Crawford Court

Home of UC Irvine Women’s UC Irvine’s student-athletes have the opportunity to compete in top-of-the-line facilities. In addition to a 5,000-seat arena used for basketball and volleyball, UCI also boasts a $2.8 million-dollar pool as well as several beautiful courses scattered around Orange County, serving as “home” venues to the golf teams. UCI’s newest additions include women’s soccer and women’s volleyball locker rooms as well as a women’s staff locker room, all housed at Crawford Court.

28 Sports Medicine

UCI’s strength and conditioning program plays a key role in the success of Anteater Athletics. All student-athletes are trained and closely monitored throughout the year by head strength coach Mike Nagler in the Ed Carroll Strength and Conditioning Center, a 4,700 square-foot facility, containing top of the line Hammer Strength and Power Life Equipment. The facility holds 12 power racks and nine Olympic lifting platforms. Student-athletes train with 4,000 pounds of free weight, two complete dumbbell sets and four glute-hamstring machines.

Strength and Conditioning

At UC Irvine, the physical well-being of the Anteater student-athletes is corrected, maintained and improved within the UCI Sports Medicine Department, a unique collaboration between the athletics training staff, physicians, and strength and conditioning specialists. The Sports Medicine Center is housed in the Carlos A. Prietto Sports Medicine Center. Director Jim Pluemer’s staff includes NATA-certified athletic trainers Mike Burns, Jason Polhamus, Carey Balderrama, Bill Dent, Jose Sanchez, Karen Zieger and Colleen Duff and is complimented by certified athletic trainer interns and student trainers.

29 CONFERENCE STAFF this is the big west Commissioner – Dennis Farrell Senior Associate Commissioner – Rob Halvaks Associate Commissioner – Jody McRoberts Assistant Commissioner – Mike Daniels he Big West has established an impeccable pedigree in the sport of Assistant Commissioner – Erica Monteabaro Twomen’s volleyball entering its 26th season of conference sponsorship. Information Director – Mike Villamor Since 1984, the Big West Conference has enjoyed unparalleled success Assistant Information Director – Julie St.Cyr in the sport of women’s volleyball and has positioned itself as Assistant information Director – Christopher Hargraves one of the nation’s elite conferences. Director of New Media – Steve Chen The Big West has sent a representative to the Final Four in 14 of its Administrative Assistant – Pat Sampson 25 years as a volleyball conference. In 2001, Long Beach State earned its Administrative Assistant – Beth Holtermann eighth trip to the Final Four and reached the national championship match for the fourth time. The Big West dominated postseason play from 1998-2004 with the conference sending at least four schools to the NCAA Tournament. The Big West has only sent less than three teams to the NCAA Tournament three times. In addition, Big West schools have tallied an impressive 103- 61 record (.628) against non-conference opponents all-time in the NCAA Tournament. In 1999, the Big West comprised half of the contingent at the Final Four in Honolulu, Hawai’i, with the presence of Long Beach State and Pacific. It marked the first time since 1994 that two teams from the Brad Evans same conference competed at the prestigious event. Seattle Sounders FC The alumni who have competed in the Big West reads like a Who’s Who of volleyball superstars. Long Beach State’s Misty May, a two- time NCAA Player of the Year, is widely considered the best collegiate volleyball player ever. She is now known as one of the world’s top beach players. Long Beach State’s Tara Cross and Danielle Scott, and Pacific’s have contributed greatly to the success of the United States Olympic Team in indoor volleyball. The conference was represented in the 2008 in Beijing, , by former Big West athletes - Misty May (Long Beach State), Danielle Scott-Arruda (Long Beach State), Tayyiba Haneef-Park (Long Beach State), Jennifer Joines (Pacific) and (UC Santa Barbara).

6 national championships 8 national players of the year Over 100 All-America awards 3 National Coaches of the Year

Mark Wagner Whitney Pavlik Scott Brooks Boston Red Sox – AAA 2008 AVP Rookie of the Year Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach

