PDF] BUCKNELL BISON ATHLETICS: Bucknell Student-Athletes11 Sherri Liang Fr. LB 5-6 Gaithersburg, Md./Col. Zadok Magruder 13 Tessa Mendez So. MH/RS 6-2 Denver, Colo./Colorado Academy

The Kenneth G. Langone Athletics & Recreation Center

A major element in ensuring Bucknell’s commitment to athletics excellence is the Kenneth G. Langone Athletics & Recreation Center, which opened fully in 2003. One of the finest collegiate athletics facilities of its kind, the center includes the 4,000-seat Sojka Pavilion, the Olympic class Kinney Natato-rium, the Krebs Family Fitness Center and the Berger Family Weight Room. A new Hall of Fame area, a display of Bucknell’s Medal of Honor recipients, a sports medicine suite, modern offices for coaches and staff, and new locker room and classroom space are also included in the facility’s layout.

Bucknell has won 11 Patriot League Presidents’ Cups in 15 years

Bucknell has captured the Patriot League Presi-dents’ Cup, signifying the league’s all-sports cham-

pion, 11 times in the 15-year history of the affilia-tion, including seven straight titles from 1998-2004. Bucknell finished second in the overall Cup stand-ings in 2004-05 and tied for the women’s all-sports

title. It was the eighth straight year, and 11th time overall, that the Bison captured the women’s title.

In 2004-05, Bucknell won titles in men’s basketball, women’s swimming & diving and women’s indoor

and outdoor track & field.

BUCKNELL RANKS THIRD IN THE NATION (TO NEBRASKA AND NOTRE

DAME) IN TOTAL NUMBER OF ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA SE-

LECTIONS. A TOTAL OF 110 BISON STUDENT ATHLETES HAVE RECEIVED NA-

TIONAL ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA RECOGNITION SINCE 1970.

Bucknell Student-Athletes Among Nation’s Best

Bucknell takes great pride in its commitment to excel-lence on and off the playing fields. From Presidents’ Cups to Academic All-Americans to graduation rates that are ranked annually the national top-10, Bucknell is clearly at the head of the class when it comes to upholding the scholar-athlete ideal.

• Bucknell LED THE NATION in graduation rates in the 2003 survey conducted by the NCAA and the U.S. Department of Education. Bucknell graduated 100% of the student-athletes who entered school in 1996. It was the third time Bucknell has led the nation in graduation rates, and the Bison have never finished out of the top 10.

• Bucknell claimed its 100th Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year in the spring of 2005. That is more than twice the next-highest total.

• Bucknell student-athletes comprised nearly one-fourth of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2004-05. A total of 301 Bison recorded a GPA of 3.2 or better during their sport’s competition season. Among all BU student-athletes, 227 made the Dean’s List with GPAs of 3.5 or better in the spring of 2005.

• Twenty-two of Bucknell’s 26 varsity squads posted team GPAs of 3.0 or better in the spring of 2005, in-cluding all 14 women’s programs.

• In addition to the 110 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-Americans produced since 1970, Bucknell has also claimed 213 Academic All-District honorees over the same span, including nine last year.

• With four more Patriot League championships in 2004-05, Bucknell has now earned 50 crowns in 15 years in the league. In addition, Bucknell has had 68 conference players of the year, 65 PL coaches of the year and a whopping 391 individual league champi-ons from sports such as cross country, track & field, swimming & diving, tennis and golf.

• Bucknell’s men’s basketball team made history in 2005, writing national headlines with a stirring 64-63 upset of Kansas at the NCAA Tournament. It was the first NCAA men’s basketball win in school and Patriot League history. The victory earned Bucknell an ESPY Award in the “Best Upset” category.

BUCKNELL BISON ATHLETICS:Setting the Standard of Excellence

11 PATRIOT LEAGUE PRESIDENTS’ CUPS

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2005 BUCKNELL VOLLEYBALL2

BUCKNELL VOLLEYBALL

NUMERICAL

No.Name Cl. Pos. Ht. Hometown/Secondary School 1 Jessica Le Sr. S 5-7 Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion 2 Becky Fisher Sr. OH 6-0 Darien, Conn./Darien 3 Chelsea Anderson Sr. LB 5-7 Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Torrey Pines 4 Sheena Czipri Fr. LB/OH 5-7 Aurora, Ill./West Aurora 5 Allison Brady Jr. S 5-8 Atherton, Calif./Sacred Heart Prep 6 Shannon Pitsch Fr. S 5-9 Oak Brook, Ill./Fenwick 7 Sarah Groman Jr. RS 6-2 Hollister, Calif./San Benito 8 Amanda Grossmann Jr. MH 5-10 Allentown, Pa./Parkland 9 Kristen Sydlowski Jr. OH 5-9 Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty 10 Jenna Henderson So. OH 5-9 Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek 11 Sherri Liang Fr. LB 5-6 Gaithersburg, Md./Col. Zadok Magruder12 Emilie Hardinge Fr. OH/MH 6-0 Darien, Conn./Darien 13 Tessa Mendez So. MH/RS 6-2 Denver, Colo./Colorado Academy 14 Jennie Smith Jr. MB 6-2 Roanoke, Va./Patrick Henry 15 Liz Hazuka Fr. OH/MH 5-10 Colorado Springs, Colo./Cheyenne Mtn.

ALPHABETICAL

No.Name Cl. Pos. Ht. Hometown/Secondary School 3 Chelsea Anderson Sr. LB 5-7 Rancho Santa Fe, Calif./Torrey Pines 5 Allison Brady Jr. S 5-8 Atherton, Calif./Sacred Heart Prep 4 Sheena Czipri Fr. LB/OH 5-7 Aurora, Ill./West Aurora 2 Becky Fisher Sr. OH 6-0 Darien, Conn./Darien 7 Sarah Groman Jr. RS 6-2 Hollister, Calif./San Benito 8 Amanda Grossmann Jr. MH 5-10 Allentown, Pa./Parkland 12 Emilie Hardinge Fr. OH/MH 6-0 Darien, Conn./Darien 15 Liz Hazuka Fr. OH/MH 5-10 Colorado Springs, Colo./Cheyenne Mtn. 10 Jenna Henderson So. OH 5-9 Elk Grove, Calif./Laguna Creek 1 Jessica Le Sr. S 5-7 Red Lion, Pa./Red Lion 11 Sherri Liang Fr. LB 5-6 Gaithersburg, Md./Col. Zadok Magruder 13 Tessa Mendez So. MH/RS 6-2 Denver, Colo./Colorado Academy 6 Shannon Pitsch Fr. S 5-9 Oak Brook, Ill./Fenwick 14 Jennie Smith Jr. MB 6-2 Roanoke, Va./Patrick Henry 9 Kristen Sydlowski Jr. OH 5-9 Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty

Credits: This book was written and edited by Bucknell’s Offi ce of Athletic Communications. Photography by Art Foxall. Printing by Harmony Press, Inc., of Easton, Pa. Covers: Bison co-captains Chelsea Anderson and Jennie Smith (front), and seniors Becky Fisher and Jessica Le (back).

QUICK FACTSQUICK FACTSUniversity Information

Location: Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, 17837Founded: 1846 as the University at LewisburgEnrollment: 3,350Nickname: BisonColors: Orange and BlueAffi liation: NCAA (Div. I), ECACConference: Patriot League (American, Army, Bucknell, Col-gate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy) President: Brian C. MitchellDirector of Athletics: John P. HardtAssociate Director of Athletics/SWA: Amanda BackusDir. of Athletic Communications: Jon TerryHead Athletic Trainer: Mark Keppler

Volleyball InformationHead Coach: Cindy OpalskiAlma Mater: Southern Connecticut State ’77Record at Bucknell: 217-214 (15 seasons)Career Record: 309-260 (19 seasons)Assistant Coach: Anna Moreno Allison (Oral Roberts ‘04)2004 Record: 14-13, 8-6 Patriot League (3rd place)2005 Captains: Chelsea Anderson, Jennie SmithLetterwinners Returning/Lost: 12/3Starters Returning/Lost: 4/3 Volleyball Phone: (570) 577-3048Email: [email protected]: www.BucknellBison.comAthletic Department FAX Phone: (570) 577-1660Volleyball Address: Cindy Opalski, Head Volleyball Coach, Bucknell University, Lewisburg PA 17837

Application InformationAdmissions Phone: (570) 577-1101 Application Deadline: Regular Decision — January 1, 2006; Early Decision I — November 15, 2005; Early Decision II — January 1, 2006; Financial Aid — Nov. 15 (ED)/Jan. 1 (Reg)

Early in this century, Bucknell teams had no defi nitive nickname. To remedy this situation, the late William C. Bartol, a long-time professor of mathematics and astronomy at Bucknell, suggested, about 1910, that the nickname “Bisons” be adopted. Geography was the main reason for the choice of the name. Buck-nell’s campus lies at the eastern end of the Buffalo Valley, which was one of the last stomping grounds of the American bison, or buffalo, in this part of the country. At one time it is estimated that at least 10,000 bison roamed the reaches of the Buffalo Valley. As late as 1799, more than 300 were reported. The last buffalo in this section is believed to have been shot in 1800 at Buffalo Crossroads, about six miles from Bucknell. The nickname currently used by most writers and broadcasters is “Bison,” believed to be a more accurate use of the plural of the word bison.

THE BISON NICKNAMETHE BISON NICKNAME

2005 VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

2005 BUCKNELL VOLLEYBALL

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PERENNIAL LEADER IN GRADUATION RATES

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For veteran head coach Cindy Opalski, this season will be all about maximizing potential. For the fi rst time in a number of years, the Bison break preseason camp without a bona fi de of-fensive superstar, but Opalski believes that this could be one of the deepest teams in her 16 seasons at Bucknell.

With talent young and old piled up at every position on the fl oor, Opalski lauds her team’s in-tangibles and feels that its physical ability will get better and better as the season progresses.

“I think we could be late bloomers,” predicts Opalski. “We will be challenged early in the sea-son against a very tough schedule, but without a doubt we have the heart and mental toughness to win the Patriot League championship. If we develop the physical skill to match, we will be in the hunt. The team chemistry is incredible.

