GENERAL INFORMATION 1 Table of Contents...1 Schedule...2 Roster...3 Season Preview...4 Media Information...6

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3 Table of Contents Quick Facts GENERAL INFORMATION School Marquette University Location Milwaukee, Wis. Enrollment ,000 Nickname Golden Eagles Colors Blue (PMS 281) and Gold (PMS 123) Home Arena Al McGuire Center (4,000) Conference Conference USA President Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J. Athletics Dir Bill Cords Sr. Woman Admin......Sarah Bobert COACHING STAFF Head Coach Pati Rolf Alma Mater North Dakota State (1992) Record at MU , three seasons Overall record Assistants Todd Nelson (Minn.-Duluth, 1998) Erica Heisser (Marquette, 2005) Office Phone (414) TEAM INFORMATION 2004 Record C-USA Record C-USA Finish nd C-USA Tournament Finals Starters R/L /2 Letterwinners R/L /3 MEDIA RELATIONS Volleyball Contact...Amy Ufnowski Office Phone (414) Office FAX (414) Website Mailing Address....P.O. Box Milwaukee, WI Shipping Address N. 12th Street Milwaukee, WI RETURNING STARTERS Jenn Brown (MB, 6-1, Jr.) Theresa Coughlin (OH, 5-11, Sr.) Jamie Mueller (OH, 5-10, Jr.) Caitie O Brien (L, 5-8, Jr.) Kimberly Todd (MB, 6-2, So.) OTHER RETURNEES Tiffany Helmbrecht (MB, 6-2, So.) Aga Niemczewska (MB, 6-0, Sr.) Heidi Pfeiffer (DS, 5-9, Sr.) Monica Renfrow (S, 5-10, So.) Nicole Wallace (OH, 5-10, Jr.) NEWCOMERS Jessica Kieser (DS, 5-4, Fr.) Bridget O Brien (OH, 6-0, Fr.) Lauren Pierce (DS, 5-6, Jr.) Katie Vancura (OH, 6-1, Fr.) Katie Weidner (S, 5-9, Jr.) 151 kills, 98 blocks 396 kills, 255 digs 168 kills, 284 digs 240 digs 293 kills, 84 digs 4 kills, 8 blocks 75 kills, 37 blocks 27 digs 32 assists, 39 digs 1 kill, 1 dig Verona, Wis. Evergreen Park, Ill. Darien, Ill. Waukesha, Wis. Warrenville, Ill. CREDITS The 2005 Marquette Volleyball Media Guide was designed (including cover designs), written and edited by Blain Fowler with assistance from Amy Ufnowski and Allison Kuchny. Photography provided by Dan Johnson and Michelle Powers. This guide was printed at United Press and Graphics in Hartland, Wis. ABOUT MARQUETTE Marquette University does not discriminate in any manner contrary to law or justice on the basis of race, color, age, religion, veteran s status, sex, national origin or handicap in its education programs or activities, including employment and admissions. At the same time, Marquette cherishes its right and duty to seek and retain personnel who will make a positive contribution to its religious character, goals and mission. GENERAL INFORMATION 1 Table of Contents Schedule Roster Season Preview Media Information COACHING STAFF 7 Head Coach Pati Rolf Q&A With Pati Rolf Asst. Coach Todd Nelson Asst. Coach Erica Heisser THE TEAM 13 Theresa Coughlin Aga Niemczewska Caitie O Brien Heidi Pfeiffer Jamie Mueller Nicole Wallace Jenn Brown Tiffany Helmbrecht Monica Renfrow Kimberley Todd Terri Angst/Jessica Kieser Bridget O Brien/Lauren Pierce Katie Vancura/Katie Weidner Picture Roster REVIEW 31 Season Review Results Statistics Seniors Match by Match Superlatives C-USA in Review BIG EAST in Review NCAA in Review HISTORY 55 Career Records Season Records Match Records All-Time Letterwinners Year-by-Year Award Winners Series Histories Year-by-Year Results OPPONENTS 67 Cincinnati, Colorado, Connecticut Creighton, DePaul, Eastern Kentucky Georgetown, Iowa, IUPUI Louisville, New Hampshire, N. Dakota State Notre Dame, Pacific, Pittsburgh Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John s Stanford, Syracuse, UNC Greensboro USF, Valparaiso, Villanova Va. Commonwealth, West Virginia, Western Mich. 76 Wis.-Green Bay, Wis.-Milwaukee NCAA Tournament ABOUT MARQUETTE 79 Al McGuire Center Marquette Facilities Around the Al McGuire Center Al McGuire Center Locker Room Strength and Conditioning Athletic Training Why Marquette Marquette Volleyball Camps Marquette Athletics BIG EAST Marquette University Milwaukee, Wis Marquette Academics Marquette Administration and Staff Coaching Staff, page 7 The Team, page Review, page 31 History, page 55 About Marquette, page 79 Table of Contents 1

4 2005 Season 2005 Schedule Date Opponent Location Time AUGUST Aug Marquette Kick Off; Al McGuire Center Fri. 26 North Dakota State Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sat. 27 Virginia Commonwealth Al McGuire Center 12:30 p.m. Pacific Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. SEPTEMBER Sept. 2-3 Marquette Challenge; Al McGuire Center Fri. 2 Iowa Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sat. 3 IUPUI Al McGuire Center 12:30 p.m. New Hampshire Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sept Colorado Tournament; Boulder, Colo. Fri. 9 vs Stanford Boulder, Colo. 5 p.m. MDT Sat. 10 at Colorado Boulder, Colo. 2 p.m. MDT Sun. 11 vs Creighton Boulder, Colo. 11:30 a.m. MDT Sept NIKE/Comfort Suites EKU Tournament; Richmond, Ky. Fri. 16 at Eastern Kentucky Richmond, Ky. 7:30 p.m. EDT vs UNC Greensboro Richmond, Ky. 3 p.m. EDT Fri. 23 USF * Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sun. 25 Georgetown * Al McGuire Center 1 p.m. Fri. 30 DePaul * Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. OCTOBER Sun. 2 Notre Dame * Al McGuire Center 2 p.m. Sat. 8 at West Virginia * Morgantown, W. Va. 2 p.m. EDT Sun. 9 at Pittsburgh * Pittsburgh, Pa. 2 p.m. EDT Wed. 12 Wis.-Green Bay Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sat. 15 Syracuse * Al McGuire Center 1 p.m. Sat. 22 at St. John s * Jamaica, N.Y. 2 p.m. EDT Sun. 23 at Connecticut * Storrs, Conn. 2 p.m. EDT Fri. 28 Villanova * Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sun. 30 Rutgers * Al McGuire Center 2 p.m. NOVEMBER Tue. 1 at Wis.-Milwaukee Klotsche Center 7 p.m. Fri. 4 Seton Hall * Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sat. 12 at Louisville * Louisville, Ky. 2 p.m. EST Sun. 13 at Cincinnati * Cincinnati, Ohio 2 p.m. EST Nov BIG EAST Tournament; Louisville, Ky. Fri. 18 BIG EAST Quarterfinal Louisville, Ky. TBA Sat. 19 BIG EAST Semifinals Louisville, Ky. TBA Sun. 20 BIG EAST Championship Louisville, Ky. TBA Nov Marquette Battle for the Bird; Al McGuire Center Fri. 25 Western Michigan Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. Sat. 26 Valparaiso Al McGuire Center 7 p.m. DECEMBER Dec NCAA Tournament 1-4 NCAA 1st/2nd Rds. Campus Sites TBA 8-11 NCAA Regionals Predetermined Sites TBA NCAA Championship San Antonio, Texas TBA Aug. 26 vs. North Dakota State Sept. 23 vs. USF Oct. 2 vs. Notre Dame Aug. 27 Sept. 2 Sept. 23 Sept. 25 Sept. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 12 Oct. 15 Oct. 28 Oct. 30 Nov. 4 Promotions Schedule Blue & Gold Night Free if wearing Blue & Gold Faculty-Staff Night Summer Camper Reunion Night Alumni Night Parents Night Parents Free with MU Students Archdiocese Clinic: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; 1,000 fans match Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night Future Fanatics Clinic: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Military Appreciation Night Sunday Spook-tacular Senior Night Home Tournament Schedules Marquette Kickoff (Aug ) Aug. 26: Va. Commonwealth vs. Pacific (4:30 p.m.); North Dakota State vs. Marquette (7 p.m.) Aug. 27: NDSU vs. UoP (10:30 a.m.); VCU vs. MU (12:30 p.m.); NDSU vs. VCU (4:30 p.m.); UoP vs. MU (7 p.m.) Marquette Challenge (Sept. 2-3) Sept. 2: IUPUI vs. New Hampshire (4:30 p.m.); Iowa vs Marquette (7 p.m.) Sept. 3: Iowa vs. UNH (10:30 a.m.); IUPUI vs. MU (12:30 p.m.); Iowa vs. IUPUI (4:30 p.m.); UNH vs. MU (7 p.m.) MU Battle for the Bird (Nov ) Nov. 25: Valparaiso vs. Fairfield (4 p.m.); Western Michigan vs. Marquette (7 p.m.) Nov. 26: Fairfield vs. Western Michigan (4 p.m.); Valparaiso vs. Marquette (7 p.m.) Home matches listed in bold and played in the Al McGuire Center; Dates and times are subject to change; All times central unless otherwise noted; * denotes BIG EAST match. 2 Schedule