30 Academic success

UC Irvine Athletics maintains an enduring commitment to the academic progress UCI/Big West Scholar-Athletes of its student-athletes. Through the programs offered by the Athletics Department 2008-09 Alexandra Bubica, Riley Cropper, Lauren Kellerman, as well as the resources available on camps, student-athletes are capable of Taryn Robertson, Devon Sutherland making great strides academically while fulfilling their commitment to athletics 2007-08 Alexandra Bubica, Lauren Kellerman, Caroline Kim, as well. UCI Athletics makes every effort to provide a comprehensive network Taryn Robertson of assistance for the Student-Athlete’s use in the pursuit of a degree and offers 2006-07 Lauren Kellerman, Caroline Kim, Trisha White access to a wealth of resources such as study table, tutors, The Learning and 2005-06 Keegan Featherstone, Caroline Kim, Jennifer Moser, Academic Resource Center (LARC), the Career Center and the Counseling Center. Terri Peterson, Trisha White 2004-05 Sami Cash, Keegan Featherstone, Stacy Gorin, Ashlie Hain, UCI Lauds & Laurel Athlete of the Year Dana Kurzbard, Jennifer Moser, Terri Peterson, Trisha White 2004 Ashlie Hain and Kelly Wing 2003-04 Sami Cash, Keegan Featherstone, Stacy Gorin, Ashlie Hain, Big West Scholar-Athlete of the Year Dana Kurzbard, Jennifer Moser, Brenda Waterman and 1993-94 Popi Edwards Kelly Wing 2002-03 Sami Cash, Robyn Chung, Ashlie Hain, Lindsay Hess, Dana Kurzbard, Jennifer Moser, Brenda Waterman Big West Fall All-Academic Team 2001-02 Rebecca Larsen, Martina Privara, Brenda Waterman 2005 Jennifer Moser, Terri Peterson 2000-01 Larissa Carter, Jacqui Cosgrove, Rebecca Larsen, Sara Ness, 2004 Ashlie Hain, Dana Kurzbard, Jennifer Moser Brooke Witt, Teri Zartman 2003 Ashlie Hain, Dana Kurzbard, Jennifer Moser 1999-00 Larissa Carter, Jacqui Cosgrove, Sara Ness, Brooke Witt 2002 Rebecca Larsen, Martina Privara, Brenda Waterman 1998-99 Larissa Carter, Jacqui Cosgrove, Christine Howard, 2001 Rebecca Larsen Sarah Libecap, Sara Ness, Cassie Werhas 2000 Jacqui Cosgrove, Brooke Witt 1997-98 Sarah Libecap 1998 Sarah Libecap 1996-97 Shannon Connolly, Jennifer Dunn 1997 Sarah Libecap, Anastasia Paveloff 1995-96 Jennifer Dunn, Sarah Libecap, Anastasia Paveloff, 1996 Sarah Libecap, Jennifer Dunn Amy Pimentel 1995 Amy Pimentel 1994-95 Jennifer Dunn, Stacy Mitchell, Amy Pimentel 1993 Popi Edwards 1993-94 Popi Edwards 1992-93 Anastasia Arnold, Kris Puttler Irvine Exchange Club Scholar-Athlete of the Year 1991-92 Anastasia Arnold, Amy Colyar, Kris Puttler 1989-90 Ali Wood 1990-91 Kris Puttler 1985-86 Cindy Rohrig 1989-90 Kris Puttler, Rhonda Schnitger, Katrina Vlachos 1983-84 Michelle Kelley 1988-89 Rebecca Sprague, Katrina Vlachos, Ann Warmus, Alsion Wood 1987-88 Katrina Vlachos, Ann Warmus University’s Academic Challenge Award 1985-86 Elizabeth Blackador, Cindy Rohrig, Gayle Wheeler 1984-85 Dori Bowman, Gina Elchuck, Patricia O’Mara, Cindy Rohrig, 1992-93 Anastasia Arnold Nancy Westbrook Big West Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year 2008-09 Lauren Kellerman

31 Women’s Volleyball player Ben Orloff was named the Brooks Wallace Taryn Robertson led the Award winner for the nation’s best Big West Conference with Hillary Packard, who was a member of shortstop. an 11.08 assist average the women’s golf team that competed and garnered American at the NCAA Championship, won her first Volleyball Coaches collegiate tournament in 2009 and was Association All-West named Big West Golfer of the Month. Region honorable mention honors. tradition of Excellence

Men’s tennis player Fabian Matthews, a first team singles honoree, helped UCI Men’s water polo player to the regular season co- Brandon Johnson garnered championship. All-America third team recognition by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches. Men’s basketball player Eric Wise was named to the All-Big West second team as well as the freshman squad after leading UCI with a 14.2 scoring average, which ranked seventh in the conference.

Lauren Collins won the Big West high jump with a school record mark of 6-1 ¼ and went on to place ninth at the NCAA Goalkeeper Andrew Fontein, Championships. who was named the Big West Tournament Most Valuable Player, helped the Anteaters to the third round of the NCAA Tournament and a No. 7 national ranking.

