Sam Houston volleyball guide

2010 VOLLEYBALL2010 VOLLEYBALL

Sam HoustonSam Houston

A university andA university and

an athletic programan athletic program

growing in sizegrowing in size

and statureand stature

www.gobearkats.com 3

2010 Bearkat Volleyball Guide

Table of Contents

Texas State University System ....... 4

Sam Houston State University ....... 5

University President .......................... 6

University Administration ............... 7

2010 Outlook ...................................... 9

Head Coach ..................... ................... 10

Volleyball Staff ............................ ..... 11

2009 Statistics ................................... 11

Player Biographies ............................. 12

School Records ..................... 20

Athletic Director Bobby Williams .. 26

Sam Houston Athletic Staff ............ 27

Athletic Excitement at SHSU .......... 28

What Is A Bearkat ? ............................ 30

Huntsville, Texas ................................. 32

Community Involvement ................ 33

Student Services .................................. 34

Academic Honors .............................. 35

Athletic Facilities ................................ 36

SHSU Degree Programs ................... 38

Strength & Conditioning ................. 39

Media Spotting Chart ......... 40

Head Coach: Brenda GrayAlma Mater: Sam Houston State, 1982Career Record: Won 543, Lost 384Seasons: 26 (all at Sam Houston State)Assistant Coach: Joe LindAlma Mater: North Dakota State, 2005Volleyball Telephones: (936) 294-1736, 294-3596Volleyball E-Mail: [email protected] (Brenda Gray) [email protected] (Joe Lind)2009 Match Record: Won 20, Lost 142008 Southland Record: Won 12, Lost 4 West Division 2nd place SLC post-season quarterfi nalsStarters Returning: 3 of 6 (plus libero)Letterwinners Returning: 8 of 12Arena: Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum (6,100)National Affi liation: NCAA Division IColors: Orange and WhiteConference: SouthlandSports Information: Paul Ridings Jason Barfi eldOffi ce Telephone: (936) 294-1764, 294-3533Fax Telephone: (936) 294-3538Court Side Telephone: (936) 294-1838E-Mail: [email protected] jbarfi [email protected] Site: www.gobearkats.comMailing Address: Box 2268, Huntsville, TX 77341Physical Address: 620 Bowers Blvd. Huntsville, TX 77341

Sam Houston 2010 Volleyball Roster

2010 Volleyball Facts

No. Player Position Ht. Class Hometown (High School)1 Haley Neisler Middle blocker 5-11 Fr-HS Flower Mound / Marcus2 Jamie Haas Defensive specialist/libero 5-3 So-1L Deer Park / Deer Park 3 Kym Loving Setter 5-9 Jr-2L Houston / Cypress Springs4 Tayler Gray Setter 5-8 Fr-HS Huntsville / Huntsville5 Kim Black Middle blocker 5-11 Jr-2L Huntsville / Huntsville6 Carli Kolbe Outside hitter / right side 5-11 Jr-2L College Station / A&M Conso.7 Jamie Kaleh Outside hitter / defensive specialist 5-8 Jr-2L Magnolia / Magnolia8 Kelli Stewart Outside hitter / right side 6-1 Fr-RS Magnolia / Magnolia9 Brittany Hoag Outside hitter 6-0 So-Tr Crosby / Crosby10 Tarona Williams Middle blocker 5-11 Fr-HS Fresno / Hightower11 Courtney Laskowski Setter / right side hitter 5-9 Jr-2L Poth / Poth12 Kaylee Hawkins Defensive specialist/libero 5-9 So-1L Dickinson / Dickinson13 Camille Alfaro Outside hitter 5-10 So-1L San Antonio / Marshall14 Lauren Bohlen Outside hitter 6-0 Fr-HS San Antonio / O’Connor15 Samantha West Middle blocker 6-2 So-Tr Bridge City / Bridge City (Navarro)16 Amber Bain Outside hitter 5-11 Fr-HS Louise / LouiseHead Coach: Brenda Gray (Sam Houston State, 1982), 27th season at SHSUAssistant Coach: Joe Lind (North Dakota State, 2005), 4th season at SHSU

4 www.gobearkats.com

The Texas State University System has a long and illustrious history in Texas. It is the oldest and third largest higher education system in Texas. Beginning as an adminis-trative means to consolidate the support and management of state teacher colleges, the System has evolved into a network of higher education institutions stretching from the Texas–Louisiana border to the Big Bend region of far West Texas.

Today eight System components off er a broad range of academic and career path-ways. Throughout the System, you will fi nd professionals committed to preparing students for working and contributing to an increasingly global society. The academic and professional programs off ered will help them learn to make sound decisions in life and become contributors in their communities.

Each university, college and institute within The Texas State University System is unique in its own way and is highlighted within this website. Additional literature is available from each institution, and contact information is referenced within each section featured.

The Texas State University System is governed by an nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the Governor. In addition, a nonvoting student regent is appointed annually to the Board. The administration, which is headed by a board-appointed Chancellor, is based in Austin.

System enrollment: 72,000System total operating budget for fi scal year 2010: $822 millionSystem total state appropriation for fi scal year 2010: $344 million

Board of RegentsSYSTEM ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

Thomas J. Rusk Building200 East 10th Street, Suite 600

Austin, Texas 78701(512) 463-1808

The Texas State University System

Lamar University

Sam Houston State University

Sul Ross State University

Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College

Texas State University - San Marcos

Lamar Institute of Technology

Lamar State College - Orange

Lamar State College - Port Arthur

Ron BlatchleyChairman

Bryan - 2011

Oldest Multi-Campus System in Texas

Charlie AmatoVice Chair

San Antonio - 2013

Kevin J. LillyHouston

2015

Ron MitchellHorseshoe Bay

2015

David MontagneBeaumont

2015

Michael TruncaleBeaumont

2013

Donna WilliamsArlington

2011

Christopher CovoSan Marcos

Student Regent

Dr. Brian McCall - ChancellorTo be announced - Vice Chancellor for Academic Aff airsDr. Fernando C. Gomez - Vice Chancellor and General CounselMs. Diane Corley - Executive Director, TSUS Foundation, Chancellor’s CouncilMr. Peter E. Graves - Vice Chancellor for Contract AdministrationMs. Carole M. Fox - Director of Audits and AnalysisDr. Roland K. Smith - Vice Chancellor for FinanceMr. Sean Cunningham - Vice Chancellor for Governmental RelationsMr. Mike Wintemute - Director of Governmental Relations and Communications

Sam Houston State is the second largest institution in the eight-campus Texas State University System.

Trisha S. PollardBellaire

2013

Dr. Brian McCallChancellor

The campus at Sam Houston continues to grow with the addition of new resident halls, academic buildings and outstanding athletic facilities.

Dr. Dana Gibson

Dana Gibson, Ph.D., becomes the the 13th President of Sam Houston State University on September 1, 2010. The Texas State University System Board of Regents unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Gibson on July 14, 2010. Gibson was selected from a fi eld of 40 applicants to replace outgo-ing President Dr. James F. Gaertner who will retire eff ective August 31. She has served as Sam Houston’s vice president for fi nance and opera-tions, a since 2009. “Dr. Gibson has an impressive record as an educator and administra-tor, and I’m delighted that Sam Houston State University will continue to benefi t from her leadership, passion and energy,” said Chancellor McCall. Gibson is a veteran of university work, with 24 years of teaching and administrative experience at various institutions. Prior to her tenure at Sam Houston, she served as president of National University, a private, not-for-profi t university in California. She also held the positions of vice president for business and fi nance at Southern Methodist Univer-sity in Dallas from 2005 to 2007 and vice chancellor for administration and fi nance at the University of Colorado at Denver. frin 2002 to 2005. She was named as SMU’s “Administrator-of-the-Year” in 2006. “I am extremely pleased with the process we followed to select the best candidate to lead Sam Houston State University,” said TSUS Board

of Regents Chairman Ron Blatchley. “Dr. Gibson is already on the team and has the support of President Gaertner,. I’m pleased that Sam Houston will continue to benefi t from her leader-ship and experience.” “Sam Houston State University is a very special place with a rich history of excellent leader-ship so I am deeply honored to be selected to serve as the university’s next president,” Dr. Gibson said. “I appreciate the Board of Regents’ and Chancellor McCall’s confi dence in my ability to continue the excellent progress made under President Gaertner. During the last year at Sam Houston, I have come to appreciate the dedication of the faculty and staff as well as the excellent culture existing at SHSU.” Gibson earned her bachelor’s degree in business specialized to ac-counting in 1981 and a master’s of business administration in 1984 at Texas Woman’s University. She earned her doctorate in business, again majoring in accounting, from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1993. She became a certifi ed public accountant in 1984. She held exec-utive-level positions at the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver and Texas Woman’s University and taught accounting and management informa-tion systems as a professor and lecturer. She fi rst served as an assistant to the vice president for fi nance and administration, then as associate vice private for fi nance and adminis-tration and university controller. In 2000 she was promoted to TWU’s vice president for academic and information services. Gaertner congratulated Gibson on her appointment and expressed his support of the decision. “I am absolutely delighted that Dr. Gibson has been named the sole fi nalist for the position of president. In working with her over the past year, I have gotten to know her and how competent she is. She is a person of high integrity, and she’s a good fi t for Sam Houston State University.” Gibson is active in civic and charitable causes, including serving on the boards of Huntsville Memorial Hospital, Voice for Children and the Denver Downtown Partnership. “I look forward to my new role, as it will provide me more oppor-tunity to interact with our enthusiastic, remarkable students and our supportive alumni and community,” Gibson said. “It is an exciting time to lead SHSU, to continue building upon the successes and to plan new pathways for the future.”

Sam Houston’s 13th president



One Great

UniversitySam Houston was founded in 1879and stands today as the third-oldest public university in Texas and the state’s fi fth oldest continuously operating institution of higher education. With nearly 100,000 graduates, SHSU has touched the lives of generations of Texans by helping to shape the economic, social and cultural development of this state and beyond.

The establishment of Sam Houston Normal Institute was autho-rized by Texas Governor Oran M. Roberts on April 21, 1879. On October 10 of that year “the Normal” opened with 109 students, four faculty members and its fi rst principal, Bernard Mallon.

Sam Houston Today Created to train school teachers, today’s Sam Houston State University off ers a broad range of academic programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Many of its academic programs and faculty have attained national and statewide recog-nition.

Sam Houston State University serves one of the most diverse populations of any education institution in Texas. Admission requirements were strengthened six years ago. In the fall of 2009, SHSU experienced another record enrollment, with a total of 16,795. The physical plant is undergoing signifi cant expansion and improvements at a cost of more than $250 million.

A Great Name in Texas EducationCentral to the university’s recent achievements is a dedicated faculty and staff that provide a caring education environment for students to learn and develop. With its namesake, ties to Texas history and a record of 130 years of service to the people of the state, Sam Houston State University is truly “a great name in Texas education.”

General Sam Houston is the only man in U.S. history to be governor of two states (Tennessee and Texas). He led Texas to independence with the victory over Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto.

He became the fi rst president of the Republic of Texas, senator from the state of Texas and gover-nor of the State of Texas. He is buried in Hunts-ville not far from the campus of the university named in his honor.

In the 21st century, Sam Houston State University has seen record growth, ranking as the fastest growing public institution in Texas the past three years.


Enrollment 16,795

272-acre main campus

80 undergraduate degree programs

55 masters’ programs

5 doctoral programs Criminal Justice Educational Leadership Counselor Education Clinical Psychology Reading

72% of faculty members hold doctoral or terminal degrees

31 students average class size

1:20 faculty-student ratio

Students from every walk of life come to Sam Houston State University in pursuit of a quality college education.

Sam Houston State University

Carnegie Graduate Instructional Program Classifi cation: Doctoral Research University

Five colleges within the university: Arts and Sciences Business Administration Criminal Justice Education Humanities and Social Sciences

Capital project, construction, renovation, and improvement program totals more than $250 million

A diverse student body with students from 46 countries University is partner with Raven Nest Golf Course

Every offi ce, classroom and residence hall room is equipped with a high speed Internet connection


Dr. David E. PayneProvost / Vice President

for Academic Aff airs

PRESIDENTDr. Dana Gibson

VICE PRESIDENTSProvost/Academic Aff airs: Dr. David E. PayneFinance & Operations: TBAUniversity Advancement: Mr. Frank HolmesEnrollment Management: Dr. Heather ThielemannStudent Services: Mr. Frank Parker

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTSAssociate Provost: Dr. Richard EglsaerAcademic Aff airs/Dean, Graduate Studies: Dr. Kandi TayebiDistance Learning: Mr. William AngroveResearch & Special Programs: Dr. Jerry CookResearch Administration & Technology Commercialization: Mr. Dan DavisStudent Services: Mr. Keith Jenkins

ACADEMIC DEANSCollege of Arts & Sciences: Dr. Jaimie L. HebertCollege of Business Administration: Dr. Mitchell MuehsamCollege of Criminal Justice: Dr. Vincent J. WebbCollege of Education: Dr. Genevieve BrownCollege of Humanities & Social Sciences: Dr. John M. de Castro

University Administration

Mr. Frank HolmesVice President

for University Advancement

Dr. Heather ThielemannVice President

for Enrollment Management

Mr. Frank ParkerVice President

for Student Services

A Growing Campus


Team Above All ... Above All A Team The 2009 Bearkat volleyball team rolled up a 20-14 record during a season that will be remembered as one of the program’s most excit-ing. The 20 victories were the most wins for Sam Houston volleyball since 1996. The Kats fi nished Southland Conference play as runners-up in the West Division with a 12-4 league mark. Sam Houston went undefeated at home in Johnson Coliseum in conference play. The most remarkable characteristic of the 2009 team, however, was its “never say die” attitude. Sam Houston was 10-2 in fi ve set matches and won two others in four sets. With eight letter-winners back including four starters, the Bear-kats hope to continue that excitement in 2010. “Last year’s team was one of the best I’ve coached here at Sam Houston,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “They responded well when-ever the going got tough. “Although we’ve lost three starters off that team, I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish this year.” Two 2009 starters were seniors, middle blockers Anna Ferguson and Katie Phillips. Ferguson, a two-time All-Southland Conference fi rst team selection, ranked fourth in the Southland Conference this season with 3.66 kills per set. Phillips started 27 matches in 2009 and played in all 34 contests. Also gone is Michelle Miller who earned All-Southland honors as a freshman but who has transferred to the University of Colorado. “We lost some quality players but we also return some very talented young ladies,” Gray said. “We’re young. There is not a senior on the roster. Everyone will be fi ghting for spots and our juniors are going to have to step up and understand that now this is their team to lead.” Three starters plus the team’s libero return for 2010. Junior Carli Kolbe of College Station led the Bearkats in kills with 461 and ranked third in the league in kills with 3.67 per set. She was a fi rst team All-Southland selection last year. During her two years as a Bearkat, Kolbe has totaled 745 kills and 601 digs. Sophomore Kaylee Hawkins of Dickinson was a fi rst team All-Southland honoree as the Bearkats’ libero. She set a Southland Conference and school record with 44 digs in Sam Houston’s fi ve-set victory over McNeese State. Hawkins ranked second in the Southland in digs per set (4.35). Hawkins’ 522 digs this year rank as the fi fth high-est single season total in Sam Houston history.