5 Numerical Roster No. Name Pos. Ht. Class Hometown High School/College 1 Jamie Mueller OH 5-10 Jr. Richfield, Wis. Hartford 2 Aga Niemczewska OH 6-0 Sr. Vernon Hills, Ill. Vernon Hills 3 Nicole Wallace OH 5-11 Jr. Wheaton, Ill. Wheaton-Warrenville South 4 Terri Angst DS 5-7 Fr. New Berlin, Wis. Catholic Memorial 5 Katie Weidner S 5-9 Jr. Warrenville, Ill. Wheaton-Warrenville So./New Hampshire 6 Jenn Brown MB 6-1 So. Brampton, Ont. Centennial 7 Tiffany Helmbrecht MB 6-2 So. Maquoketa, Iowa Maquoketa 8 Jessica Kieser DS 5-4 Fr. Verona, Wis. Verona 9 Kimberley Todd OH/MB 6-2 So. Oshawa, Ont. Anderson CVI 10 Katie Vancura OH/MB 6-1 Fr. Waukesha, Wis. Mukownago 11 Caitie O'Brien L 5-7 Sr. Wauwatosa, Wis. Divine Savior-Holy Angels 12 Lauren Pierce DS/S 5-6 Jr. Darien, Ill. Hinsdale South 14 Theresa Coughlin OH 5-11 Sr. Chicago, Ill. Marian Catholic 15 Heidi Pfeiffer DS 5-10 Sr. New Berlin, Wis. Pius XI 16 Bridget O'Brien OH 6-0 Fr. Evergreen Park, Ill. Mother McAuley 17 Monica Renfrow S 5-10 So. Carlock, Ill. Normal West Head Coach: Pati Rolf Fourth season (North Dakota State, 1992) Assistant Coach: Todd Nelson Fourth season (Minn.-Duluth, 1998) Erica Heisser First season (Marquette, 2005) Jenn Brown Jamie Mueller Roster Summary Returning Players (11) Terri Angst, Fr., DS Jenn Brown, So., MB Theresa Coughlin, Sr., OH Tiffany Helmbrecht, So., MB Jamie Mueller, Jr., OH/DS Agnieszka Niemczewska, Sr., OH Caitie O Brien, Sr., DS Heidi Pfeiffer, Sr., DS Monica Renfrow, So., S Kimberley Todd, So., OH/MB Nicole Wallace, Jr., OH Newcomers (5) Jessica Kieser, Fr., DS Bridget O Brien, Fr., OH Lauren Pierce, Jr., DS/S Katie Vancura, Fr., OH/MB Katie Weidner, Jr., S By Class Seniors: Coughlin, Niemczewska, O Brien, Pfeiffer Juniors: Mueller, Pierce, Wallace, Weidner Sophomores: Brown, Helmbrecht, Renfrow, Todd Freshmen: Angst, Kieser, O Brien, Vancura By Position Outside Hitter: Coughlin, Mueller, O Brien Niemczewska, Todd, Vancura, Wallace Middle Blocker: Brown, Helmbrecht, Todd, Vancura Setter: Pierce, Renfrow, Weidner Defensive Specialist: Angst, Kieser, Pfeiffer, Pierce Libero: O Brien By Home State/Province Illinois: Coughlin, Niemczewska, O Brien, Pierce, Renfro, Wallace Indiana: Weidner Iowa: Helmbrecht Ontario: Brown, Todd Wisconsin: Angst, Mueller, O Brien Pfeiffer, Kieser, Vancura Pronunciation Theresa Coughlin Jamie Mueller Agnieszka Niemczewska Katie Weidner COG-lynn MIL-ler ag-knee-chka nim-shez-ka WEED-ner Alphabetical Roster Kimberley Todd No. Name Pos. 4 Terri Angst DS 6 Jenn Brown MB 14 Theresa Coughlin OH 7 Tiffany Helmbrecht MB 8 Jessica Kieser DS 1 Jamie Mueller OH/DS 2 Agnieszka Niemczewska MB/OH 16 Bridget O Brien OH 11 Caitie O Brien L 15 Heidi Pfeiffer DS 12 Lauren Pierce DS/S 17 Monica Renfrow S 9 Kimberley Todd OH/MB 10 Katie Vancura OH/MB 3 Nicole Wallace OH 5 Katie Weidner S Roster 3