“We are going to be challenged on three levels this year. First and foremost we’ve commit-ted to set a standard for ourselves and not let the score or the opposition determine our success. Secondly, as a team we need to recognize and capture each moment. We are determined to have the same expectations for excellence in Davis Gym that our professors have for us in the classroom. And team chemistry and dynam-

ics — the relationship between you and your teammates — is the single most critical factor in our success.”

Individually, the Bison must cope with the loss of two-time All-Patriot League outside hitter Jackie Leahy, who graduated ranked third on Bucknell’s career kills list. Libero Carolyn Dough-erty, who ranked second in the league in digs last season, and the versatile Chelsea Robertson will also be missed, but an infl ux of talented newcom-ers and the return of a former all-conference defender will help soften the blow.

An All-Patriot League libero in 2003, Chelsea Anderson returns to the program this fall after tak-

ing last year off. One of Bucknell’s top defensive players of the Opalski era, Anderson racked up 770 digs during her fi rst two seasons.

“We are simply a better team with Chelsea on the fl oor,” says Opalski of her senior co-captain. “She is truly one of the elite defensive players in the league.”

Junior Jennie Smith joins Anderson as a co-captain. Smith was slowed by injury for much of last season, and she is hoping to return to her freshman year form that saw her rank second in the Patriot League in blocks with 101. When healthy, Smith is a potent two-way threat as both a blocker and middle hitter.

Two other seniors will play signifi cant roles. Jessica Le enters her second season as a start-ing setter. She made a successful debut in a lead role in 2004, fi nishing second in the Patriot League in assists (1079) and assists per game (10.48), including a school-record 66 in a 3-1 victory at Holy Cross. Classmate Becky Fisher is an athletic outside hitter and a key offensive weapon for the Bison. Fisher has mainly come off the bench throughout her career, and last season she more than doubled her previous career high with 136 kills and led all Bison regulars with a .215 hitting percentage.

The return of junior right-side hitter Sarah Groman from last season’s ACL injury will pro-vide a tremendous boost. Groman has a powerful right arm and at 6’2” provides another blocking presence at the net. Junior Amanda Grossmann was perhaps the team’s most improved player a year ago, when she led Bucknell in blocks (61) and also chipped in 143 kills.

Two other juniors — Allison Brady and Kris-ten Sydlowski — also fi gure in Opalski’s plans. Brady serves as a backup setter and can also come in as a server or back row player. Sydlowski is one of the team’s emotional leaders who also provides a spark as an outside hitter.

Sophomore Jenna Henderson was one of the Patriot League’s top newcomers a year ago when she fi nished second to Leahy on the squad with 227 kills. Henderson was slowed a bit by a back injury in the preseason, but the Bison need

a big year from her to make up for the loss of Lea-hy on the outside. Another second-year player, Tessa Mendez, has made positive strides as a blocker and could work her way into an increased role as her offensive game develops.

Opalski is particularly excited about a fi ve-player rookie class that has “immediate impact” potential. Emilie Hardinge and Liz Hazuka are tall, athletic prospects who can contribute at both the outside and middle hitter positions. Sheena Czipri and Sherri Liang project as back row specialists, while Shannon Pitsch is such a talented setter that Opalski plans on going to a 6-2 scheme this season to get her on the fl oor.

“This is a bit different scenario for us in that we don’t seem to have one player that really stands out,” says Opalski, “but that is why I am so excited about this season. We will be chal-lenged to fi nd terminators to step up and end a play with one swing. We don’t have a great one like a Jackie Leahy or a Shannon Walker, but we do have a lot more options across the fl oor. Coming out of preseason we are not quite there yet, but this team has such a high ceiling. If we can use our talent to the fullest potential we will be there in the end.”

2005 BISON PREVIEW

Jennie Smith

Jenna Henderson

DEEP BUCKNELL SQUAD AIMS TO TRANSLATE STRONG CHEMISTRY INTO VICTORIES IN 2005

QUOTING THE BISONQUOTING THE BISON

Chelsea AndersonChelsea AndersonOn moving to Bucknell On moving to Bucknell from the West Coastfrom the West Coast

“Bucknell was the clear choice for me when deciding on an East Coast school. The competitive Division I schedule coupled with with a terrifi c academic environment were the factors that really impressed my family and me. The coaches are energetic and positive and have helped me to reach my full potential here both academically and athletically.”

Jennie SmithJennie SmithOn being a BisonOn being a Bison

“It is the family atmosphere here that really makes my experience so wonderful. When I arrived on campus in August I had 12 immediate friends. The girls on the team are like my sisters, and we have the kind of relationship that makes college life so special.”

Jenna HendersonJenna HendersonOn life at BucknellOn life at Bucknell

“The facilities are the fi rst thing that jump out at you. The classrooms, the dorms, the athletic facilities are all state-of-the-art. But the thing that has impressed me the most is the willingness of the professors to reach out to you and really help you.”

Shannon PitschShannon PitschA first-year student A first-year student perspectiveperspective

“I wanted to be challenged. I’ve played in four national volleyball tournaments and wanted the opportunity to play for another championship in college. The ex-pectations are high here at Bucknell, but at the same time they are totally realistic and attainable.”


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MEET THE BISON

2004: Competed in 26 matches and career-high 72 games ... led Bison regulars with a .215 hitting percentage ... posted career highs in kills (136), aces (17) and digs (95) ... twice collected 20 or more kills in a match, both coming in wins over Holy Cross ... pocketed 22 kills

at Holy Cross and career-high 23 in home win over the Crusaders that clinched a playoff berth for Bucknell ... in fi rst HC match added career-high 21 digs and hit .513 ... in latter hit .353 with 15 digs ... hit .750 with six kills and four aces in win over St. Francis (N.Y.) ... 2003: Participated in 48 games covering 25 matches ... tallied 54 kills and hit .187 ... had best match of season in 3-0 home win over Colgate, totaling 17 kills and only three errors in 27 attempts (.519) ... had fi ve kills against Fordham ... 2002: Appeared in 25 matches and 57 games in rookie campaign ... compiled 34 kills, 18 digs, seven blocks and six aces ... season-high fi ve kills in 3-1 win over Providence.

Personal: Daughter of Jay and Robin Fisher ... born Feb. 21, 1984 in Stamford, Conn. ... has one brother, John... hails from an excellent prep program at Darien H.S. … team captured four division titles, three con-ference titles and three state championships during her career … was a team co-captain both as a junior and senior..... fi rst team all-state as well as all-conference and elected MVP by her teammates … MVP in both the Fairfi eld County league championship game and Connecticut State Championship match during senior year … co-captained Connecticut Juniors program... Gatorade player of the year in the Connecticut Senior All-Stars ... majoring in psychology.

According to Opalski: “Becky’s experience is irreplacable. For three years she has provided ‘instant offense’ off the bench, and we have very high expectations for her this season.”

FISHER’S CAREER STATISTICSFISHER’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2002 57 34 46 153 -.078 6 8 18 1 6 7 4 62003 48 54 28 139 .187 5 6 20 2 2 4 2 22004 72 136 61 349 .215 17 24 95 1 8 9 8 3Career 177 224 135 641 .139 28 38 133 4 16 20 14 11

2004: Not with team ... 2003: Appeared in 105 of a possible 107 games at libero ... led team in digs (420) and digs per game (4.00) ... ranked second in Patriot League in digs per game and earned Second Team All-Patriot League honors ... reached double fi gures in digs in 24

of 29 matches ... recorded career-high 31 digs vs. Dartmouth, one shy of the school record ... had 27 digs at Holy Cross and collected 20 or more digs four times ... 2002: Appeared in all 28 matches as a rookie, primar-ily in the libero position ... fi nished second on the team and fourth in the Patriot League in digs with 350 (3.57 per game) ... reached double fi gures in digs 18 times, with season-high 24 in four-game match against LaSalle ... added 21 digs in both regular season tilts with Lehigh ... logged four service aces in win over Lafayette.

Personal: Three-time all-league and scholar-athlete selection at Torrey Pines H.S. … selected fi rst team all-county as a senior … team was a state fi nalist and ranked No. 2 in the nation last year … squad captured county titles in 1999 and 2001 and reached fi nals in 2000 … two-time junior national beach champion … won 28 beach tournaments in Califor-nia between 1998-2002 … named captain twice in high school and four times in club volleyball … named 1998 Rancho Santa Fe Middle School Athlete of the Year after starring in volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball and football ... Daughter of Craig and Laurie Anderson ... born Sept. 14, 1984 in Tokyo, Japan ... has one brother, Dylan ... majoring in economics ... past member of Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

According to Opalski: “Not only is Chelsea one of the best defensive players in the league, but her leadership and confi dence quickly impacted our young team. Quite simply, we are a better volleyball team with Chelsea on the fl oor.”

ANDERSON’S CAREER STATISTICSANDERSON’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2002 98 10 5 37 .135 7 4 350 0 0 0 0 142003 105 12 6 80 .075 0 1 420 0 0 0 0 472004 Not with team Career 203 22 11 117 .094 7 5 770 0 0 0 0 61

CHELSEA ANDERSON • 3CHELSEA ANDERSON • 3RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIF.RANCHO SANTA FE, CALIF.

5-7 • SENIOR5-7 • SENIORLIBEROLIBERO

BECKY FISHER • 2BECKY FISHER • 2DARIEN, CONN.DARIEN, CONN.6-0 • SENIOR6-0 • SENIOR

OUTSIDE HITTEROUTSIDE HITTER


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2004: Took over as Bucknell’s starting setter and enjoyed a solid campaign ... ranked second in the Patriot League in assists (1079) and assists per game (10.48) ... had 55 kills and hit .144 ... led team with 42 aces ... fi fth on squad with

182 digs ... shattered school record with 66 assists in four-game win at Holy Cross ... named Lewisburg Hotel Bison Athlete of the Week following that performance ... recorded 40 or more kills 17 times, 50 or more fi ve times and 60+ twice ... career-high six kills vs. Navy ... logged 14 digs twice, vs. Saint Francis (Pa.) and Holy Cross ... had fi ve aces against Charleston Southern and Army ... 2003: Played in 33 games across 16 matches as a backup setter and defensive specialist ... fi nished with 36 assists and 29 digs ... registered six digs against Cal State Fullerton and Fairleigh Dickinson ... also had season-high six assists against Fullerton ... 2002: Showed outstanding versatility in fi rst year with the program ... appeared in 26 games in 18 matches ... tallied 15 assists, seven digs, three kills and a pair of service aces.