Junior Kim Black of Huntsville started all but one match in 2009 and ranked third on the squad in kills (1.43). Sophomore Camille Al-faro of San Antonio Marshall started 21 matches and was a defensive presence for the Bearkats. Two other returning players were starters for the Kats before injuries cut short their seasons. Both were granted medical redshirts in 2009. Junior Kym Loving of Cypress ranks ninth in career assists at Sam Houston (1,542) and will look to return to action as the starting setter this fall. Freshman Kelli Stewart of Magnolia totaled 67 kills in eight matches before her injury. She brings a power game to the Kat front line. Also back are junior outside hitters Jamie Kaleh of Magnolia and Courtney Laskowski of Poth and sophomore defensive specialist Jamie Haas of Deer Park. “While we don’t have any seniors, we have a solid group of juniors to whom the team will look for leadership,” Gray said. “It’s been my experience that a lot of players really come into their own during their junior season. Juniors usually are hungry and they’re experienced enough not to hit the panic mode when things get tight.” Beginning her 27th season as Sam Houston head coach, Gray is one of only 27 active head coaches in NCAA Division I women’s vol-leyball to post more than 500 career victories. Heading the Bearkat program, Gray has a record of 542 wins and 381 losses. “The most important thing our girls need to remember this year is that the season is a marathon, not a sprint,” Gray said. “We’ve got our work cut out for us.” A solid group of newcomers will help the Bearkats fi ll the void. Samantha West, a 6-2 sophomore transfer from Navarro Junior College and 5-11 freshmen Tarona Williams from Fresno Hightower and Haley Neisler from Flower Mound Marcus join the squad as middle blockers. Lauren Bohlen from San Antonio O’Connor and 6-0 transfer Brit-tany Hoag from Arkansas State look to compete for playing time. Lefty opposite Amber Bain from Louise adds a diff erent fl air to the squad. Huntsville product Tayler Gray, a 5-8 freshman, will step in as a util-ity player and setter. Gray is the head coach’s daughter. “We’re excited about our new players and think we’ve signed some talented athletes who will help us,” Gray said. Sam Houston will start the 2010 volleyball season with the annual Comfort Suites Bearkat Classic August 27 and 28 at Johnson Coliseum.

The Bearkats, who have earned berths in the Southland Conference post-season tournament fi ve of the last six seasons, will host

the event at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum in 2010.

Carli Kolbe (6) and Kaylee Hawkins (12) are fi rst team preseason All-Southland Conference selections as the 2010 race begins.


Brenda Gray is one of only 27 active head coaches in NCAA Divi-sion I women’s volleyball to post more than 500 career victories. In her 26 seasons heading the Bearkat program, Gray has a record of 542 wins and 381 losses. Gray’s accomplishments as Sam Houston State Head Coach include: * NCAA Division I national playoff s (1993 and 1996); * Volleyball National Invitational Championship tournament ap-pearance (1994); * NCAA Division II Final Four (1984 and 1985); * Southland Conference champions (1993); * Gulf Star Conference champions (1984 and 1985); * Southland Conference Post-Season Tournament champions (1993 and 1996); * SLC Western Division champions (1994); * Southland Conference Post-Season Tournament No. 1 seed and tournament host (1993 and 1994). Gray has coached two NCAA All-Americans, seven NCAA All-Region players and 34 All-Conference players who have earned that honor a total of 57 times. Gray was named as Southland Conference volleyball “Coach of the Year” in both 1987 and 1993 and was named “Coach of the Year” in the Gulf Star Conference in 1984. In Sam Houston’s 24 years at the NCAA Division I level, Gray’s teams have won 22 regular season major college tournament team championships and have fi nished either fi rst or second in the South-land Conference nine times. Gray was named as Sam Houston State volleyball head coach in 1984 after serving as a graduate assistant at SHSU and as head coach of the girls’ athletic program at Bastrop High School. An outstanding player at Humble High School, Gray played two years at Lee Junior College before transferring to Sam Houston State.

As a Bearkat, she helped lead Sam Houston to a 93-31 record in 1980 and 1981. She received her Bachelor of Education degree in 1982 and her Master of Education degree in 1983. While a student, she was named to “Who’s Who Among Univer-sity and College Students,” was a member of the Golden Key Honor Societyand received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Physical Education and the Margaret Powell Award for Professional Excellence. Gray and her husband, Tim, have a son, Timothy (25), a daughter, Tayler (18) and a grandson, Boston, born in September, 2008, to Timo-thy and his wife Devon. Timothy was a four-year baseball letterman for Sam Houston, earning his Bachelor’s degree in biology (pre-med). Following graduation, he signed a pro contract to pitch for the Dodg-ers and served as a graduate assistant coach for SHSU baseball. Tayler played volleyball and softball for the Huntsville Hornets and joins the Bearkat volleyball squad this fall as a freshman.

Head Coach Brenda Gray with her son Timothy and his wife Devon, daughter Tayler, grandson Boston and husband Tim.

Head Coach Brenda Gray

Rank Coach University Years Won Lost Pct.1 Dave Shoji Hawaii 35 1015 177 .8522 Russ Rose Penn St. 31 999 159 .8633 Mike Hebert Minnesota 34 865 366 .7034 Kathy Gregory UC Santa Barbara 35 831 370 .6925 Mick Haley Southern California 26 748 191 .7976 John Dunning Stanford 25 699 147 .8267 Karen Chisum Texas St. 30 697 447 .6098 Mary Wise Florida 23 685 130 .8409 Brian Gimmillaro Long Beach 25 678 163 .80610 Bob Bertucci Temple 31 661 360 .64711 Matt Peck Mid Tennessee 26 657 243 .73012 Jill Hirschinger New Hampshire 31 639 444 .59013 Judy Green Alabama 24 622 289 .68314 Chris Poole Florida St. 23 602 242 .71315 Joe Sagula North Carolina 29 599 385 .60916 Carolyn Condit Miami (OH) 30 570 427 .57217 Debbie Brown Notre Dame 25 562 253 .69018 Brenda Gray Sam Houston 26 542 381 .587

19 Jeff Mozzochi Portland St 24 529 269 .66320 Pete Waite Wisconsin 22 522 202 .721

NCAA DIVISION I WINNINGEST ACTIVE HEAD COACHES

Sam Houston Director of Athletics Bobby Williams presents Brenda Gray with a plaque commemorating her 500th career victory on Sept. 15, 2007


Joe Lind

Assistant Coach

Ellen Andrews

Graduate Assistant

Ellen Andrews, a former Augustana College all-star player, will join the Sam Houston volleyball staff as graduate assistant this fall.

The Bancroft, Ne. native played in 122 matches for the Augustana

Vikings, where she fi nished fi fth all-time in kills (1,328), while compiling a .269 hitting percentage and 299 total blocks as a right side hitter. During her time at Augustana, the Vikings qualifi ed for the NCAA Division II central regional volleyball championships three years. For her eff orts, Andrews was named All-NCC Honorable Mention in 2006, All-NCC First Team in 2007, as well as All-NSIC Second Team in 2008. She was also named to the 2008 Daktronics, Inc. All-Central Region Vol-leyball Second Team. Andrews was graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.97 grade point average while earn-ing degrees in Exercise Science and Fitness Management. Because of this, she was a four-time Academic All-NCC/NSIC selection, as well as a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selection. At the end of her career, she received the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award. Most recently, Andrews has been the as-sistant for the Nebraska Elite L.O.D. club volleyball team, which recently qualifi ed in the 17 Open division for the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships in Reno, Nevada this summer. In addition, Andrews assisted with several USA Volleyball high performance tryouts in 2010. Andrews will be working toward a Master of Arts in Exercise Science while at Sam Houston State.

Joe Lind has served the past three seasons as assistant volleyball coach, helping direct the Bearkats to the Southland Conference post-season tournament each year. Last year, Sam Houston posted its fi rst 20-victory

season since the 1996. The Kats fi nished Southland Conference play as runners-up in the West Division with a 12-4 league mark. Sam Houston went undefeated at home in Johnson Coliseum in conference play. Prior to the start of the season, Lind’s ef-forts in recruiting were recognized nationally as Sam Houston was named by PrepVolleyball.Com for one of the top freshman classes in NCAA Division I in 2009. Lind came to Sam Houston after serving two seasons as the volunteer assistant at North Dakota State University. He helped lead the team to a third place fi nish in the 2006 NCAA Division I independent championships as well as the squad’s best victory total in North Dakota State’s third year as an NCAA Division I competitor. Lind played for the NDSU men’s volleyball club on two consecutive Northern Intercol-liegiate Volleyball Conference consolation silver division championship while earning All-Conference honors three times. As captain of the team, he led the squad to their best fi nishes at the NIRSA National Club Championship. He received his bachelor’s degree in human performance from North Dakota State in 2005 and received a Master of Science in Exercise Science from NDSU in December 2009. Lind has coached numerous clinics and camps including USA Volleyball’s High Perfor-mance camp in Colorado Spring.

2010

Volleyball

-----------------Attack---------------- ----Serve---- Reception Blocks Player MP Sets Kills Errors Attacks Pct. Assists Aces Errors Errors Digs Solo Assist Total PointsCarli Kolbe 34 126 461 233 1406 .162 17 24 48 35 331 7 56 63 520Anna Ferguson 34 128 456 142 1122 .280 12 28 68 6 120 8 113 121 549Kim Black 34 117 167 77 413 .218 6 0 2 3 39 6 87 93 217Camille Alfaro 33 102 130 91 455 .086 16 11 38 23 193 5 23 28 158Jamie Kaleh 30 85 89 53 313 .115 7 17 28 9 80 0 9 9 111Kelli Stewart 10 38 67 48 224 .085 3 5 10 5 60 3 14 17 82Becky Swann 25 49 62 22 174 .230 0 0 0 0 10 2 15 17 72Michelle Miller 31 108 49 16 106 .168 1059 13 6 1 245 3 46 49 88Katie Phillips 34 110 44 30 184 .076 25 20 33 3 77 3 67 70 101Kym Loving 9 30 21 3 57 .316 278 5 6 3 81 3 13 16 36Shamira Washington 28 51 12 2 26 .385 1 4 4 5 35 0 0 0 16Kaylee Hawkins 34 120 8 8 55 .000 18 32 24 31 522 0 2 2 41Courtney Laskowski 30 95 5 5 29 .000 15 6 7 5 130 0 1 1 12Jamie Haas 29 85 0 2 5 -.400 10 8 10 16 155 0 0 0 8 Sam Houston....................... 34 131 1571 733 4660 .180 1467 173 284 159 2078 40 446 263 2007Opponents............................ 34 131 1567 694 4647 .188 1468 160 249 173 2011 53 480 293 2020

SAM HOUSTON 2009 VOLLEYBALL STATISTICS Season: Won 20, Lost 14 Southland Conference: Won 9, Lost 7

Stefanie Douglas

Volunteer Assistant

Stefanie Douglas serves as a volunteer assistant for the Bearkats. She was a four-year letter winner at outside hitter and middle blocker at the University of Florida, playing on nation-ally ranked Gator squads.

For the past two years, she has been varsity assistant coach at Groesbeck High School, helping lead the Goats to the regional semifi nals in 2008. She taught kindergarten at Groesbeck Elementary. A native of Belton, she is a 2008 graduate of Florida with dual degrees in family and community health and criminology. She is teaching this year at Samuel Houston Elementary.

Matt Cash

Student Manager

Matt Cash, a junior at Sam Houston State University this year, serves as student manager for the 2010 vol-leyball team. He is a graduate of West Brook High School and, last year, coached the SHSU

women’s club volleyball team. His squad qualifi ed for the SIVA conference playoff s. His mother, Jana Russell Cash, played volley-ball at Sam Houston with Bearkat head coach Brenda Gray. Cash is an education major. He is an avid sand volleyball player.


Meet the Bearkats

Kym

LOVING

3

SAM HOUSTONInjured in the ninth match of the 2009 season and sat out the rest of the year ... totaled 278 assists including season best of 57 against Southern Utah ... played in 71 matches during her three years at Sam Houston, starting 45 times ... ranks ninth in career assists at SHSU (1,542) ... ranked 8th in the Southland in 2008 (1,059 assists) ... 2008 season highs included 63 assists in victory over A&M-Corpus Christi and 25 digs in post-season tournament win over SFA ... as a fresh-man in 2007, played in 28 matches, starting three times ... posted 205 assists including season high 28 in victory over Texas Southern ... three-time Southland Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll member with 3.62 overall grade point average ... fi nance major.

CYPRESS SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOLThree-time All-District and twice team Most Valuable Player for Coach Ashley Hardin at Cypress Springs ... played for Texas Tornado club team ... participated in Junior Olympics in 2004 ... National Honor Society member.

HEAD COACH BRENDA GRAY:“This is Kym’s team to lead. She was doing a great job running the fl oor for us last year before the injury. She learned a lot on the side-lines, helping our freshman setter. We need her to come back strong and be a diff erence-maker for us.”