6 Season Preview MU Looks to Build on Last Season s Success and Reach New Heights in 2005 The 2004 season was one for the record books as the Golden Eagles complied a record of 22-7 overall, their best in Division I history, and advanced to the Conference USA championship match for the first time ever. As the 2005 season approaches one can only believe this season will be better than the last and end with a trip to the NCAA Tournament. It won t be an easy task as fourth year head coach Pati Rolf and her team enters it inaugural season in the BIG EAST Conference. Erica Heisser, a three year letterwinner, who led the team in blocks with 2.61 per game and second on the team in attack percentage, hitting 28.3 percent in 2004, will make the transition from player to coach joining Rolf s staff as the newest assistant coach replacing Amy Wagner on the sideline. The trio of seniors, Erin Freer, Sarah Vernon and Heisser, who left their mark in the history of Marquette volleyball, will be missed but Rolf is confident with her team, and its talent and will to win. The Golden Eagles return four starters to a promising 2005 squad outside hitters senior Theresa Coughlin, junior Jamie Mueller and sophomore Kim Todd, and senior defensive specialist Caitie O Brien. Our biggest advantage is how much experience our team has, said Rolf. We have many of our starters back, but still we are young. I am eager for this season and coaching this talented group of young women. Senior outside hitter Theresa Coughlin Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker The Golden Eagles return two of their strongest players to the outside hitter position in Coughlin and Mueller. Last season, Coughlin proved she was one of the top net players in Conference USA and comes off a year in which she led the team in kills, averaging 3.96 kills per game and recorded a teamhigh points. She was named to the C-USA Second-Team for the second consecutive season. Coughlin needs just seven kills to stand atop Marquette s career kills list and should have no problem accomplishing that feat. Mueller, who moved from the back row to outside hitter and into the starting lineup shined in 2004, averaged 3.12 digs per game. She will hold on to her starting spot on the outside this season. The outside hitter position will be our biggest strength, said Rolf. Both Mueller and Coughlin are strong and solid. Senior Aga Niemczewska, junior Jamie Wallace and newcomer Bridget O Brien will also see action at outside hitter. Last season, both Niemczewska and Wallace saw limited action, but will contribute this season. Playing in 48 games last season, Niemczeska registered 1.50 kills per game. O Brien joins the Golden Eagles as an All-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference selection in 2004 helping the Mighty Macs to the Illinois AA State Championship, and back-to-back conference championships in At middle blocker, two sophomores Jenn Brown and Kim Todd, who was an All-Conference USA Freshman Team selection last season, return to the lineup. Brown set a match record for assisted blocks, tallying 12, in the Golden Eagles win against Houston. Todd continue to be a part of Marquette s attack after a stellar freshman season. A Canadian Youth National Team member, Todd jumped into the starting line-up as a freshman and earned a spot of the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. She was third on the team in kills with 293 and could be one of the Golden Eagles go-to girls to win points at the net. Kim Todd has spent the summer training with the Canadian Youth National team, said Rolf. She will be even better this season than last and is a valuable asset to our team because of her experience and playing against top competition. I am excited to see what she will bring to our team this year. Sophomore Tiffany Helmbrecht, who saw minimal action her freshman season will be back and will be joined by newcomer Katie Vancura to compete for time at middle blocker. A local product out of Mukwonago, Wis., Vancura has earned All-America honors while playing with her club team the Milwaukee Sting and will contribute almost immediately to the Golden Eagles offense. Defensive Specialist/Libero Sophomore outside hitter Kimberley Todd The Golden Eagles defense will be made up mostly of new talent with the exception of seniors Heidi Pfeiffer and Caitie O Brien. In her junior season, Pfeiffer saw action in 11 matches and averaged 1.29 digs per game in those contests. O Brien will return to the starting lineup this season with a solid playing background in her favor. In 2004, she registered Junior outside hitter Jamie Mueller 4 Season Preview

7 2005 BIG EAST Preseason Awards Preseason All-Conference Diana Andreyko, So., OH, Pittsburgh Lauren Brewster, Sr., MB, Notre Dame Kristen Conway, Sr., OH, Syracuse Theresa Coughlin, Sr., OH, Marquette Kelly Duan, Sr., RS/MB, Syracuse Kristina Fabris, So., MB/RS, USF Myanna Hellsten, Jr., MB, Cincinnati Jennifer Hoffman, Sr., MB, Louisville Lena Ustymenko, Sr., OH, Louisville Lauren Kelbley, Sr., OH/MB, Notre Dame Megan McGrane, Sr., L., Pittsburgh Gini Ullery, Sr., OH, Pittsburgh Anastasia Yartseva, Jr., OH, Louisville 2005 Preseason Poll (First place votes) 1. Louisville (12) Notre Dame (3) Pittsburgh Cincinnati Marquette Syracuse Connecticut Georgetown 75 West Virginia USF DePaul Villanova Seton Hall St. John s Rutgers digs, averaging 2.58 digs per game, and recorded a four-match stretch where she tallied 10 or more digs. There will be new faces at the defensive specialist/libero spot in newcomer Jessica Kieser and Lauren Pierce. Pierce, a letterwinner from the 2003 squad returning after a year hiatus. Mueller could also see time on the backline, which was where she was Sophomore setter Monica Renfrow before she made her transition to outside hitter. We have a strong defensive unit back led by our two seniors Caitie O Brien and Heidi Pfeiffer. We are happy to have Lauren back with us as well, explained Rolf. Even though she played just one season with us, her freshman season, she will play a key role on our team this season and has a chance to step in a starting position quickly. Setter In the setter s spot, the Golden Eagles will be without Vernon this year, who in her final campaign at Marquette put up big numbers and was crucial part of last season s success. Sophomore Monica Renfro and junior Katie Weidner, a transfer from New Hampshire and an America East All-Rookie Team selection her freshman season, will both share time in the spot. Renfrow did not see much action at setter last seasons, but should see plenty this season. At New Hampshire last season, Weidner saw action in almost every match tallying 1,134 assists and averaging over 10 per game as a Wildcat. Katie will bring a wealth of experience to this squad, stated Rolf. She has the talent to make an immediate impact and hopefully will be a mentor to Monica. What Monica lacks in experience, Weidner makes up for it, and I know she will be there to help back her up. Schedule Three home tournaments and matches with six NCAA Tournament participants including defending NCAA Champion Stanford highlight the 2005 schedule as the Golden Eagles look for there first-ever berth in the NCAA Tournament. I think this is one of the finest schedules we have had since I began coaching here, said Rolf. It gives us an opportunity to be at home and play on our court in front of our fans. I am extremely excited about our schedule and the teams we will be hosting. The BIG EAST schedule will be traditionally tough, but the Golden Eagles have the advantage of playing its first four conference opponents including defending conference champion, Notre Dame, in The Al. However, they will have to travel to familiar foes Cincinnati and Louisville to try to avenge last season s losses to both teams prior to the BIG EAST Tournament. It is very crucial to play at home, explained Rolf. We are playing big games at home including Notre Dame. In order for us to get to the top of the conference we need to beat Notre Dame. In non-conference play, the Golden Eagles will host three tournaments, two to kick-off the season and one to close out regular-season play. The Marquette Kick-off, Marquette Challenge and MU Battle for the Bird will bring Virginia Commonwealth University, North Dakota State, Pacific, IUPUI, Iowa, New Hampshire, Western Michigan, Fairfield, and Valparaiso all to the Al McGuire Center throughout Junior middle blocker Jenn Brown The team will also travel to two back-to-back tournaments in September. Marquette will get a Rocky Mountain high as they travel to Boulder to take-on defending NCAA Champion Stanford, NCAA participant Colorado and Creighton, and then head to Kentucky to battle UNC Greensboro and host Eastern Kentucky. The Golden Eagles will also battle instate-rivals Wis.-Milwaukee and Wis.-Green Bay to breakup their conference schedule. Overall, the 2005 season looks to be bright and the climb to the top of the BIG EAST has begun. With the talent of the team as a whole and the tradition of excellence instilled in this group of young women, anything is possible including a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Senior Libero Caitie O Brien Season Preview 5

