1988 Miracle Yearbook

41111111111111.11111111111111 hirty or more victori- ous matches...a high goal for any team to set at the beginning of a season. The 1987-88 Lady Jackets volleyball team started practice in early September with these high hopes. Intense prac- tice and new procedures were all a part ofthe plan to achieve their "The team was always able to find something to laugh about on the court, even in those tense moments."- Michaelle Racz goal. Coach Brown realized the players had versatile skills, and that they were especially strong in spiking and serving. In the end it was their hard work that paid off with a winning season. Coach Brown used new tech- niques and devices to improve team skills. Thejumpbox, a de- vice designed to improve the ver- ticaljump,sharpened skills used in blocking, hitting,and front row playing. Assistant coach Angie Wilcox introduced mental train- ing to the players. The players learned to better prepare for matches by making positive mental images of themselves in game situations. Due to lack offunds,the annu- al retreat to Sciota Hills Camp was cancelled. In past years, the retreat not only refined skills but also unified the team—a "skill" all its own. Because they were unable to attend, the players never solidified asa team."What we did instead," said Coach Brown,"was go on a rope course at a camp in Columbus. It lent itself more to pairs and individ- ual competition." Although a young team, with the exception of one senior, the Lady Jackets exhibited promis- ing talent. Michaelle(Ege,l) Racz, Pam Squires, and Janae Smart were chosen All-Conference players. The Lady Jackets' two main setters, Michelle Nakano and Connie Ziegler, were both first year players on the college level and averaged better than 180 Volleyball 3.5 assists as ists per game. Even though the team did not reach their goal of a thirty-win season,they did end the season with a winning record of 22-16. Coach Brown is positive about a winning record for next season if all the players return ready to work hard.