Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Cal State Dominguez Hills Athletics

Upcoming Events & Results

Composite Calendar
FloSports
2011-vball-preview

Volleyball

2011 Volleyball Preview - The Dawn of a New (a)Day(va)

CARSON -- With a new energy and point of view, new Cal State Dominguez Hills volleyball head coach Jennifer Adeva is looking to bring the program to new heights.  Despite the chaos of being hired on June 3, in the midst of the recruiting period, she already has put her stamp on the program in just under three months of non-stop work while still getting used to her new ownership.

“Honestly, I really have not had a chance to take it all in as there was a lot of work to be done immediately when I was hired.  I will take it all in when it is December,” she states as a matter-of-fact.

Following a season that saw them play better than their 2-20 CCAA record would indicate, Adeva is faced with rebuilding and replacing the majority of the roster, including the CCAA Newcomer of the Year.

“We are all going to be doing some type of 'on-the-job training' so to speak,” Adeva says.  "But I do, however, expect us to be getting better each and every week.  As a coaching staff we have been very focused on our training and working at becoming a fundamentally and technically sound team, and we are working towards seeing their hard work pay off in the 2nd round of conference play.

“Of course I would like to see us have success immediately and I do think we will surprise a few teams along the way, but this will be a process," Adeva adds.  "I believe the team understands this and has really bought in and embraced our training philosophy.

“Our returners did a great job of keeping everyone together and organizing time to practice and continue to improve," she continues.  "It was a welcoming feeling for myself, the coaching staff, and the newcomers.

“This first season is going to be an ebb and flow of emotions, but that is just how volleyball is," Adeva concludes.  "This is a momentum sport and I want our program to move forward in the right direction from the start and continue the excitement of a new era throughout the entire season.”


The Returners

The Toros roster has seven players with experience in the program including a pair of versatile four-year senior captians in Cassidy Mangum and Madison Horsley.

Despite Mangum currently ranking seventh all-time in career assists, she has always put forth the effort to earn her time on the court.

“Cassidy has really impressed me with her work ethic toward getting herself better,” said Adeva.  “She has a high desire to win and does everything she can to help the team.  Cass' great attitude in the gym is contagious and I will look for her leadership on the team to contribute to its success.”

Horsley has worn many hats in her three years as a Toro, compiling over 290 kills, 480 digs, 36 aces and 25 blocks.  Her versatility will be key in coach Adeva's system as she does all the little things that may not be show up in the box score.

“Madison surprised me with her abilities in the gym," Adeva begins.  "Things just seem to go right when she touches the ball so we need to make sure that we take advantage of her versatility in order to put the best line-up on the floor.  Also, her strong work ethic and leadership skills have been a key component during our preseason training.”

Fellow seniors Olivia White and Shelbi Vopnford also bring experience to the team after finishing one year of CCAA conference play.

“Olivia has really improved since we started practice and she's definitely going to be a key contributor” says Adeva.

Second-year player Vopnford, who also enters her second semester as CSUDH's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President, returns after seeing solid playing time last year. 

The team leader also stood out as the one individual who kept the team together during their spring season in the absence of a head coach.

“Shelbi was invaluable when it came to keeping this team together and keeping their spirits up,” says Adeva.  “She works just as hard on the court as she does in classroom and in the community, which is very impressive.”

Sophomores Abbey Prusa and Elizabeth Krieger will both be key components in moving the Toro volleyball program forward after both finishing their successful freshman seasons.

Prusa started 25 out of a possible 29 matches at middle blocker and ranked fourth on the team in kills while having the highest kill percentage among starters.  She also ended the season with at least one block in 13-straight games.

“I heard from several coaches around the league what a good player I had in Abbey,” Adeva says.  “She has been a tireless worker in the gym, she always comes to practice with the right attitude and with the mindset to improve her overall game.”

Outside hitter Krieger played an important overall role last season as a true freshman, playing in all but one set.  When the season came to a close, her numbers displayed her overall success as she ranked third on the team in kills, and fifth in service aces and digs.  

“Liz also brings great work ethic into the gym everyday, and she has high expectations of her play and the team," Adeva says.  "Although she is only a sophomore her solid playing time from last year will be an asset to this team. 

"Both sophomores have a year of CCAA experience at this level and know what to expect from the opponents, as well as from themselves.”

Junior Nikki Castrellon enters her third year in the program and will be looking to make an impact on the court this season.

“Nikki has fought through some injuries early in her career but despite those injuries she is one of the most athletic players on the team,” says Adeva.  “She brings high energy, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude to the gym every day, which is all a coach can ask for.”


The Newcomers

Despite officially beginning the job in June, Adeva's hard work on the recruiting trail has paid off with several solid recruits who will don the Cardinal and Gold this year.

“I came into this program knowing that we were going to need to add players immediately to reach our potential as a program,” Adeva begins.  “I am still in the process of putting together this group and seeing how they fit together, but I expect us to be a much improved team from the 1st round of conference play to the 2nd round.”

Headlining the group is a pair of D-I transfers as middle blocker Whitney Lee (West Virginia University) and setter Madison Smith (University of Portland) will bring a high level of experience and competition to the court.

“Whitney is going to step in and be a presence at the net for us,” Adeva predicts of her 6-2 force. "She has all the skills needed to make an immediate and positive impact for this program.

"Maddie brings a wealth of experience having seen significant playing time at her previous institution," Adeva continues.  "I expect her to make an immediate impact as well.”

A group of four JC transfers makes up the body of the class, all coming from very successful junior college programs.  Hitters Delea Pursel and Whitney Crosby are complimented by liberos Rose Greco and Amanda Harris, and  make up a formidable group.

“We have a highly-skilled athlete in Delea who is very versatile and can go in as a middle or pin hitter,” says Adeva.  “Crosby is a competitor on the court and brings good energy to practice everyday.

“And don't let Rose and Amanda's sizes slant your view," the head coach warns.  "They are players that are going to help us win.  Each possesses the skills needed to make big plays for us defensively and help us play with high energy on the floor."

Rounding out the class are two newcomers to the program in sophomore Konstance Kirby and the lone freshman Azieanna Smith.

“AZ is a dynamic player and brings a lot of athleticism to this team, with her intensity on the court and passion for the game being real fun to watch," Adeva begins.  "Every practice she is getting better technically and her volleyball IQ is improving, and I am looking forward to watching her develop and mature as a player.  She will be a key component in changing the face of the Toro volleyball program.

“Konstance brings a positive attitude to the gym and has shown her teammates over the summer that she is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team to a successful season.”


One Step at a Time

Despite being picked near the bottom of the CCAA by her fellow coaches in the annual preseason poll, Adeva expects to surprise a few people when her team steps onto the court.

“I don't think the conference has a good feel for what this team is going to be,” she says optimistically.

“We are focused and dedicated to getting the program to where we can compete for wins night in and night out, and this is just the first step in the process," Adeva continues.  "I want fans and supporters to begin to get to know this team because we have a great group of young women.

“We are improving every time we step onto the court and that is encouraging, and I feel the coaching staff has re-ignited the fire under some of the girls who have been with the program for some time by bringing in new and positive energy to this program.

“I want this program to succeed because current players, alumni, members of the community and athletic department have done such a great job of supporting and welcoming me and my coaching staff to the Toro Family," Adeva concludes.  "I am very excited to get onto the court in two days and start the season.

"There is great potential here and I am committed to leading the program and establishing the culture of Toros volleyball that is in line with the vision of the Toros Athletic Department.”
Print Friendly Version