With experience and leadership on this upcoming Gorilla volleyball team, Coach Ibraheem Suberu has high expectations for a successful year in 2013. Only graduating four seniors, Suberu has nine returners that have seen the court that are ready for the rigors of competitive league play in the MIAA.
“Expect a physical team that displays consistent volleyball intelligence and a very competitive team representing Pittsburg State University,” Suberu affirms about this year’s squad. “One of our team’s major focuses will be fulfilling our potential, making sure that everyone fully contributes to the best of their ability and we don’t look back wishing we could have done better when the season ends.”
One major advantage the Gorillas possess is team chemistry. “(Assistant Coach Jenny) Mueller and I felt our veterans last year did a great job of really bringing everyone together right from the beginning of preseason and we feel that will carry over into this year as well.” Leading this team will be seniors Kirsten Erikson, Jordan Rehm, Christa McCaw, and Abbie Smith.
Kirsten Erikson (5-10, Blue Springs, Mo.) is entering her fourth season as a Gorilla this fall. A left-handed threat on the front row, Erikson looks to play a significant role in the Gorilla offense. Working hard in the off-season to overcome a torn labrum, Erikson looks to return stronger than ever. With 1.52 kills per set in her career, her swinging ability as well as her strong leadership skills will be relied on heavily this fall.
Alongside Erikson will be senior
Christa McCaw (5-4, Bellevue, Neb.). Making honorable mention in the MIAA as a sophomore, McCaw wishes to be back in that position this fall. Averaging 2.55 digs per set last season, McCaw will be a strong force in the back court. With her improved serve receive and first touch balls, Suberu believes McCaw to be a strong leader for the Gorillas.
“All cards are on the table for Christa, she knows this is her last season as a senior and for as much hard work that she gives, we hope Christa will take a greater role in the backcourt and be consistent for us as a primary passer.”
Two more veteran players are looking to play a larger role this fall for the Gorillas. Transferring to Pitt State last year
from Hutchinson Community College, senior Jordan Rehm (5-9, Rose Hill, Kan.) got significant playing time at the DS/libero position with 107 digs in her first year. The team will rely on her for her versatility and leadership she brings to the court. Despite battling injuries throughout her college career, junior Abbie Smith (5-9, Moran, Kan.) will be asked to play a larger role after being in the program for three years. Smith will be valued for her knowledge on the court, as well as her vocal leadership abilities.
The Gorillas will rely heavily on two physical attackers this fall. Paula Okrutna (6-0, Pila, Poland) will be a second year player for the Gorillas this fall. Improving greatly in the off-season, Okrutna will be expanding her attacking abilities by being able to play all three front court positions and will provide a strong physical force at the net. Crystal Whitten (5-7, Wichita, Kan.) looks to continue her success this fall after coming off of a great freshman season. Earning a spot on the MIAA’s honorable mention team, she will be relied upon to lead the Gorillas in the front court. Recording 2.66 kills per set last season, Whitten has a vertical leap and arm speed that is tough to defend. With a year of experience under her belt, the Gorillas will look to her for experience and energy on the court.
“She will be one of the most physically gifted athletes on our team, using that physical gift with added ball control skills will allow her to become a dominant college player,” Suberu said.
There are two setters on the 2013 squad that will look to make an impact for the Gorillas. Sophomore Hayley Hansford (5-10, Overland Park, Kan) earned significant playing time last year as a freshman. She recorded 480 assists and 144 digs. Now knowing the competitiveness of the league, Hansford looks to play a large role for the team and improve her consistency as a setter. Adrienn Amaro (5-8, Wichita, Kan.) is new to the Gorillas after transferring from Tyler Junior College. Amaro was named Region 14 Setter of the season and ranked second in the nation in assists. Amaro hopes to make an impact for Pitt State and continue her success on the court.
Pitt State has three other players focusing as defensive specialists/liberos for this 2013 season. Junior Samantha
yatt (5-4, Jonesboro, Ark.) recorded 2.50 digs per set last season and played in 29 matches. Sam will be a three year player with the confidence to make a huge impact in the back court. Aimee Wood (5-5, Wichita, Kan.) a junior college transfer from Butler County Community College will also be a part of the 2013 squad. Earning first team all-district honors at Butler, Wood brings quickness and competitiveness to the court. Freshman Ashlen Schwartz (5-3, Eureka, Kan.) also looks to energize the Gorillas this fall. Schwartz is a primary passer and a tenacious defender with great footwork and ball possession skills that will get an opportunity for substantial playing time this year.
Several Gorillas will be competing for spots in the middle blocker positions this fall. Sophomore Hayley Gregory (6-1,
ees Summit, Mo.) will look to take her experience last year to become a more physical threat this fall. Earning 30 blocks last season, Gregory looks to take another step forward as a premier middle blocker. Ashley Bell (6-0, Moreno Valley, Ca.) is a junior college transfer from Fort Scott Community College. Earning first team all-conference last year at FSCC, Bell will continue her talents as an aggressive front court player for the Gorillas. Olivia Roudebush (6-1, Overland Park, Kan.) redshirted last year as a freshman. Roudebush has put in a lot of hard work and eager for more opportunities as a middle blocker this fall. Freshman Madison Mosier (5-11, Lees Summit, Mo.) also looks to make her mark this fall as a Gorilla. A multi-skilled player that has competed well at the national level, Mosier looks to bring her versatility to the Gorilla’s system.
“Madison definitely stands out being a successful player at the national level, we like what she brings to the table as a versatile player right off the bat,” Suberu said.
A talented group of freshmen that also look to find bigger roles in the Gorillas system this fall are Maggie Highberger (6-0, Overland Park, Kan.) , Molly Hothan (6-1, Ozawkie, Kan.) , Hope Joyner (5-10, Carl Junction, Mo.) and Taylor Wright (5-8, Fort Worth, Tx.) and Andie Casper (5-4, Pittsburg, Kan.). Their fresh faces will add depth and versatility to the Pitt State squad.
According to Coach Suberu, “Taylor Wright is perhaps the most versatile of our freshmen due to strong ball control skills in all positions. Maggie will be counted upon to compete right away as a point scorer while Molly and Hope bring power to our offense. Andie’s strength as a primary passer and defensive player makers her very valuable in our everyday intra squad competition.”
“As in the past, we are educating our team members more than ever that we are a team and program that takes pride in our community,” Suberu said. “Competing and representing our community to the best of our abilities is what drives us for success.”