Setter5-9 Junior-2LHoustonCypress Springs High School

Major: FinanceBirthday: April 5, 1989

FavoritesPro Athlete: Emmitt SmithPro Team: Dallas CowboysMovie: “Pirates of the Caribbean”Actress: Kate HudsonMusic: CountryMusician: Carrie UnderwoodBook: “Pride and Prejudice”TV Show: “Gilmore Girls”Food: LasagnaCity: HoustonVacation Spot: Sam Rayburn LakeHoliday: ThanksgivingHobbies: ShoppingColor: BlueStrangest nickname: KymboPrized possession: My carI’m at SHSU because: Good education, close to family, playing volleyball

CAREER STATISTICSYear MP GP Kills Errors Attempts Pct. Aces Digs Assists

2007 28 72 19 2 79 .236 10 98 205

2008 34 126 62 25 217 .171 20 274 1059

2009 9 30 21 3 57 .316 4 81 278

Totals 71 228 102 30 363 .192 34 453 1542

5Kim

BLACKMiddle Blocker5-11 Junior-2LHuntsvilleHuntsville High School

SAM HOUSTON

Started in all but one match as a sophomore for the Bearkats ... third on the squad in kills with 167 (1.43 per set) ... posted four double digit kill performances including a season best of 14 in fi ve-set home victory over A&M-Corpus Christi ... second on the team in blocks (93) ... her eight blocks in UTSA victory tied as the season best for the Kats ... appeared in eight matches as a true freshman in 2008 ... totaled 11 kills and posted .261 hitting percentage ... two-time Southland Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll selection with 3.18 overall GPA ... accounting major.

HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Three-time All-District performer and four-year starter for head coach Debbie Hightower at Huntsville High School ... four-time Academic All-District selection ... member, National Honor Society ... team “Most Valuable Player” after leading Hornets to the state playoff s ... team reached regional semi-fi nals ... played club volleyball for Brazos Valley Juniors in 2006-07 and Houston Juniors in 2007-08 HEAD COACH BRENDA GRAY:

“Kim has gotten stronger and has become a more versatile player. She has a natural knack for the ball. Most important, she’s hungry. She plays with a lot of confi dence and can be a main force for us this fall.”

CAREER STATISTICSYear MP Sets Kills Errors Attempts Pct. Aces Digs Blocks

2008 5 8 11 5 23 .261 0 3 0

2009 34 117 167 77 413 .218 6 39 93

Totals 39 125 178 82 436 .220 6 42 93

Major: AccountingBirthday: December 22, 1989

FavoritesPro Athlete: Brett BavreMovie: “The Blind Side”Actor: Jim Carey / Sandra BullockMusic: CountryMusician: Taylor SwiftBook: The “Twilight” seriesTV Show: “Sponge Bob”Food: ItalianCity: New BraunfelsVacation Spot: FloridaHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: VolleyballColor: PurpleStrangest nickname: Muffi n topPrized possession: Quilt I made with my grandmotherI’m at SHSU because: The volleyball program and the education


Meet the Bearkats

Major: Sports MarketingBirthday: December 17, 1989

FavoritesPro Athlete: Venus WilliamsPro Team: New England PatriotsMovie: “She’s the Man”Actor: John TravoltaMusic: EverythingMusician: Clay WalkerBook: “Stumbling on Happiness”TV Show: “House Wives of Orange County”Food: SeafoodCity: Crested ButteVacation Spot: BahamasHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: Horseback riding, skiingColor: Blue

Strangest nickname: ElbowsPrized possession: My horseI’m at SHSU because: Really liked the environment and the location

Jamie

KALEH

7

SAM HOUSTON

Two-year letter winner who has played in 64 matches in her career ... totaled 89 kills, 80 digs and 17 aces in 30 matches in 2009 ... started nine times ... played in all 34 matches as a true freshman in 2008 ... started six times ... posted season totals of 217 digs and 22 service aces ... career bests include 14 kills in road victory over Northwestern State in 2010 and 20 digs against Long Island as a freshman ... two-time Southland Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll member with 3.28 overall grade point average ... marketing major

MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL

All-District and All-Montgomery County selection for Coach Terri Johnson at Magnolia High School ... versatile athlete who played out-side hitter and libero ... helped lead squad to three consecutive district championships ... played club volleyball for Tornados and Texas Elite ... regional qualifi er in track and fi eld ... Academic All-District in both volleyball and track and fi eld ... political science major.

HEAD COACH BRENDA GRAY

“Jamie is a tremendous athlete who can be a spark for us. She has the quickness and athleticism to succeed. With two years of experience she has the tools to step up and help us as a junior.”

Outside Hitter / Defensive Specialist5-8 Junior-2LMagnoliaMagnolia High School


2008 34 124 16 30 136 -.103 22 217 15

2009 30 85 89 53 313 .115 17 80 7

Totals 64 209 105 83 449 .049 39 297 22

Major: KinesiologyBirthday: April 17, 1990

FavoritesPro Athlete: Brett FarvePro Team: The LakersMovie: “The Notebook”Actor: Sandra BullockMusic: CountryMusician: George StraitBook: “Lance Armstrong”TV Show: “The Bachelor”Food: Queso dipCity: College StationVacation Spot: Mountain HomeHoliday: Valentine’s DayHobbies: SportsColor: Yellow

Strangest nickname: CorkyPrized possession: My puggy Tucker BearI’m at SHSU because: I feel like I fi t in here and it’s close to home

Carli

KOLBE

6

SAM HOUSTONFirst team All-Southland Conference as a sophomore in 2009 ... earned Southland “Off ensive Player of the Week” honors on Oct. 5, 2009 ... third in the league in kills (3.66 per set) ... started every match, posting double fi gure kills in 26 times and double digit digs in 20 contests ... played in all 68 matches for Sam Houston the past two years ... career totals include 745 kills, 601 digs and 40 double fi gure kill matches ... career best single match performances include 28 kills in win over Texas State and 26 in victory over SFA in 2010 and 24 digs in 2009 win over McNeese ... ranked third on the 2008 squad in kills (284) and digs (270) and leading the team in aces (41) ... had 14 double fi gure kill matches

A&M CONSOLIDATEDThree-time All-District and All-Brazos Valley selection for head coach Adam Cornell at A&M Consolidated ... District and team “Most Valu-able Player” as a senior ... qualifi ed for Junior Olympics four times ... played club volleyball for Texas Tornados.

HEAD COACH BRENDA GRAY“Carli is one of the strongest players we’ve had at Sam Houston. If she can help elevate everyone on the team to her level, we can accom-plish a lot. We’re counting on her to be one of our leaders.”

Outside Hitter5-11 Junior-2LCollege StationA&M Consolidated High School


2008 34 127 284 189 933 .102 16 270 51

2009 34 126 461 233 1406 .162 24 331 63

Totals 68 253 745 422 2339 .138 40 601 114


Major: Mass CommunicationsBirthday: June 17, 1990

FavoritesPro Athlete: Dustin PedroiaPro Team: Boston Red SoxMovie: “Troy”Actress: Christian BaleMusic: CountryMusician: Bon JoviBook: “The Shack”TV Show: “O’Rielly Factor”Food: Peanut butterCity: KoscviskoVacation Spot: The beachHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: PhotographyColor: Red

Strangest nickname: K. PoloPrized possession: Picture of my PopoI’m at SHSU because: I love the school and the volleyball program

Courtney

LASKOWSKI

11

SAM HOUSTON

Two-year letter winner playing in 59 matches during her career ... av-eraged 1.37 digs per set as a back row reserve in 2009 ... season bests included 11 digs in fi ve set victories over both Louisiana-Lafayette and Stephen F. Austin ... played in 29 matches as a true freshman ... averaged 1.82 digs per set with 169 season total ... produced career best 21 digs in four-set match with Texas State in 2008 ... two-time Southland Conference Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll member with 3.69 overall grade point average ... mass communications major

POTH HIGH SCHOOL

All-State Tournament, All-Region, and All-District for head coach Patti Zenner at Poth High School ... led team to state championship ... also lettered in softball and track and fi eld ... played club volleyball for Wil-son County Juniors ... National Honor Society member, honor student, and class vice president.


“Courtney always provides lots of energy on the fl oor. She is a very athletic left-hander who plays with no fear. She doesn’t let pressure get to her. We are looking for her to help run the fl oor with Kym.”

Setter / Right Side5-9 Junior-2LPothPoth High School


2008 29 93 8 23 75 -.200 23 217 3

2009 30 95 5 5 29 .000 15 130 15

Totals 59 188 13 28 104 -140 38 347 18

Meet the Bearkats

SAM HOUSTON

Started in 21 matches and saw action as a reserve in 12 others as a true freshman in 2009 ... ranked fourth on the squad in kills (1.27 per set) ... posted fi ve double digit kills performances including a season best of 13 in fi ve-set home victory over UTSA ... totaled 193 digs (1.89 per set) with match high of 21 in fi ve-set home victory over SFA ... general studies major

MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL

Three-time All-District 28-5A fi rst team selection for coach Jennifer Woods at Marshall High School ... ranked No. 3 in the San Antonio area in kills per set in 2008 with 5.00 average ... led Marshall to the state playoff s in 2006 and 2007 ... team “Most Valuable Player” as a senior ... played for Alamo volleyball club, leading squad to Vegas Classic title ... three-time Academic All-District selection ... student class offi cer and Homecoming Queen ... also lettered in basketball, track and softball.


“Camille has all the tools. She reads the ball well and is a defensive presence for us. She missed most of the spring with an injury. We need her to fi ght for a spot on the outside.”


2009 33 102 130 91 455 .086 0 193 16

Major: ManagementBirthday: May 13, 1991

FavoritesPro Athlete: Alex RodriquezPro Team: Dallas CowboysMovie: “Remember the Titans”Actor: Adam SandlerMusic: CountryMusician: Taylor SwiftBook: “Harry Potter”TV Show: “Chelsea Lately”Food: ChickenCity: AustinVacation Spot: The beachHoliday: ThanksgivingColor: Yellow

Strangest nickname: ChamillionairePrized possession: Cell phoneI’m at SHSU because: The great education as well as playing the sport I love.

Camille

ALFARO

13

Outside Hitter5-10 Sophomore-1LSan Antonio Marshall High School


Jamie

HAAS

Defensive Specialist / Libero5-3 Sophomore-1LDeer ParkDeer Park High School

Meet the Bearkats

2


2009 29 85 0 2 5 --- 8 155 10

SAM HOUSTON

Appeared in 29 matches as a defensive specialist as a true freshman in 2009 ... totaled 155 digs in 85 sets (1.82 average) ... posted seven double digit dig performances including season best of 16 in fi ve-set home victory over the University of Houston ... Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll member with 3.51 overall grade point average ... biology major

DEER PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Two-time All-District 22-5A libero on back-to-back district champions for coach Gay Sabatell ... led Deer Park to 25-15 season record and the second round of the Texas Class 5A playoff s ... Academic All-State and All-District selection ... recognized as Deer Park’s “Most Valuable Defensive Player” as senior ... also starter on softball team, hitting .316 as a senior ... played for Ava 18 Attack club team, winning bronze medals at Junior Olympics in 2004 and 2005 ... National Honor Society member.


“Jamie is a very team-oriented player who had a good spring and ap-pears more comfortable on the court. She reads very well and we look for her to help solidify our defense.”

Major: BiologyBirthday: October 23, 1990

FavoritesPro Athlete: David BeckhamPro Team: Houston AstrosMovie: “Dodge Ball”Actor: Will FerrellMusic: Hip-hop, countryMusician: Rascal FlattsTV Shows: “Gossip Girl” and “One Tree Hill”Food: SeafoodCity: New York CityVacation Spot: CozumelHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: Tubing, wake boardingColor: Yellow

Strangest nickname: J-MoPrized possession: Junior Olympic medalsI’m at SHSU because: Chance to play the sport I love while earning a degree

Kaylee

HAWKINSOutside hitter5-9 FreshmanDickinsonDickinson High School

Major: General StudiesBirthday: Sept. 7, 1990

FavoritesPro Team: Philadelphia EaglesMovie: “Curious Case of Benjamin Button”Music: All kindsMusician: Kanye WestBook: “A Child Called It”TV Shows: “The Real World”Food: Fettuccine AlfredoCity: AtlantaVacation spot: FloridaHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: Watching moviesColor: Yellow

I’m at SHSU because: I love the school and the volleyball program

12

SAM HOUSTON

First team All-Southland Conference libero as a true freshman in 2009 ... ranked third in the Southland in digs with 4.28 average ... two-time Southland “Defensive Player of the Week” ... her move to libero corre-sponded with a surge of victories as Bearkats rolled up 11-match win-ning streak, the longest for SHSU since 1993 ... totaled 24 double digit dig matches including school record 44 in fi ve-set victory over A&M-Corpus Christi ... performance also was season best in the Southland ... her 522 digs in 2009 rank as the fi fth highest season total in Bearkat annals ... Southland Conference Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll member with 3.34 overall grade point average ... accounting major

DICKINSON HIGH SCHOOL

Four-time All-District 24-5A selection for coach Mitzi Matthews ... led Dickinson to 32-6 record in 2008 ... All-County and Academic All-State ... National Honor Society member ... played for Absolute Volleyball Academy of Texas 18 Performance club team, the Junior Olympics Under 18 national titlist in 2009


“After earning All-Southland honors as a freshman, the sky is the limit for Kaylee. She had a great year in 2009. She has an uncanny knack to get the ball right to target. She will be on the fl oor somewhere.”


2009 34 120 8 8 55 .000 32 522 18


Major: BusinessBirthday: April 27, 1991

FavoritesPro Athlete: Kobie BryantPro Team: Dallas CowboysMovie: “Wedding Crashers” and “Varsity Blues”Actress: Cameron DiazMusic: Country, rapMusician: Eli Young band, Lil WayneBook: “One Fish, Two Fish Red Fish, Love Fish” Dr. SeussTV Show: “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Sports Center”Food: Any desertCity: Shiro, TxVacation Spot: RockportHoliday: HalloweenHobbies: “Madden” or “Gator Wrestling”Color: Aqua

Prized possession: Spelling bee trophyI’m at SHSU because: Close to home and my parents and brothers were athletes here

Kelli

STEWARTRight Side / Outside Hitter6-1 Redshirt FreshmanMagnoliaMagnolia High School

8

SAM HOUSTON

Started eight matches and played in two others before a season-ending injury in 2009 ... totaled 67 kills (1.76 per set) ... named all-tournament at the Comfort Suites Invitational ... posted three double digit kill matches including season best of 14 kills in fi ve-set victory over Houston ... transferred from TCU, attending the university during the 2009 spring semester

MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL

Texas Class 4A All-State selection, leading greater Houston in kills with more than 600 as a senior ... three-time fi rst team All-District 18-4A for coach Terri Johnson at Magnolia ... led squad to 37-14 record and the state tournament ... Montgomery County Volleyball “Player of the Year” and fi rst team All-Houston ... United States Volleyball As-sociation development national team member ... played in the THSCA all-star game ... transfer from TCU, attending the university during the spring semester.