8 Media Information Al McGuire Center The Marquette volleyball team plays its home games at the Al McGuire Center on the Marquette campus. The Al McGuire Center is located at 12th Street and Wells Street. Parking for the Al McGuire Center is available in the parking structure on Wells Street, one block west of the arena. Media Relations Office The Media Relations Office is located on the second floor of the Al McGuire Center. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office phone number is (414) and the FAX number is (414) Volleyball contact Amy Ufnowski can be reached directly at (414) or at amy.ufnowski@marquette.edu. Services The Media Relations Office will provide rosters of both teams, game notes, statistics and media guides for each home contest. Complete statistics will be provided following each game. Media wishing to file stories after the game may do so in the media room at the venue by contacting a representative of the Media Relations Office. Interviews Interview requests with Marquette volleyball players and coaches must be made directly through the Media Relations Office and may be arranged by contacting Amy Ufnowski at (414) Requests must be made 24 hours in advance. After home games, players and head coach Pati Rolf will be available to the media after a 10-minute cooling off period. Media Credentials Media credentials are not necessary for Marquette volleyball home games. Any media wishing to cover a Marquette match should, however, contact the Media Relations Office in writing or by phone to receive complimentary admission to the contest and to reserve space at the scorers/media table. Requests should be received by noon for a 7 p.m. game or the previous day for an afternoon game. Photographers Photographers wishing to work Marquette volleyball games may do so but must adhere to strict guidelines. Any photographer failing to adhere to the policies may be asked to leave. At all times, photographers are asked not to block the views of any paying spectators, players, officials or other media members. BIG EAST Conference Contact Rachel Margolis, Big East Director of Communications, for any information concerning BIG EAST volleyball. The Big East office phone number is (401) Margolis address is rmargolis@bigeast.org. Information is also available on the conference s website at Ticket Information Prices for Marquette home volleyball games are $5, $3 for children and $1 for Marquette students with a valid student ID. Admission is free for Fanatics with a valid pass. Groups of 15 or more are $2 per ticket. Groups must be purchased prior to game day. For more information, contact the Marquette Ticket Office at (414) 288-GOMU. BIG EAST Tournament The University of Louisville serves as host for the 2005 Big East Volleyball Tournament, to be held Nov at Cardinal Arena in Louisville, Ky. Contact the Louisville ticket office at (800) for ticket information. For media relations issues, contact Louisville volleyball SID Nancy Worley at (502) For conference media relations issues, contact BIG EAST Director of Communications Rachel Margolis at the number listed above. For the latest on Marquette volleyball and all 14 of Marquette s varsity sports, visit Loaded with stats, highlights, reactions, features and all the news about Marquette athletics, is the first place to find out everything about Marquette volleyball and Marquette athletics. Amy Ufnowski Media Relations Handling the media relations duties for the Marquette volleyball team is Amy Ufnwoski. Ufnowski enters her first year with Marquette s media relations office. Prior to her appointment at Marquette, she served in the University of Denver's athletic media relations staff. Ufnowski also served a five-month internship for USA Wrestling in Colorado Springs, Colo., where she was the primary media contact for the Iraqi wrestlers while they trained at the Olympic Training Center. Ufnowski also worked with the Milwaukee Wave/Wave United Soccer Organization in where she worked in both public and community relations, as well as marketing. She gained experience in game operations, in addition to writing for the Major Indoor Soccer League monthly publication "Goal Indoor." Ufnowski earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management in May 2004 from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. She resides in Franklin. Important Numbers Media Relations (414) Media Relations FAX (414) Press Row (414) Volleyball Office (414) Volleyball FAX (414) Bill Cords, Dir. of Athletics (414) Marketing Department (414) Ticket Office (414) Blue & Gold Fund (414) BIG EAST Conference (401) BIG EAST FAX (401) Website 6 Media

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10 Coaching Staff Pati Rolf enters her fourth season as the head of the Marquette volleyball program with a record under her belt in three seasons. Last year, Rolf brought the Marquette volleyball program to new heights, advancing to the championship match of the Conference USA Tournament. She had Marquette on the verge of its first NCAA Tournament berth after a 22-7 season placed Marquette second in Conference USA. The 22 wins were the most since the Golden Eagles turned Division I. Marquette edged Cincinnati for just the third time in history and Rolf's first victory over the Bearcats since becoming head coach. With the 3-1 win over Cincinnati, the Golden Eagles advance to their first-ever C-USA Championship game. Along the way, she had several players earn accolades, including setter Sarah Vernon, who was named honorable mention allregion. She was one of Marquette s most prolific setters and earned second-team all-conference in the process. Also earning second team accolades was Theresa Coughlin, who is one of Marquette s all-time leading attackers. She should finish her career atop the Marquette kills list. Kim Todd gave Marquette fans something to look forward to in the upcoming seasons as she was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team for her outstanding play during her first season. Rolf has served the program well in her first three seasons. Additionally, she comes from a tradition of winning programs. Rolf s 310 wins at the Division II level are the 25th best all-time in the history of that level of the sport. The 2003 season marked a turning point for the Golden Eagles volleyball program. The squad struggled at the season s beginning, playing one of the most difficult schedules in the nation. In the end, all of that competitiveness nearly paid Marquette major dividends. The team won nine consecutive matches to close out the year, before falling to Louisville in the Conference USA Tournament semifinal round. Rolf showed her coaching abilities by transitioning some members of the team to different roles, having success doing so. Erica Heisser and Ann Lopata were moved to middle blocker and Erin Freer moved from Libero to outside hitter. Lopata led the team in hitting percentage and was second in blocks per game as a result. Heisser was third in attack percentage and led in blocks. Freer proved to be an up-and-comer at the outside and averaged just under three blocks per game. In the end, the squad finished with a very respectable mark and an eye for the future. In 2002, Rolf and Marquette fought off serious injuries to key players and finished with a overall record. One of the highlights of 2002 took place during the C-USA Championship when Marquette, seeded no. 12, topped no. 5 Tulane, marking just the second time that a no. 12 seed had topped the no. 5 draw in that tournament. Rolf was named the third head coach in Marquette volleyball team history on May 10, 2002, following a highly successful 14- year stint as the head coach at the University of Minnesota- Duluth. During her 14 seasons at Minn.-Duluth, she compiled an overall record of (64.7) that included 11 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference titles. She had a run of two seasons 1996 and 1997 where she guided undefeated conference champions. In all, she had four seasons in which UMD went undefeated in conference play. Each of those four seasons, she won a NSIC title. Named the NSIC Coach of the Year on four occasions, she guided the program to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament three times (1991, 1994 and 1998). She directed the program to 10 campaigns of 20 or more wins and her conference record during her tenure was a glittering (89.2). Rolf led Minn.-Duluth to as many as 33 wins in a season (1991) and averaged 22 wins a season in her 14 campaigns. We are excited that Pati is coming to Marquette, stated Marquette Athletic Director Bill Cords upon her appointment. She is well respected in the volleyball community as a coach, a recruiter, and as a developer of a quality program. She has exceptional leadership skills and a very strong belief in service to the community. Her commitment to succeed has enabled her to be successful at all levels of the sport. Prior to her stint at UMD, Rolf served as both the head coach at Fargo North High School in North Dakota ( ) and the 8 Coaching Staff

