That theme has been the key focus for a young RedHawk squad heading into the 2000 campaign.

It was one of those years in 1999where we all knewwe didnt reach our potential, claims head coach Carolyn Condit. This team is dedicated to learning what their true potential is while still having fun on the court.

The youthful 16-member roster boasts no seniors, a first in Condits 17-year tenure, and no returning all-MAC performers. While the team has no proven stand-outs or individual stars, Condit is confident that consistent performances from rising stars and solid team chemistry will be the glue that holds the package together and catapult Miami back among the Mid-American Conference Tournaments final four.

Although Miami was without the services of 1998 MAC Player of the Year Alissia Thompson due to injury, bowing out of the 1999 MAC Tournament in the quarterfinal round was out of character for the RedHawks, who had advanced to the MAC Championship match and the NCAA Tournament the previous four years.

When Jennifer Eaton, a freshman, took the floor for Alissia Thompson in that quarterfinal match, the team really pulled together as a group of sophomores and freshmen determined to get it done, said Condit. If there was a tone after that loss, it was of disappointment that we came so close and didnt win when we played so well together.

The 2000 RedHawks are hungry to recapture the glory for which the Miami volleyball program is noted.

Theres a great amount of determination, adds Condit. Heading into this season, our team knows how well they executed on the court against Bowling Green, despite our inexperience. The team is very optimistic about how far we can go this year. I know all of us expect to earn a position among the final four for the MAC Tournament weekend and compete for a chance at the NCAA Tournament berth.

This particular group of athletes is excited to be a part of our Miami tradition, but they are unproven as far as what they can add to that tradition. Looking at the championship banners hanging in the arena is one thing, but becoming active starters who truly make a difference with their performances is another.

And thats Condits challenge to her teamto make a difference in getting to a championship.

THE TEAM

While the teams annual goal is to win a MAC title, the fact remains that this is a rebuilding year. Only one starter returns from last years squad: junior outside hitter Lee Ann Karr. However, several RedHawks took their place in the spotlight throughout the 1999 campaign and look forward to further proving themselves in 2000.

We have a lot of fresh attitudes and an eagerness to make a difference in the starting lineup, remarks Condit. Our athletes will truly be battling for positions, and not just for the first week of the season, but throughout the year. That healthy competition is going to keep us at our best.

Outside Hitters

Although Karr is the only returning starter among the group of outside hitters, sophomore Kelly McCullough made her presence known toward the end of 1999 while sophomores Erika Eagan and Amy Pfohl have shown steady improvement over the past year. Junior Mindy Clark, whose career has been riddled with injuries, could also evolve into a key weapon for the RedHawks.

Karr, who started almost every match last season and played in 28, rounded out her sophomore stint in style, posting a career-best 20 kills against Bowling Green in the Mid-American Conference quarterfinals. Lee Ann should emerge as a starting leftside hitter for the second year, comments Condit.

In 1999, Karr amassed 254 killsthe highest sum of any returning player. As her time on the court increased throughout the season, so did her numbers. Karr improved her statistics in conference action, averaging 2.43 kills per game and 2.15 digs per game.

Lee Ann makes strides with each season and she should be proud of the obvious improvements in her passing and blocking game, says Condit.

Clark began last season in the starting lineup. A severe ankle sprain, however, sidelined her for most of the season. Clark has spent much of her Miami tenure plagued by the injury bug, which has hindered her court time. Fortunately, she was able to stay healthy through the spring season and get an entire season of uninterrupted play under her belt.

Mindy could prove to be one of our most effective outside hitters, claims Condit. She is a strong blocker and shows good potential as a passer. She has the power and intelligence to aggravate opposing blockers on a regular basis.

Clark was named to her first all-tournament team as a RedHawk, garnering 1999 Miami-Sycamore Inn Classic all-Tournament recognition. She also produced her most effective offensive outing in tournament action, leading Miami with 17 kills against Saint Marys College (Calif.) at the Pacific Invitational.

But perhaps her biggest asset to the team and the highest complement Condit could hand out is on her work ethic. Mindy has the ability to outwork any person, and her leadership will help keep the team on course this season.

