Volleyball Season Outlook 2012
He has added a group of outstanding newcomers to go with the returners in hopes of improving on last year's 12-win season.
All three returning seniors had a major impact during the 2011 season. They will serve jointly as team captains for the 2012 squad.
Setter Mekenna Cipres from Murietta, Calif., was 20th in the country in aces per set at .480 and led the team with 471 assists while serving as a co-captain of last year's team.
Outside hitter Melissa Thornton of Woodstock, Ga., accumulated 311 kills and racked up 338 digs in 2011. She was voted the team's Most Valuable Player 2011.
Outside hitter Danelle Russell had 338 total digs, 32 of which came against Columbia College last season. The team co-captain also received a Champions of Character Award and Southern States Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors.
Juniors include Tanisha Fields, Ashley Jackson and NCAA Division II transfer Ellen Lemos.
Tanisha Fields, a defensive specialist from Atlanta, returns for her third season after appearing in 23 matches with a season-high 13 digs against Brewton-Parker. Fields was also named to the SSAC All-Academic Team.
Opposite hitter Ashley Valentine Jackson of Gainesville, Ga., played in 13 matches in 2011 and had a season-high .500 attack percentage in the match against Oglethorpe University and four digs against Faulkner University.
Opposite hitter Ellen Lemos of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, due to injury, saw limited playing time at NCAA Division II Northern Michigan University last season. Still, she gained 54 kills and 21 digs while starting the first 16 matches of the year.
The sophomore class includes defensive specialist Lindsay Kelly of Cumming, Ga., who had 254 digs in 30 matches; middle blocker Rachel Adam of Athens, Ga., who recorded 171 kills and 109 blocks in 2011 and earned SSAC All-Freshman Team honors; opposite hitter Devony Hemingway of Salemburg, N.C., who sustained a season-ending injury following the fourth match of the 2011 season; and transfer middle blocker Sydney Koon of Johns Creek, Ga., who earned Conference Freshman of the Year and All-Conference Awards last season while playing for Montreat College in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.
The freshman class comprises setter Bailey Hicks of Buford, Ga., and defensive specialist Virginia Hannah of Suwanee, Ga. White expects both players to gain playing time in this competitive environment.
The 2012 Golden Tigers volleyball team has set several goals including finishing in the top two in the SSAC Central pod, qualifying for the SSAC tournament, going undefeated at home, having a winning record, and finishing in the top 20 in the NAIA in at least three statistical categories. Through hard work and commitment, all of these goals can become reality with the talent of this season's team.
"I expect this season to be one of the best in Brenau history," says White. "We have great senior leadership, eight quality returning players, and talented newcomers who will add energy and spark to the team. This group will set the standard for all future Brenau volleyball teams. We will work hard to have a successful season and make everyone associated with Brenau University proud of the volleyball program."