“Kelli brings big power to fl oor for us. She can be a dynamite player before she’s done here. With her court presence and tremendous power she can bring more balance to our attack .”


2009 10 38 67 48 224 .085 5 60 17

Major: Animal scienceBirthday: March 12, 1992

FavoritesPro Athlete: Misty MayPro Team: San Antonio SpursMovie: “The Ugly Truth”Actress: Jennifer AnistonMusic: CountryMusician: Lady AntebellumBook: “Twilight” seriesTV Show: “Gilmore Girls”Food: EnchiladeasCity: San AntonioVacation Spot: MexicoHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: Riding horsesColor: Blue

Strangest nickname: AmboPrized possession: State medalI’m at SHSU because: I like the town, the campus and the people

Amber

BAINRight Side / Outside Hitter5-11 FreshmanLouiseLouise High School

17

SAM HOUSTON

A left-handed hitter who brings athleticism to the fl oor for the Bear-kats ... agriculture/animal science major.

LOUISE HIGH SCHOOL

All-State, All-Region and three-time All-District performer for coach Bryan Branch ... totaled 1,446 kills, 604 blocks, 314 digs and 111 aces during her high school career ... named “Most Valuable Player” at the 2009 Texas Class 1A state tournament after leading Louise to the state championship ... played for Texstar volleyball club ... versatile athlete who also earned all-district and all-state honors in track and fi eld and basketball ... led basketball team to district title and state semi-fi nals ... named district “Defensive Player of the Year” ... regional champion in track, competing in the hurdles, long jump, triple jump and relays ... graduated fourth in her class ... academic all-district selection and National Honor Society president.


“We are extremely excited to have Amber join our Bearkat Volleyball program. She epitomizes what we are looking for in a student athlete - hard working and dedicated in the classroom and on the court. A left-hander, she is extremely athletic. As she adjusts to the speed of the college game, she will be an asset for us.”

Meet the Bearkats


Major: Animal scienceBirthday: March 9, 1992

FavoritesPro Athlete: Tony RomoPro Team: Dallas CowboysMovie: “The Hangover”Actor: Adam SandlerMusic: CountryMusician: Casey Donahew Band,Book: “Pride and Prejudice”TV Show: Don’t have oneFood: BarbequeCity: San AntonioVacation Spot: FloridaHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: Hunting, fi shingColor: Blue

Strangest nickname: L-Money, L-BoPrized possession: My truckI’m at SHSU because: Great volleyball program and the university is a good fi t for me

Lauren

BOHLENOutside Hitter6-0 FreshmanSan AntonioO’Connor High School

14

SAM HOUSTON

A hard worker with a heavy arm swing and powerful jump serve who is expected to contribute as a freshman ... animal science major.

O’CONNOR HIGH SCHOOL

All-District outside hitter for coach Yamilet Garcia ... named to LoneStarVolleyball.com All-Texas team ... led squad to three consecu-tive district titles and area fi nals appearances ... reached the Texas Class 5A regional fi nals in 2009, losing to eventual state runner-up ... avaerged 2.5 kills per set as a senior ... played for Alamo Volleyball Association club team along with Bearkat sophomore Camille Alfaro ... her 2010 club team qualifi ed for the Junior Olympic Championships in Reno, Nev. in the 18 open division ... club won the 2008 Lone Star national qualifi er championship ... averaged 4.1 kills and 1.6 blocks per set for her club in 2009 ... Academic All-District and All-State selection ... National Honor Socieity and Math Honor Society member.


“What a pleasant addition to our program. Lauren has done every-thing we’ve asked and more. She has a tremendous work ethic. She will add to our depth this year on the outside. She comes from well known and respected high school and club programs.”

Meet the Bearkats

Major: NursingBirthday: January 24, 1992

FavoritesPro Athlete: Rafael NadalPro Team: Boston Red SoxMovie: “New Moon”Actress: Julia RobertsMusic: Alternative rockMusician: “Hootie & the Blow Fish”Book: “Twilight” seriesTV Show: ESPNFood: ItalianCity: Destin, Fl.Vacation Spot: Destin, Fl.Holiday: ChristmasHobbies: Snow boardingColor: Pink

Strangest nickname: Tay TayPrized possession: Being an auntI’m at SHSU because: I love Sam Houston

Tayler

GRAYSetter5-8 FreshmanHuntsvilleHuntsville High School

4

SAM HOUSTON

Enrolled at Sam Houston in January, 2010 after high school gradua-

tion... athletic setter with good fundamentals ... daughter of Bearkat

head coach Brenda Gray ... nursing major.

HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Two-time fi rst team all-district setter and libero at Huntsville High

School ... second team all-district as a sophomore ... team “Most

Valuable Player” as a senior for the Hornets ... All-Tournament twice at

Santa Fe Invitational ... led team to regional semifi nals ... also played

basketball and softball ... National Honor Society member


“Tayler is a team-oriented play who is a true Bearkat. She literally has

grown up with Sam Houston volleyball and its a thrill for both of us

to see her in Orange and White. She doesn’t want to let a ball hit the

fl oor and will be a utility player for us. It is going to be interesting

coaching her.”

Meet the Bearkats


Major: NutritionBirthday: March 1, 1990

FavoritesPro Athlete: Misty MayPro Team: Dallas CowboysMovie: “The Hangover”Actress: Cameron DiazMusic: Texas countryMusician: Kevin FowlerBook: “Twilight” seriesTV Show: “Sports Center”Food: MexicanCity: New York, AustinVacation Spot: Cancun, MexicoHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: SportsColor: Blue

Strangest nickname: NonePrized possession: Cell phoneI’m at SHSU because: Love the coaches and team and my degree is here.

Brittany

HOAGOutside Hitter6-0 SophomoreCrosbyCrosby High School

9

SAM HOUSTON

Transfer from Arkansas State who brings addition power outside for the Bearkats in 2010 ... has three years to play for Sam Houston ... nutrition major.

ARKANSAS STATE

Led the Red Wolves to 22-11 record in 2009, totaling 296 kills and 60 blocks ... redshirt as a freshman in 2008

CROSBY HIGH SCHOOL

Four-year varsity standout and two-year team captain at Crosby for coach Stephanie Cone ... earned fi rst -team All-District honors all four years ... off ensive player of the year 2006 and 2007... broke school re-cord for kills ... totaled 370 kills for .204 hitting percentage as a senior ... District “Most Valuable Player” in 2007... earned Houston Chronicle Player of the Week honors in 2007 ... Baytown Sun Player of the Year 2007 ... played for Willowbrook AVA and Houston Select club teams ... member of National English and Science Honor Society and National Honor Society ... also played softball, soccer and ran track.


“Brittany has a high volleyball IQ and the right mentality for the game. She is still coming into her own as a player. She is a good blocker and will fi ght playing time on the outside or the right.”

Major: General studiesBirthday: November 6, 1991

FavoritesPro Athlete: Misty MayPro Team: Kansas City ChiefsMovie: “Remember the Titans”Actress: Rachel McAdamsMusic: Rap and hip hopMusician: Lil Wayne, Kid CudiBook: “The Great Gatsby”TV Show: “Real World” “The Buried Life”Food: Chips and salsaCity: New YorkVacation Spot: FloridaHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: Music, wakeboardingColor: Purple

Strangest nickname: BuggPrized possession: Cell phoneI’m at SHSU because: Love the campus and the volleyball team and want an education

Haley

NEISLERMiddle Blocker5-11 FreshmanFlower MoundMarcus High School

1

SAM HOUSTON

Enrolled at Sam Houston in January, 2010 after high school gradua-tion... comes from strong high school and club team ... general studies major.

MARCUS HIGH SCHOOL

Middle blocker from Flower Mound Marcus High School ... earned All-District 6-5A honors and was district “Off ensive Player of the Year” after leading her squad to the Class 5A regional fi nals ... team captain as a senior and also earned Academic All-District ... second team All-District selection as a junior ... played for Texas Advantage volleyball club in Fort Worth ... earned All Texas team special recognition from LoneStarVolleyball.com ... played on a squad that fi nished ninth at junior Olympics ... club was runner-up in the 18 Club division at the Lone Star Classic ... played with fellow Bearkat freshman Elyse Burkert ... played at Marcus High School for former Sam Houston State Bearkat volleyball play Cristie Selfridge Liles.


“Haley knows the game well and runs a great slide. She is a good, ag-ile middle blocker. An athletic player with good quickness, she comes from strong high school and club programs and will be an asset for us this fall.”

Meet the Bearkats

Major: PhysicsBirthday: December 9, 1991

FavoritesPro Athlete: Reggie BushPro Team: New Orleans SaintsMovie: “John Tucker Must Die”Actress: Taylor LautnerMusic: Rhythm and bluesMusician: Trey SongzBook: “The Great Gatsby”TV Show: “Gossip Girl”Food: PizzaCity: San FranciscoVacation Spot: FloridaHoliday: ThanksgivingHobbies: ShoppingColor: BlueStrangest nickname: Tarony balonyPrized possession: My brother’s military dog tagI’m at SHSU because: the university is perfect for me and love joining the SHSU Family.

Tarona

WILLIAMSMiddle blocker5-11 FreshmanFresnoHightower High School

10

SAM HOUSTON

Talented athlete with tremendous vertical leap and excellent quick-

ness who will be an asset in the middle ... physics major.

HIGHTOWER HIGH SCHOOL

All-district middle blocker at Hightower ... averaged 3.9 kills per set

as a senior ... played for Southwest Heat club team ... also lettered in

basketball and track and fi eld and was a cheerleader ... National Honor

Society and French Honor Society member.


“Tarona is a very athletic middle blocker with good foot speed and

quickness. She was a late fi nd for us in the recruiting process. She is a

great athlete and an outstanding student. As she adapts to the Divi-

sion I game, she will contribute to the program.”

Major: Nursing/physical therapyBirthday: February 23, 1991

FavoritesPro Athlete: Misty MayPro Teams: Rangers, Cowboys, LakersMovie: “A Walk to Remember”Actress: Cameron Diaz, Chad Michael MurryMusic: Texas Country, Hip-hopMusician: Randy Rogers and Kyle ParkTV Show: “Jersey Shore,” “The Hills”Food: OrangesCity: Panama CityVacation Spot: Panama CityHoliday: ChristmasHobbies: Shopping, tanningColors: Pink and yellow

Strangest nickname: ManthaPrized possession: My cell phoneI’m at SHSU because: “Love the program, pretty camps and it’s close to home”

Samantha

WESTMiddle Blocker6-2 SophomoreBridge CityBridge City High School

15

SAM HOUSTON

Late signee with Bearkats, inking letter-of-intent in July ... her signing helped fi ll a void in the middle for the Kats.

NAVARRO COLLEGE

Starter for Navarro as a freshman in 2009 for coach Kristee Porter, playing on squad that posted 15 victories ... led the Bulldogs in blocks per match (5.0) and also posted 2.3 kills per set ... Dean’s List student in junior college

BRIDGE CITY

First team All-District 21-3A middle blocker as a junior and senior at Bridge City High School ... also earned All-Orange County honors ... played for head coach Becca Mathews ... outstanding student as well, earning Academic All-State honors ... played for Tri-City and Christian Community volleyball clubs ... also played basketball in high school


“As she adjusts to the speed of NCAA Division I volleyball, Sam will be an asset for us in the middle. She defi nitely will help us defensively with her presence on the fl oor as a blocker. Her signing this summer helped us fi ll a void. With a year of experience at Navarro and her size, she will be huge for our team this fall,”


Bearkat Volleyball Record BookANNUAL RECORD Year Head Coach Season Conference

W-L W-L Finish

TAIAW (Texas Association of Intercollegiate Athletics For Women)1970 Jody Conradt 22-51971 Jody Conradt 29-71972 Jody Conradt 24-61973 Rebecca Bilsing 23-12 4th1974 Rebecca Bilsing 27-15 6th1975 Rebecca Bilsing 27-12 . 6th1976 Rebecca Bilsing 25-16 6th1977 Rebecca Bilsing 28-14 5th1978 Melissa Stephens 50-42 6th1979 Rebecca Bilsing 38-15 3rd1980 Rebecca Bilsing 42-15 2nd1981 Rebecca Bilsing 41-11 2nd

LONE STAR CONFERENCE (NCAA Division II)1982 Rebecca Bilsing 55-15 6-2 2nd1983 Rebecca Bilsing 39-13 2-3 4th

GULF STAR CONFERENCE (NCAA Division II)1984 Brenda Gray 47-8 9-1 1st1985 Brenda Gray 45-8 7-1 1st1986 Brenda Gray 30-16 2-2 2nd

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE (NCAA Division I)1987 Brenda Gray 35-9 8-4 2nd1988 Brenda Gray 17-16 4-3 4th1989 Brenda Gray 25-14 6-1 2nd1990 Brenda Gray 33-8 6-1 2nd1991 Brenda Gray 22-14 7-2 3rd1992 Brenda Gray 23-13 8-1 2nd1993 Brenda Gray 25-8 8-1 1st1994 Brenda Gray 28-7 12-1 1st1995 Brenda Gray 19-15 12-7 4th1996 Brenda Gray 25-15 12-5 2nd1997 Brenda Gray 12-20 7-11 7th1998 Brenda Gray 12-19 9-11 7th1999 Brenda Gray 13-15 9-11 7th2000 Brenda Gray 5-25 4-16 9th2001 Brenda Gray 12-19 8-12 7th2002 Brenda Gray 14-18 7-13 7th2003 Brenda Gray 11-18 8-12 7th2004 Brenda Gray 16-15 10-10 6th2005 Brenda Gray 17-13 14-5 2nd2006 Brenda Gray 10-16 5-11 9th2007 Brenda Gray 11-19 5-11 8th2008 Brenda Gray 15-19 9-7 6th2009 Brenda Gray 20-14 12-4 3rd