Personal: Daughter of Quang Le and Mary Anna Wagman ... born Apr. 7, 1984 in York, Pa. ... three-year letterwinner at Red Lion H.S., near York, Pa. … team captain of division and county championship squad … team placed third at district tournament … fi rst team all-county and all-district selection … second team all-state pick … broke school assist record ... majoring in accounting ... member of Dean’s List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

According to Opalski: “Once a senior gets on her last lap, so to speak, often you see a renewed sense of purpose and determination. That senior leadership from Jessica is going to be critical to our success this year.”

MEET THE BISON

BUCKNELL DEPARTMENT OFBUCKNELL DEPARTMENT OFATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENTATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT

The Department of Ath-letics and Recreation strives to set the standard of excel-lence for intercollegiate and intramural programs in higher education, thereby advanc-ing and drawing attention to the mission, core values, and educational goals of Bucknell University. The Department believes that student-athletes’ academ-ic programs must be their fi rst priority. It is therefore commit-ted to maintaining Bucknell’s high national ranking for stu-dent-athletes’ graduation rates and for producing Academic All-Americans, and to continued leadership of the Patriot League in Academic Honor Roll nomina-tions, based on grade-point averages. The coaches’ and staff’s paramount responsibility is maintaining academic priorities and supporting student-athletes’ education, even while providing the rigorous and serious NCAA Division I athletic opportunities Bucknell student-athletes seek. Further, the Department promotes the personal growth of student-athletes and the general student body by encouraging personal health, development, and balance among intellectual, social, civic, and physical pursuits; by celebrating challenge and competition; and by preparing participants for service and leadership in the world. Coaches and staff direct a rich array of athletic programs and recreational opportunities aimed at increasing student engagement, as well as strengthening char-acter, healthy living, teamwork, sportsmanship, and spirit. In creating shared experiences for students, faculty, and staff, as well as alumni, family, and friends, the Department’s programs add substantially to Bucknell’s sense of community and foster life-long relationships with Bucknell. The Department embraces the University’s decision to com-pete at the highest extramural level, in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Division I membership is valuable not only because this level of competition maximally challenges student-athletes, but also because it signals clearly Bucknell’s high standards and seriousness of purpose in all extracurricular endeavors and it helps position Bucknell apart from other National Liberal Arts Colleges. Likewise, the com-petitive success the Department seeks, measured in part by consistent contention for the Patriot League’s student-athletes and the University alike, and it brings distinction and national recognition to Bucknell. A student-centered operation, the Department is committed to providing equitable opportunities to women and men, as well as members of minority and majority groups of all kinds. The Department subscribes to, and complies with, all principles and regulations of the Patriot League, the Eastern College Athletic Conference, and the NCAA. The department is proud that so many of today’s exemplary Bison scholar-athletes will be tomorrow’s outstanding leaders.

LE’S CAREER STATISTICSLE’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2002 26 3 4 12 -083 2 7 7 0 1 1 0 152003 33 8 6 23 .087 4 5 29 0 1 1 0 362004 103 55 28 188 .144 42 33 182 3 7 10 4 1079Career 162 66 38 223 .126 48 45 218 3 9 12 4 1130

JESSICA LE • 1JESSICA LE • 1RED LION, PA.RED LION, PA.5-7 • SENIOR5-7 • SENIOR

SETTERSETTER


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2004: Saw most extensive playing time to date, appearing in all 27 matches and 100 of a possible 103 games ... fourth on squad with 143 kills ... led team in blocks with 61 (16 solo) ... had career-high 12 kills and hit .455 vs. Princeton ... also

had 11 against Colgate and 10 against Lafayette ... posted personal-best eight blocks at Lafayette and had four or more blocks six times ... 2003: Played in 26 games (15 matches) in rookie campaign ... totaled 19 kills, nine blocks and three aces ... had three kills and fi ve blocks against Stony Brook ... season-high fi ve kills in 11 attempts against Holy Cross.

Personal: Daughter of George and Pam Grossmann ... born Dec. 4, 1984 ... lettered four times each in volleyball and track & fi eld at Parkland High School in Allentown, Pa. ... three-year starter at middle blocker ... mem-ber of National Honor Society, student council, Spanish Club and LVIAC Student Forum ... majoring in elementary education ... Dean’s List student and member of Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

According to Opalski: “Amanda is our best overall athlete, not only because of her natural physical ability but because she has trained to maximize that potential. We are counting on her to be a reliable presence in our offensive attack. ”

2004: Spent season as backup setter ... appeared in 42 games, compiling 42 assists, six aces and 21 digs ... career-high 15 assists and fi ve digs in win over Lafayette ... 2003: Saw brief action as a reserve setter in fi rst year in program ...

fi nished with nine assists, fi ve coming against Nevada and four against Saint Francis (Pa.) ... also had three digs in 14 games.

Personal: Daughter of William Brady and Sandra Livingston-Brady ... born Apr. 27, 1985 ... four-year letterwinner and three-year starting setter at Sacred Heart Prep in Atherton, Calif. ... fi rst team All-WCAL selection ... team captain and MVP ... recipient of the Patricia E. Kiel scholarship for overall excellence ... two-year yearbook editor ... community service leader in National Honor Society ... majoring in economics.

According to Opalski: “Allison brings a real balance to our team. She has made tremendous improvements in her speed and consistency since last year, and she lends a sense of maturity. We need her to help us defensively and score from the service court line.”

Amanda Grossmann Sarah Groman

BRADY’S CAREER STATISTICSBRADY’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2003 14 0 0 2 .000 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 92004 42 2 1 8 .125 6 5 21 1 0 0 0 42Career 56 2 1 10 .100 9 5 24 1 0 0 0 51

GROMAN’S CAREER STATISTICSGROMAN’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2003 101 179 99 532 .150 0 0 20 6 57 63 8 102004 48 74 21 183 .290 0 0 13 7 15 22 1 6Career 149 253 120 715 .186 0 0 33 13 72 85 9 16

2004: Was having another fi ne season until a knee injury ended her campaign in early October ... appeared in the fi rst 14 matches of the year and was leading the team in hitting at .290 at the time of her injury ... posted 74 kills

and 22 blocks in 48 games ... fi nished with 11 kills against Cornell and 10 vs. Saint Francis (Pa.) ... also had nine kills against Lafayette and eight vs. Duquesne ... collected three solo blocks vs. Charlotte and three total blocks three more times ... 2003: Enjoyed an outstanding rookie season for the Bison ... played in 28 matches (101 games) and ranked second on the team in blocks (63) and third in kills (179) ... tallied season-high 13 kills against Lehigh ... added 12 kills against Penn and 11 against Colgate ... had a personal-best seven blocks against Colgate ... logged eight kills without an error and hit .444 at American.

Personal: Daughter of Christine Groman ... born March 8, 1985 in Minot, N.D. ... lettered in volleyball, basketball and track & fi eld at San Benito High School in Hollister, Calif. ... named all-league four times in track, twice in basketball and once in volleyball ... also named all-state in track ... varsity scholar-athlete ... led team to fi fth straight league volleyball title in 2002 ... majoring in biology with a minor in English (creative writing).

According to Opalski: “Coming back from an injury always presents chal-lenges, but it seems to have made Sarah a stronger and more determined competitor. I feel she will be one of our top offensive threats.”

GROSSMANN’S CAREER STATISTICSGROSSMANN’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2003 26 19 20 69 -.014 3 11 4 1 8 9 0 02004 100 143 74 403 .171 0 0 19 16 45 61 3 8Career 126 162 94 472 .144 3 11 23 17 53 70 3 8

MEET THE BISON

ALLISON BRADY • 5ALLISON BRADY • 5ATHERTON, CALIF.ATHERTON, CALIF.

5-8 • JUNIOR5-8 • JUNIORDS/SETTERDS/SETTER

SARAH GROMAN • 7SARAH GROMAN • 7HOLLISTER, CALIF.HOLLISTER, CALIF.

6-2 • JUNIOR6-2 • JUNIORRIGHT SIDERIGHT SIDE

AMANDA GROSSMANN • 8AMANDA GROSSMANN • 8ALLENTOWN, PA.ALLENTOWN, PA.5-10 • JUNIOR5-10 • JUNIORMIDDLE HITTERMIDDLE HITTER


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Valley Conference MVP ... team captain in both basketball and track ... fi rst-team all-conference in track ... named school’s athlete of the year ... majoring in biomedical engineering ... member of Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

According to Opalski: “Kristen provides us with a contageous combination of determination, drive and heart. She really infuses the team with some-thing special. She is going to have a major impact for us this season.”

MEET THE BISON

Kristen Sydlowski Jennie Smith

SMITH’S CAREER STATISTICSSMITH’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2003 99 175 103 528 .136 24 50 67 14 87 101 20 52004 59 70 34 187 .193 9 9 33 7 19 26 5 5Career 158 245 137 715 .151 33 59 100 21 106 127 25 10

2004: Season started slowly due to injury, but was one of the team’s most consistent performers down the stretch ... limited to 59 games played and fi n-ished with 70 kills and 26 blocks ... hit .193 for the year ... hit 224 with 39 kills

over the fi nal six matches of the season ... season-high 11 kills in Patriot League Tournament match vs. Army ... also had nine kills against Navy and seven, without an error, against Holy Cross ... hit .400 or better fi ve times ... season-high six blocks vs. Navy ... 2003: Had a terrifi c rookie season, leading the team with 101 total blocks ... was one of only two Patriot League players to post 100 blocks ... 87 block assists tied for third-most in a season in Bucknell history ... 10 block assists vs. Dartmouth broke an 18-year-old school record ... added nine blocks against Navy and had four or more blocks 13 times ... recorded double-digit kill totals fi ve times, including season-high 15 against Penn ... also had seven digs and six blocks against the Quakers ... hit .526 with 13 kills in win over Holy Cross ... named Patriot League Rookie of the Week on Oct. 6.

