<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Enterprise/CHRIS GOODENOW Shorewood's Kelsey England digs the ball during varsity volleyball practice, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 at Shorewood High School. (click to enlarge) Enterprise/CHRIS GOODENOW Shorewood's Carolyn Stransky practices her serve during varsity volleyball practice, Monday, Sept. 8, 2008 at Shorewood High School.

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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Shorewood volleyball running UW system

By Tony Dondero
Enterprise reporter

Will this be the year Shorewood volleyball will turn it around?

The Shorewood's roster features eight seniors, seven of which return from last year's team that went 1-7 in the Western Conference South Division and 2-11 overall in Anne Whipple's first year as head coach.

In the past three years, Shorewood has posted a 6-37 record and finished well out of the district playoff hunt. But Whipple, who played volleyball at the University of Washington in the 1980s, has decided to teach a version of current Husky coach Jim McLaughlin's offensive and defensive system.

Shorewood's players attended a Gold Medal Squared camp this summer. McLaughlin is a Gold Medal Squared staff member and the program was designed by ex-U.S. Olympic men's team coaches.

"We've been really inspired by that system," Whipple said. "We hope we can accomplish it."

One of the keys is passing away from the net, an aspect of McLaughlin's system that has helped the powerhouse Huskies win the NCAA title in 2005 and become a national power, Whipple said.

"I'm really excited for this season," outside hitter Kelsey Meyer, a 5-8 senior, said. "We have a lot of girls who have good skills we can bring together."

The Thunderbirds' main rotation features eight players, with Meyer at outside hitter and 5-8 sophomore Carolyn Stransky at opposite hitter and setter.

At middle blocker, Whipple has 5-10 junior Hannah Stoeve and 5-10 senior Kelsey England. Erin Hill, a 5-6 senior, returns at setter. Also vying for playing time at outside hitter is 5-9 senior Ashley Baker and 5-9 senior Marina Lutsky. Anne Lundquist, a 5-9 junior, will play right side hitter or middle blocker. Iola Perrone, a 5-6 senior exchange student from Italy, will play libero and outside hitter once she gets eligible.

The T-birds also have an outstanding freshman in 5-6 outside hitter Dana Brindle who will play varsity and JV. Brindle's statistics in practice are on par with many of the seniors, Whipple said.

"We have a lot of depth," Whipple said. "We have kids from JV swinging up to varsity."

Five players on the varsity have significant club experience: Stoeve, Postor, Stransky, Meyer and Perrone.

Only four of the 14 players on varsity have never played club.

"I think we're going to be good," Stoeve said. "We have to be smart and keep positive."

During practice, Whipple has the girls compete in jousting competitions. Two girls stand at the net and try to block or hit the ball when it is tossed up to them. So far England has proven to be the best out of the bunch at the exercise which tests jump reach, hand position, hand strength and timing, Whipple said.

Nola Morrison coaches the JV and ex-player Sara Hefny, who graduated last year, coaches the C team.

"I think the leadership that we have this year can take us far if the girls start to do it," Whipple said.