Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Volleyball Media Day 2006
8/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 22, 2006
Green and White Scrimmage Photo Gallery
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Head Coach Cathy George
On the team's attitude entering the 2006-07 season... "We are very optimistic. The team has been working hard, and they have set out this year to improve their position in the Big Ten, and that mindset began the minute we finished last season. Most of the girls were here over the summer working out together preparing for this upcoming season."
On the team's depth... "Last year we didn't have depth, so it has been a blessing to have so many players that are capable of playing in any instance where we need them. We know that you can never completely take care of every area, but we feel much deeper than we were last year. This season, we have the ability to change positions, the players understand the game better, they understand what we're trying to do offensively and defensively, and they're executing that at a much higher level."
On the team's improvements from last season... "Our ball control and defense are better, blocking strategy is coming together, offensively we're getting better, and so all these pieces will combine into having a better overall product. The Big Ten is strong as a conference which means MSU moving up in the rankings isn't going to be the result of a weak opponent. The only way we move up in the rankings is if we go out and win. Opponents aren't going to give it to us, so we have to take it. It's going to be a real battle all the way through and we know nothing is going to come easy."
Senior Setter Allison Ianni
On the team's attitude entering the 2006-07 season... "I'm really looking forward to this upcoming season. I think we have a great group of girls who are very hard working and we have a lot of potential to do some damage in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament. We have a faster offense, which is really going to help us create some havoc for other teams."
On personal goals and expectations... "I'm looking forward to enjoying my senior season, college goes so fast. Playing with a great group of girls and a great coaching staff will make this season very rewarding."
Junior Outside Hitter Katie Johnson
On the team's attitude entering the 2006-07 season... "We're entering this season with a competitive mindset. We didn't do as well as we wanted to last year, but we have a great incoming freshmen class and transfers, so we're excited to surprise the Big Ten. We're basically the sleeper team - some teams may not think that we will do well, but I think we will in the end. We're ranked higher than a lot of teams that we lost to last year and I have a good feeling we will play very well."
On the depth of this year's team... "Last year we didn't have many substitutions, but this year we have a group of seven players that can go in and really compete. So we're excited - practices have gone well, and we do have those substitutions if they need to be made."
On the team's strengths... "Defense is the backbone of this team; we work on that every day. Other teams say they have the best, and we're excited to show how strong the Spartan defense really is."
Freshman Defensive Specialist Sarah Harris
On the team's attitude entering the 2006-07 season... "I'm really excited. The upperclassmen keep telling us how much more advanced we are compared to where they were last season at this time. Preseason has gone really well for all of us, and hopefully we'll have a great season."
On entering her first collegiate season... "I couldn't believe it when they first told me that I was going to be playing here. It's a dream come true to be able to play at MSU, in the Big Ten, and play for Cathy."
On becoming a contender in the Big Ten... "We just have to stay consistent when we are playing. We can't get down on ourselves, and just have to work for every point. We have to keep reaching for our goal of winning, and take each day one at a time."
Sophomore Defensive Specilist Melany Rarey
On the team's attitude entering the 2006-07 season... "We're really excited, especially after the Green and White scrimmage on Saturday. It was pretty intense, and fun to play against our teammates, because if we can practice like that every day, then go out and play with the same intensity, we will win."
 Melany Rarey  | |
On opening the season at Ball State, near her hometown... "I'm really excited to start the season close to home. I'm going to get the opportunity to play in front of my family and friends, so I'm hoping to have a good time."
On this year's freshmen class... "All of the freshmen are adapting really well and very quickly. During the scrimmage, it was basically underclassmen against the starting team, so it's really awesome that it was such a close game. If we have freshmen playing that strong, then we have a lot to look forward to in the future."
