In a recent thread started by borna, he gives a ‘hats-off’ to the players and I certainly concur. We’ll miss the seniors but they will always be a part of OHIO volleyball legacy. The enthusiasm of Meryl Bender is unparalleled, Mandy Nichols was a key cog this season and in the tourney run and hopefully we can get another year from her, Midge Jantsch-our setter extraordinaire, 2^nd all-time in assists and aces;  and what’s not to say about Sue Jacobi, our season kills and point leader? Good luck to all of you in the future.

A few more shout-outs:

To the coaches- Ryan Theis, Kyle Weindel, Meghan Keck-  In an up ‘n down season, you made some critical adjustments and got the ladies to peak at the right time. Congratulations.

To the fans- Attendance at games remains strong. The community has embraced the team, and attendance has been ranked in the top 25 in the nation. Now, if the students would start coming out more consistently and in more force, we could really rock the joint.

To the Ohio Alumni Varsity Band - How many big time programs can claim they have a band regularly at their home games? The band sounds great, is enthusiastic, they’re loud and they’re proud, and helps in immeasurable ways to attract not only fans, but recruits as well.

To the administration for their support of the program and the band.

To Matchpoint OHIO- We probably have the most professional volleyball photo website in the nation. The organization of the site, the quality of the photos, the energy of the hosts John Thorndike and Cricket Jones is extraordinary. Their dedication not only covers all home matches but they are at the Mac Tourney, and they cover some away games and tourneys too.  If you haven’t been at the site, here it is, it’s really worth looking at. One parent of a player wrote that it is special to him to see his daughter on this site since he lives too far away to attend the games. And John and Cricket even have a category ‘Follow alums in the pros’, a shout-out to the ‘Herminator’.  http://www.matchpointohio.com/

To our dynamic announcer- Lou Horvath, with his unique quips and his team shout-outs (“We’re having a block party”, A Leap of Faith”,  “Another Saturday Evening Post”).  

I’m looking forward to the return of Nicole, Katie, Mollie. Marah,  Kelly, Ashley, Liis, Leah, Faith, Lauren, and Lexie. We have talent in our experienced returning players and potential from the others to be important contributors. And welcome to your new ‘home’ Serena, Chelsea, Bailey and Kelly.  We’re excited about your arrival.

Speaking of recruiting, the playing field for recruits is nationwide, in fact world wide. From New York to California, from Minnestota to Texas, all the way to Estonia and back to Nelsonville, our coaches have shown they are capable of attracting top players wherever they are. Hard work by our coaching staff, one of the prettiest campuses in the nation, and many quality academic programs to choose from (and the players tend to be strong students as evidenced by their annual high academic rankings by the NCAA)- it’s all part of Ohio’s ability to attract quality players.

Heres’ what one parent said on this message board that best speaks to what I’m trying to say:

 “The players, coaches, trainers, parents of the players, you have made our daughter feel like she belongs. It was very hard and sad at times to sit 1000 miles away on a cold icey afternoon watching things unfold on TV. We cheered so loud I think the neighbors heard us! It was heartbreaking not to be there at the end to be able to give hugs to her and the rest of the girls. It was heartwarming to see the wonderful parents give a hug to her for us....for that we cannot thank you enough. It was very hard watching her go miles and miles away from us but now we know that she made the right decision. OU is a wonderful school and she has already made great friends for life. You now have two more Bobcat fans for life!! “

I guess the point is:

                 Point OHIO!