POST SEASON NCAA DIVISION I PLAYOFFS

1993 Knoxville, TN (First Round) Tennessee L 1-31996 Huntsville, TX (Play-In) Grambling W 3-0 San Diego, CA (First Round) San Diego St. L 1-3

NCAA DIVISION II PLAYOFFS

1984 Lakeland, FL (Regionals) South Florida W 3-0 Ferris St. W 3-1 Portland, OR (Final Four) Portland St. L 0-3 Sacramento St. L 0-31985 Huntsville, TX (Regionals) Florida International W 3-0 Miss. U. for Women W 3-2 Portland, OR (Final Four) Portland St. L 0-3 Nebraska-Omaha L 2-3

NATIONAL INVITATIONAL

1994 Kansas City, KS Connecticut W 3-0 CA St.-Northridge L 0-3 Minnesota L 1-3 Oregon St. L 0-3

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT (NCAA Division I)

1987 Natchitoches, LA Northwestern St. W 3-1 (Runner-up) Southwest Texas W 3-2 Texas-Arlington L 0-3 Southwest Texas W 3-0 Texas-Arlington L 1-31988 Arlington Northeast Louisiana W 3-0 (Semifi nals) Texas-Arlington L 0-31989 San Marcos McNeese St. W 3-0 (Semifi nals) Southwest Texas L 1-31990 San Marcos Northwestern St. W 3-0 (Semifi nals) Southwest Texas L 2-31991 Arlington McNeese St. W 3-1 (Semifi nals) Texas-Arlington L 1-31992 San Antonio, TX Stephen F. Austin L 0-31993 Huntsville, TX Texas-Arlington W 3-0 (Champions) Stephen F. Austin W 3-11994 Huntsville, TX McNeese St. W 3-0 (Runner-up) Stephen F. Austin L 2-31995 Nacogdoches, TX Texas-Arlington L 1-31996 Nacogdoches, TX Texas-Arlington W 3-2 (Champions) Stephen F. Austin W 3-12004 Beaumont, TX Texas-Arlington L 0-32005 Arlington, TX Louisiana-Monroe W 3-1 (Semifi nals) Texas-San Antonio L 0-32007 San Antonio, TX Lamar L 0-32008 Nacogdoches, TX Stephen F. Austin W 3-2 (Semifi nals) TX St-San Marcos L 1-32009 San Antonio, TX Nicholls L 1-3

GULF STAR CONFERENCE (NCAA Division II)

1984 San Marcos Northwestern St. W 3-0 (Champions) Southeastern LA W 3-0 Southwest Texas W 3-0 Southwest Texas L 2-3 Southwest Texas W 3-11985 Thibodaux, LA Stephen F. Austin W 3-2 (Champions) Southwest Texas W 3-11986 Nacogdoches, TX Stephen F. Austin W 3-0 (Runner-up) Southwest Texas L 0-3 Stephen F. Austin W 3-1 Southwest Texas L 0-3

Sam Houston at the 1985 NCAA Final Four


TEAM SINGLE MATCH RECORDS

KILLS

109 Baylor 1993 H 5 sets102 Lamar 1992 H 5 sets98 Baylor 1992 H 5 sets96 Southwestern 1985 A 5 sets95 Texas-Arlington 2004 H 4 sets

ATTEMPTS

289 Baylor 1993 T 5 sets286 Baylor 1993 H 5 sets277 Texas-Arlington 2004 H 4 sets260 Lamar 1992 H 5 sets256 Southwest Texas 1995 H 5 sets256 Texas-Arlington 2007 H 5 sets

ASSISTS

101 Lamar 1992 H 5 sets101 Baylor 1993 H 5 sets94 Southwestern 1985 A 5 sets93 Baylor 1993 T 5 sets91 Houston 1986 H 5 sets

SERVICE ACES

24 Texas-Arlington T 5 sets19 Houston 1986 H 5 sets18 Marist 2002 T 3 sets17 Alcorn St. 2007 T 3 sets16 Stephen F. Austin 1996 A 5 sets16 Louisiana-Monroe 2005 H 4 sets

DIGS

170 Baylor 1993 T 5 sets161 Lamar 1992 H 5 sets143 Texas-Arlington 2004 H 4 sets136 Southeastern LA 2002 A 5 sets135 Houston 1986 H 5 sets

TOTAL BLOCKS

23 Southwestern 1985 A 5 sets21 UTSA 2009 H 5 sets21 Lamar 1984 A 5 sets20 Texas A&M 1994 H 4 sets18 Texas A&M 1985 H 3 sets18 Lamar 2004 H 4 sets

POINTS

Regular Scoring

74 Lamar 1993 H 5 set SHSU won 15-8 13-15 15-6 13-15 18-1674 Texas-Arlington 1995 H 5 set SHSU lost 15-9 14-16 13-15 15-7 17-19

Rally Scoring - 30 pt set

137 Central Arkansas 2007 H 5 set SHSU won 30-18 29-31 24-30 39-37 15-11134 A&M-Corpus Christi 2001 H 5 sets SHSU lost 27-30 30-16 30-15 27-30 20-22

Rally Scoring - 25 pt. set

113 Stephen F. Austin 2009 H 5 set SHSU won 24-26 25-22 22-25 27-25 15-11

POINTS - BOTH TEAMS

Regular Scoring

150 Illinois St. 1996 T 5 sets SHSU won 9-15 9-15 17-15 15-11 23-21144 Baylor 1993 H 5 sets SHSU lost 10-15 12-15 15-9 20-18 14-16

Rally Scoring (30 pt sets)

269 North Texas 2001 H 5 sets SHSU lost 27-30 30-26 25-30 39-37 10-15264 Central Arkansas 2007 H 5 sets SHSU won 30-18 29-31 24-30 39-37 15-11

Rally Scoring (25 pt sets)227 Texas St. 2008 H 5 sets SHSU won 14-25 32-30 25-21 24-26 16-14

LONGEST GAME

Regular Scoring

23-21 Illinois St. 1996 T SHSU won 9-15 9-15 17-15 15-11 23-2121-23 Lamar 1986 T SHSU lost 21-23 9-15 in 2 of 3 sets20-18 Baylor 1988 A SHSU lost 11-15 9-15 20-18 3-1520-18 Baylor 1993 H SHSU lost 10-15 12-15 15-9 20-18 14-16


39-37 North Texas 2001 H SHSU lost 27-30 30-26 25-30 39-37 10-1539-37 Central Arkansas 2005 H SHSU won 30-18 29-31 24-30 39-37 15-1137-35 Texas-Arlington 2004 H SHSU won 20-30 30-28 30-26 37-3536-34 Arkansas St. 2005 T SHSU won 24-30 25-30 30-24 36-34 15-11


30-32 Nicholls St. 2008 H SHSU won 16-25 25-23 30-32 25-22 15-1232-30 Texas St. 2009 H SHSU won 14-25 32-30 25-21 24-26 16-14

HIGHS BY MATCH LENGTH

THREE-SET MATCH

Kills: 70 Lamar 1998 HAttempts: 189 Lamar 1998 HAssists: 61 Ill.-Chicago 1993 TAces: 18 Marist 2002 TDigs: 108 New Orleans 1991 HBlocks: 18 Texas A&M 1985 H

FOUR-SET MATCH

Kills: 95 Texas-Arlington 2004 HAttempts: 277 Texas-Arlington 2004 HAssists: 82 Texas-Arlington 2004 HAces: 16 LA-Monroe 2005 HDigs: 143 Texas-Arlington 2004 HBlocks: 20 Texas A&M 1987 A

FIVE-SET MATCH

Kills: 109 Baylor 1993 HAttempts: 289 Baylor 1993 TAssists: 101 Lamar 1992 H 101 Baylor 1993 HAces: 24 Texas-Arlington 1996 ADigs: 170 Baylor 1993 TBlocks: 23 Southwestern 1985 A

Sam Houston’s 1985 Gulf Star Conference Champions


INDIVIDUAL SINGLE MATCH RECORDS

KILLS

38 Jennifer Cron Illinois St. 5 sets T 199736 Bonnie Beard Lamar 5 sets T 198436 Tracie Bendele Lamar 5 sets H 199735 Jana Harless Stephen F. Austin 5 sets T 199434 Jana Harless Baylor 5 sets H 199333 Sarah Womble Lamar 5 sets H 199232 Bonnie Beard Saint Mary’s 4 sets T 198432 Carrie Sartain McNeese St. 5 sets A 200232 Carrie Sartain Southeastern LA 5 sets A 200231 Bonnie Beard Texas A&M 3 sets H 198531 Bonnie Beard Southwest Texas 5 sets H 198531 Karen Zoch Lamar 5 sets T 198631 Jana Harless Stephen F. Austin 4 sets H 199431 Cynthia Yarotsky Central Arkansas 5 sets H 200730 Katherine Charles Lamar 5 sets A 198430 Bonnie Beard Southwestern 5 sets A 198530 Karen Zoch Houston 5 sets H 198630 Karen Zoch Texas Woman’s 5 sets H 198530 Jana Harless Southwest Texas 5 sets A 1994

ATTEMPTS

94 Carrie Sartain Southeastern LA 5 sets A 200291 Jana Harless Baylor 5 sets H 199385 Sarah Womble Lamar 5 sets H 199283 Carrie Sartain Northwestern St. 5 sets H 200282 Jana Harless Southwest Texas 5 sets A 199481 Carrie Sartain Rice 5 sets H 200280 Christi Dreier Baylor 5 sets T 199378 Karen Zoch Houston 5 sets H 198677 Carli Kolbe Stephen F. Austin 5 sets H 200975 Jana Harless Stephen F. Austin 5 sets T 199475 Jennifer Cron Illinois St. 5 sets T 1996

Top 3 Set Match Mark

60 Katrina Biggers Texas-Pan American 3 sets H 1998

ASSISTS

100 Rachel McFarland Lamar 5 sets H 199298 Julie Franzen Baylor 5 sets H 199386 Janell Cook Southwestern 5 sets A 198586 Janell Cook Houston 5 sets H 198686 Julie Franzen Baylor 5 sets T 199386 Rachel McFarland Lamar 4 sets H 199082 Rachel McFarland Baylor 5 sets H 199279 Julie Franzen Stephen F. Austin 4 sets H 199477 Janell Cook Texas Woman’s 5 sets H 198675 Amy Stavinoha Texas-Arlington 5 sets T 199675 Karlee Butler Texas-Arlington 4 sets H 2004


58 Julie Franzen Illinois-Chicago 3 sets T 1993

ACES

9 Kelly Hajovsky Stephen F. Austin 4 sets T 19969 Anna Ferguson Texas-Pan American 5 sets H 20078 Jennifer Cron Stephen F. Austin 5 sets A 19968 Amy Stavinoha Texas-Arlington 5 sets T 19968 Jennifer Henrichsen Florida St. 5 sets T 20047 Janell Cook Houston 5 sets H 19867 Terri Wilson Houston 5 sets H 19867 Amy Stavinoha Northeast LA 4 sets H 1996


6 Trina Davis Western Illinois 3 sets T 19846 Chelsea Johnson Marist 3 sets T 20026 Jennifer Henrichsen Louisiana-Monroe 3 sets A 20046 Rhae Walderman Southeastern LA 3 sets H 20056 Megan McNamara Lamar 3 sets H 2005

DIGS

44 Kaylee Hawkins McNeese St. 5 sets H 200943 Emily Orlowski Texas-Arlington 4 sets H 200439 Cynthia Yarotsky Texas-Arlington 5 sets H 200738 Melissa Sims Louisiana Tech 4 sets H 200638 Kaylee Hawkins A&M-Corpus Christi 5 sets H 200937 Christi Dreier Baylor 5 sets T 199335 Jennifer Henrichsen Stephen F. Austin 5 sets H 200534 Melissa Sims Texas St-San Marcos 3 sets H 200634 Melissa Sims A&M-Corpus Christi 3 sets H 200633 Rebecca Bailey Lamar 5 sets H 199733 Candy Collins TCU 4 sets A 199932 Yolanda Royston Lamar 4 sets H 199032 Christi Dreier Baylor 5 sets H 199332 Jana Harless Stephen F. Austin 4 sets H 199432 Kelly Hajovsky Southwest Texas 5 sets H 199732 Rebecca Bailey Texas-Arlington 4 sets A 1998

TOTAL BLOCKS

14 Jennifer Cron Texas A&M 4 sets H 1994 12 Karen Zoch Southwestern 5 sets A 198512 Alisha Fowler Lamar 4 sets H 200412 Haley Thomas Stephen F. Austin 5 sets T 200811 Katherine Charles Lamar 5 sets A 198411 Tracie Bendele Lamar 4 sets H 199910 Gwen Gilder Northern Colorado 4 sets T 198510 Yolanda Royston South Carolina 3 sets A 199110 Kelly Hajovsky Northwestern St. 5 sets H 1997 10 Tracie Bendele Lamar 4 sets A 199810 Alisha Fowler Texas A&M 4 set H 200510 Alisha Fowler Texas-San Antonio 3 sets H 200510 Alisha Fowler Louisiana-Monroe 4 sets T 200510 Anna Ferguson Texas-San Antonio 5 sets H 2008

SOLO BLOCKS

7 Karen Zoch Southwestern 5 sets A 19856 Kelly Hajovsky Northwestern St 5 sets H 19975 Katherine Charles Lamar 5 sets A 19845 Tracie Bendele Lamar 4 sets H 19995 Alisha Fowler Northwestern State 4 sets H 20054 Tracie Bendele Southwest Texas 4 sets H 19984 Jessica Bryant Southwest Texas 4 sets H 19984 Jessica Bryant TX-San Antonio 4 sets H 19984 Tracie Bendele McNeese 4 sets H 19994 Chrissy Engle Illinois-Chicago 4 sets H 20024 Alisha Fowler McNeese St. 5 sets H 2004