Personal: Daughter of Robert and Julie Smith ... born Nov. 29, 1984 in Albemarle, N.C. ... has a brother, Chris ... three-time letterwinner at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Va. ... voted team’s most improved player in 2001, then team MVP in 2002 ... Western Valley District Player of the Year and fi rst team all-region as a senior ... also named All-Timesland Player of the Year by Roanoke Times ... enrolled in Bucknell’s college of arts and sciences ... earned spots on Dean’s List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

According to Opalski: “There has never been a question regarding Jennie’s work ethic or her desire to excel. Her slow start last year seems like ancient history. Jennie has really stepped up as both a blocker and an offensive threat at the net.”

2004: Appeared in 23 matches and 50 games ... recorded seven kills, fi ve aces and 57 digs ... posted career-high 11 digs twice — vs. Duquesne and Army ... had two aces each vs. Duquesne and Colgate ... 2003: Played in 12 games,

totaling 10 kills, six digs and two blocks ... best match came against Fair-leigh Dickinson, when she tallied six kills and two digs.

Personal: Daughter of David and Gale Sydlowski ... Sept. 28, 1984 in Bethlehem, Pa. ... has older brother, John ... three-sport star at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pa. ... earned four letters each in volleyball, basketball and track ... in volleyball was fi rst-team all-state and District II MVP ... Express Times and Morning Call Player of the Year ... Lehigh

SYDLOWSKI’S CAREER STATISTICSSYDLOWSKI’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2003 12 10 6 27 .148 0 1 6 0 2 2 0 02004 50 7 7 22 .000 5 3 57 0 0 0 0 3Career 62 17 13 49 .082 5 4 63 0 2 2 0 3

JENNIE SMITH • 14JENNIE SMITH • 14ROANOKE, PA.ROANOKE, PA.6-2 • JUNIOR6-2 • JUNIOR

MIDDLE BLOCKERMIDDLE BLOCKER

KRISTEN SYDLOWSKI • 9KRISTEN SYDLOWSKI • 9BETHLEHEM, PA.BETHLEHEM, PA.5-9 • JUNIOR5-9 • JUNIOR



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MEET THE BISON

2004: Enjoyed outstanding rookie sea-son for the Bison, fi nishing second on squad with 227 kills ... hit .196 for the season ... also second on team with 31 aces and fourth on team with 192 digs ... belted career-high 22 kills and hit .436

vs. Niagara ... reached double fi gures in kills nine times ... hit .545 with 13 kills and just one error vs. Lehigh ... hit .440 with 13 kills vs. Colgate ... landed six aces vs. Morgain State and four at Colgate ... season-high 18 digs vs. Princeton ... had 14 kills and 14 digs in win at Colgate ... named Patriot League Rookie of the Week three times, including twice in a row in September ... named to Bucknell Invitational All-Tournament Team.

Personal: Daughter of Linda and Herschel Henderson ... born Nov. 9, 1986 in Sacramento, Calif. ... has brother, Ed, and sister, Christina ... volleyball team captain at Laguna Creek H.S. ... named to all-league teams in 2001, 2002 and 2003 ... member of the all-city squad in 2002 while playing for coach Dina Bulda ... major is undeclared.

According to Opalski: “As one of the top freshmen in the conference last year, Jenna has worked hard in the offseason to improve her game in all areas. She is probably the most complete player we have in terms of offensive and defensive ability. ”

2004: Saw limited game action in fi rst year with Orange & Blue ... appeared in 24 games in 15 matches ... logged eight kills in 31 attempts ... added three blocks ... season-high three kills vs. Colgate ... one block each against Duquesne, Holy

Cross and Navy.

Personal: Parents are Linda and Pepe Mendez ... born July 29, 1986 in Denver ... has one brother, John ... earned two varsity letters in both vol-leyball and basketball at Colorado Academy in Denver ... in volleyball was a team captain as a senior ... earned fi rst team all-league and honorable mention all-state honors in 2002 ... member of CGCS Senior All-State Team ... played for coach Guy Garcia ... major is undeclared ... member of Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

According to Opalski: “We have always been impressed with Tessa’s blocking ability at the net. After a year on the college level our expectation is that her transition and offensive contributions will increase.”

HENDERSON’S CAREER STATISTICSHENDERSON’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2004 97 227 113 581 .196 31 25 192 5 13 18 2 17Career 97 227 113 581 .196 31 25 192 5 13 18 2 17

MENDEZ’S CAREER STATISTICSMENDEZ’S CAREER STATISTICSYear GP K E TA .PCT SA SE DIG BS BA TB BE A2004 24 8 8 31 .000 0 1 2 1 2 3 0 2Career 24 8 8 31 .000 0 1 2 1 2 3 0 2

BEFORE BUCKNELL: Earned three let-ters in volleyball and two in cheerleading at Aurora West High School ... MVP of Kane County Juniors club team in 2004 ... led team to fi fth place at 2004 ASIC Junior Nationals in Chicago ... three-year

captain of high school team ... all-conference selection as a senior ... Bea-con News All-Area Honorable Mention ... two-time varsity scholar-athlete ... four-time Dupage Valley All-Academic selection ... NCSA Athletes Against Drugs Achievement Award Recipient.

Personal: Parents are Mary and Karl Czipri ... born Oct. 26, 1986 in Aurora, Ill. ... has two sisters, Anna and Jeanne ... Jeanne is a member of the University of New Hampshire volleyball team.

According to Opalski: “Sheena has a big personality and is a fun player to watch. She is one of those competitors that infuses her teammates with energy and makes everyone around her play at a higher level.”

JENNA HENDERSON • 10JENNA HENDERSON • 10ELK GROVE, CALIF.ELK GROVE, CALIF.5-9 • SOPHOMORE5-9 • SOPHOMORE


TESSA MENDEZ • 13TESSA MENDEZ • 13DENVER, COLO.DENVER, COLO.

6-2 • SOPHOMORE6-2 • SOPHOMOREMIDDLE HITTERMIDDLE HITTER

SHEENA CZIPRI • 4SHEENA CZIPRI • 4AURORA, ILL.AURORA, ILL.

5-7 • FRESHMAN5-7 • FRESHMANLIBERO/OHLIBERO/OH

Jenna Henderson


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MEET THE BISON

BEFORE BUCKNELL: Lettered five times in track and fi eld and twice in vol-leyball at Darien High School ... highly decorated volleyball player on state championship team ... named state, conference and team MVP ... Gatorade

Player of the Year ... team captain ... also a state champion high jumper ... broke school record as a freshman ... three-time conference champion and three-time all-state performer.

Personal: Daughter of the Viscountess, Julie Hardinge and the late Charles Hardinge ... born Nov. 6, 1986 in the United Kingdom ... has a brother, Matthew, and a sister, Olivia ... mother also competed in volleyball and track.

According to Opalski: “Emilie is a dynamic player with terrifi c athleticism and the vertical jump to challenge any blocker in the Patriot League. If her transition to the college game is swift, her impact will be immediate.”

BEFORE BUCKNELL: Helped lead Cheyenne Mountain High School to an undefeated regular season as a senior ... played club volleyball for Altitude VBC ... also spent time with the Match Point club program and fi nished in the top 15

at two of the major National Qualifi ers — Northern Lights and Crossroads ... member of the National Honor Roll and Principal’s Honor Roll ... listed in Who’s Who Among High School Students. She is the daughter of Mark and Ann Hazuka and plans to pursue a degree in either psychology or sociology.

Personal: Daughter of Mark and Ann Hazuka.

According to Opalski: “Although at fi rst glance Liz may seem to be a quiet and reserved young woman, she can really deliver some heat from the outside hitting position. Liz has the potential to ignite a team offensively.”

BEFORE BUCKNELL: Lettered four times in volleyball and three times in swimming at Col. Zadock Magruder High School in Rockville, Md. ... two-year vol-leyball captain.

Personal: Daughter of Kyle Liang and Yefan Wang ... born Nov. 13, 1987 in Beijing, China.

According to Opalski: “We have been pleasantly surprised with Sherri’s athleticism and fl oor skills. With increased aggressiveness and more verbal communication defensively, she will give us added depth in the libero position.”

BEFORE BUCKNELL: Played four years of volleyball, three with the varsity, at Fenwick High School ... two-time All-East Suburban Catholic Conference selection ... two-time Pioneer Press All-Area Team ... team captain as a senior

... three-year starting setter who led the team to the top 16 in the state as a junior ... team fi nished with best record in school history at 28-8 ... also played for fi ve seasons with national power Sports Performance Volleyball Club ... helped two teams qualify for the USAV Junior Olympic Champion-ships (2003 and 2005) ... Illinois State Scholar.

Personal: Parents are David and Starr Pitsch ... born Aug. 9, 1987 in Oak Brook, Ill. ... has an older brother, David, who played on the tennis team at DePaul ... father played four years of baseball and one season of basketball at Northern Illinois.

According to Opalski: “Shannon’s terrifi c work ethic, determination and training over the last several years have helped her to develop into an outstanding setter. Her acclimation to a new system could signifi cantly and immediately bolster our team’s offensive production.”

EMILIE HARDINGE • 12EMILIE HARDINGE • 12DARIEN, CONN.DARIEN, CONN.

6-0 • FRESHMAN6-0 • FRESHMANO/M HITTERO/M HITTER

LIZ HAZUKA • 15LIZ HAZUKA • 15COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.

5-10 • FRESHMAN5-10 • FRESHMANO/M HITTERO/M HITTER

SHERRI LIANG • 11SHERRI LIANG • 11GAITHERSBURG, MD.GAITHERSBURG, MD.

5-6 • FRESHMAN5-6 • FRESHMANLIBEROLIBERO

SHANNON PITSCH • 6SHANNON PITSCH • 6OAK BROOK, ILL.OAK BROOK, ILL.5-9 • FRESHMAN5-9 • FRESHMAN

SETTERSETTER


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COACHING STAFF

The resurgence of Bucknell’s volleyball program can be traced directly to Cindy Opal-ski’s arrival in 1990. Granted the turnaround didn’t come overnight, but after a couple of years of growing pains and some energetic recruiting efforts, Opalski has transformed the Bison volleyball program into one of the

top programs in the East. Bucknell made NCAA Tournament appearances in both 1998 and 2000 and has averaged nearly 17 victories over the last 12 seasons.