11 head coach/director of the Red River Valley Junior Program in Moorhead, Minn. ( ). In addition, she was selected to serve as an assistant coach at both the 1992 and 1993 USA Volleyball Women s Junior Elite Camp in Colorado Springs and as an assistant coach (East Team) at the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival in Saint Louis. A native of Hopkins, Minn., Rolf was a four-year volleyball letterwinner at North Dakota State University ( ). As a senior, she captained her team while gaining NCAA Division II All- Region and All-North Central Conference honors. She distinguished herself in the classroom as well, earning NCC All- Academic honors twice. By the time her career had concluded, she had set a Division II career record for matches played (239). Rolf recorded NDSU career marks in service aces and matches played and single-season marks for block solos and service aces. In October of 1999, she was inducted into the NDSU Athletic Hall of Fame. Rolf received her Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) International Officiating Certificate in 2003, making her just one of 15 female international officials in the world. She has been a registered national volleyball official since 1990 and worked as a line judge in both the men s and women s volleyball competition (including the women s gold medal match) at the 1996 Summer Olympics. In the summer of 2004, she also officiated international competition in St. Petersburg, Russia, and officiated in the World Military Games. In the summer of 2005, she officiated at the 2006 World Championships Qualifying Tournament in Guatamala. The Rolf Record Season Record Pct. Conf. Pct at Marquette at Minn.-Duluth Career Regular Season Conference Titles 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 NCAA Division II Regional Appearances 1991, 1994, 1998 North Star Intercollegiate Conference Coach of the Year 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997 Milestone Victories First Win 50th Win 100th Win 200th Win 300th Win Sept. 9, 1988; 3-0 vs St. Ambrose Sept. 14, 1990; 3-0 vs Saint Louis Oct. 30, 1991; 3-0 vs Winona State Sept. 28, 1996; 3-0 vs Winona State Sept. 21, 2001; 3-1 vs. Northern State She has served as an official for the Big Ten Conference (1991 to 2002) and the U.S.P.V. ( ). Rolf served on the Board of Directors of the American Volleyball Coaches Association from 1995 through 1998 and has served on the organization s National Ranking Committee since She obtained a B.U.S. degree in University Studies with an emphasis in Corporate/Community Fitness and Nutrition from North Dakota State and is in the process of completing her Master s Degree in Education. A member of the Board of Education for the Duluth Public Schools from 1998 through 2002, her family includes her husband, Kent, son, Graydon (18), and daughter, Madison (11). Coaching Staff 9

12 Coaching Staff Q&A With Pati Rolf 1. What are your teams strengths and weaknesses this season? Our biggest strength will be our size and physical abilities; we are in the best shape as a team ever. We have more experience on the floor as hitters and passers, plus we now understand what it takes to play at a top-25 level. No money can buy that for the players. They have been to the conference final and they now want to go back. Most importantly we have a very strong and deep bench. The bench will be critical to our success this season. These woman want to win and they want to play in the NCAAs after what happened last year. They are working hard with a new drive that I have not witnessed from this particular group. I am very proud of what they have done to get prepared for this 2005 season. 2. What do you want people to know about your style of coaching and Marquette Volleyball? What I want people to understand is that this is it. If they want to see the best volleyball in the country come to Marquette and watch. Pacific, Notre Dame, Louisville, we have some of the best teams in the country playing at the Al. With the move to the Big East we are now going to be in one of the top conferences for women s volleyball. It is exciting, it is fun and kids will have a blast here and so will the adults. It is made for family and the people of Milwaukee. We know what they want and we have it here. Just come and give it a try and I promise you will be hooked. The women are something to be proud of. Why would I devote my entire life to these young women and this school if it was not one of the best places to be in this country? We are about the best here, both academically and athletically and these young women have done it. People can come witness that first hand at the Al this fall. 3. You had a very successful season in 2004, how are you preparing your team to have last season's successes carry over to the 2005 season and make it even better? What last season's seniors and team provide this year s team is another chance to get a taste of success, pride, acknowledgement, dedication, and competitive spirit. They now know what it means and feels like to advance to the conference final. There is nothing like it. Nothing. They know it now and nothing less than that will feel very good. I hope that is how they feel. That is what last year s seniors taught them. Now they must do it, day in and day out, without last year s leadership. It is not an easy thing to do, but it is fun and worth it in the end. We have a tremendous group of seniors this year who care about each other and the younger players. Now we need the younger players to make a stronger commitment to this year s successes. That is what will put us over the top this year. The BIG EAST is a conference that is waiting for us and the other teams that have joined, so it is an exciting time for all of us. Our hope is that more than two teams make it to the NCAA Tournament in November. We should get four and we are all going to work as a conference to make sure that happens. dreams my student athletes have of being a part of a top-25 program as well as having one of the finest educations in the country. Finally, I love Milwaukee and my family is happy here. We have always felt welcomed in the community and at Marquette. 6. How do you/ your team fill the shoes left by graduated seniors Erin Freer, Erica Heisser and Sarah Vernon? It is not possible to fill their shoes nor would it be something that would be wise to try to do. It is not about being what we were last year. I am not interested in coaching last year s team or seniors again. I love adventure as I said before and I am interested in this year s team and what they want to accomplish. This is college athletics, not the pro's, we have rapid turn over. This is a new team with new leaders and new ways of doing things, which is exciting and what life is about. This new group of seniors wants their chance to run the show and see what they can do, while the younger players are now older and want to spread their wings as well. Change is good, painful but good. I look forward to seeing what this new group can put together, we will look different and we will play different. That is what it should be. So on that note, no looking back, ever. I only look ahead, learn from the past and then move on and work harder. That is what we do here at Marquette. The players are working harder as a team this summer than in any Previous summer, that is what I want to focus on looks to be an exciting season and what the seniors taught us is that hard work, leadership, and commitment pays off. Most importantly what I and the younger players have taken from all the seniors these past three seasons, Amy and Dani in 2002, Gemma in 2003 and Erica, Erin and Sarah in 2004 is unselfishness, loyality and passion. They all brought this to the game and to their lives here at Marquette. Those characteristics are things that come after time and commitment, hard work and dedication. You cannot give that to a child they are earned. The shoes of last year s seniors can not be filled, but this new team will battle for their own identity and dreams, I know one of them is new, a chance at the NCAA's for the first time in school history. My job and Marquette s is to make that dream come true. 4. What challenges will your team face entering the BIG EAST? Challenges, no challenges, just more opportunities to get a berth in the NCAA tournament. We are in a stronger conference. Last year the BIG EAST was a top-eight conference, now with the addition of the new teams and the continued commitment of building a top-five volleyball conference it will only get better. The only thing that we will have to be ready for is the change of venue. We have not played at many of these schools or gone to many of these cities. Last year we worked hard to play some of the schools, UConn, Rutgers, etc. That will help. Sometimes when things are new it puts people off balance. However, like my personality, my team loves adventure and that will make this whole experience in 2005 a fantastic ride. 5. What do you enjoy most about coaching at Marquette? The people I work with and the student athletes. I love working directly with people, especially the players. I love their individual personalities and we spend a lot of time finding out what their goals are. Once that is accomplished I find it my life s work to make sure those dreams come true. Marquette allows me to do that. The administration is committed to the volleyball program and making our athletic department one of the strongest in the Big East and nation. It is so important to follow through with that commitment. When one gives their word or says they are going to do something, it needs to happen, Marquette has done that and is doing that. I feel that I can accomplish the 10 Coaching Staff

