2008 MEDIA GUIDE 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 77 78 64 108 74-76 80-83 84-87 88-89 90-91 92-93 94-95 96-97 98-99 100-101 102-103 104-105 106-107 ...... SOONERSPORTS.COM ...... Academics Excellence Tradition Oklahoma Spirit Community Media Attention Strength/Sports Medicine Facilities House Field McCasland Big 12 Conference Oklahoma Norman, SoonerSports.com RECORDS History Coaching Members Team USA National Honors Player Selections All-Conference Selections All-Conference Academic Records Individual Match Records Match Team Single Season Records Records Career History Postseason Big 12 Records Big 12 Annual Leaders Letterwinners UNIVERSITY University The 42 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 40-41 44-53 54-62 22-23 32-35 35-36 38-39 ...... Opponents Schedule Big 12 Composite REVIEW 2007 Season Review 2007 Results 2007 Big 12 Recap HISTORY Results Year-By-Year Series Records All-Time STAFF Santiago Restrepo OPPONENTS Kelly Files Kelly Sam Ojie Nicki Green Support Staff Boren David President Joe Castiglione A.D. Administration Athletics Head Coaches 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 20 20 10 8-9 ...... Stephanie Puckett Stephanie Megan Bess Brianne Barker/Suzy Boulavsky Alva Cowan/Danielle Kylie Higgins/SarahCaitlin Freudenrich Francie Ekwerekwu Francie Chrissy Disarro Jasmine Powell Sarah Machen Bridget Laplante Harbster Taylor Jackie Fotu Why Oklahoma? Why PLAYERS Lacy Barnes Staff Directory 2008 Roster 2008 Schedule Season Preview MEDIA Quick Facts Media Information Media Outlets 2008 MEDIA GUIDE
SOONERSPORTS.COM Graduate Assistant Graduate Assistant Graduate Assistant DirectorGraphics Design Publications Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Associate Director Associate Director Assistant Director (Volleyball Contact) AssociateSenior AD/Communications Web Site Address Phone Main Office MEDIA RELATIONS AppearanceLast NCAA NCAA Tournament Appearances First year ofvolleyball Oklahoma All-Time Record TEAM HISTORY Newcomers Returning/LostStarters Letterwinners Returning/Lost 2007 Final AVCA Ranking 2007 Big12Record (Finish) 2007 Record TEAM INFORMATION Director ofOperations Assistant Coaches Head Coach COACHING STAFF Associate AD/SWA Athletics Director President Capacity Volleyball Arena Nickname Conference Enrollment Founded Location School GENERAL INFORMATION QUICK
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Career Record Nicki Green Kelly Files E-Mail . Office Phone Office E-mail . Cell Phone Record at OU Alma Mater Sam Ojie Sam ...... McClendon Center forIntercollegiate Athletics FACTS ...... 180 West Brooks, Suite 2525 www.SoonerSports.com University ofOklahoma University East Stroudsburg, 1986 McCasland Field House 196-127 (Nineyears) Southern Miss, 2003 Southern Miss, 2002 [email protected] Crimson andCream Norman, OK73019 69-55 (Four years) Santiago RestrepoSantiago Stephanie Rempe Kenny Mossman Jared Thompson Scott Matthews Joe Castiglione [email protected] David L. Boren Mitch Heckart Norman, Okla. 405.325.8372 405.312.8123 405.325.7623 405.325.8231 Danny Sexton Phillip Rogers David Bassity David Bassity Debbie CoppDebbie Tulane, 2003 Craig Moran Cassie Gage 2/4+Libero Mike Houck 595-606-7 13-7 (4th) Sooners 29,721 Big 12 22-10 2,000 2007 1974 1890 9/6 NA 5 6
The 2008volleyball guidewas designedandproduced inNorman, by theOklahomaAthletics Department A total of700copies were printed by Transcript Press ofNormanat nocost to thetaxpayers ofthestate of Jerry Laizure,Jerry SimonHurst, Shevaun Williams andAssociates, Ty Russell, MarkKraus, LisaHallandthe Kristin Conder, Copp, Debbie Tim Letcher, JessicaSummers, Jennifer Van Tuyl andMatt Wilson Oklahoma. institution(August 2008). The ofOklahomaisanequalopportunity University Nike ofOklahoma isthe officialsponsoroftheUniversity volleyball program. Cassie Gage, Assistant Director andCraig Moran, Assistant Director Okla., usingAdobe andAdobe InDesign Photoshop. 2008 MEDIAGUIDECREDITS Scott Matthews, Graphic Design Oklahoma mediarelations files CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE DESIGN COVERS 2008 MEDIA GUIDE JARED THOMPSON JARED Director Associate CRAIG MORAN Director Assistant www.baylorbears.com www.gopoly.com www.cubuffs.com www.gocreighton.com www.hofstra.edu/athletics www.cyclones.com www.kuathletics.com www.k-statesports.com www.msuspartans.com www.mutigers.com www.huskers.com www.riceowls.com www.usdtoreros.com www.usctrojans.com www.sfajacks.com www.texassports.com www.aggieathletics.com www.utpabroncs.com www.texastech.com www.goshockers.com WEBSITE SOONERSPORTS.COM RELATIONS
