlete, reallyplayed well down the stretch last year. We don’tknow what position she’ll be at, but she’s an importantcog.Allie Oelke can do it all both offensively anddefensively.Laurel Sanford is in the middle and had a goodsophomore year in her first season as a significantcontributor.And Nayka (Benitez) is returning from a defensivestandpoint.The thing that I am very optimistic about this fallis that we have one of the best classes we’ve everhad. All five freshmen could potentially be on thecourt. We’ve got some kids who are raw, but we’lltry to get them ready early in the year. Who will beon the court is the biggest question at this point.”American Volleyball Coaches AssociationALL-AMERICAN HONORABLE-MENTIONKelly Goc - 2007Jessica Houts - 2008ALL-CENTRAL REGION FIRST TEAMKelly Goc - 2007Jessica Houts - 2008ALL-CENTRAL REGION HONORABLE MENTIONBianca Rivera - 2008Volleyball Magazine Player of the MonthKorie Lebeda - Nov. 2006 issueAll-Missouri Valley ConferenceFIRST TEAMAmanda Cvejdlik - 2008Kelly Goc - 2006, ‘07Jessica Houts - 2008, ‘09Korie Lebeda - 2006, ‘07, ‘08Leah Ratzlaff - 2004, ‘05SECOND TEAMBrittany Coleman - 2004Kelly Goc - 2005Jessica Houts - 2006Leah Ratzlaff - 2003Bianca Rivera - 2008Ashley Williams - 2003Awards & Honors Under Kirsten Bernthal BoothMVC All-Freshman TeamMegan Bober - 2009Brittany Coleman - 2003Carolyn Decker - 2004Kelly Goc - 2004Jessica Houts - 2005Korie Lebeda - 2005Allie Oelke - 2007MVC All-Tournament TeamKelly Goc - 2004, ‘06Jessica Houts - 2009Leah Ratzlaff - 2005Bianca Rivera - 2007, ‘08Ashley Williams - 2003MVC Player of the WeekAbby Baumann - Sept. 24, 2007Brittany Coleman - Nov. 1, 2004Kelly Goc - Sept. 18 and Oct. 2, 2006Kelly Goc - Oct. 1 and Nov. 19, 2007Jessica Houts - Oct. 13, 2008Korie Lebeda - Aug. 28, 2006Leah Ratzlaff - Oct. 4, 2004Leah Ratzlaff - Sept. 6 and Nov. 21, 2005Ashley Williams - Sept. 22, 2003MVC Defensive Player of the WeekCarolyn Decker - Nov. 24, 2008Jessica Houts - Oct. 26 and Nov. 16, 2009Allie Oelke - Nov. 9, 2009Bianca Rivera - Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 2007Bianca Rivera - Oct. 13 and Nov. 17, 2008Laurel Sanford - Oct. 19, 200913MVC Freshman/Newcomer of the WeekLauren Bloemke - Nov. 20, 2006Megan Bober - Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Nov.23, 2009Amanda Cvejdlik - Nov. 14, 2005Carolyn Decker - Sept. 13, 2004Kelly Goc - Nov. 1, 2004Jessica Houts - Nov. 21, 2005Korie Lebeda - Oct. 17, 2005Allie Oelke - Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 2007MVC Defensive Player of the YearJessica Houts - 2008MVC Freshman of the YearAllie Oelke - 2007MVC Scholar-Athlete TeamFIRST TEAMAbby Baumann - 2005, ‘06, ‘07Brittany Coleman - 2004Emily Greisch - 2005, ‘06Jessica Houts - 2008, ‘09Korie Lebeda - 2006, ‘08Allie Oelke - 2009Leah Ratzlaff - 2003, ‘04, ‘05Ashley Williams - 2003HONORABLE MENTIONKorie Lebeda - 2007Janeen Piller - 2003, ‘04Alicia Runge - 2009Ashley Williams - 2004Prairie Farms/MVC Scholar-Athlete of the WeekAbby Baumann - Sept. 27, 2007Brittany Coleman - Nov. 3, 2004Carolyn Decker - Nov. 26, 2008Jessica Houts - Oct. 15, 2008Korie Lebeda - Aug. 31 and Nov. 22, 2006Leah Ratzlaff - Oct. 6, 2004Leah Ratzlaff - Sept. 8 and Nov. 22, 2005Ashley Williams - Sept. 25, 2003CoSIDA Academic All-AmericanTHIRD TEAMEmily Greisch - 2006CoSIDA Academic All-District VIIFIRST TEAMAbby Baumann - 2006, ‘07Brittany Coleman - 2004Emily Greisch - 2006SECOND TEAMAbby Baumann - 2005Emily Greisch - 2005Leah Ratzlaff - 2004, ‘05Ashley Williams - 2004AVCA Team Academic AwardCreighton - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Kirsten Bernthal Booth Yearly SummaryBooth vs. OpponentsOpponentW-LArkansas 0-1Arkansas State 1-0Auburn 1-0Bradley 13-1Cal Poly 0-1Cal Riverside 1-0Charlotte 1-0Colorado 0-1Connecticut 0-1Dayton 0-1Drake 13-2Eastern Washington 0-1Evansville 13-1Florida Atlantic 1-0Florida International 0-1Green Bay 1-0Illinois 0-2Illinois State 8-8Indiana State 11-3Iowa 1-1Iowa State 1-3Jacksonville State 2-0Kansas 0-2Kansas State 0-1Liberty 1-0Lipscomb 0-1LSU 0-1Loyola Marymount 0-1Marquette 1-0McNeese State 1-0Miami (Ohio) 1-0Middle Tennessee 1-1Minnesota 0-2Mississippi 1-0Mississippi State 1-0Missouri 1-0Missouri State 3-11Montana 1-0Montana State 2-0Nebraska 0-6Nevada 1-0New Mexico 1-0North Carolina 0-1North Dakota State 2-0Northeastern 0-1Northern Colorado 1-1Northern Iowa 3-16Saint Louis 1-1Samford 1-0San Diego State 1-0South Dakota State 2-1Southern Illinois 15-0Stanford 