13 Q&A With Todd Nelson 1. What do you enjoy most about Marquette Athletics? Todd Nelson is in his fourth year as an assistant coach on the Marquette volleyball staff. Nelson came to Marquette after spending three years ( ) as an assistant coach at Indiana State University. While at ISU, he coached setter Megan Mirs who closed out her career no. 2 all-time in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists with 5,080. Prior to his stint at Indiana State, he spent six seasons with the University of Minnesota-Duluth program under Pati Rolf, the last three as assistant coach. While coaching at UMD, Nelson also served as the head volleyball coach at the Marshall School in Duluth and was director and head coach of the Superior Coast Juniors USAV program. In addition, while he was at Indiana State, he coached for the Pacesetter Volleyball Team in Terre Haute for two years. I m very excited about being a part of the Marquette program, said Nelson. There is a good deal of talent here and I am looking forward to helping this team win a conference championship and get into the NCAA Tournament. A native of New Richmond, Wis., Nelson received a B.A.S. degree in elementary education and a B.A. in communications from Minn.-Duluth in Nelson was a player and coach for the Minn.-Duluth Men s Club Volleyball Team after competing in baseball and basketball as a prep. There are actually two things that really make me appreciate being part of Marquette Athletics. The first is everyone s willingness to challenge themselves in order to be the best they can be. Our move to the Big East Conference is a perfect example of that. It can be also be seen in our athletes effort at practices and in the classroom. It can be seen in the coaches as they prepare for competitions and spend hours on the road recruiting outstanding student-athletes. The second thing I enjoy about Marquette Athletics is how much everyone cares for one another. Marquette s athletes make it a point to see each others matches and games. Whether they are working out in the weight-room or studying for a final in the Eagle s Nest, the Marquette athletes support one another and work together to make one another successful. 2. How will you help prepare this team for the transition into the BIG EAST? As a coaching staff, we feel like we have already made many of the necessary preparations. We re looking forward to taking this step into the Big East and we feel like the timing is very good. Over the past three seasons, our program has continued to improve. Our team is made up of talented athletes who were able to win some tough matches last season. Those experiences help in our preparation. We ve improved our scouting of opponents through enhanced digital video technology. We continue to recruit outstanding student-athletes who know how to work hard and are good teammates. My job is to make sure we continue on that path through this transitional year. 3. What do you think the toughest challenge will be for this team this season? I think the toughest challenge will be how well everyone adapts to their new roles. Caitie O Brien, T Coughlin, Heidi Pfeiffer, Aga Niemczewska, and Jamie Mueller have been on-court contributors for the past couple of seasons. Now they are the team s leaders. I m excited by what they have been doing throughout the spring and summer! Kim Todd, Tiffany Helmbrecht, Monica Renfrow, Nicole Wallace and Jenn Brown all have higher expectations placed on them than last season. Their summer work and preparation has been outstanding! Our newcomers, Katie Weidner, Lauren Pierce, Katie Vancura, Bridget O Brien, and Jessica Kieser, will be expected to learn quickly and possibly have an impact on the team immediately. All of them are very capable of doing that! From what we have seen through the spring and summer, we don t expect the challenge of adapting to new roles to take very long. Will Mueller enters his first season as manager for the Marquette volleyball team. Mueller will assist with all facets of the Marquette volleyball program including practice coordination, game set up and stat keeping. Mueller is a junior from Menasha, Wis., and is a biochemistry major. Coaching Staff 11

14 Coaching Staff Erica Heisser joins the Marquette volleyball staff for her first season in Heisser, a three-year letterwinner for the Golden Eagles, helped lead the team to 22-7 record, the best Division I record in school history, and an appearance in the Conference USA championship game in She led the team in blocks with 2.61 per game and was second on the team in attack percentage, hitting 28.3 percent. Heisser also finished second on the team in kills with 339, while being one of the most accurate on the team, hitting over 30.0 percent seven times. "We are thrilled to have Erica join our staff this season," said head coach Pati Rolf. " We are fortunate to have a woman who is so caring of others continue in our program. Not only will she be a tremendous mentor to our younger players, but also has the ability to train the middle blocker position, which will help us a great deal. I think most importantly she understands the new generation of athletes and Marquette as a whole. Outside of volleyball, Heisser was the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Council in 2004 and a four-time member of the C-USA Commissioner s Honor Roll. She was presented with the Cura Personalis award at the end of the school year by Marquette University. She graduated from Marquette in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Spanish. Prior to her collegiate playing career, the Grand Rapids, Mich., native came to the Marquette program from Forest Hills Central where she earned four letters in volleyball. Heisser landed first-team honors on state, area, region and conference teams and was named team MVP. Selected by the Detroit Free Press as a Scholar- Athlete. She was also chosen as the Conference Scholar- Athlete of the Year as a senior. Heisser was picked as her high school's Female Athlete of the Year Award winner and helped her team to a No. 2 ranking in the state of Michigan. A two-time letterwinner in basketball, Heisser played club volleyball for the Kentwood Volleyball Club and the Grand Rapids Pride. Q&A With Erica Heisser 1. Why did you want to become a coach? I always knew that after I completed my playing career I would want to coach because volleyball was a part of my life that I did not want to leave behind as I entered the working world. Luckily, at Marquette, I was afforded the opportunity to grow up and get a real job and still be around volleyball every single day. As a coach, I am blessed with the occasion to work with extraordinary young ladies and the opportunity to help teach them to fight for and realize their own goals. 2. How will being a member of the Golden Eagles for four years help you make the transition from player to assistant coach? Being a member of the Golden Eagles for four years will help me tremendously in making the transition from player to assistant coach. While undoubtedly the immediate transition will be tough, as I am sure that as a new coach I will still feel the itch to be out on the court playing, the experiences I gained as a player on the Golden Eagle team will be invaluable to me now as a coach. Not only did I have an incredibly fun and rewarding four years at Marquette, but I also found success both academically and athletically. I understand the daily demands of life as a student-athlete at Marquette, and also what sacrifices are necessary to be a successful teammate and volleyball player. Lastly, as a Marquette Volleyball player, I was continually challenged by the ambitious goals we had created for ourselves, and now as a coach, I am excited that I am still able to be active in the pursuit of those goals but in a new and different capacity. 3. What will be your greatest challenge in the 2005 season? Coaching at this level is so much more than simply teaching an athlete volleyball skills and techniques. Part of the exciting challenge of a coach is discovering how to make athletes work together as a team, and that might be the biggest challenge in the upcoming season. While all of our athletes are incredible people, it is going to be a fun challenge to find which mix works best together. We ve had great leadership throughout the spring and the summer from our older players, and it will be very interesting to see who steps up from the younger classes to take a more invested roll in the team s success. 4. What do you like to do away from volleyball? When I m not playing or coaching volleyball, I enjoy exploring Milwaukee. Whether it s roaming around the Milwaukee County Zoo, browsing through the used bookstores of Downtown, chatting with friends at the trendy coffee shops of the Eastside or catching a movie at the Oriental, I love spending time in the city. I also like to spend time outdoors, read, watch movies and take long naps. 12 Coaching Staff