Under Opalski the Bison were recognized as the most improved team in the nation by Volleyball Monthly in 1993; recorded the best record in school history in 1995 at 26-7; won the fi rst-ever Patriot League automatic bid to the 1998 NCAA Tournament; and in 2003 posted a school-record 11 Patriot League wins en route to a second-place fi nish. Bucknell has won four of the last 10 Patriot League regular season titles under Opalski, who has been named the Patriot League Coach of the Year in 1997, 2000 and 2003. The Bison have qualifi ed for the PL Tournament in 14 of 15 years in the league.

Opalski won her 300th career match last season, and with 309 career victories is the second-winningest active coach in the Patriot League.

Now in her 19th season as a collegiate head coach, Opalski wrote essentially the same script at Clarion University. In her four years there (1986-1989), Opalski led Clarion to a record of 92-46 and the school’s fi rst-ever conference title in 1988. She was selected as the AVCA Coach of the Year in the Atlantic Region, and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year during her tenure there. Opalski graduated from Southern Connecticut State in 1977 and earned a master of science degree from that school in 1984. A savvy outside hitter for the Owls, she played in two AIAW national tournaments and captained the squad in her senior year. From 1979 through 1985 as head coach at Maloney High School in her native Meriden, Conn., Opalski led that school to two state titles. Her resume there included six undefeated regular seasons and an eye-popping overall record of 147-11. Opalski worked with the U.S. Volleyball Junior Olympic Program in the 1980s, coaching the Connecticut team at numer-ous national qualifi ers. For fi ve years she coached and trained some of the top players that have ever come out of the Nutmeg State.

Q&A WITH CINDY OPALSKIQ&A WITH CINDY OPALSKI

Anna Moreno Allison joined the Bison volleyball coaching staff in July. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil and a member of a prominent volleyball family, Allison is a 2004 graduate of Oral Roberts University, where she was one of the top setters in Golden Eagles’ history.

Allison was a First Team All-Mid Continent Conference selection three times and was named Setter of the Year in 2000 and 2002. As a senior in 2002 she shattered the Oral Roberts career assists record as well as the Mid-Con career service aces record. Oral Roberts won four straight league titles and played in four NCAA Tournaments during her playing days. A two-time team captain, Allison was also an outstanding student and earned Scholar-Athlete honors while successfully completing degrees in advertising and marketing communications.

A lifelong student of the sport of volleyball, Allison’s enthusiasm and commitment to the game was infl uenced by her father, Antonio Carlos Moreno, who played for the Brazilian national team for 16 years and participated in four Olympic Games. Anna’s twin brother, Carlos, was an

All-America setter who earned AVCA Player of the Year honors while leading BYU to the 2004 NCAA men’s national championship.

In 2003-04 Allison served as graduate as-sistant coach at Oral Roberts, where she worked closely with the Golden Eagles’ setters and as-sisted in scouting and recruiting. Throughout her undergraduate career she coached the ORU Club team, featuring players aged 12 to 18, as well as the 16-18 Tulsa Volleyball Club. In her native Brazil, Allison has been a regular coach at the Sao Paulo Volleyball Camp and has worked as director, recruiting manager and coach with the Moreno Corp.

“Our team and future recruiting classes will clearly benefi t from Anna’s vast technical knowl-edge of the game,” said Opalski. “I believe that she is one of the best young coaches in the country.”

Q: What are the keys to your long term success?

A: We have had the good fortune of attracting outstanding athletes who understand the commitment of Division I athletics and balancing those responsibilities with a rigorous academic schedule. Without a doubt, we have created the best of both worlds for our young women ... a competitive volleyball experience and quality academics.

Q: What does it take to be a successful scholar-athlete at Buck-nell University?

A: The fi ve C’s are important to us. First off we are looking for Conscientious student-athletes who can manage their time and do well in the classroom as well as on the volleyball court. Com-petitiveness is crucial; we love those who love to battle. We want people willing to make a long term Commitment to our team and the

CINDY OPALSKICINDY OPALSKIHEAD COACHHEAD COACH16TH SEASON16TH SEASON

ANNA ALLISONANNA ALLISONASSISTANT COACHASSISTANT COACH

1ST SEASON1ST SEASON

BU volleyball family. I want to work with good Communicators; people who make decisions in the best interest of the team. Finally... Caring... quality people who sincerely care about those around them.

Q: Which matches will prove to be the most challenging?

A: Every Patriot League match will be an exciting one to watch. As recent champions, we know that every team in this competitive league will be gunning for us this year and that we are an important game on everyone’s schedule.

Q: Having advanced to the Patriot League Tournament again last season, what are your expectations for this year’s team?

A: We certainly have high expectations, and feel that we have the talent to win our third Patriot League title. Our players have experienced a tremendous amount of success during their tenure at Bucknell. Ev-eryone wants to end their career on a positive note. Our players must return to campus in August in outstanding physical condition, ready to be challenged.


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2004 PATRIOT LEAGUE STANDINGS2004 PATRIOT LEAGUE STANDINGSTeam .......................................Overall .PCT PL .PCTAmerican ......................................24-7 .774 14-0 1.000Army .............................................18-9 .667 12-2 .857Bucknell ....................................14-13 .519 8-6 .571Navy .............................................21-9 .700 8-6 .571Holy Cross ....................................7-19 .269 6-8 .429Lafayette .....................................15-14 .571 5-9 .357Colgate .........................................5-19 .208 2-12 .143Lehigh ...........................................2-23 .080 1-13 .071

2004 Tournament Champion: AmericanPL Co-Players of the Year: Cutrina Biddulph, American; Caitlin Machon, ArmyPL Defensive Player of the Year: Natalie Rawson, ColgatePL Rookie of the Year: Chelsea Brooks, AmericanPL Coach of the Year: Glen Conley, Army

A LOOK BACK AT 2004

BUCKNELL VOLLEYBALL 2004 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Overall Home Away NeutralALL MATCHES ........................................... 14-13 7-5 4-5 3-3CONFERENCE ............................................... 8-6 5-2 3-4 0-0NON-CONFERENCE ...................................... 6-7 2-3 1-1 3-3

# NAME G K K/G E TA Pct A A/G SA SE SA/G RE DIG Dig/G BS BA Total B/G BE BHE4 Christie Keil 8 2 0.25 0 5 .400 2 0.25 0 2 0.00 2 1 0.12 2 0 2 0.25 0 07 Sarah Groman 48 74 1.54 21 183 .290 6 0.12 0 0 0.00 0 13 0.27 7 15 22 0.46 1 22 Becky Fisher 72 136 1.89 61 349 .215 3 0.04 17 24 0.24 12 95 1.32 1 8 9 0.12 2 212 Jackie Leahy 97 390 4.02 169 1043 .212 14 0.14 29 28 0.30 27 247 2.55 6 17 23 0.24 2 010 Jenna Henderson 97 227 2.34 113 581 .196 17 0.18 31 25 0.32 37 192 1.98 5 13 18 0.19 2 014 Jennie Smith 59 70 1.19 34 187 .193 5 0.08 9 9 0.15 0 33 0.56 7 19 26 0.44 5 16 Chelsea Robertson 102 157 1.54 80 426 .181 39 0.38 27 17 0.26 29 195 1.91 0 27 27 0.26 2 38 Amanda Grossmann 100 143 1.43 74 403 .171 8 0.08 0 0 0.00 1 19 0.19 16 45 61 0.61 3 111 Courtney Clark 76 115 1.51 61 316 .171 11 0.14 17 33 0.22 3 42 0.55 8 20 28 0.37 1 21 Jessica Le 103 55 0.53 28 188 .144 1079 10.48 42 33 0.41 1 182 1.77 3 7 10 0.10 4 385 Allison Brady 42 2 0.05 1 8 .125 42 1.00 6 5 0.14 0 21 0.50 1 0 1 0.02 0 29 Kristen Sydlowski 50 7 0.14 7 22 .000 3 0.06 5 3 0.10 10 57 1.14 0 0 0 0.00 0 013 Tessa Mendez 24 8 0.33 8 31 .000 2 0.08 0 1 0.00 0 2 0.08 1 2 3 0.12 0 018 Carolyn Dougherty 98 9 0.09 10 50 -.020 28 0.29 25 20 0.26 56 405 4.13 0 0 0 0.00 0 015 Cindy Lowe 8 0 0.00 2 5 -.400 0 0.00 0 1 0.00 0 1 0.12 1 0 1 0.12 0 1 Team 49 BUCKNELL............ 103 1395 13.54 669 3797 .191 1259 12.22 208 201 2.02 227 1505 14.61 58 173 144.5 1.40 22 52 Opponents........... 103 1376 13.36 578 3695 .216 1178 11.44 227 240 2.20 208 1370 13.30 74 272 210.0 2.04 35 63

DATE OPPONENT W/L SCORE SCORE-BY-GAME S3 at Charlotte L 1-3 20-30, 30-22, 14-30, 21-30 S4 vs. James Madison L 0-3 22-30, 25-30, 22-30 S4 vs. Charleston So. W 3-2 30-22, 16-30, 30-25, 25-30, 15-10 S10 at Morgan State W 3-0 30-18, 30-23, 30-23 S11 vs. Princeton L 1-3 15-30, 30-22, 19-30, 29-31 S11 vs. Wagner W 3-0 30-16, 30-17, 30-18 S17 NIAGARA W 3-1 22-30, 30-21, 30-21, 30-25 S18 CORNELL L 0-3 27-30, 27-30, 24-30 S18 DUQUESNE L 1-3 18-30, 30-19, 20-30, 19-30* S25 at Colgate W 3-1 30-21, 21-30, 30-18, 30-26 S28 ST. FRANCIS (Pa.) W 3-2 30-21, 31-29, 18-30, 22-30, 16-14* O1 at Lafayette L 2-3 27-30, 26-30, 30-28, 30-26, 15-17* O2 at Lehigh W 3-0 30-21, 30-16, 30-24* O8 NAVY W 3-1 30-20, 30-26, 21-30, 30-23* O9 AMERICAN L 1-3 28-30, 30-26, 24-30, 25-30* O15 at Holy Cross W 3-1 30-22, 28-30, 30-15, 30-28* O16 at Army L 0-3 26-30, 20-30, 15-30* O20 COLGATE W 3-0 30-16, 30-23, 30-20 O26 PENN L 0-3 14-30, 17-30, 21-30* O29 LEHIGH W 3-0 30-24, 30-26, 30-27* O30 LAFAYETTE W 3-2 30-27, 26-30, 15-30, 30-24, 15-13* N5 at American L 0-3 21-30, 21-30, 15-30* N6 at Navy L 1-3 30-23, 27-30, 19-30, 29-31* N12 ARMY L 2-3 30-21, 16-30, 18-30, 33-31, 13-15* N13 HOLY CROSS W 3-2 18-30, 30-32, 30-26, 30-22, 18-16$ N19 vs. Army L 1-3 30-25, 27-30, 29-31, 22-30