McCullough was one of the nicest surprises to the coaching staff and her team, making her way into the starting lineup near the the end of 1999. Becoming one of the teams most dominant blockers, McCullough compiled more than 90 percent of her season blocks over the final 12 contests, highlighted by a seven-block performance against Toledo.

While Condit touts McCulloughs blocking prowess, she also praises her development as a total player. Kelly is probably the best outside blocker on the teamshe is a powerful jumper. She also deserves credit for improving her backcourt game and could prove to be a key offensive weapon for us this season.

Eagan enters the 2000 season with the potential to energize Miamis offense on the right or left side. Her versatility is something Condit hopes will help solidify the lineup and add depth at either position. Erika is an effective blocker on the right and left side. With more work she should be able to develop her ability to help Miami at either antennae this season.

Although her playing time was limited behind seasoned upperclassmen, Eagans freshman campaign was highlighted with several quality performances. Eagan, who appeared in 17 matches, opened up her career as a RedHawk with two service aces against No. 1 Pacific in only her second outing.

Erika proved in several matches as a freshman that she can produce great performances, comments Condit. Right now she is on target to become one of the teams best passers. Once she adds consistency to her game, shell be a player to contend with.

Like Eagan, Pfohl appeared in 17 matches during her freshman stint. With one year of collegiate experience under her belt, Condit is confident about her ability to be a solid contributor.

However, a broken foot sustained in the spring may be Pfohls biggest obstacle this season in returning to the lineup.

Amy is one of the most powerful hitters on the squad. Her love for the game and her love to play defense could help her really challenge for a starting position as a sophomore, continues Condit. She is an outstanding team player and already communicates like a veteran on the court. Our team wont be the same until shes healthy again.

Rounding out the list of outside hitters is freshman Angie Zent. Zent was an all-American in high school and earned all-Indiana recognition following her junior and senior seasons.

Angie brings solid club experience from the Fort Wayne area and hails from a highly successful high school program, says Condit. She is no stranger to winning or pressure and has the potential to be a solid outside hitter.

MIDDLE HITTERS

The lone returner in the middle hitter position is sophomore Jennifer Eaton. Eaton boasted one of her most impressive individual performances in late October against Northern Illinois, and received the call to replace starter Alissia Thompson in the MAC Quarterfinal match, who was out due to injury.

Condit credits Eaton with good foot speed and a quick arm swing and notes her improvement in the backcourt. I think Jen could turn some heads this year. She and Andrea will really produce a nice one-two punch for our offensive attack.

Three newcomers, freshmen Susan Poll, Jessica Rayburg and Tara Buroker, join Eaton with experience at the middle hitter position.

Poll helped her East Kentwood High School team to a state title as a senior, and Condit hopes Poll continues to help the Miami program to more titles. Susan comes from a very competitive program, says Condit. She is a vocal and aggressive athlete who, with time, should develop into one of the top middles in the MAC.

Earning all-Pennsylvania status, Rayburg joins the Miami squad after surpassing the 1,000 kill plateau at Valley High School. Her athleticism and court savvy are what Condit looks forward to the most from the Keystone state product. Jessicas foot speed and agility should make her a great collegiate blocker. She is game-smart when it comes to working off her setter.

Buroker, one of Ohios top volleyball products as a two-time all-state selection, could help Miami at either the middle hitter or outside hitter positions. It will take some time for Tara to adjust to the college pace, but her athletic ability and outstanding work ethic should allow her to realize her potential by her sophomore season, says Condit.

THE SETTERS

One of the biggest question marks looming over this youthful team is who will quarterback the offense. Junior Summer Clouse, who was redshirted as a freshman, has three years in the Miami program and has logged considerable practice time as the setter for the current Hawk hitters. Redshirt freshman Melinda McCormick and junior Sarah Uehlin, a transfer from Eastern Michigan, also will push to earn starting duties.

Clouse has been patiently preparing to take the reins of the Miami offense for three seasons. While the junior does not boast extensive game experience, she has shown solid improvement in her ability to effectively run the RedHawk offense.