15 13

16 The Team Theresa Coughlin 2004 (Junior) For the second-consecutive year, Theresa Coughlin led Marquette in kills and earned second-team All- Conference USA for the second year as a result. Coughlin's 3.96 kills per game was 10th in Conference USA in She had 396 kills on the year, giving her 1,263 for her career. That placed her seven kills away from the Marquette school record of 1,270 set by Chris Curtin in four seasons. She did finish the year with a career total of 3,177 attacks, which set a new Marquette career mark. Coughlin's kills was the eighth best single-season total in Marquette history. She had 22 matches with double-figures in kills, bringing her to a career total of 50. She had a stretch with nine matches in double figures, highlighted by a 16 kill effort against Connecticut (Sept. 24). During that span, she averaged 4.3 kills per game. Outside Hitter 5-11 Senior Chicago, Ill. Marian Catholic Career Highs Kills 29 vs Central Mich. (Aug. 31, 2002) Attacks 63 at Duke (Aug. 30, 2003) Assists 5 Three times Digs 18 Twice Aces 6 vs TCU (Nov. 1, 2002) Blocks 7 vs IPFW (Sept. 21, 2002) She started her season strong with a 25-kill effort against Western Michigan (Sept. 11) as she earned All-Tournament honors at the Radisson Bronco Invitational. She had 25 kills later in the season in a five-game win at Saint Louis (Oct. 30). She had 10 double-doubles on the season, including a 17-kill, 16-dig effort against USF (Oct. 15) and set a season best with 18 digs against Loyola (Ill.) (Sept. 18). She averaged 2.55 digs per game as a junior (Sophomore) Coughlin continued her impressive collegiate campaign with a fine sophomore season, earning secondteam All-Conference USA honors and AVCA All-Midwest Region Honorable Mention honors. She led the team with 531 points, 488 kills, 4.17 kills per game (fifth in C-USA), and 1,217 attacks. She finished just off the attack percentage lead with 25.8 percent. She was Marquette s most prolific attacker, having double figures in kills in 26 matches. She had a string of 21 matches with double figures in kills. She led the team with eight double-doubles on the year. She started quickly having 26 or more kills in two of the first four matches 28 against Duke (Aug. 30) and 26 against Dayton Sept. 5). She had 51 kills in three matches to earn a spot on the Duke Invitational All-Tournament team and also earned a spot on the Marquette Challenge All-Tournament team. She had 10 matches with 20 or more kills including a span of three matches with 22 or more against Wis.- Milwaukee (23, Sept. 24), Cincinnati (22, Oct. 3) and Louisville (23, Oct. 4). She scored 31 points against Career Stats Attack Set Serve Dig Block Year MP-GP K E TA KPG Pct. Ast. APG SA-SE RE Digs DPG BS-BA BPG BE BHE Points , Career , , , The Team

17 Dayton, adding four aces and two blocks to her 26 kills. She was also an accurate attacker, having a 30.0 percent or better hitting average 11 times. Her season best was a 48.5 percent performance (16 kills, 33 attacks) against Wis.- Green Bay (Nov. 11) (Freshman) Coughlin earned a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team, leading the team with 379 attacks, good for seventh place on the school s seasonal list. She had a season-best 29 attacks, one shy of tying the school record, against Central Michigan (Aug. 31). She hit a team-high 41.4 percent and totaled 15 kills against Louisville (Oct. 4). She had a solid outing against Lehigh (Sept. 7), hitting 50.0 percent and having five aces. She led the team with 42 service aces and ranked sixth among C-USA players with a 0.41 per-game average. She had a season high six aces against TCU (Nov. 1). She hit a combined 31.4 ( ) while contributing 14 digs against Southern Miss (Oct. 18) and Tulane (Oct. 19). She had 22 attacks against Cincinnati (Oct. 5) for her second-highest effort of the year. Coughlin was a member of the Marquette Challenge All-Tournament Team after compiling 39 attacks and 17 digs in 10 games over three matches. Prior to Marquette Coughlin earned four letters in volleyball at Marian Catholic. As a senior she helped her team to a record of 30-8 that included a regional championship. She was a second-team all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune and was named Player of the Year by both the Star Newspapers and Illinois Times. She was an East Suburban Catholic All-Conference selection. She played club volleyball for Celtic Force which was ranked among the nation s top 10 teams and was coached by her mother, Gloria, at Celtic. She also lettered twice in soccer and basketball. Personal Born May 4, 1984, Coughlin is the daughter of Daniel and Gloria Coughlin. Her mother played two years at Michigan State and sisters Moira and Keara played at Wis.-Milwaukee and Notre Dame, respectively. She is a communications studies major. Coughlin Match-by-Match 2004 K-E-TA Pct. A SA-SE DIG BS-BA N. Dakota St Drake Western Ky vs Maine vs Rutgers at Western Mich Boston Coll S. Dakota St Loyola (Ill.) Wis.-Milwaukee at Connecticut vs Md.-E. Shore Cincinnati Louisville at Wis.-Green Bay DePaul at USF at UAB Houston TCU at Memphis at Saint Louis Tulane Southern Miss at Charlotte at E. Carolina vs Tulane vs Cincinnati at Louisville K-E-TA Pct. A SA-SE DIG BS-BA vs Texas A&M at Duke vs Pittsburgh vs Dayton vs Kansas at Minnesota Bradley Ohio Missouri vs Gonzaga vs Wyoming at Montana St at Wis.-Milw at Cincinnati at Louisville Charlotte E. Carolina at Tulane at So. Miss Memphis Saint Louis at Houston at TCU USF UAB Wis.-Grn. Bay at DePaul vs DePaul vs So. Miss vs Louisville K-E-TA Pct. A SA-SE DIG BS-BA vs Cleveland State at Wyoming at Central Mich Valparaiso Austin Peay Lehigh vs Purdue at Kansas vs Southeast Mo vs Western Ill vs Wright State at IPFW at E. Carolina Louisville Cincinnati at Charlotte at Wis.-Grn. Bay So. Miss Tulane at Saint Louis at Memphis TCU Houston at UAB at USF DePaul vs Tulane vs Saint Louis at N. Carolina The Team 15