0-1Stephen F. Austin 1-0Tennessee 1-0Texas A&M 1-0Texas Tech 1-0UAB 0-1UMKC 2-0Wichita State 4-11Wyoming 0-1TOTALS 120-892010 opponents in bold italicYear-by-Year Under Kirsten Bernthal Booth2009 (14-17, 10-8 MVC, Final RPI of 86)Creighton opens the D.J. Sokol Arena inside the Wayne and Eileen RyanAthletic Center, setting a school record with 10 home wins. Creightonbeats #25 Wichita State on Oct. 2 for its first win over a ranked opponentever, and hosts the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament for the firsttime at year’s end. The team overcomes a 3-8 non-conference mark with afourth-place finish in the MVC. Jessica Houts is named first-team all-MVCto lead a Creighton defense that ranked third nationally in blocks per set.2008 (18-9, 15-3 MVC, Final RPI of 46)Once again Creighton narrowly misses an NCAA bid, finishing with thesecond-best RPI of any team left out of the field. The Jays dropped keyfive-set matches to #21 LSU and UAB early in the year and a chance to pickup some key wins was lost when a tournament was cancelled due to a hurricanein Texas. Creighton cruises through the league with a best-ever 15-3 mark, including a 3-0 sweep of UNI on the last weekend of the year, tofinish alone in second-place and set a program record with an eighthstraight win. However, the Bluejays dropped a five-set match to UNI in theMVC Tournament semifinals. Jessica Houts is named MVC Defensive Playerof the Year and honorable-mention All-American and joined teammatesKorie Lebeda and Amanda Cvejdlik on the All-MVC First Team.2007 (21-10, 14-4 MVC, Final RPI of 56)Creighton does not receive an NCAA Tournament at-large biddespite wrapping up a second straight 21-10 campaign. TheJays tie for second in the MVC but despite one of the nation’stop-15 toughest non-conference schedules, aren’t amongfour MVC teams selected to the NCAA’s. Kelly Goc and KorieLebeda both repeat as first-team All-Valley picks, with Gocalso named an honorable-mention All-American. Allie Oelkeis MVC Freshman of the Year, while libero Bianca Rivera setsnew single-season dig marks. Creighton averages a record1,860 fans per match, hosting more than 13,000 at QwestCenter Omaha for a Sept. 2 contest against Cal Poly.2006 (21-10, 12-6 MVC, Final RPI of 57)Creighton’s first team to win 20 or more matches ranks among the national leaders in attendance as well. A five-setroad win at Wichita State and exciting four-set match against eventual national champion Nebraska before morethan 12,000 fans prove the program has reached unprecedented heights. Kelly Goc and Korie Lebeda are bothnamed first-team All-Valley as the Jays beat three teams that reached the NCAA Tournament.2005 (16-14, 10-8 MVC, Final RPI of 124)A road win at Northern Iowa highlights a 16-14 season. Leah Ratzlaff repeats her All-MVC honors and finishes 12thin league history in career kills. Freshman Korie Lebeda led the MVC with a school-record 13.34 assists per set andwas joined by talented classmates Jessica Houts and Amanda Cvejdlik.2004 (18-11, 10-8 MVC, Final RPI of 95)A then-school-record seven-match winning streak thatincluded wins at Missouri, New Mexico and Iowa helpedCreighton set a record with 18 wins. Leah Ratzlaff is firstteamAll-MVC, while Carolyn Decker and Kelly Goc arenamed to the MVC’s All-Freshman Team.2003 (12-18, 9-9 MVC, Final RPI of 170)Though it’s virtually the same personnel, Booth’s first teamimproves its win total by nine wins to finish 12-18. The seasonmarks the program’s move to the Omaha Civic Auditorium,and attendance records fall. Single-season schoolrecords were set for kills (Leah Ratzlaff), digs (Janeen Piller),blocks (Ashley Williams) and assists (Brittany Coleman).14

Assistant CoachesAngie Oxley BehrensTom MendozaA former national champion and four-year starterat the University of Nebraska, Angie Oxley Behrensreturns for her eighth season as an assistant coach atCreighton. She is the longest tenured assistant coachin program history.Behrens works closely with Creighton’s outside hitterswhile also assisting with scouting and recruiting.The last seven years have seen the Creighton teamrecord its top five single-season kill totals all-time, as well as the top four individualsingle-season marks that were set by Leah Ratzlaff and Kelly Goc.Behrens has also trained four players to a spot on the MVC’s All-Freshmanteam, middle blockers Kelly Goc (2004) and Jessica Houts (2005) as well asoutside hitters Carolyn Decker (2004) and