Candice Chavez and Laura Olvera earned All-Big West honors in cross country last season. 32 Women’s basketball player Rebecca Maessen earned All-Big West Honorable Mention distinction after Men’s volleyball player Carson leading the Anteaters with Clark was named to the NCAA a 12.7 scoring average, the All-Tournament team as well eighth best mark among as second team All-American Big West players.

The men’s 4x400 relay team of George Hernandez, Charles Jock, Tim Murphy and Oliver Plattner won the Big West Championship in 3:10.22 and Daniel Bibona, an All-American, advanced to the NCAA was the 2009 Big West Pitcher West Regional. of the Year after going 12-1 overall.

Men’s golfer John Chin has been named the Big West Conference Player of the Year the last two seasons.

Women’s tennis player Stephanie Hammel was a first team honoree in both singles and doubles as well Big West Freshman of the Year.

Women’s water polo player Gianna Rossi was named Big West Player of the Year as well as the Most Valuable Player of the Big West Championship. 33 In 2007, the FBI heralded Irvine, California as the number one safest large city in America.

UCI opened its new Student Center which includes two food courts, a performance area, a ballroom as well as space to study, surf the web, relax, shop, play billiards and video games.

This is UC irvine

UC Irvine athletes consider local beaches another training facility. Orange County features 42 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, including Newport, Corona del Mar, Huntington and Laguna beaches, which are all within a short distance from campus and provide year-round training possibilities.

34 Ocean

UCI offers 69 undergraduate degree programs, 45 master’s, as well as an M.D., two Ed.D. and 40 Ph.D. programs.

UCI provides many housing options for students on campus and off. The newest student housing development, Vista Del Campo, won the 2005 Pillars of the Industry Award from the National Association of Home Builders for Best Student Housing Community.

Campus

Orange County is a diverse community that embraces music, fashion and the arts. It was dubbed “America’s Hip Factory” by VH1 and “Cathedral of Cool” The Donald Bren School of Law by USA Today. welcomed its inaugural class of 68 students in 2009. Its faculty is ranked in the top 10 in the Brian Leiter’s Law School Rankings.

35 Bob Olson Associate A.D. Office: (949) 824-5814 Cell: (949) 285-8814 Email: [email protected]

Stacey Shackleford Associate Director Office: (949) 824-7350 Cell: (949) 751-7807 Email: [email protected]

Fumi Kimura Assistant Director Volleyball Contact Office: (949) 824-9474 Cell: (949) 751-7798 Email: [email protected]

Erik Wirtanen Assistant Office: (949) 824-8934 Cell: (949) 751-8630 Email: [email protected]

athletic communications

Covering the Anteaters working media credentials should be programs will be available prior to Directions to The 2009 UCI volleyball media guide made on your company’s letterhead the start of each match at press row. has been prepared to assist the media to the UCI Athletic Communications Final statistics will be available as Crawford Court in covering Anteater volleyball. Office at least 48 hours in advance of soon as possible at press row. Fax Requests for additional information the match. All will-call credentials requests should be directed to the South on the 405 Freeway: should be directed to the UCI Athletic will be available at the ticket booth UCI Athletic Communications staff. Take 405 to the 73 Freeway and Communications Office, 1394 Crawford at the entrance of Crawford Hall. exit University. Turn left. Take Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-4500. Post-Game Interviews University to California and make Photographers All post-match interviews may be a right. Make a left at the signal and then a left onto West Peltason Interviews Courtside photo access will be conducted after a 10-minute cooling (stop sign). Crawford Court is All interviews with UCI head coach granted only to working media off period. All interviews will be located next to Lot 6. Paula Weishoff and the Anteater photographers and must be requested held on the court following team by sports editors or directors. Still meetings. Visiting team’s post-match players must be arranged through North on the 405 Freeway: Take photographers are restricted to interviews will be coordinated by that the UCI Athletic Communications the University/Jeffrey exit and turn Office at least 24 hours in advance. designated baseline areas. university’s SID. left onto University Drive. Proceed Arrangements will be made for approximately three miles to Mesa telephone and in-person interviews Press Row Radio Road and turn left. Make a right on at a time that is mutually agreeable All working press will be seated All visiting radio stations must West Peltason. Proceed under the to the media representative and the courtside with electrical outlets contact the Athletic Communications pedestrian bridge. Crawford Court is UCI coach or student-athlete. Please and phone lines available. A press office at least 48 hours in advance located next to Lot 6. call the Athletic Communications workroom is also available adjacent to notify UCI of their presence. Non- office (949) 824-9474 to arrange to Crawford Hall with phone lines, conference members will be subject South on the 55 Freeway: Exit all interviews with UCI athletes or copy and fax machine. Telephones to a line charge as well as rights fees. at the 73 Freeway (to Corona del coaches. are available on a first-come, first- Stations may call SBC (1-800-750- Mar). Exit onto University and turn serve basis. 2355) for installation. Visiting radio left. Take University to California Media Credentials will be seated next to the visiting and make a right. Make a left at Seating at press row, and access Match Services team’s bench courtside. the signal and then a left on West to photo areas are restricted to Pre-match notes, cumulative Peltason. Crawford Court is located accredited media. Requests for statistics, media guides and match next to Lot 6.