I look for very good things from Summer, and, with hard work, theres no limit to what Summer can do, Condit states. Our hitters love playing with Summer because she has a way about her that sets her teammates at ease. Her greatest challenge will be to prove she can play a quick transition game and that her defense is strong enough to help our team as the starting setter.

After taking a year to better familiarize herself to Miamis offensive scheme, McCormick is ready for action and Condit is anticipating her arrival. Its exciting to have Melinda activate this year because she showed steady improvement through her redshirt season. She has the defensive ability and the height as a blocker to be a total setter, but, like everyone else, she has to prove herself.

One addition to the Miami squad that does boast game experience is Uehlin, who was a two-year starter at Eastern Michigan and was named to the 1997 MAC all-Freshman Team. Sara chose to transfer to our program and as a newcomer, we are still learning what shes capable of doing, remarks Condit. We are happy to have her with our program and look to her to provide depth and game experience at our setter position.

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS

Junior Robyn Byrnes has been a constant contributor as a defensive specialist over her first two seasons with the RedHawks. In 1999, she was one of only two players to participate in every match and is the only returning player to have accomplished that feat.

As a junior, Robyn brings experience to our court as a solid passer, comments Condit. She is a very focused competitor, and has great court know-how when it comes to reading hitters.

In addition to Byrnes, freshman Amy Doran will help fill the defensive specialist position. Byrnes and Doran are no strangers on the court, as they played their prep volleyball together at Cincinnatis Ursuline Academy along with Eaton and Uehlin. Doran helped Ursuline Academy make two state semifinal appearances and has solid club experience.

Amy is an explosive, quick athlete, much like former Miami defensive specialist Jamie Hales, Condit says. She is a good jumper and is equally effective as a passer.

THE SCHEDULE

A trio of tournaments in addition to two non-conference contests and an 18-match conference slate are what the Miami University volleyball team has to look forward to during the 2000 campaign.

The RedHawks open the 2000 season hosting the Miami-JustBalls.com Classic Sept. 1-2, which features Texas Christian, Denver and Tennessee. A battle with local rival, Dayton, on Sept. 5 caps off Miamis string of home matches to open the season.

Two competitive tournaments on the road at Pittsburgh and South Carolina prepare Miami for its challenging conference schedule that begins on Friday, Sept. 22. From Sept. 8-9, the RedHawks face Big Ten foe Indiana and national power Arkansas in addition to the Panthers at the Pittsburgh Invitational. The following weekend, Miami takes on Sam Houston State, Rutgers and host-school South Carolina at the South Carolina Invitational.

I stayed with the same philosophy Ive had for the past 16 yearsplay teams that will challenge us and teach our players to aspire to a higher level of ball control and aggressiveness to prepare us for the conference season, remarks Condit.

Miami opens its Mid-American Conference season at home on Sept. 22 with Western Michigan, one of three MAC teams the Hawks face only once at home. The RedHawks complete their non-conference slate at Wright State the following day.

The RedHawks compete against all other MAC schools in the 13-member conference at least once. Central Michigan and Bowling Green are the other two MAC schools to travel to Oxford for its lone meeting with the RedHawks. Bowling Green is Miamis last regular-season match in Millett Hall.

Six teams enjoy home and away contests with Miami: Akron, Ball State, Buffalo, Kent State, Marshall and Ohio. Miamis regular-season finale is at Kent State. Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois and Toledo are the three MAC schools where the RedHawks travel to play their lone regular-season match.

Miamis roster doesnt boast extensive court experience, seven of the 16-member roster have tasted the success of winning a MAC Championship and winning at the NCAA Tournament.

One of our biggest challenges is to get back to the NCAA Tournament before this junior class graduates, said Condit. They all experienced our success in Hawaii at the 1998 NCAA Tournament, and Summer and Mindy were a part of the team that advanced to the 1997 NCAA Tournament in Utah. They all know the excitement and the pressure of being in the tournament. To be able to capitalize on those experiences and get back to the NCAA Tournament with this same group is how we keep our wonderful tradition alive at Miami.