Allie Oelke (2007). Oelke becamethe program’s first player named Valley Freshman of the Year as well.A member of KirstenBernthal Booth’s originalstaff, Behrens has seenCreighton go 120-89 in herseven completed seasonson the bench.While at NU, Behrenswon three Big 12 titles, wasnamed 1997 Big 12 Freshmanof the Year and waschosen as the University’sfemale student-athlete ofthe year in 2001 after leadingthe Cornhuskers to a 34-0 mark and national title inthe fall of 2000 as a senior.She closed her career as theschool’s all-time digs leader with1,086.In the classroom, Behrens was aChancellor’s Scholar and four-timeHighest Honors Distinction Medalhonoree. She also was a four-yearacademic All-Big 12 selection, arecipient of an NCAA PostgraduateScholarship and one of 10 finalistsfor the 2001 NCAA Woman of theYear. She was also a member of theMortar Board Honor Society, Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, Golden Key,2000 Homecoming Royalty Court and the Dean’s List.Along with her coaching duties, Behrens helps organize Creighton’s volleyballcamps in addition to her role in the Bluejay compliance office.Behrens and her husband, Matt, were married in June of 2006. The coupleresides in Lincoln with their son, Logan, who was born on June 5, 2010.Additional Support StaffKevin GebhardtManagerMorgan NicholsAthletic TrainerBrandy InglesVolleyball Administrator15Tom Mendoza is in his first year as an assistantcoach at Creighton.He was hired in June after spending the previousseason at the University of Evansville. Whilewith the Purple Aces, Mendoza worked with the setters,outside hitters and primary passers. He alsorecruited for the Purple Aces program.“The number one thing I look for when hiring ishigh character,” said Kirsten Bernthal Booth. “Tom is a high character personin addition to being a fantastic coach. He was an outstanding collegiate playerand we look forward to him bringing in new training ideas to enhance ourteam. In addition, he was heavily involved with recruiting at Evansville andhas connections in areas of the country where we’d like to make additionalinroads.”Mendoza, a native of Buffalo Grove, Ill., came to UE after spending twoseasons as the volunteer assistant at Michigan State. While at Michigan State,Mendoza and the Spartans appeared in the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2007. He alsoserved on the Michigan State volleyball summer camp staff in 2007 and 2008and was the director of Spartan Session volleyball camps and clinics.A three-year letterwinner in volleyball at Newman University and a oneyearletterwinner at Lewis University,Mendoza had an outstanding playingcareer. He was a 10-time Mid-AmericaMen’s Volleyball Intercollegiate ConferenceSetter of the Week and was athree-time all-conference selection.During his playing career, he was alsonamed a NAIA All-American.Mendoza served as the head coachof the Spartan Junior 16 Girls club teamthat finished first in the Michigan PowerLeague. He was also the head coach forthe Juggernaut Volleyball Club inWheat Ridge, Colo., and the Sports Performance 15 Elite Boys that earnedfifth place at the Junior Olympic Nationals.Mendoza received his bachelor’s degree in management information systemsfrom Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill.He is single and resides in Omaha.Amanda (Gates) SjutsFormer University of Nebraska middle blockerAmanda (Gates) Sjuts was named volunteer assistantcoach at Creighton in July.Sjuts’ primary responsibilities will be helping withpractices -- specifically training middle blockers -- aswell as some administrative tasks.A native of Columbus, Neb., she competed atNebraska from 2005-08 under her maiden name ofAmanda Gates. She enjoyed a decorated career with the Huskers as part of asenior class that went 127-8 over four years as the Cornhuskers won thenational title in 2006, were NCAA runner-up in 2005, reached the NCAA Tournamentsemifinals in 2008 and the NCAA quarterfinals in 2007.In 2008 she was named a CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine First Team AcademicAll-American in addition to honorable-mention All-Big 12 accolades whileserving as a Husker tri-captain. She was a recipient of Postgraduate Scholarshipsfrom both the NCAA and Big 12 Conference, a two-time first-team AcademicAll-Big 12 pick and was a nine-time selection to the Big 12 Commissioner’sHonor Roll.She and her husband, Anthony, were married in July and reside in Omaha.