* denotes Patriot League match $ Patriot League Tournament (at American)

2004 SEASON RESULTS

CINDY OPALSKI’SCINDY OPALSKI’SCOACHING RECORDCOACHING RECORD

Years Institution Record Accomplishments1986-89 Clarion (4 years) 92-46 1988 - School’s 1st Conf. Title1990 Bucknell 3-221991 Bucknell 9-231992 Bucknell 4-241993 Bucknell 17-151994 Bucknell 20-13 1st 20-win season in 11 yrs.1995 Bucknell 26-7 BU’s 1st Patriot League title1996 Bucknell 18-121997 Bucknell 19-8 Patriot League Champions1998 Bucknell 16-12 P.L. Champs/NCAA Tournament1999 Bucknell 11-112000 Bucknell 17-15 P.L. Champs/NCAA Tournament2001 Bucknell 12-132002 Bucknell 15-132003 Bucknell 16-13 School record 11 PL wins2004 Bucknell 14-13CAREER 309-260


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1998 & 2000 — THE YEARS OF THE DANCE

Seniors Brooke Bader and Nicole LaMothe accept the 2000 Patriot League hardware.

The Bison are all smiles as they hoist the Patriot League championship trophy in 2000.

The Bison line up prior to their 1998 NCAA Tournament match at Penn State’s Rec Hall.

Head coach Cindy Opalski joins players Shannon Walker and Brooke Bader at

the postgame press conference following Bucknell’s match against Wisconsin at the

NCAA Tournament.

Team captains Emily Pomeroy (L) and Tristen Voget (R) accept the 1998 Patriot League

championship trophy.


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Overall Patriot League East Coast Conf. Year Record Record Place Record Place 2004 14-13 8-6 Third 2003 16-13 11-3 Second 2002 15-13 9-5 Third 2001 12-13 7-7 Fourth 2000 17-15 10-2 First^ 1999 11-11 5-7 Fifth 1998 16-12 5-1 First^ 1997 19-8 5-1 First 1996 18-12 4-2 Second 1995 26-7 6-0 First 1994 20-13 4-3 Fifth 1993 17-15 3-4 Fifth 1992 4-24 2-5 Sixth 1991 9-23 1-6 Eighth 1990 3-22 0-6 Seventh 1989 2-26 0-7 Eighth 1988 10-21 3-4 Fifth 1987 8-23 2-5 Sixth 1986 7-23 2-5 Sixth 1985 2-24 0-9 Eighth 1984 13-18 1-9 Eighth 1983 22-11 6-8 Fifth 1982 22-17-1 1-2 Fifth* 1981 16-17 1980 11-15 1979 4-11 1978 2-7

^ Patriot League Tournament champions and NCAA Tournament participant.* In 1982 Bucknell was seeded fi fth going into the East Coast Conference

Tournament, then went 1-2 in pool play and did not advance.Bucknell left the ECC to be a charter member of the Patriot League in 1990.

Prior to 1982 Bucknell’s women’s volleyball team competed in the AIAW, the precursor, for women’s athletics, to the NCAA.

THE RECORD BOOK

ALL-TIME RESULTSALL-TIME RESULTS ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANSACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANSESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICANS

Year Name1993 Sara Mesaros

ESPN THE MAGAZINE DISTRICT II ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMYear Name 2004 Chelsea Robertson2003 Breean Trapasso, Jessica Bissett2002 Breean Trapasso2001 Shannon Walker, Brandi Trapasso1997 Emily Pomeroy1995 Katie Steele1992 Sarah Mesaros1985 Shelly Farris1984 Shelly Farris

PATRIOT LEAGUE HONORSPATRIOT LEAGUE HONORSALL-LEAGUE

2004 First Team: Jackie Leahy2003 First Team: Jackie Leahy, Brandi Trapasso Second Team: Breean Trapasso, Chelsea Anderson2002 First Team: Melanie Ghiz Second Team: Brandi Trapasso2001 First Team: Shannon Walker2000 First Team: Brooke Bader, Shannon Walker Second Team: Whitney Williams 1999 Second Team: Brooke Bader, Shannon Walker1998 First Team: Tristen Voget Second Team: Emily Pomeroy1997 Second Team: Emily Pomeroy 1996 First Team: Melissa Wharton, Susie Teitsworth Second Team: Emily Pomeroy1995 First Team: Katie Steele, Melissa Wharton 1994 First Team: Katie Steele 1993 First Team: Katie Steele 1992 First Team: Katie Steele1991 Second team: Kathleen Sullivan

COACH OF THE YEARCindy Opalski 1997, 2000, 2003

SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD1995 Katie Steele1991 Kathleen Sullivan

EAST COAST CONFERENCEEAST COAST CONFERENCEALL-LEAGUE

1988 Second Team: Sue Riley1986 Second Team: Beth Davis

2004 Carolyn Dougherty, Jackie Leahy

2003 Brandi Trapasso, Breean Tra-passo, Jackie Leahy

2002 Jennifer Wrigley2001 Melanie Gray, Shannon Walker2000 Brooke Bader, Nicole LaMothe1999 Michelle Lesh, Jen Post1998 Emily Pomeroy, Tristen Voget1997 Amy Turnshek, Melissa Wharton1996 Allison Morris, Heather Rendle,

Susie Teitsworth1995 Brenda Hayduk, Katie Steele1994 Joanne Lewis, Brenda Hayduk,

Katie Steele1993 Heather Hoehn, Joanne Lewis1992 Sarah Mesaros, Audrey Sch-

neggenburger1991 Kara Forosisky, Kathleen Sul-

livan

PATRIOT LEAGUE ACADEMIC PATRIOT LEAGUE ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL SELECTIONSHONOR ROLL SELECTIONS

2004 Carolyn Dougherty, Amanda Grossmann, Tessa Mendez, Chelsea Rob-ertson, Jennie Smith, Kristen Sydlowski

2003 Jessica Bissett, Courtney Clark, Carolyn Dougherty, Amanda Grossmann, Jessica Le, Cindy Lowe, Chelsea Robertson, Amanda Rowe, Jennie Smith, Kristen Sydlowski, Brandi Trapasso, Breean Trapasso

2002 Chelsea Anderson, Jessica Bissett, Courtney Clark, Carolyn Dougherty, Melanie Ghiz, Jessica Le, Chelsea Robertson, Amanda Rowe, Brandi Trapasso, Breean Trapasso, Jennifer Wrigley

2001 Jessica Bissett, Carolyn Dougherty, Melanie Gray, Lauren Kraus, Shamree Landis, Chelsea Robertson, Brandi Trapasso, Breean Trapasso, Shannon Walker

2000 Brooke Bader, Kerri Bishop, Melanie Ghiz, Melanie Gray, Nicole Lamothe, Brandi Trapasso, Breean Trapasso, Shannon Walker, Deirdre Witte

1999 Mary Agnes, Brooke Bader, Kerri Bishop, Melanie Gray, Kristin Pietrocarlo, Jennifer Post, Shannon Walker, Jennifer Wrigley

1998 Kerri Bishop, Kristen Erickson, Melanie Gray, Emily Pomeroy, Jen Post, Tristen Voget, Shannon Walker

1997 Mary Agnes, Brooke Bader, Nicole LaMothe, Emily Pomeroy, Jen Post, Amy Turnshek

1996 Cameron Adams, Annalise Meidman, Heather Montaperto, Allison Morris, Emily Pomeroy, Jen Post, Heather Rendle, Pam Scoville, Amy Turnshek, Tristen Voget

1995 Cameron Adams, Tara Cancro, Annalise Meidman, Allison Morris, Emily Pomeroy, Heather Rendle, Katie Steele, Susie Teitsworth, Amy Turnshek

1994 Brenda Hayduk, Karen Horiszny, Joanne Lewis, Annalise Meidman, Heather Rendle, Katie Steele, Amy Turnshek

1993 Brenda Hayduk, Heather Hoehn, Karen Horiszny, Joanne Lewis, Laura Spinney, Katherine Steele

1992 Sloan Fleckman, Colleen Conway, Joanne Lewis, Aubrey Schneggenburger, Sarah Mesaros

1991 Meg Kinney, Sarah Mesaros, Dee Scinta, Stacy Sontheimer, Kathleen Sullivan

1990 Kristen Colbert, Sarah Mesaros, Stacy Sontheimer, Kathleen Sullivan

ALL-TIME CAPTAINS ROSTERALL-TIME CAPTAINS ROSTER1990 Kara Forosisky, Kristen Colbert1989 Dana Bradley, Kara Forosisky1988 Sue Riley1987 Beth Davis, Emily Malatesta, Sue

Riley1986 Michelle Farrell1985 Cheryl Conrad1984 Scott Haggard, Beth Hopper1983 Kathy Eckert, Beth Hopper1982 Denise Cohen, Jeanne Groeneveld1981 Joanne Groeneveld, Katie Hale1980 Susan Bairstow1979 Susan Bairstow, Wendy Green


