"Lady Cougars Land Two-Time All-State Volleyball Player"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

   Over the past 26 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 725-312 overall record (.699 winning percentage) during the program's history, and the team has won six conference championships in the past eight years alone.

   The 2001 season was no exception to MVNC's winning tradition as the Lady Cougars posted a 39-8 overall record and won a share of their unprecedented fourth straight American Mideast Conference title. In postseason play, MVNC advanced to the championship match of the NAIA Region IX Tournament before finishing one win short of the program's first-ever berth in the NAIA national tournament.

   Head coach Paul Swanson must replace four senior starters (Darcee Hoberg, Amanda Triplett, Andrea Rudd, and Deanna Stayman), who finished their careers with a 175-32 record while wearing the blue and green uniforms of the Lady Cougars. However, MVNC will return nine players with plenty of experience including two starters.

   In addition to the returning players, the Lady Cougars are pleased to announce the signing of Jenny Weaver as the second player in the recruiting class for the 2002 season. Weaver joins the class that already includes Centerburg High School All-Ohioan, Amanda Stevens.

   Weaver, a 5-foot-10 middle hitter from Apple Creek, Ohio, led Central Christian High School to a 69-11 record over the past three seasons with three district titles and two regional runner-up finishes. A three-time district Player of the Year, she was named to the All-Ohio Second Team as a senior after making the All-Ohio Third Team as a junior. As a senior, she also set a school record with 171 total blocks while also recording 177 kills and 149 digs.

   "We are very fortunate to add such a quality and talented person as Jenny," said Swanson, who has posted a 616-215 record in 18 seasons with the Lady Cougars. "She is an excellent student, a person of high character, and a multitalented individual."

   "Jenny is an excellent total volleyball player," Swanson added. "She can help us at almost any position. She comes from a very successful high school program, and she has great skills and preparation to come in and compete right away. We are very happy to add a person like Jenny, who has a great personality and is looking forward to experiencing the spiritual, academic, and athletic dimension on MVNC."

   "There are several reasons why I chose to attend MVNC," said Weaver of her college choice. "I have followed the volleyball program for many years and really appreciate what Coach Swanson has done with it. MVNC is a good Christian school with a good atmosphere, and it has a good Psychology program."

   With a talented group of returning players and a quality recruit like Weaver joining the team, the future looks bright for the Lady Cougars.