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The O-Zone is the premium portion of SoonerSports.com and features exclusive access access exclusive portionSoonerSports.comfeatures and of premium the is O-Zone The Zone. Sooner athletics. to related content video and audio, to Video Feeds SoonerVision will broadcast the majority of OU's 2008-09 sporting contests live on the O- notes, standings, interviews and photos, visit the webofficialinterviews site ofand Universityphotos, of Oklahoma standings, notes, University The of Oklahoma DepartmentAthletics was www.SoonerSports.com. at athletics 2007. 1, SoonerSports.comJuly on enhanced and revamped a with live go to proud Sports.SoonerSports.com CBS College by is hosted SoonerSports.com For the latest information on game stats, OU rosters, including volleyball, results, schedule, INTERVIEWS Media members wishing to interview head coach Santiago Restrepo and players must call Media Relations contact Cassie Gage for availability. Players and practice. prior to available coaches are generally staff will also provide a game summary which will be e-mailed to all local media and those it. request outlets that Weekly OU and Big 12 media releases are provided to media covering home volleyball matches matches volleyball home covering media to provided are releases media 12 Big and OU Weekly provide to StatCrew uses staff relations media Oklahoma The start the to prior contest. the of box scores immediately following the completion After a of brief each team match. meeting all Media coaches relations and will for be players interviews. available following the match, Cassie Gage ([email protected] or 405.325.8372). Cassie Media Services Game Day Credential Requests Media credentials for University of Oklahoma home contests at Howard McCasland Field House should be requested one day prior to the event. Space is limited on press row and to: Requests should be made first-served basis. on a first-come, will be given credentials to inform the media relations office when they will be attending practice. All those attending attending those All practice. attending be will they when office relations media the inform to court. off the stay to asked practice are Practice covering The Sooners will regularly practice at the Howard McCasland Field located House, directly asked are media the of Members Stadium. Memorial Family-Oklahoma northGaylord the of 2008 MEDIA GUIDE SOONERSPORTS.COM 405.321.6820 -Fax 405.321.1400 -Phone Norman, OK73071 2020 E. Alameda T.J. Perry, Director Sports KREF (1400AM) 405.848.1497 -Fax 405.858.6112 -Phone Oklahoma City, OK73116 4045 N.W. 64th, Suite 600 Heitz,Randy Director Sports KNTL/WWLS (104.9FM/6AM) RADIO 405.478.6675 -Fax 405.475.5257 -Phone Oklahoma City, OK73113 P.O. 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MORNINGNE DALLAS KTUL (ABC 817.390.7789 -Fax 817.390.7760 -Phone Fort Worth, 76102 TX 400 W. 7thSt. ([email protected]) Mike Jones, Big 12 Writer FOR 214.651.0580 -Fax 214.977.8444 -Phone Dallas, Texas 75265 Communications Center P.O. Box 655237 Mark Konradi, Editor College Sports 405.325.6888 -Phone Norman, OK73019 1600 SouthJenkins Chris Turner, SpecialProduction Coord. Television & 405.325.8318 -Phone Norman, OK73019 180 West Brooks Brandon Meier, Director SoonerVision SERVICES CAMPUS 918.388.0516 -Fax 918.388.5264 -Phone Tulsa, OK74129 2625 SouthMemorial Rob Loeber, Director Sports K 918.445.9359 -Fax 918.446.3351 -Phone Tulsa, OK74101 P.O. Box 8 Jack Bunds, Director Sports OKI (FOX T WOR