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THE RECORD BOOK

TEAM

Most Kills421 Melissa Wharton 1995Most Digs 528 Susie Teitsworth 1995Highest Hitting Pct. .445 Melissa Wharton 1995Most Aces81 Susie Teitsworth 1994Most Solo Blocks94 Melissa Wharton 1995Most Assist Blocks105 Melissa Wharton 1996Most Assists 1175 Whitney Williams 2000

INDIVIDUAL SEASONINDIVIDUAL SEASON

Season Best — Kills421 Melissa Wharton 1996413 Jackie Leahy 2003408 Melanie Ghiz 2002404 Shannon Walker 2000397 Melissa Wharton 1997

Season Best — Hitting Percentage (Min. 100 kills).445 Melissa Wharton 1995.411 Melissa Wharton 1997.410 Melissa Wharton 1996.381 Katie Steele 1993.373 Heather Rendle 1993

Season Best — Aces81 Susie Teitsworth 199477 Katie Steele 199374 Susie Teitsworth 199557 Whitney Williams 200049 Katie Steele 199549 Beth Davis 1987

Season Best — Digs528 Susie Teitsworth 1995462 Brandi Trapasso 2002461 Allison Morris 1995422 Sue Riley 1988421 Brandi Trapasso 2000

Season Best — Assists1175 Whitney Williams 20001123 Breean Trapasso 20031103 Breean Trapasso 20021043 Jessica Le 2004957 Amy Turnshek 1997

Season Best — Solo Blocks94 Melissa Wharton 199584 Katie Steele 199381 Katie Steele 199481 Melissa Wharton 199779 Melissa Wharton 1994

Season Best — Block Assists105 Melissa Wharton 199693 Melissa Wharton 199587 Katie Steele 199587 Jennie Smith 200385 Katie Steele 1994

Season Best — Total Blocks187 Melissa Wharton 1995165 Melissa Wharton 1996166 Katie Steele 1994143 Melissa Wharton 1994141 Katie Steele 1993

Career Best — Kills1377 Melissa Wharton 1994-971254 Shannon Walker 1998-011194 Jackie Leahy 2001-041146 Emily Pomeroy 1995-981098 Brandi Trapasso 2000-03

Career Best — Hitting Percentage.400 Melissa Wharton 1994-97.322 Katie Steele 1992-95.309 Heather Rendle 1993-96.298 Tristen Voget 1995-98.290 Shannon Walker 1998-01

Career Best — Aces241 Susie Teitsworth 1993-96192 Katie Steele 1992-95131 Brandi Trapasso 2000-03130 Joanne Lewis 1991-94128 Sue Riley 1985-88

Career Best — Digs1588 Brandi Trapasso 2000-031474 Susie Teitsworth 1993-961165 Allison Morris 1993-96952 Emily Pomeroy 1995-98931 Sue Riley 1985-88

Career Best — Assists 3071 Amy Turnshek 1994-972737 Whitney Williams 1998-012570 Breean Trapasso 2000-031753 Brenda Hayduk 1992-951327 Molly Brown 1997-99

Career Best — Solo Blocks314 Melissa Wharton 1994-97258 Katie Steele 1992-95138 Scott Haggard 1981-84110 Heather Rendle 1993-96101 Shannon Walker 1998-01

Career Best — Block Assists317 Melissa Wharton 1997-97239 Katie Steele 1992-95192 Heather Rendle 1993-96181 Shannon Walker 1998-0187 Jennie Smith 2003-

Career Best — Total Blockss 631 Melissa Wharton 1994-97497 Katie Steele 1992-95302 Heather Rendle 1993-96282 Shannon Walker 1998-01140 Scott Haggard 1981-84

ALL-TIME TOP FIVE LISTSALL-TIME TOP FIVE LISTS

INDIVIDUAL MATCHINDIVIDUAL MATCHMost Kills 40 Beth Davis vs. Cornell 9/18/87Most Digs32 Brandi Trapasso vs. Holy Cross 10/27/00 Brandi Trapasso vs. Lehigh 11/18/00 Highest Hitting Pct. .636 Emily Malatesta vs. NY Tech 11/1/86Most Aces 9 Cheryl Conrad vs. St. Francis 9/28/85 Molly Brown vs. Army 9/18/98Most Solo Blocks9 Kristen Colbert vs. Susquehanna 10/22/90Most Assist Blocks 10 Jennie Smith vs. Dartmouth 9/13/03Most Assists 66 Jessica Le vs. Holy Cross 10/15/04

TEAM SEASONTEAM SEASONMost Kills 1592 2000Most Digs 2051 2000Highest Hitting Pct. .212 1990Most Aces 254 1998Most Assists 1373 2000

SEASON MARKS CAREER MARKS

Year(s) Name Record1990-present Cindy Opalski 217-214-01985-89 Victoria May 29-117-01978-84 Terrie Grieb 90-96-1Totals: 336-427-1

ALL-TIME COACHES LOGALL-TIME COACHES LOG


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The Bucknell University Department of Athletics and Recreation prides itself on setting the standard of excellence when it comes to success both on the playing fi elds and in the classroom. With 11 Patriot League Presidents’ Cups in 15 years, annual top-10 national rankings in graduation rates, 110 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-Americans in 34 years and 100 Patriot League Scholar-Athletes in 15 years, Bucknell is clearly at the head of the class in terms of upholding the scholar-athlete model.

The addition of the Kenneth G. Langone Athletics and Recreation Center, one of the fi nest collegiate athletics and recreation facilities of its kind in the nation, will help ensure the continuation of that success.

The facility enhances each of Bucknell’s 27 varsity athletics programs and greatly expands the scope of its growing intramural and recreational sports offerings. A visually appealing structure located along Moore Avenue on the “downhill” side of campus, the Langone Athletics and Recreation Center was designed to reach out to all members of the campus community, including the student body, varsity student-athletes, faculty, staff and alumni.

Three primary venues lie within the facility: the Arthur D. Kinney Jr. Natatorium, the 4,000-seat Gary A. Sojka Pavilion and the Krebs Family Fitness Center, which includes the Berger Family Weight Room. Other features include a new location for the Bucknell Athletics Hall of Fame, a display of Bucknell’s Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, a sports medicine and athletic training suite, classrooms, modern offi ces for coaches and staff and increased locker room space for varsity and recreational athletes.

The building was formally dedicated on Apr. 25, 2003, in honor of noted entrepreneur and philanthropist Ken Langone, a 1957 Bucknell graduate who, along with his wife Elaine, pledged $11 million toward the center’s construction. Langone was a member of the university Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1996.

One of the special qualities of the Langone Athletics and Recreation Center is the manner in which it supplements the pre-existing facilities. The brand new construction surrounds Gerhard Fieldhouse and historic Davis Gymnasium, which has been restored as a competition venue for the Bison volleyball team, as well as intramural, recreation and other varsity practice activities.

BUCKNELL AT A GLANCE

Among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, Bucknell

University is a private, non-sectarian, co-educational institution with 3,400 undergraduate and 150 graduate students. Of the 300 full- and 33 part-time faculty, nearly 95 percent hold doctoral degrees.

The 100th college chartered in the U.S., Bucknell was founded by Philadelphia Baptists in 1846 as the University at Lewisburg. The fi rst class of seven men graduated in 1851. The fi rst woman received her degree in 1885. The institution was renamed Buck-nell University in 1886 in honor of William Bucknell, trustee and benefactor.

A comprehensive university, students choose from many academic options, including 53 majors and 64 minors. Students have the opportunity to conduct research in collaboration with experienced faculty as well as access to state-of-the-art library, laboratory, computer, and recreational facilities. The student-faculty ratio is 11 to 1.

Through the International Focus Semester and Study Abroad programs and interaction with students and faculty from more 50 foreign countries, students make global connections. The university is committed to diversity and a community of acceptance.

Located on a 450-acre campus overlooking the Susquehanna River, the university’s physical plant includes more than 100 facilities. Recent additions include the Sigfried Weis Music Building, McDonnell Hall, the O’Leary Psycholo-gy and Geology Center, the Kenneth Langone Athletics and Recreation Center, and the Breakiron Engineering Building.

Bucknell is accessible by car on U.S. Route 15, seven miles south of Inter-state 80. The campus is 60 miles north of Harrisburg and 25 miles south of Williamsport.

Campus tours are offered by the Offi ce of Admissions from the lobby of Freas Hall. Virtual tours are available at www.bucknell.edu .

MAJOR FIELDS OF STUDYARTS & SCIENCES DEPARTMENTS: Accounting, Animal Be-havior, Anthropology, Art & Art History, Biology, Business Admin-istration, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Chemistry, Classics, East Asian Studies (Chinese, Japanese), Economics, Education (Early Childhood Development, Elementary, Secondary, and Educational Research), English, Environmental Studies, French, Geography, Geology, German, History, International Relations, Latin Ameri-can Studies, Management, Mathematics, Music (Music Educa-tion, Music History, Music Theory & Composition, Performance), Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Rus-sian, Sociology, Spanish, Theater & Dance and Women’s Studies. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil & Environmental, Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical.

THE KENNETH G. LANGONE THE KENNETH G. LANGONE ATHLETICS & RECREATION CENTERATHLETICS & RECREATION CENTER

DAVIS GYM: THE HOME OF BISON VOLLEYBALLDAVIS GYM: THE HOME OF BISON VOLLEYBALLThe construction of the Langone Athletics and Recreation

Center specifi cally impacted the Bucknell volleyball program in a signifi cant way. The relocation of the Bison men’s and women’s basketball teams to Sojka Pavilion left Davis Gym as a volleyball-only facility. The venerable 1,000-seat arena was dedicated on June 13, 1938 and has hosted Bison athletic events for more than 65 years. The Davis Gym hardwood was refi nished this summer and painted with volleyball boundaries as its primary color scheme. The team’s locker room and coach-es offi ces are located just off the main playing fl oor.


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The Patriot League is proud of its mission of promoting opportunities for “Today’s Scholar-Athletes, Tomorrow’s Leaders.” The League led NCAA Divi-sion I conferences in graduation rates for the sixth straight year in 2004.

Patriot League graduates consistently excel as professionals in their chosen fi elds and are contributors to the betterment of society.