Sam Houston’s 1993 Southland Conference champions



INDIVIDUAL SEASON RECORDS

KILLS Year MP Sets Kills Avg.1. Bonnie Beard 1985 53 156 791 5.12. Bonnie Beard 1984 55 155 737 4.83. Karen Zoch 1986 46 144 647 4.54. Carrie Sartain 2002 32 126 624 4.95. Jana Harless 1994 39 131 620 4.76. Karen Zoch 1987 44 150 594 4.07. Jennifer Cron 1996 40 145 593 4.18. Monica Barajas 1995 34 126 583 4.69. Tracie Bendele 1996 40 145 566 3.910. Karen Humphrey 1987 44 149 533 3.6

ATTEMPTS Year MP Sets Att. Avg.1. Carrie Sartain 2002 32 126 1753 13.92. Jana Harless 1994 39 131 1569 12.03. Karen Zoch 1986 46 144 1538 10.74. Cynthia Yarotsky 2007 30 111 1440 12.95. Bonnie Beard 1985 53 156 1421 9.16. Karen Zoch 1987 44 150 1420 9.57. Carli Kolbe 2009 34 126 1,406 11.28. Tracie Bendele 1996 40 145 1397 9.69. Jana Harless 1993 33 115 1313 11.4 Jennifer Cron 1996 40 145 1313 9.1

HITTING PERCENTAGE Year Kills Errors Att. Pct.1. Bonnie Beard 1984 737 133 1101 .5492. Bonnie Beard 1985 791 149 1421 .4523. Karen Zoch 1984 308 70 595 .4004. Katherine Charles 1984 460 146 844 .3725. Tisha Hopkins 1993 425 116 871 .3556. Jennifer Cron 1994 335 86 704 .3547. Jennifer Cron 1995 509 146 1062 .3428. Katherine Charles 1983 505 140 1096 .3339. Karen Zoch 1987 594 133 1420 .32510. Yolanda Royston 1991 419 105 965 .325

ASSISTS Year MP Sets Assists Avg.1. Julie Franzen 1994 30 133 1818 13.72. Janell Cook 1985 48 141 1799 12.83. Amy Stavinoha 1996 40 145 1783 12.34. Julie Franzen 1993 33 119 1709 14.45. Janell Cook 1987 44 150 1587 10.66. Rachel McFarland 1992 36 126 1457 11.6 Karlee Butler 2002 32 124 1457 11.88. Karlee Butler 2004 31 117 1436 12.39. Janell Cook 1986 43 130 1405 10.810. Karlee Butler 2001 31 119 1397 11.7

ACES Year MP Sets Aces Avg.1. Katherine Charles 1985 53 157 104 0.672. Katherine Charles 1983 52 134 73 0.54 Bonnie Beard 1985 55 156 73 0.474. Janell Cook 1985 48 141 70 0.495. Jennifer Cron 1996 40 145 69 0.486. Kelly Hajovsky 1996 40 144 65 0.45 Janell Cook 1987 44 150 65 0.438. Bonnie Beard 1984 55 155 62 0.40 Janell Cook 1986 43 130 62 0.4810. Gretchen Day 1996 40 138 61 0.44

DIGS Year MP Sets Digs Avg.1. Katherine Charles 1985 53 157 571 3.62. Carrie Sartain 2002 32 126 555 4.43. Jennifer Henrichsen 2005 30 111 536 4.84. Sarah Womble 1992 36 125 523 4.25. Bonnie Beard 1985 53 156 522 3.4 Kaylee Hawkins 2009 31 120 522 4.47. Cynthia Yarotsky 2007 30 111 520 4.78. Christi Dreier 1993 33 116 517 4.69. Melissa Sims 2006 26 94 500 5.310. Gwen Gilder 1985 53 156 498 3.2

TOTAL BLOCKS Year Solo Assist Blocks Avg.1. Bonnie Beard 1985 84 130 214 1.42. Gwen Gilder 1985 81 108 189 1.23. Karen Zoch 1985 58 121 179 1.14. Bonnie Beard 1984 38 134 172 1.15. Katherine Charles 1985 60 87 147 0.96. Alisha Fowller 2005 23 113 136 1.27. Karen Zoch 1987 27 108 135 0.98. Tracie Bendele 1996 39 92 131 0.99. Katherine Charles 1984 21 109 130 0.810. Alisha Fowler 2004 32 98 130 1.1

Monica Barajas Bonnie Beard Tracie Bendelee

Karlee Butler Janell Cook Jennifer Cron

Chrissy Engle Anna Ferguson Alisha Fowler


Tish Hopkins Karen Humphrey Pam McRae

INDIVIDUAL CAREER

KILLS Years MP Sets Kills Avg.1. Karen Zoch 1984-87 198 605 2028 3.4 2. Tracie Bendele 1996-99 131 480 1824 3.83. Jana Harless 1991-94 143 483 1674 3.54. Carrie Sartain 2000-03 122 456 1547 3.45. Bonnie Beard 1984-85 108 311 1528 4.96. Jennifer Cron 1993-95 153 485 1504 3.17. Sarah Womble 1988-92 144 500 1489 3.08. Katherine Charles 1983-85 160 446 1479 3.3 9. Chrissy Engle 2002-05 122 464 1390 3.010. Denise Meyer 1986-89 162 548 1288 2.411. Gwen Gilder 1983-87 201 579 1226 2.112. Monica Barajas 1992-95 119 349 1207 3.513. Kelly Hajovsky 1996-99 131 481 1232 2.614. Alisha Fowler 2002-05 96 356 1223 3.415. Cynthia Yarotsky 2004-07 116 403 1209 3.016. Christi Dreier 1991-93 105 373 1179 3.2 Yolanda Royston 1988-91 148 472 1179 2.518. Anna Ferguson 2005-09 108 374 1070 2.619. Laura Hart Hodges 1987-90 128 409 1061 2.6

ATTEMPTS Years MP Sets Att. Avg.1. Karen Zoch 1984-87 198 605 4662 7.72. Tracie Bendele 1996-99 131 480 4513 9.43. Carrie Sartain 2000-03 122 456 4461 9.84. Jana Harless 1991-94 143 483 4344 9.05. Sarah Womble 1988-92 144 500 4124 8.26. Cynthia Yarotsky 2004-07 116 403 4025 9.97. Denise Meyer 1986-89 162 548 3676 6.78. Kelly Hajovsky 1996-99 131 481 3612 7.59. Chrissy Engle 2002-05 122 464 3360 7.210. Jennifer Cron 1993-95 153 485 3304 6.811. Gwen Gilder 1983-87 201 579 3152 5.412. Katherine Charles 1983-85 160 446 3096 6.9 13. Yolanda Royston 1988-91 148 472 3023 6.414. Liz Dahlstrom 1999-02 120 426 2857 6.715. Christi Dreier 1991-93 105 373 2852 7.6

HITTING PERCENTAGE Years Kills Errors Att. Pct.Minimum 1000 Attempts1. Bonnie Beard 1984-85 1528 282 2522 .4942. Tisha Hopkins 1992-93 707 219 1466 .3333. Karen Zoch 1984-87 2028 515 4662 .3254. Jennifer Cron 1993-96 1504 435 3304 .3245. Katherine Charles 1983-85 1479 479 3096 .3236. Monica Barajas 1992-95 1207 403 2599 .3097. Alisha Fowler 2002-05 1223 478 2622 .2848. Chrissy Engle 2002-05 1390 442 3360 .2829. Karen Humphrey 1986-87 812 297 1887 .273 10. Tracie Bendele 1996-99 1824 631 4513 .268

ASSISTS Years MP Sets Asts. Avg.1. Karlee Butler 2001-04 123 470 5610 11.92. Janell Cook 1984-87 140 426 4791 11.23. Julie Franzen 1991-94 144 497 4052 8.14. Candy Collins 1997-00 120 421 3646 8.75. Rachel McFarland 1989-92 135 400 3168 7.96. Megan McNamara 2005-08 107 319 3045 9.57. Suzanne Pedalino 1988-91 118 269 2748 10.28. Amy Stavinoha 1993-96 109 311 2093 6.79. Kym Loving 2007-09 71 228 1542 6.810. Jamie Baker 1995 32 115 1365 11.9

ACES Years MP Sets Aces Avg.1. Katherine Charles 1983-85 160 446 237 0.532. Janell Cook 1984-87 140 426 201 0.473. Denise Meyer 1986-89 162 548 173 0.324. Karen Zoch 1984-87 198 605 172 0.295. Julianne McNamara 1986-89 152 457 170 0.376. Chrissy Engle 2002-05 122 464 160 0.347. Gwen Gilder 1984-87 201 579 156 0.278. Jennifer Cron 1993-96 153 485 156 0.329. Kelly Hajovsky 1996-99 131 481 154 0.3210. Kelly Sloan 1983-85 159 443 140 0.32

DIGS Years MP Sets Digs Avg.1. Jennifer Cron 1993-95 153 485 1639 3.42. Carrie Sartain 2000-03 122 456 1612 3.53. Cynthia Yarotsky 2004-07 116 403 1510 3.74. Sarah Womble 1988-92 144 500 1501 3.05. Julie Franzen 1991-94 144 497 1395 2.86. Jennifer Henrichsen 2002-05 116 437 1395 3.27. Karen Zoch 1984-87 198 605 1366 2.38. Kelly Hajovsky 1996-99 131 481 1361 2.89. Yolanda Royston 1988-91 148 472 1279 2.710. Karlee Butler 2001-04 123 470 1248 2.711. Christi Dreier 1991-93 105 373 1228 3.312. Liz Dahlstrom 1999-02 120 426 1190 2.813. Denise Meyer 1986-89 162 548 1186 2.214. Janell Cook 1984-87 140 426 1176 2.815. Candy Collins 1997-00 120 421 1157 2.7

TOTAL BLOCKS Year Solo Assist Blocks Avg.1. Karen Zoch 1984-87 128 408 5362. Tracie Bendele 1996-99 105 305 4103. Gwen Gilder 1983-87 145 248 3934. Bonnie Beard 1984-85 122 264 3865. Alisha Fowler 2002-05 80 273 3536. Yolanda Royston 1988-91 126 211 3377. Katherine Charles 1983-85 100 224 3248. Anna Ferguson 2005-09 27 281 3089. Jennifer Cron 1993-96 66 230 29610. Chrissy Engle 2002-05 59 233 29211. Pam McRae 1988-91 85 198 28312. Kelly Hajovsky 1996-98 47 233 28012. Laura Hart Hodges 1987-90 53 181 23413. Teri Palmer 2001-02 39 184 22314. Christi Dreier 1991-93 52 163 21515. Monica Barajas 1992-95 60 153 213

Julie Franzen Gwen Gilder Jana Harless

POST-SEASON HONORS

ALL-AMERICA NCAA DIVISION II

Bonnie Beard 1985 Katherine Charles 1985

NCAA ALL-REGION DIVISION I

Jennifer Cron 1996 Julie Franzen 1993 1994 Jana Harless 1994 Tisha Hopkins 1993 Karen Zoch 1987

ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN DIV. II

Bonnie Beard 1985

ALL-GULF STAR CONFERENCE

Bonnie Beard 1984 1T 1985 1T Katherine Charles 1984 1T 1985 1T Janell Cook 1986 2T Trina Davis 1984 2T Gwen Gilder 1984 2T 1985 2T Sandra Howell 1986 1T Karen Zoch 1985 2T 1986 1T

ALL-SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE

Monica Barajas 1994 2T 1995 1T Tracie Bendele 1997 2T 1998 2T 1999 3T Karlee Butler 2003 3T 2004 3T Jennifer Cron 1995 2T 1996 1T Liz Dahlstrom 2001 hm Christi Dreier 1993 2T Chrissy Engle 2003 HM 2004 3T 2005 2T Anna Ferguson 2008 1T 2009 1T Alisha Fowler 2003 HM 2004 2T 2005 1T Julie Franzen 1993 1T 1994 1T Jana Harless 1993 2T 1994 1T Kaylee Hawkins 2009 1T Jennifer Henrichsen 2005 HM Laura Hodges 1989 2T 1990 1T Tisha Hopkins 1993 1T Karen Humphrey 1987 1T Carli Kolbe 2009 1T Rachel McFarland 1992 2T Pam McRae 1991 2T Michelle Miller 2009 HM Lindsey Roebken 2006 HM Yolanda Royston 1990 1T 1991 1T Carrie Sartain 2001 3T 2002 2T 2003 HM Rhonda Sinnette 1989 2T 1990 2T Haley Thomas 2008 2T Sarah Womble 1992 1T Cynthia Yarotsky 2005 HM 2007 1T Karen Zoch 1987 1T

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE POST-SEASON ALL-TOURNAMENT

Jennifer Cron 1996 Christi Dreier 1993 Alisha Fowler 2005 Julie Franzen 1993 1994 Jana Harless 1993 1994 Karen Humphrey 1987 Denise Meyer 1988 Yolanda Royston 1990 Karen Zoch 1987

SOUTHLAND POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Julie Franzen 1993 Jennifer Cron 1996

Denise Meyer Yolanda Royston Carrie Sartain

Cynthia Yarotsky Karen Zoch

Katherine Charles



When Bobby Williams became the Bearkats’ director of athletics on April 29, 1998, he set a goal for the program - to win the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup symbolic of the league’s all-sports championship for both men’s and women’s sports combined. Sam Houston has won the Commis-sioner’s Cup not once but three times (2005, 2006 and 2007). No other Southland university has won the Cup three years in a row.

