July 15, 1999

The 1999 Missouri Volleyball team might be young, but they have the ability to show that youth does not necessarily equal inexperience.

This year, the Tigers return four starters, but lose three. The spots left by departed seniors Chandra Hopkins, Jodi Maune, and Renee Rosinski will be hard to fill. Their departure, along with that of fellow veteran Barb Sheahan, leaves Mizzou without the benefit of senior leadership.

"We will miss the (departed seniors) leadership and maturity. They started for four years, making them very seasoned players," Johnson said. "Their guidance will be tough to replace.

"I have a very young team: only three juniors, eight sophomores, and three freshmen," Johnson said. "So much will be changed."

All spring, Johnson held a leadership school with four of her players to learn leadership skills. Heather (Gerber) was voted captain at the end of the semester, but the others learned a lot and will be able to contribute significantly in leading the team.

"Fortunately, we have a wealth of playing experience, so this combination should make the transition a lot smoother," Johnson said.

A smooth transition will be necessary in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. Six of the 11 teams finished above the .500 mark last season. One thing that Johnson believes will get her team to that mark is athleticism.

"This is the best accumulation of athletes we have ever had. We have high expectations of this years group," Johnson said. "If they stay healthy and play with maturity, we could for the first time break into the top six in the conference. That would give us a good chance at a top 25 ranking and a potential (NCAA) tournament berth."

Johnson will rely on her returning starters to carry the load. Juniors Gerber and Annette Luyten and sophomores Naaron Branson and Krista Johnson have the most collegiate playing experience on the team. Unfortunately, Branson is the only returning starter with experience at outside hitter. Even then, she only started for half of the season.

"We lose two outside hitters (Hopkins and Maune). We dont have anyone returning with the level of experience that they had," Johnson said.

Only time will tell what kind of effect, if any, the lack of experience will play on the Tigers. Regardless, Johnson has many players that she can count on to grow and mature as the year progresses.

SETTER

Its no wonder that Heather Gerber has played such an integral role on the team. Not only was she tabbed as a Fab 50 selection in 1997, but she is the only true setter that the Tigers have had since Johnson took over the volleyball program six years ago.

"Heather should bring a sense of calm to the young squad," Johnson said. "Shes really smoothed out her delivery and is seeing the court at an all-conference level."

Last season, Gerber moved up to second on Missouris all-time career assists list with 2,686. She currently holds the record for career assists per game, averaging 11.63 prior to this season. She also holds the record for most assists in a season with 1,493 in 1998.

In the conference standings, Gerber ranked sixth in assists per game. In all matches, she averaged 12.79 apg and in the conference she averaged 12.84 apg.

Gerbers backup this season is sophomore Rachael Taylor, who doubles as a defensive specialist. Last season, she had 34 assists, averaging 0.40 apg.

"Rachael has made large gains in her setting technique, with confidence. She should offer a lot in leadership and push Heather continually for playing time," Johnson said.

OUTSIDE HITTER

Even though there is not a lot of experience at outside hitter, players at this position make up the majority of the 1999 roster. There are six players listed at outside hitter.

Branson brought a lot to the Tigers last season. She played in 111 of 120 games, recording 275 kills, fourth most on the team. She also recorded the third most digs with 234, averaging 2.11 dpg.

"Naaron is coming into her own and maturing nicely on the court. Shes made big gains in her back court play, giving her a better, more complete game," Johnson said.

Next to Branson, sophomore transfer Melissa Propps has the most experience.

"Melissa will help to increase the level of play in scrimmages," Johnson said. "I expect her to challenge for the outside hitter position, but should play a lot back row."

At St. Louis University, Propps was sixth on the team in kills as a freshman. With the Billikens, she tallied 136 kills, averaging 1.89 kpg.

A sophomore and two freshmen will also challenge for playing time at outside hitter. Sophomore Lisa Morris is coming off of a redshirt season, but has proved that she has what it takes to play with intensity.

"I expect her to be stronger than ever," Johnson said. "She is hungry to play and should take over one of the outside positions left by the two seniors."

Sophomore Jillian Imrie saw limited action last season due to a knee injury. She will spend the majority of the fall in rehabilitation.

The two freshmen, Nicole Panzau and Rachel Rieble, come in at a great time, since there are no true returning starters at outside hitter. The vacancy will give them the opportunity to showcase their skills while challenging the others to step up.

"Nicole hits a big ball and is a fierce competitor. I look for great things out of her," Johnson said. "She has an exceptional, innate feel for the ball, both defensively and while passing. Her ball control is exceptional, and her net game will be our primary focus in training."

MIDDLE BLOCKER

The position of middle blocker will probably be the most difficult for Johnson to fill, but she has numerous options to pursue. Juniors Annette Luyten and Jen Gerlach, along with sophomore Krista Johnson return. All saw significant playing time last season.

Luyten played in all but five games for the Tigers last season. She led the team in kills (363), solo blocks (22), and block assists (81). She has already made her way into the Mizzou career record books. Luyten is in the top 10 of five different categories, including being tied for eighth in hitting percentage with a .279 average. If she continues her success from last spring, she should move up in all of those categories.

"Annette had a great spring. We will look to Annette for dominance at the net," Johnson said. "She and Heather have the most experience and should lead the team."

Krista Johnson saw action in 44 games last year, tallying 55 block assists, third highest on the team. She was also third in total blocks with 61, finishing just 12 shy of Renee Rosinskis 73 total blocks. She also found her way into the Big 12 record books for the season. She finished second in service aces (conference matches only) with 0.38 aces per game.

"Krista made huge changes physically and in her game, technically. She will be a force at the net this year. Her goals are high and very achievable. People will be shocked by her improvements," Johnson said.

Gerlach played in only 38 games, but worked hard in the off-season, and hopes to see more playing time this season.

"Jen had a tough spring, but has continued to stay in great shape," Johnson said. "I expect her competitiveness to get her on the court."

Incoming freshman Christi Myers was a three-sport athlete in high school. She holds the Raytown South High School records for most kills in a season (535) and most in a match (39). She may have the least collegiate playing experience, but will challenge everyone else with her athleticism.

"Christi is possibly our best athlete," Johnson said. "I expect her to challenge immediately at middle blocker."

DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST

Two sophomores return to the back row for Missouri and will be instrumental in helping the Tigers with their passing game. Nikki Myhra played in 55 games and recorded 64 digs last season. Katie Sowers saw action in 80 games last year, tallying 85 total digs.

"Nikkis confidence is booming in the passing arena. She really matured last spring. Look to see her in a top spot off the bench," Johnson said. "We will look to Katie to help the back row and offer a calming effect, especially when passing and on defense. She offers a great spark to the team."

Hopefully, that spark will be seen in every player on the 1999 Tiger Volleyball squad. But, in order to keep moving up in the conference standings and move into a post-season tournament, each player must contribute to the team and strive to reach the top of the Big 12 Conference.