TH-S Channel 23) Channel 8) Satellite Services AR TELEGRAM W S 2008 MEDIA GUIDE 405.325.8362 405.325.8325 405.325.8364 405.325.8209 405.325.8354 405.325.4732 405.325.8322 405.325.8212 405.325.8245 405.325.8342 405.325.8343 405.325.8341 405.325.6876 405.325.6961 405.325.8296 405.325.8371 SOONERSPORTS.COM DIRECTORY ...... ATHLETICS ...... Lockwood (Women) Stoops (Oklahoma, 1976) (Oklahoma, Mullins David 2001) State, (Fresno 1986) (East Stroudsburg, 1975) (Slippery Rock, (Oklahoma Christian, 1984) (Oklahoma Christian, 1997) (Duke, 1987) & Arts, (Oklahoma Christian University of Science 1974) College, (Bridgewater 1983) (Iowa, 1990) (Mississippi State, 1982) (Oklahoma, 1980) (Nebraska, 1992) State, (Iowa 1988) (UCLA, 1997) (Oklahoma City, 1984) Beach State, (Long K.J. Kindler K.J. Crain Leeanne Nelson Nicole Gasso Patty Paul Santiago Restrepo Jack Spates Sunny Golloway Golloway Sunny Jeff Capel Sherri Coale Martin Smith Bob Jim Ragan Ludvigson Carol Williams Mark Tennis
Gymnastics (Women)Gymnastics Rowing Soccer Softball (Men) Tennis Volleyball Wrestling HEAD COACHES Baseball (Men) Basketball (Women)Basketball & Field Cross Country/Track Football Golf (Men) Golf (Women) (Men) Gymnastics 405.325.8238 405.325.8370 405.325.8332 405.325.8379 405.325.3138 405.325.8262 405.325.8000 405.325.8452 405.325.8547 405.325.8318 405.325.8235 405.325.8288 405.325.8223 405.325.4274 405.325.3387 405.325.8367 405.325.8208 405.325.8241 405.325.8398 405.325.8231 405.325.1868 405.325.8210 405.325.7719 405.325.7718 405.325.8430 405.325.8546 405.325.8194 ......
Anderson
Jerry Schmidt Scott Debbie Copp RobertsMatt Jason Matheson Bookout Casey Scott Matthews Scott Danny Davis Danny Brian Martin Suzanne Staley Meier Brandon Beth Kelly Joe Washington Joe Dr. Nicki Moore Dr. Merv Johnson Billy Ray Johhnson Billy Ray Tipton Greg Robert Smith Boyd Deren Gloria Nevarez Stephanie Rempe Stephanie Jason Leonard Kenny Mossman Kenny Phillips Greg Larry Naifeh Gurney Gerald Dr. Joe Castiglione ssistant AD/Psychological Services ssistant AD/Equipment & General Manager of Lloyd Noble Center & General Manager of Lloyd ssistant AD/Equipment Sports Enhancement Sports Medicine Publications Sooner Club Internet ServicesInternet Systems Information Graphic Design Facilities Films/Video Brand Development Broadcasting/SoonerVision heads department Accounting Special Assistant/Executive Director Varsity O Association DirectorVarsity Special Assistant/Executive A Special Assistant the AD to Assistant AD/Ticket Operations Assistant AD/Ticket A Assistant AD/Business Affairs Assistant AD/Development Senior AD/Administration Associate Senior AD/SWA Associate Senior AD/Compliance Associate Senior AD/Communications Associate Senior AD/CFO Associate Executive Associate Athletics Director Associate Executive Senior AD/Academics Associate & Student Life ADMINISTRATION Director of Athletics xx 2008 MEDIA GUIDE 9 8 7 16 SOONERSPORTS.COM 17 15 13 12 11 10 6 5 4 3 2 1 NO. NUMERICAL TEAM Freudenrich, Chrissy Disarro, MachenandFrancie Sarah Ekwerekwu Cowan andMeganBess; First Row (l-r):
of VolleyballDirector Operations Coaches Assistant Head Coach COACHING STAFF
Bridget Laplante Sarah Machen Sarah Jasmine Powell Stephanie Puckett Danielle Alva Jackie Fotu Taylor Harbster FreudenrichSarah Chrissy Disarro Francie Ekwerekwu Caitlin Higgins Barnes Lacy Megan Bess Kylie Cowan Boulavsky Suzy Brianne Barker NAME
Brianne Barker, DanielleAlva, Barnes, Lacy Stephanie Puckett, Taylor Harbster, JasminePowell, Kylie ROSTER Santiago RestrepoSantiago (EastStroudsburg, ’86); fifthseason at Oklahoma Nicki Green (SouthernMiss, ’03); second seasonat Oklahoma Ojie(Tulane,Sam ’03); second seasonat Oklahoma Kelly Files (SouthernMiss, ’02); fifthseason at Oklahoma Second Row (l-r): OH MB OH OH OH DS/LB MB MB MB OH DS/LB OH S/DS RS/OH S DS/LB POS. Bridget Laplante, Caitlin Higgins, Boulavsky, Suzy JackieFotu, Sarah
6-0 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-6 6-1 5-9 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-8 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-9 HT.