36 The Voice of UCI Volleyball: Rob Espero

ROB ESPERO returns for his 23rd season as the announcer Nondiscrimination Statement: The University of California, in for the UC Irvine men’s and women’s volleyball teams. accordance with applicable Federal and State Laws and University The 1992 alum was a setter for the ‘87 Anteater squad, Policy, prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any but ankle and knee injuries ended his playing career, person employed by or seeking employment with the University on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical prompting him to turn to public address. or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related), ancestry, Coining phrases such as “Bringin’ it, swingin’ it, and marital status, or age. The University of California also prohibits layin’ it down” and “If you feed the big dog, he’ll guard discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran, or, within the limits the yard,” the AT/IT Director for the UCI Disability imposed by Law and University Policy, on the basis of citizenship. Services Center has become a favorite among coaches and The University also prohibits sexual harassment. fans alike. In constant demand, Espero has announced at This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, employment, access, and treatment in University programs and activities. Inquiries the Big West Women’s Volleyball Championships in 1995 regarding the University’s equal opportunity policies may be directed and 2000 and the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) Tour at Hermosa Beach in 2002. to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Administration He has also been the CIF-Southern Section announcer for the boys’ and girls’ championships since Building, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697; telephone 1995 and has announced the CIF State Boys and Girls Volleyball Championships since 2008. He (949) 824-5594. has also announced the Dave Mohs Memorial Boys’ and Girls’ High School All-Star Games since Credits 1996. In addition, he has had stints with the Community College Men’s Volleyball Championships. Publisher: Espero’s experience national stage includes announcing for the NCAA Men’s Volleyball UC Irvine Department of Athletics Championships in Long Beach, CA in 2002 and most recently at UC Irvine in 2008. In 2006 he Editors: moved to the airwaves, broadcasting the play-by-play on KUCI 88.9 FM for the UC Irvine men’s Fumi Kimura, Stacey Shackleford, Bob Olson, Erik Wirtanen volleyball team that advanced to the Final Four at Penn State as well as the Anteaters’ national Photographers: title runs at Ohio State in 2007 and at BYU last year. In 2007, Espero served provided play-by- Glenn Feingerts; Stacey Shackleford; UCI Communications Office; play and color commentary for the American Pro Volleyball League. Last year, he showcased his Paula Weishoff coaching photo (pg. 2) courtesy of FIVB, Mark talent on the international level, working with USA Volleyball and the Federation of International Wagner photo (pg. 28) courtesy of Ken Babbitt, Scott Brooks photo (Pg. 28) courtesy of Layne Murdock/NBAE/Getty Images, Brad Evans Volleyball in exhibitions, tournaments and World League competition. At UC Irvine, Espero also photo (Pg. 28) courtesy of Seattle Sounders FC. announces for the men’s and women’s basketball teams, baseball and is the voice behind UCI’s Shocktoberfest. Printer: Espero and his wife, Tracey, reside in Costa Mesa. Ben Franklin Press, 480.968.7959, Benfranklinpress.net

37 anteaters in the Pros Devon Sutherland and Kristin Kelley will compete for VFM: Volleyball Franches Montagnes in Switzerland this season while Amanda Vazquez is in her fourth year playing in Puerto Rico for Las Indias de Mayaguez. A number of former Anteaters are currently pursuing professional volleyball careers. Whitney Pavlik, who was named the 2008 AVP Rookie of the Year, finished ninth at Hermosa Beach this summer. Ranked 25th, Pavlik and partner Stacy Rouwenhorst posted a season-best seventh-place finish in Brooklyn, NY.

Whitney Pavlik Amanda Vazquez (pictured right)

Keegan Featherstone is playing on the AVP Young Guns Tour.

Kelly Wing, an AVCA All- American, is ranked 52nd on the AVP tour. Her highest finish was ninth at Manhattan Beach with partner Tara Kuk.

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