18 The Team Aga Niemczewska 2004 (Junior) Niemczewska was very instrumental to Marquette's hot start. She finished the season with 72 kills for a 1.50 per game average. She started strong defensivley, logging 11 digs against Western Kentucky (Sept. 4), and she tallied 11 kills against Connecticut (Sept. 24). She played just four times after the end of September. In September, she averaged 1.55 kills per game. She turned more defensive later in the season. She recorded nine of her 37 digs on the season against Louisville (Oct. 2). She also showed she had solid net defense ability, recording seven blocks against South Dakota State (Sept. 18). Outside Hitter 6-0 Senior Vernon Hills, Ill. Vernon Hills Career Highs Kills 18 at Wyoming (Aug. 31, 2002) Attacks 48 at IPFW (Sept. 21, 2002) Assists 4 four times Digs 11 twice Aces 6 at IPFW (Sept. 21, 2002) Blocks 7 at So. Dakota St. (Sept. 18, 2004) 2003 (Sophomore) Niemczewska finished her sophomore season just under the 2.00 kills per game at She logged 178 kills in 90 games, ranking her fifth best amongst Marquette players. She missed out on 27 of the team s 117 games, keeping her aggregate totals down. She had four matches with 10 or more kills, starting with 10 against Dayton (Sept. 5). She logged that same total against Ohio (Sept. 13). She had 11 and 13 respectively in on the same day against Wyoming and Montana State (Sept. 20). She hit 32.3 percent against Montana State, her third highest total of the year. That number was bettered by a 46.2 percent outing against USF (Nov. 7), where she had eight kills. She also had a 33.3 percent day in the C-USA Tournament first round match against DePaul (Nov. 21). She posted 30 assisted blocks on the year, including six against Cincinnati (Oct. 3). She also had 28 service aces, the second best total on the team. Those figures helped her to 197 points on the season (Freshman) Niemczewska finished third on the team in attacks with 286 and was second on the club with 28 service aces. She had 17 matches of double-figure attacks. Her biggest match came against IPFW (Sept. 21) with 15 attacks, a season-high six service aces that would tie the high mark by any Marquette player in 2002, eight digs and three blocks. She hit 36.8 percent ( ) against Louisville (Oct. 4). She posted a season-best 18 kills and chipped Career Stats Attack Set Serve Dig Block Year MP-GP K E TA KPG Pct. Ast. APG SA-SE RE Digs DPG BS-BA BPG BE BHE Points Career , The Team

19 in seven digs in the season opener vs. Wyoming (Aug. 31). Niemczewska hit a season-high 37.5 percent ( ) against Wis.-Green Bay (Oct. 15). She hit 32.0 percent ( ) at Memphis (Oct. 26) and recorded a season-high five blocks against Southern Miss (Oct. 18). She had nine digs against North Carolina (Nov. 29). She finished second on the team with 39 block assists and was a member of the Marquette Challenge All- Tournament Team after posting 37 kills over three matches. Additionally, she was a member of the C-USA Commissioner s Honor Roll recognizing a GPA of 3.00 or better. Prior to Marquette Niemczewska came to the Golden Eagles from Vernon Hills High School where she played for Steve Rochon. She captured all-conference recognition while serving as her team s captain. She earned all-academic honors as well. She played club volleyball for Sports Performance in Chicago. Personal Born Oct. 1, 1983, in Poland, she is the daughter Matt and Nina Niemczewska. She majors in business administration. Niemczewska Match-by-Match 2004 K-E-TA Pct. A SA-SE DIG BS-BA N. Dakota St Drake Western Ky vs Maine vs Rutgers at Western Mich Boston Coll S. Dakota St Loyola (Ill.) Wis.-Milwaukee at Connecticut vs Md.-E. Shore Cincinnati Louisville at Wis.-Green Bay DePaul at USF at UAB Houston TCU at Memphis at Saint Louis Tulane Southern Miss at Charlotte at E. Carolina vs Tulane vs Cincinnati at Louisville 2003 K-E-TA Pct. A SA-SE DIG BS-BA vs Texas A&M at Duke vs Pittsburgh vs Dayton vs Kansas at Minnesota Bradley Ohio Missouri vs Gonzaga vs Wyoming at Montana St at Wis.-Milw at Cincinnati at Louisville Charlotte E. Carolina at Tulane at So. Miss Memphis Saint Louis at Houston at TCU USF UAB Wis.-Grn. Bay at DePaul vs DePaul vs So. Miss vs Louisville K-E-TA Pct. A SA-SE DIG BS-BA vs Cleveland St. at Wyoming at Central Mich Valparaiso Austin Peay Lehigh vs Purdue at Kansas vs Southeast Mo vs Western Illinois vs Wright State at IPFW at E. Carolina Louisville Cincinnati at Charlotte at Wis.-Grn. Bay So. Miss Tulane at Saint Louis at Memphis TCU Houston at UAB at USF DePaul vs Tulane vs Saint Louis at N. Carolina The Team 17

20 The Team Caitie O Brien 2004 (Junior) As Marquette's primary defensive specialist, Caitie O'Brien recorded 240 digs, the fifth-best total on the team. With just 10 kills on the season from the back row, O'Brien's entire season was played behind the 10-foot line. She had 11 matches with 10 or more digs. In her second match of the season, she had 13 digs against Maine (Sept. 10). After a 10 dig contest against Boston College (Sept. 17) and a 16-dig outing against Connecticut (Sept. 24), O'Brien had a four match stretch with at least 10 digs. She had 11 digs against Wis.-Green Bay (Oct. 5), 10 against DePaul (Oct. 18), 12 against USF (Oct. 15) and 11 at UAB (Oct. 16). She averaged 3.38 digs per game in that span. Libero 5-7 Senior Wauwatosa, Wis. Divine Savior- Holy Angels Career Highs Kills 3 at TCU (Nov. 1, 2003) Attacks 7 at Wis.-Green Bay (Oct. 5, 2004) Assists 6 Twice Digs 18 Twice Aces 5 East Carolina (Oct. 11, 2003) Blocks None She also had back-to-back double-figure dig matches with 15 at Memphis (Oct. 29) and 11 at Saint Louis (Oct. 30). She recorded a season -best 17 digs against Charlotte (Nov. 12) and had 13 digs against Tulane (Nov. 21) in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament (Sophomore) O Brien continued to have sparkling back-row performances for Marquette. She played in all 30 matches and had 16 with double-figures in digs. After her sophomore season, she had 23 matches with 10 or more digs. She tied her career best with 18 at Duke (Aug. 30) in the second match of the season. She followed that up with 11 digs against Pittsburgh later that day. With 14 digs against Ohio, she started a string of five of six matches in double figures, averaging 12.0 digs per match in that span. The run was capped by a 16-dig performance against Wis.-Milwaukee (Sept. 24). She had a 17-dig match against Tulane (Oct. 17) and later in the year had a string of four double figure digs matches. That stretch was highlighted by 14 at Houston (Oct. 31). She had 11 digs in the C-USA Quarterfinals against Southern Miss (Nov. 22) (Freshman) O Brien appeared in 28 matches and played in 95 games played in earning her first letter. She gave Marquette a boost off the bench with her defensive play. She concluded the year fifth on the team with Career Stats Attack Set Serve Dig Block Year MP-GP K E TA KPG Pct. Ast. APG SA-SE RE Digs DPG BS-BA BPG BE BHE Points Career The Team