Williams, who had served Sam Houston as an athletic administrator and a coach since 1982, was interim director of athletics for the 1997-98 school year. He was assistant director of athletics for seven years and an assistant football coach for nine years. In May, 2005, Williams received the General Robert R. Neyland Outstanding Athletic Director Award at the All-American Football Foundation’s 70th annual Banquet of Champions. In June, 2008, he was presented the AstroTurf Athletics Director of the Year “Football Championship Subdivision West Region” award. Williams now serves as a member of the NCAA Leadership Council. During his 13 years as athletic director, Sam Houston has achieved unprecedented successes at the NCAA Division I level, including: Three Southland Commissioner’s Cups and two SLC Men’s All-Sports Trophies (2000 and 2007) Highest NCAA Division I football championship subdivision fi nal national ranking (4th in 2004) Highest NCAA Division I men’s basketball RPI fi nal ranking (2003) First votes in Associated Press NCAA Division I men’s basketball national poll (2008) Two NCAA Division I football playoff appearances, reaching quar-terfi nals in 2001 and semifi nals in 2004 NCAA Division I national playoff berths in men’s basketball (2003 and 2010), softball (2007) and baseball (2007, 2008 and 2009) 14 Southland Conference team championships including football (2001, 2004) men’s basketball (2000, 2003, 2010), women’s golf (2004, 2007), men’s outdoor track and fi eld (2005, 2006), women’s outdoor track and fi eld (2005, 2006, 2008) and women’s indoor track and fi eld (2007 and 2008) Southland post-season tournament titles in men’s basketball (2003 and 2010), baseball (2007, 2008 and 2009) and softball (2007). Two ESPN2 football national telecasts, two men’s basketball CBS national telecasts, four ESPN2 national basketball telecasts and numerous Fox Sports Southwest and Southland TV regional games Highest athletic grade point average in department history Highest Southland fi nishes in men’s basketball, men’s and women’s track and fi eld, men’s and women’s cross country and tennis Hosted successful Southland Conference championship events in women’s tennis, women’s golf, cross country, softball, baseball and outdoor track and fi eld as well as the fi nals of the Southland Confer-ence men’s basketball tournament Guided the department through two successful NCAA peer review team evaluations Added women’s soccer and bowling as the university’s 16th and 17th varsity sports Williams has overseen more than 9 million dollars of facility im-provements including the new Ron Randleman Strength and Fitness Center, Don Sanders Stadium (baseball), Bearkat Softball Stadium and the SHSU golf practice facility at Raven’s Nest Golf Course. With

Bobby and Janet Williams and their daughters, Audrey and Alex.

new marketing strategies, Williams and his staff have increased both campus and community attendance at all Bearkat intercollegiate ath-letics events and increased revenue generated from outside university sources from $600,000 to $2.4 million. Under his direction, the Bearkat Learning Enhancement Center, located in the Bowers Stadium Field House, opened in the fall of 1997. The facility allows Bearkat student-athletes access both to modern computers and to assistance from academic tutors. During his seven years as assistant athletic director, Williams’ duties included NCAA compliance, game management for home athletic contests, schedul-ing, facilities, tickets, marketing and concessions. As an assistant foot-ball coach, he tutored fi ve cornerbacks who played in the National Football League. “Becoming a director of athletics was a lifetime goal. I have always been a goal oriented person,” said Williams. “As a secondary coach, we set and met important goals on teams that ranked among the nation’s defensive leaders. As an administrator, we set goals such as raising our department grade point averages, which we accomplished. “As director of athletics, we have set goals. We have strived to bring this department to the forefront in computer technology, to improve our athletes’ academic standing and retention rates and to increase our revenue through fund raising and monies generated from bigger crowds at games. “Three times in recent years, we achieved our most important goal -- winning the Southland Commissioner’s Cup All-Sports Trophy. Not only does this achievement prove that each of our sports teams is vital to our program, but also it demonstrates the importance and contributions of every student athlete. Our staff ’s eff orts will continue to be directed toward higher goals as we strive to make the Sam Houston experience the best it can be for our students.” Williams was a starter at wide receiver for the Rice Owls. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University in 1981 and his Mas-ter of Arts from Rice a year later. His father, Bobby Williams, Sr., was a member of Rice University’s 1958 Cotton Bowl team and retired in 2002 after working as an NFL scout for the Buff alo Bills and Miami Dolphins. His mother, Carolyn, recently retired from the Dow Chemical Company. His wife, Janet, received her Bachelor’s degree and her Master’s degree from Sam Houston as have her father Gen-eral Thomas Stone (distinguished alumni 1999 and football letterman 1955-56), mother Claudette, brother Keith (football letterman 1978-79) and sister Kelly (Master’s degree). Janet is a professor in the SHSU College of Education. The pair have two daughters, Audrey Kathryn (21) and Alexandra Karolyn (17).

Bobby Williams Director of Athletics


BOBBIE HILLIARDAssociate Ath. Directorfor Finance

CHRIS THOMPSONAssociate Ath. Directorfor Student Services

PAUL RIDINGSAssistant Ath. Directorfor Media Relations

JASON BARFIELDAthletic Media Services Coordinator

KAREN WHITEAthletic Secretary

JENNIFER DAVISAthletic Secretary

JUDY WEBBAthletic Secretary

JEREMY EDDINGSAssistant Athletic Trainer

HOPE PARKERHead Athletic Trainer

KYLE SPEERHead Strength & Conditioning

BRIAN NEALAssistant Strength& Conditioning

GREG HINZEAssociate Ath. Directorfor Operations

WESLEY NOWLINAssistant Athletic Trainer

JESSICA PAYNEAcademics

JOHN HOLDERAdministrativeCoordinator

JAMES ROSSCustodian

TERRY ARTHERHOLTAthletic Assistant

JUSTIN STAPLETONStaff AssociateMarketing

RHONDA CURRYStaff AssistantEvents

DAVID PAITSONAssociate Ath. Directorfor External Operations

CURTIS COLLIERCompliance

DENISE HOLCOMBOffi cer Supervisor

JASON CHANDLERAssistant Ath. Directorfor Ticket Operations

CHRIS GIBSONFacilities Coordinator

Bearkat Athletic Department Staff


Sam Houston State University competes at the NCAA Division I level in 17 sports as a member of the Southland Conference, bring-ing the fun and excitement of intercollegiate athletes to the Huntsville campus. Men’s intercollegiate sports include base-ball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track & fi eld, and outdoor track & fi eld. Women’s sports are basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track & fi eld, outdoor track & fi eld, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. In the fall of 2010, Sam Houston begins compe-tition in women’s bowling. Three of the past six years, the SHSU athletic program as ranked as the best in the Southland Conference, winning the SLC Commissioner’s Cup all-sports trophy. Sam Houston is the only league member to win the Commissioner’s Cup three consecutive seasons. The Kats also have won two men’s all-sports trophies. Since moving up to the NCAA Division I level in 1986, Sam Houston has participated in the national playoff s 15 times including the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball “Big Dance”. The Bearkats have won 23 Southland Conference team championships with 11 of those SLC trophies earned in the past seven years. In addition, SHSU has won nine South-land post-season tournament titles. While competing at a high level on the playing fi eld, the Bearkats also have proven

Sports excitement at Sam Houston State

themselves tops in the Southland Confer-ence in the classroom. Sam Houston State has placed more individuals on the Southland Commissioner’s Honor Roll (student-athletes with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better) than any other league member during the past six sports seasons. For the last eight consecu-tive semesters, SHSU student-athletes have combined to produce a department grade

point average (GPA) of 2.87 or above, a mark higher than the GPA of the university’s overall student population. Nine times in the past fi ve years, Bearkats have been recognized as the outstanding student-athlete in their individual sports. Winners of the SLC “Student-Athlete of the Year” honors have been Ryan Bright (2007 and 2008 men’s basketball), Stephen Prihoda (2007 baseball), Lata Assudani (2007 women’s tennis), Jennie Sewell (2007 women’s track and fi eld), Jennifer Heinz (2008 women’s golf ), Barkley Falkner (2009 men’s basketball), Irina Sotnikova (2009 women’s tennis) and Brittany Brooks (2010 women’s basketball). Sam Houston State University annually draws regional and national media attention through televised athletic contests. Bearkat football and basketball games have been fea-tured in nationally televised games on ESPN2 and CBS. Each year, SHSU games are telecast on the Southland Conference TV network. The university boasts one of the fi nest athletic complexes in the Southwestern that serve as the site of both regular season com-petition and post-season tournament action. Home athletic events are held at Bow-ers Stadium (football), Johnson Coliseum (basketball and volleyball), Don Sanders Stadium (baseball), softball (Bearkat Softball Complex), tennis (McAdams Tennis Center), track and fi eld (York Track Center) and soccer (Pritchett Field). News, schedules, ticket information and opportunities to watch live video of Bearkat sports events are available on the SHSU athletic web site at www.gobearkats.com.


Sam Houston State University is com-

mitted to the concept that intercollegiate

athletics is an integral part of the univer-

sity’s educational enterprise.

The department of athletics recogniz-

es that the athletics program must be sup-

portive of the university’s mission, which

is to inspire learning through excellence

in teaching, to stimulate creativity, to

conduct scholarly research and to direct

signifi cant institutional resources to the

community it serves.

In keeping with these directives, the

department of athletics understands that

its primary mission is to develop student-

athletes as complete individuals and

educated citizens who are fully prepared

to contribute positively to society.

The department of athletics recog-

nizes that it receives direction from the

President of the university in the admin-

istration of the athletic program. The

department of athletics will provide and

support cultural diversity and provide for

equitable opportunities for minorities

and women. The department of athletics

measures success in its ability to establish

programs that support the mission of Sam

Houston State University.

Strategic Goals

The Department of Athletics will

provide the best possible entertainment

and image for our students, faculty, staff ,

alumni and community by competing

on the Division I level through winning

athletic teams.

The Department of Athletics will pro-

vide an environment for student-athletes

necessary to enhance graduation through

classroom learning experiences that are

conducive to a life skills learning experi-

ence on campus and in the community.

The Department of Athletics will pro-

vide an environment for all staff neces-

sary to attract, develop and retain quality

personnel.

The Department of Athletics will

provide an environment for our alumni,

community and friends of the university

that encourages active participation in

the department programs and develop-

ment activities.

BEARKAT ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS

Sam Houston State accomplishments as a member ofthe NCAA Division I Southland Conference:

8 Southland Conference post-season tournament “Most Valuable Players” 9 Southland individual sport “Student Athletes of the Year” 9 Southland Conference post-season tournament championships 15 NCAA Division I tournament appearances 23 Southland Conference regular season team championships 32 Southland Conference “Players of the Year” 44 NCAA Division I All-Americans 624 All-Southland Conference selections in 16 sports

Bearkat Athletics Mission

Brittany Brooks (left) earned Southland Conference women’s basketball “Student-Athlete of the Year” honors in 2010 while Barkley Falkner was voted the same honor for men’s basketball in 2009.

Irina Sotnikova was named both Southland Conference women’s tennis “Player of the Year” honors and “Student-Athlete of the Year” honors during the 2009 season.


What is a Bearkat?

Sam Houston State’s athletic teams have been nicknamed “The Bearkats” since 1923 when the university’s name was changed by the Texas state legislature from Sam Houston Normal Institute to Sam Houston State Teach-ers College. Prior to 1923, the varsity sports teams were nicknamed “The Normals.” Early references to “Bearkats” spelled the name either “Bearcats,” “Bear Cats,” or “Bearkats.” A bearcat is said by some to be a kinkajou, a small, golden, carnivorous mammal that resides in the jungles of South America. It is doubtful those who coined the “Bearkat” nickname had either a kinkajou or a binturong in mind, however. More likely, the name came from a popular local saying of the time, “tough as a Bearkat!” Since the animal in the saying was thought more mythical than real, the spelling settled upon was “Bear-kat.” In the late 1940s, then SHSU President Harmon Lowman attempted to change the Sam Houston mascot from Bearkats to “Ravens” (after General Sam Houston’s Cherokee nickname). Mrs. Vernon Schuder reported that the alumni were polled, she voted for the raven but that “all those old Bearkats beat us out!” The current Sammy Bearkat mascot character began appearing at Sam Houston State sports events in 1959.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Paul Culp of the Sam Houston State Univer-sity Library whose research made this article possible.

From Sammy Bearkat to the Kat Krazies, the “Couch Potatoes” to Homecoming,campus traditions abound at Sam Houston State University.


SLC COMMISSIONER’S CUP Winners 2005, 2006, 2007

SLC MEN’S ALL-SPORTS CUP Winners 2000, 2007

NCAA NATIONAL PLAYOFFS Football 1986, 1991, 2001, 2004 Baseball 1987, 1989, 1996, 2007, 2008, 2009 Men’s Basketball 1986, 2003, 2010 Volleyball 1984, 1985, 1993, 1996 Softball 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 2007

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TITLES Baseball 1989 Men’s Basketball 2000, 2003, 2010 Football 1991, 2001, 2004 Men’s Golf 1990, 1994 Women’s Golf 2004, 2007 Softball 1988, 1990, 1993 Men’s Outdoor Track 2005, 2006 Women’s Outdoor Track 2005, 2006, 2008 Women’s Indoor Track 2007, 2008 Volleyball 1993, 1994 SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Men’s Basketball 2003, 2010 Volleyball 1996 Baseball 1996, 2007, 2008, 2009 Softball 1988, 2007

OTHER MAJOR NATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS Softball National Invitational Champions 1996 Softball NCAA Division II National Champions 1982 Softball NAIA National Champions 1981 Men’s Golf NAIA National Champions 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Football NAIA National Co-Champions 1964 Baseball NAIA National Champions 1963 Football Post Season Bowls 1952, 1953, 1955, 1958 Men’s Basketball NIT Season Tip-off quarterfi nalist 2005

Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup 2005, 2006, 2007Southland Men’s All-Sports Trophy 2000, 2007

Winning Championships

Sam Houston has won 12 Southland Conference team championships in the past eight seasons.

Sam Houston State and the city of Huntsville give student-athletes the best of both worlds. Huntsville off ers a commu-nity atmosphere that retains its small town friendliness while off ering intellectual and cultural stimulation with the Univer-sity’s proximity to a large metropolitan area.The community is an ideal college town with a population of 34,592 just 68 miles north of Houston and 171 miles south of Dallas. Huntsville is one of the oldest communities in Texas. The city was founded in 1835 by Pleasant Gray and grew quickly with prominent settlers moving here from Alabama, Tennes-see and Virginia. From its inception, Huntsville was considered to be a center of education and law. It was the home of many military leaders during the years of the Republic of Texas. The city features such historical attractions as Austin Hall (the oldest functioning educational building in Texas); the home and burial place of Texas history legend, Sam Houston; and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.

One Great College Town

Huntsville, Texas, off ers students a small town community atmosphere with the excitement of Houston one hour’s drive to the south.

