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Over the past 25 seasons, the Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's volleyball program has established itself as one of the premier small college programs in the Midwest. The Lady Cougars have posted a 686-304 overall record (.693 winning percentage) during the program's history, and the team has won five conference championships in the past seven years alone.
The 2000 season was no exception to MVNC's winning tradition as the Lady Cougars posted a 38-12 overall record and won a share of their third straight American Mideast Conference title. In postseason play, MVNC won the AMC Tournament, advanced to the semifinals of the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament, and played in the finals of the NAIA Region IX Tournament.
Head coach Paul Swanson must replace three seniors (Amy Shearrow, Scarlett Habrun, and Jai Holland) who finished their careers with a 178-36 record while wearing the blue and green uniforms of the Lady Cougars. However, MVNC will return 10 players with plenty of experience including five starters.
In addition to the returning players, the Lady Cougars have added another recruit for the 2001 season as MVNC has signed Megan Daugherty.
Daugherty, a 5-foot-7 outside hitter from Mansfield, Ohio, led Madison High School to back-to-back Ohio Heartland Conference titles in 1999 and 2000 as well as two straight district championships and regional runner-up finishes. She was selected to the OHC Second Team and the All-District Second Team after recording 89 kills, 21 blocks, 90 digs, and 26 aces as a senior.
"Megan is a quality person and player who we are happy to have join our team," said Swanson, who has posted a 577-207 record in 17 seasons with the Lady Cougars. "She is a fine all-around player whose versatility and skill will help our team."
"Megan comes from a great high school program and has had some excellent club experiences as well," Swanson added. "She knows what it takes to be successful. She is a winner both on and off the court."
In addition to playing volleyball, Daugherty has been active in student council and the French club. She was also a member of the senior executive committee.
"There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNC," said Daugherty of her college choice. "Most of all, I really enjoyed the friendly environment and the Christian atmosphere."
With a veteran group of returning players and a quality recruit like Daugherty joining the team, the future looks bright for the Lady Cougars.