Patriot League teams and scholar-athletes are also achieving triumphs and accolades on the intercollegiate fi elds of competition:

Consider some recent team successes:

• Six teams won games in their respective NCAA Tournaments, including the 14th-seeded Bucknell men’s basketball team which upset third-seeded Kansas;

• The Patriot League received multiple postseason bids in three sports - football, men’s basketball and men’s lacrosse;

• The Patriot League has ad-vanced a team to the quarterfi nal round of the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship fi ve of the last seven years, including three wins each by Colgate and Lehigh.

Individual achievements have been similarly impressive:

• Bucknell junior Lauren Wible of the softball team led the nation in batting average, and Chris Cara of the Bison men’s lacrosse team led the country in points and assists per game;

• Six cross country and track and fi eld student-athletes qualifi ed for the NCAA Championships;

• Bucknell’s Molly Creamer was a fi rst-round draft pick, No. 10 over-all, by the New York Liberty in the 2003 WNBA draft. She was one of a handful of former PL standouts playing professional basketball overseas in 2004-05;

• Nineteen student-athletes were named All-America;• Ten student-athletes were either drafted or signed professional free

agent contracts; • Schuyler Williamson of Army was selected in the 2005 Major League

Baseball June free-agent draft. It marks the seventh-straight year at least one Patriot League player was picked in the draft.

• A handful of men’s soccer (Michael Lookingland of Bucknell and Shawn Kuykendall of American) and men’s lacrosse (Navy’s Graham Gill along with Bucknell’s Chris Cara and Army’s Jim Wagner) players also were drafted or began professional playing careers this year;

• Joe McCourt (Lafayette football), Daris Wilson (Bucknell football), Emily Ling (Lehigh softball), Lauren Gobar (Army softball) and Chris Cara (Bucknell men’s lacrosse) all set new Patriot League career records in their respective sports.

The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while remaining committed to its founding principle that student-athletes are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded edu-cation.

The origins of Patriot League excellence date back to 1986 with the inception of a successful Division I-AA football conference. In 1990, the Patriot League expanded to an all-sports conference, now featuring 23 championship sports.

Full League members include American, Army, Bucknell, Colgate, Holy Cross, Lafayette, Lehigh and Navy. Associate members include Ford-ham and Georgetown for football and Villanova in women’s lacrosse.

These member institutions are among the oldest and most prestigious in the nation. Alumni from Patriot League institutions have played a leader-ship role in the shaping of our country.

“The Patriot League — Today’s Scholar-Athletes, Tomorrow’s Lead-ers” is still the League’s primary vision. However, the League is demon-strating annually that our student-athletes really can play.

SUPPORTING BISON ATHLETICS

FACULTY JOIN COACHING RANKS IN BUCKNELL’S FACULTY JOIN COACHING RANKS IN BUCKNELL’S UNIQUE SIDELINE COACHING PROGRAMUNIQUE SIDELINE COACHING PROGRAM

One of the special programs that Bucknell offers in order to enhance the student-athlete’s overall experience at the university is the Sideline Coaches Program. The program is a truly unique initiative in Division I college athletics, and it includes the invitation of a member of the faculty, administration, staff or community by one of the 27 varsity teams.

The participant has the opportunity to discuss the overall program with the respective coaching staff, including practice preparation and strategy for the upcoming contest. The sideline coach will attend a prac-

tice session where he/she will be introduced to the team and gain a truly unique insight into the relationships that exist between player-coach and player-player. In addition, the practice session allows the par-ticipant to learn coach-ing techniques, strategy, terminology and the ath-letes’ true enthusiasm for the sport.

The participant will then attend the actual intercollegiate contest

itself and be a part of the total event from pre-contest to post-contest, through timeout discussions and halftime teaching-learning methodol-ogy.

The purpose of the Sideline Coaches Program is to foster a better understanding by the faculty and administration of the roles played by coaches and athletes in the university’s competitive intercollegiate athletic arena.

DID YOU KNOW?• Half of the classes at Bucknell have 16 students or fewer.

• All classes are taught by profes-sors, not graduate assistants.

• Student-Faculty ratio is 12-to-1.

• Bucknell’s retention rate is 95%.

STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEESTUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

“The mission of the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare, and fostering a positive student-athlete image.”

The SAAC provides insight on the student-athlete experience and to offer input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

The SAAC has been involved in various projects including: visits to local elementary schools, hos-pitals, and housing authorities; promotion of B.A.A.D. (Bucknell Athletes Against Drugs and Alcohol); and helping to hire a part-time trainer for the Athletic Training Offi ce.


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ADMISSIONS & APPLICATIONSYou can reach our Admissions Offi ce by calling (570) 577-1101. To receive an application, please call our admissions offi ce or send a written request to: Bucknell Admissions Offi ce, Freas Hall, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837.

CALENDARA typical recruiting calendar for a prospective student-athlete interested in volleyball would go something like this:

** Summer 2005 — Make unoffi cial visits to schools of interest.** September 2005 — Contact head coach Cindy Opalski if Bucknell falls within your top-fi ve list of potential colleges. Send a letter expressing inter-est in the volleyball program. It would be helpful to include a transcript and any videotape you may have available. Also, the student-athlete should be registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse. See your high school athletics director or guidance counselor for information.** October 2005 — Head coach Cindy Opalski will be in contact regarding the student-athlete’s interest and possible visit date. The student-athlete and family should fi le CSS Financial Aid Profi le Form. See your college guidance counselor for information.** November 15, 2005 — Deadline for Admissions Early Decision I and Financial Aid applications for Early Decision I candidates.** Late December, 2005 — Target date for Admissions letters to go out for Early Decision I candidates.** January 1, 2006 — Deadline for Admissions Regular Decision and Early Decision II. Deadline for Financial Aid applications for Regular Decision and Early Decision II candidates.** Late January, 2006 — Target date for Admissions decision letters to go out for Early Decision II candidates.** Late March, 2006 — Target date for Admissions decision letters to go out for Regular Decision candidates.** Mid-April, 2006 — Target date for open house weekend for all accepted applicants.** May 1, 2006 — Deadline for securing spot in class of 2010 with deposit.

CLEARINGHOUSEThe NCAA mandates that all stu-dent-athletes interested in compet-ing at the Division I or II level must be certifi ed through the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. Contact high school coaches, athletics di-rector and/or guidance counselor for necessary paperwork.

CONTACTSAs per NCAA by-law 13.02.3, a contact is any face-to-face en-counter between a prospect or the prospect’s parent or legal guardian and an institutional staff member or athletics representative during which any dialogue occurs in excess of an exchange of a greeting. Any such face-to-face encounter that is prear-ranged or takes place on the grounds of the prospect’s high school, or at the site of organized competition or practice involving the prospect’s high school, preparatory school, two-year college, or all-star team is considered a contact, regardless of the conversation that occurs. We are limited to three off-campus contact days per prospective student-athlete.

CORRESPONDENCEIt is important that the prospective student-athlete get in touch with head coach Cindy Opalski as soon as possible. A simple letter of inquiry into the volleyball program will initiate the recruiting process. In the spring of your junior year or early senior year is the most appropriate time to contact Coach Opalski.

EARLY DECISIONStudents who are absolutely, 100% confi dent Bucknell is their top college choice are encouraged to apply during the Early Decision process. Advan-tages are that you’ll have an Admissions decision prior to Christmas and all students accepted during the early decision process are guaranteed fi nancial aid for which they qualify.

EVALUATIONSAs per NCAA by-law 13.02.6.1, an evaluation is any off-campus activity designed to assess the academic qualifi cations or athletic ability of a prospect, including any visit to a prospect’s educational institution (during which no contact occurs) or the observation of a prospect participating in any practice or competition at any site. We are limited in our number of evaluations per prospective student-athlete.

FINANCIAL AIDBucknell University does not offer athletic scholarships in the sport of vol-leyball. All fi nancial aid is awarded on the basis of need. Prospective stu-dent-athletes should complete the CSS “Profi le Form” in the early Fall.

INTERVIEWSHead coach Cindy Opalski strongly encourages all prospective student-athletes to arrange for an on-campus interview with the Admissions Offi ce. If it is not possible to interview on campus, alumni interviews are highly recommended. All interviews should be arranged through the Admissions Offi ce by calling (570) 577-1101.

TELEPHONE CALLSAs per NCAA by-law 13.1.3.1, institutional staff members may not telephone a prospect (or the prospect’s relatives or legal guardians) prior to July 1 following the prospect’s completion of the junior year in high school. After July 1, institutional staff members may telephone a prospect once per week (measured Sunday through Saturday). The once-per-week limit applies to the entire institution.

VIDEO TAPESIn an attempt to make an accurate assessment as soon as possible, it is recommended videotapes be forwarded to head coach Cindy Opalski’s attention as soon as possible. The video need not be an elaborate produc-tion. Some simple game or practice tape is suffi cient with you being easily identifi ed. It is, however, helpful if the video includes a short segment on individual skills (i.e. serving, hitting, setting and digging).

VISITS, Offi cialAccording to NCAA by-law 13.7.1.2, a prospect may not make more than fi ve expense-paid visits to NCAA member institutions, regardless of the number of sports in which the prospect is involved. An institution may not provide an expense-paid visit to a prospect who has not presented the institution with a high school (or college) academic transcript and a score from a PSAT, an SAT, a PACTPlus, or an ACT test taken on a national testing date under national testing conditions. The offi cial visit may not exceed 48 hours.

VISITS, Unoffi cialAccording to NCAA by-law 13.8.1, a prospect may visit an institution’s cam-pus at the prospect’s own expense an unlimited number of times and may make an unoffi cial visit before the prospect’s senior year in high school.

If a prospective student-athlete and/or parent has any questions, please feel free to call head coach Cindy Opalski at (570) 577-3048. Best times to reach Coach Opalski are between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Also, please feel free to forward any correspondence you feel will be helpful in her assessment of a prospective student-athlete.

v

RECRUITING INFORMATION

THE ABC’S OF THE RECRUITING PROCESS

Documents

PDF] BUCKNELL BISON ATHLETICS: Bucknell Student-Athletes11 Sherri Liang Fr. LB 5-6 Gaithersburg, Md./Col. Zadok Magruder 13 Tessa Mendez So. MH/RS 6-2 Denver, Colo./Colorado Academy