David Addick’s 67 feet high Sam Houston statue on Interstate 45 is the tallest statue of an American hero in the world


Character Counts: We Care

Bearkat student-athletes make an impact on the Hunts-ville community through programs organized by the Sam Houston State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. So successful have been the committee’s activities that other universities in the Southland Conference have used the group as a model for their own campus. Activities on the committee’s annual calendar include the NCAA Champs/Life Skills program; the annual homecoming parade; a mentor program with the Huntsville Independent School District (HISD); sports festivals at HISD elementary campuses; canned food drive benefi ting The Good Shepherd Mission; Rita B. Huff Animal Shelter fundraiser; pop tab drive for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center / Ronald McDonald House; and Student Life Awareness Programs (alcohol, nutrition, time and stress management, diversity). Each academic year ends with the annual All-Sports Awards Banquet sponsored, planned and hosted by the com-mittee. The leadership role played on campus by Sam Houston student-athletes has been recognized nationally by the Na-tional Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Bearkat athletes have served on major NCAA committees including the NCAA Foundation Leadership Conference held each June at Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Beark community service activities have included “Jump Rope for Heart,” mentor programs with area schools, collecting school supplies for low income families, city park clean-up and fund-raisers for the Huntsville Safe House, Good Shepherd Mission and the Ronald McDonald House of Houston.

Bearkats involved in the Huntsville Community


Unparalled Student Services

Sam Houston State athletics student services off ers Bearkat student-athletes an outstanding academic support system. The staff ’s goal is to help each student-athlete success in the classroom, in his or her sport and in overall life experiences at Sam Hous-ton and beyond. The student services staff works with each student-athlete individually. Among the many resources off ered student-athletes are tutoring sessions; supervised studey halls; assistance in selecting majors, degree plans and courses; mandatory academic advisement (class scheduling) and use of the Sam Houston State Athletics Learning Enhancement Center (LEC). Located in the Ron Mafrige Fieldhouse, the LEC features study and work areas, 24 computers, printed and hosts the tutorial program strictly for student-athlete use. Also in the LEC is the Enterprise Career Center which off ers career advice on resume writing, interviewing skills and assistance for the job market. The NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills program provides a mandatory class for incoming freshmen student-athletes to enhance their opportunities for success at Sam Houston. Additionally, the university off ers the SAM Center which provides academic advising, study skills sessions, graduate school semi-nars and additional academic support.

The Sam Houston student-athlete academic planner is utilized by all Bearkats varsity sports participants to help them organize their time and explain support programs, policies, resources, study and test-taking tips and skills.

Associate Athletic Director for Student Services Chris Thompson (left) and the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee offi cers lead a nationally-

recognized student services program.

The Enterprise Car Rental Corporation off ers seminars each semester with hands-on advice for Sam Houston State student-athletes to prepare them for the job market.


Academic Success While winning three Southland Confer-ence Commissioner’s Cups (symbolic of the SLC’s All-Sports championship) and 11 SLC championship trophies in the past six years, Sam Houston athletes also have led the league in performance in the classroom. More Sam Houston student-athletes have earned recognition on the SLC Com-missioner’s Academic Honor Roll than any of the 12 universities in the league during the past six years. To be recognized, a student-athlete must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA. For eight consecutive semesters, Bearkat student-athletes have produced a grade point average higher than 2.87. That includes a record high GPA of 2.94 during the 2008 fall semester. These GPAs are marks better than the university’s general student population. Sam Houston student-athletes have posted overall GPAs of 2.30 or higher for 36 consecutive semesters. “We are extremely proud of our athletes’ achievements in the classroom and com-mend our coaching staff for the tremendous job they do in recruiting quality student-ath-letes,” Williams said. “The No. 1 goal for each of our sports teams is to have our athletes earn their Sam Houston State degrees. We are proud that 90 percent of student athletes who complete their eligibility at Sam Hous-ton earn their degree.”

The Learning Enhancement Center was established in memory of Dr. Billy Tidwell, coach, athletic director and professor at Sam Houston from 1956 to 1979.

1992-93 Fall 2.53 Spring 2.41

1993-94 Fall 2.30 Spring 2.57

1994-95 Fall 2.47 Spring 2.48

1995-96 Fall 2.39 Spring 2.54

1996-97 Fall 2.55 Spring 2.59

1997-98 Fall 2.59 Spring 2.59

1998-99 Fall 2.74 Spring 2.62

1999-00 Fall 2.59 Spring 2.69

2000-01 Fall 2.66 Spring 2.60

2001-02 Fall 2.60 Spring 2.59

2002-03 Fall 2.69 Spring 2.58

2003-04 Fall 2.63 Spring 2.78

2004-05 Fall 2.75 Spring 2.76

2005-06 Fall 2.76 Spring 2.79

2006-07 Fall 2.90 Spring 2.90

2007-08 Fall 2.89 Spring 2.93

2008-09 Fall 2.94 Spring 2.91

2009-10 Fall 2.93 Spring 2.87

Bearkat Grade Point AveragesFor The Past 34 Semesters

BASEBALLChris AndreasTaylor DavisJohn HaleBrandon KimbrelRyan MooneyDoug OneyPaul SpinnJordan Westra

MEN’S BASKETBALLPreston BrownJosten Crow*Lance Pevehouse*Arthur Zulu

WOMEN’S BASKETBALLRay Alexander*Brittany Brooks*#Therese HagerBritni MartinSequeena ThomasLauren Tippet

CROSS COUNTRY MENClint AndersJoseph AndersonTravis KocurekPatrick KrolJulius MichaelBlake Woolums

CROSS COUNTRY WOMENKaylee BrazeelKim BrooksSara CollazosMorgan DavisAlyssa DooleyAmanda DunlapMolly FarrellKylie FitzgeraldKristen GallowCourtney HaggardJordan HeggieMonigue McMichaelHaley PeddyHaliegh PustkaCrystal SantosDakota StewartMegan Williams

Southland Conference Commissioner’s

Academic Holl Roll Bearkats

FOOTBALLMiguel AntonioTravis BestJordan Bowersox*Chris BrownBrandon ClosnerR. C. FairchildEric FieiloJustin HumphreyJace JacksonT. J. JonesColby LangeChris LucasJoe McNelisBrad MillsZach PatyMatthew PowledgeSherard RayKyle RogersKevin SmithGreg SprowlsTravis WatsonJeff WelchAustin Wilson

MEN’S GOLFRyan HowardFergal Raff ertyBeau Wilis* WOMEN’S GOLFEllie McKinleyStephanie PustejovskySarah St. JohnJenna SteneLanda Stewart

SOFTBALLVictoria BenavidezAmy Brown*Lauren BurnsTomi GarrisonMandy GegenAmanda LindseyMorgan MikulinKristen MoehlmanAshley Nelson

Mae NowakJanaye RichardsonCourtney SchoenemannAlex SurvantHailey WigintonWhitney WilsonCalli WoodTiff ani Woodrum SOCCERHillary AckermanAmanda BiegaDebbie CampbellJordan CherryAlex CliftonNeddie GarciaShelby GrissettEmily JureckaMeredith NormanAlison OaklandNatalie PantelJenny Pence*Kristen PoundsPaige RodriguezKelley SikingerAshley SimmonsAdriana VasquezNichole WatkinsKatie Wesneski*Kirby Zak

TENNISFederica DentiNadya DubyanskayaGiorgia PozzanCally Woerner

MEN’S TRACK & FIELDClint AndersLeon BanksCutter BernhardAndy BlauserBrek ChristensenMichael CourtneyJoey D’EramoClemon DunlapA. J. Edwards

Ruben GutierrezJasen HickmanScottie Jones*Henry Jordan*Travis KocurekPatrick KrolJulius MichaelTymagic RobinsonRoger RuelwelerJason RussellJacob ShultzJohn ThomasBlake Woolums

WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELDKaylee BrazeelSarah CollazosMorgan DavisAmanda DunlapMolly FarrellJessica Fisher*Kristin GallowJordan HeggieKristi HermesCourtney LuedersMonika MayMonique McMichaelHaley PeddyStephanie ReedCrystal SantosDakota StewartMegan WilliamsAllysha WilsonTonicia WimberlyJenny Zoch

VOLLEYBALLKim BlackAnna Ferguson*Jamie HaasKaylee HawkinsJamie KalehCourtney LaskowskiKym LovingRebecca SwannShamira Washington

*Academic All-Southland Conference selection # Southland Student-Athlete of the Year

Athletes who maintained a 3.00 grade point average or higher during their sport’s season


First Class Facilities

The athletic facilities at Sam Houston State University rival any in the Southland Conference, giving student-

athletes optimal opportunities to succeed in their sport.

FOOTBALLElliott T. Bowers Stadium

GOLFRaven Nest Golf Course TENNIS

McAdams Tennis Center

GOLFMichael McIver Golf Training Center ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION

Ron Mafrige Field House


BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALLBernard G. Johnson Coliseum

BASEBALLDon Sanders Stadium

SOFTBALLBearkat Softball Complex

TRACK & FIELDMeredith & Miriam York Track Complex

STRENGTH & CONDITIONINGRon Randleman Strength & Fitness Center

SOCCERPritchett Field


Academic Studies

Accounting

Agriculture

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Agriculture-Agricultural Mechanization

Agriculture-Animal Science

Agriculture-Horticulture & Crop Science

Applied Arts and Sciences

Art-Advertising and Graphic Design

Art-Computer Animation

Art-Photography

Art-Studio Art

Banking and Financial Institutions

Biology

Chemistry

Computing Science

Criminal Justice

Dance

Economics

English

Sam Houston State Undergraduate Degree Programs

Environmental Science

Family and Consumer Sciences

Fashion Merchandising

Food Science and Nutrition

Food Service Management

Interior Design

Finance

Forensic Chemistry

General Business Administration

Geography

Geology

Health

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Human Resource Management

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Construction Management

Design and Development

Electronics

Industrial Management

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Management

Management Information Systems

Marketing

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Mathematics

Music

Music Therapy

Music Therapy-Correctional

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Philosophy

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Theatre

Victim Studies

DAVID ADICKESDesigner of

Sam Houston statue

KATIE CLARKEStar of Broadway touring

companyof “Wicked”

DON SANDERSSanders Morris Group Inc

Ryan-Sanders Baseball

RON MAFRIGEHouston businessman

Ron Mafrige Enterprises, Inc

WILLIAM DAN WOMACKNational Aeronautics and

Space Administration (NASA)

DAN RATHERFormer Anchor

CBS News

JOSEPH “BUD” HANEYCo-founder

Profi les International

PRESTON JOHNSON, JR.Senior Vice President

Center Point Energy, Inc

GLENN WILSON10 year veteran

Major League Baseball

LYNNE LIBERATOFirst women president

Houston Bar Association

Sam Houston Notable Bearkats

ARNOLD A. ALLEMANGBoard of Directors member

Dow Chemical

RICHARD LINKLATERMovie Director

Academy Award Nominee


Training the Elite Athlete

The Bearkat athletic program gets a winning edge from its nationally recognized strength and conditioning program. Kyle Speer and his conditioning program have been honored by American Football Magazine for their part in preparing the more than 390 athletes who compete in 17 sports for Sam Houston State, winners of three Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup All-Sports titles and 10 Southland sports championships in the past seven years. The 11,000 square foot Ron Randleman Strength and Fitness Center opened in 2006. The center consists of coaches’ offi ces, dressing rooms and a 9,000 square foot area for weights. “The preparation for all championships begins with a great work ethic and commitment in weight training and conditioning,” Bearkat football head coach Willie Fritz said. “At Sam Houston, we have state-of-the-art training facilities and an outstanding staff to help us accomplish our goals.”

Kyle Speer

The Strength and Fitness Center is named for Ron Randleman (right), who compiled a 132-124-3 record as Sam Houston head football coach from 1982 to 2004. The center was made possible by a gift from Houston businessman and Bearkat alum Ron Mafrige (left).


1 Haley NeislerFr Flower Mound Marcus

2 Jamie HaasSo Deer Park

3 Kym LovingJr Houston Cypress Springs

4 Tayler GrayFr Huntsville

5 Kim BlackJr Huntsville

6 Carli KolbeJr College Station A&M Consolidated

7 Jamie KalehJr Magnolia

8 Kelli StewartFr Magnolia

9 Brittany HoagSo Crosby

10 Tarona WilliamsFr Fresno / Hightower

11 Courtney LaskowskiJr Poth

12 Kaylee HawkinsSo Dickinson

13 Camille AlfaroSo San Antonio Marshall

14 Lauren BohlenFr San Antonio O’Connor

15 Samantha WestSo Bridge City

16 Amber BainFr Louise

The 2010 Sam Houston State University Bearkat Volleyball Team


www.gobearkats.comwww.gobearkats.com

2010 SAM HOUSTON SCHEDULE2010 SAM HOUSTON SCHEDULE

AUGUST27 Fri. COMFORT SUITES INVT All Day28 Sat. COMFORT SUITES INVT All Day

SEPTEMBER 1 Wed. at Texas A&M 6:30 p.m. 3 Fri. at Delaware Invt. All Day 4 Sat. at Delaware Invt. All Day 7 Tue. TEXAS SOUTHERN 7 p.m.10 Fri. at Islander Classic All Day11 Sat. at Islander Classic All Day17 Fri. at Sugar Bowl Tournament All Day18 Sat. at Sugar Bowl Tournament All Day23 Thur. at Central Arkansas* 7 p.m.25 Sat. at Northwestern St.* 2 p.m.30 Thur. A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI* 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 2 Sat. UTSA* 2 p.m. 6 Wed. STEPHEN F. AUSTIN* 7p.m. 9 Sat. NICHOLLS* 2 p.m.14 Thur. at Texas St.* 6:30 p.m.16 Sat. at UT-Arlington* 4 p.m.20 Wed. at Stephen F. Austin* 7 p.m.23 Sat. at Southeastern La.* 1 p.m.28 Thur. TEXAS ST.* 7p.m.30 Sat. UT-ARLINGTON* 2 p.m. NOVEMBER4 Thur. at UTSA* 6:30 p.m.6 Sat. at A&M-Corpus Christi.* 1 p.m.11 Thur. LAMAR* 7p.m.13 Sat. McNEESE ST.* 3 p.m.19 Fri. SOUTHLAND TOURNAMENT20 Sat. SOUTHLAND TOURNAMENT21 Sun. SOUTHLAND TOURNAMENT* Southland Conference match

Sam Houston volleyball guide

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