Oct. 24, 2002

By John Pizzitola
Media Relations Student Assistant

Coming off a record setting 2001 season, junior Chrissy Elder has entered the 2002 volleyball season full of emotion, excitement, and with a new role on the team.

"As long as I can remember I've always played like that (excited)," says Elder. "I played that way last year, it just wasn't as obvious because I didn't have time to jump up and down, to scream and yell, and to slap people's hands. I was always thinking about the next play."

Elder's intensity on the court has carried over from the intense conditioning she puts herself through and the unwavering work ethic she holds herself responsible for.

"It makes you mentally strong," Elder says. "When you're lifting, it's an individual thing and it's something that you have to get done, and when you bring that onto the court it really helps you mentally prepare yourself to help the team."

Last season, at setter, Elder led the team with 1,453 total assists, second in Missouri history for a single season, averaged 12.75 assists per game, and had a season total of 30 service aces. She also played in 114 of the Tigers 115 games.

This season Elder has been able to successfully make a transition from setter to her new job as defensive specialist. So far she seems to be rather comfortable with her new position. As defensive specialist, Elder has amassed a total of 92 digs in 19 matches averaging 4.84 digs per match. She had a season and game high 11 digs against the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

According to Elder, "It's (defensive specialist position) a lot easier. When I set, I played the exact same defense I just had to worry more about releasing and getting to my spot on time to set. Now I can just stay and play defense and pass and not have to worry about getting to the ball if I don't dig."

Before making her final decision on attending Mizzou, Elder looked at attending Pittsburgh State (Kan.), North Dakota State, and Nebraska. She wanted to go to Nebraska, but "I was a little short," said Elder jokingly. "I knew as soon as Mizzou contacted me that this was where I wanted to go so I stopped looking."

Similar to most of the girls on the team Elder says, "The very first thing that attracted me was the girls. When I came here the whole team was incredibly nice and very willing to support me. Anytime I was here in Columbia they were there; they were incredible. Plus, of course, the campus is just beautiful."

So far Elder seems to be fitting in perfectly on the team with her transition from setter to defensive specialist and she looks to continue to better herself at her new found position on the floor.