Katy Prokof, senior outside hitter, blocks the ball at the game against Florida Atlantic on Sunday, Oct., 7 at the North Texas Volleyball Center.

Women's volleyball prepares for new season

By: Elisha Velez

Posted: 8/20/08

Last year the UNT volleyball team ended its season 12-21, making it to the Sun Belt Conference tournament in Denver. With only four returning women, the team still has hopes of making it to this year's tournament in Miami.

The season starts with the 16th Mean Green Classic on Aug. 29, with the UNT team taking on the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

"This year the girls are more athletic, and I am really excited about their potential," head coach Cassie Headrick said.

This is Headrick's ninth season with NT and she said she expects her team to play well in the 28 scheduled games this season.

"We have a lot of defensive players; we don't want anything touching our court," kinesiology sophomore Kelsey Robins said.

The team's players said they are also looking forward to the season.

"It's a fresh start," sophomore outside hitter Brittani Youman said.

This is Youman's second year on the team.

"We are more motivated than last year," she said. "We have at least one thing in common and that's motivation, and because of that, I think we will work well together."

Headrick keeps the team in shape this summer with regular workouts that include weight training and running.

Sophomore middle blocker Amy Huddleston said she doesn't mind the extra cardio homework this summer.

"We get together and do the workouts," Huddleston said. "It helps us get to know each other before the season starts."

She said she did not feel any extra pressure being one of only four seasoned veterans on the team.

"I'm excited that we get to make the team what we want it to be," Huddleston said.

If the NT volleyball players want to make it to the Sun Belt Conference tournament, they will have to be ranked in the top eight of the 14 Division 1 volleyball teams. Last year the athletes lost in the first round at conference, but they hope to have a better end to this season.