Jr. Fr.-RS So. So.-TR Fr. Jr. -TR Jr. -TR So.-TR So. So. -RS Fr. Sr. Fr.-RS Fr. Fr. Fr. CL.
Houston, Texas (KleinOakHS) Mobile, Ala. (McGill-Toolen HS) Norman, Okla. HS) (NormanNorth Allen, Texas (Texas State University) Arlington, Texas OakridgeSchool) (The Grand Prairie, Texas (SoutheastMissouri) Alpine, Utah(College ofSouthernIdaho) Broken Arrow, Okla. ofArkansas) (University Plano, Texas (PlanoEastHS) Arlington, Texas (Arlington HS) Amarillo, Texas (Tascosa HS) Rose Hill, Kan. (RoseHillHS) Farmington, Mo. (Farmington HS) Odessa, Texas HS) (Odessa Houston, Texas (ClearBrook HS) Amarillo, Texas (AmarilloHS) HOMETOWN (PREVIOUSSCHOOL) 10 15 13 17 11 12 3 2 4 5 1 6 NO. ALPHABETICAL 16 7 8 9 Utah Texas Oklahoma Missouri Kansas Alabama BY LOCATION Freshmen Sophomores Juniors Seniors BY YEAR RestrepoSantiago Ojie Sam Machen Sarah Bridget Laplante FreudenrichSarah Jackie Fotu Francie Ekwerekwu Chrissy Disarro Kylie Cowan Boulavsky Suzy PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
...... NAME Caitlin Higgins Taylor Harbster FreudenrichSarah Jackie Fotu Francie Ekwerekwu Chrissy Disarro Kylie Cowan Suzy Boulavsky Megan Bess Barnes Lacy Brianne Barker Danielle Alva Stephanie Puckett Jasmine Powell Machen Sarah Bridget Laplante ......
......
OH DS/LB MB OH MB MB S/DS RS/OH OH DS/LB S DS/LB POS. reh-STREP-oh O-Jay Match-in la-PLANT Freud-IN-rich Fo-chu ek-WRECK-wu diss-ARE-o COW-ann boo-LOV-skee OH OH MB OH
CL. Fr. Jr.-TR So.-TR Jr.-TR So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr.-RS Sr. Fr. Fr. So.-TR So. So. Jr. 10 1 2 1 1 1 7 5 3 1
2008 MEDIA GUIDE
TIME 10 A.M. 8 P.M. 1 P.M. 5 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 11 a.m. 7 p.m. 11 a.m. 4 p.m. 7 P.M. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA 7 P.M. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA 7 P.M. 7 p.m. 7 P.M. 6:30 p.m. 2 P.M. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 P.M. 7 p.m. 7 P.M. TBA 6:30 p.m. SOONERSPORTS.COM SCHEDULE TEAM
SITE NORMAN NORMAN NORMAN Calif. Angeles, Los Calif. Angeles, Los Calif. Angeles, Los Texas Nacogdoches, Texas Nacogdoches, Texas Nacogdoches, Texas Nacogdoches, NORMAN Texas Station, College Texas Waco, NORMAN NORMAN Iowa Ames, Neb. Lincoln, NORMAN NORMAN Kan. Lawrence, NORMAN Texas Austin, NORMAN Manhattan, Kan. Manhattan, Mo. Columbia, NORMAN Texas Lubbock, NORMAN NORMAN Colo. Boulder,
REGIONALS -14 11 Dec. Pa.; University Park, Colo.; Fort Collins, Sites: Wash. and Seattle, Texas Austin, SEMIFINALS AND CHAMPIONSHIP 8 & 20 1 Dec. Neb.) (Omaha, Center Qwest 2008 NCAA Tournament Dates and Sites and Dates 2008 NCAATournament ROUNDS FIRST AND SECOND 2008 -7, 4 Dec. TBD Sites Campus A ANSAS STATE ANSAS MICHIGAN STATE STATE WICHITA CAL POLY Southern California at San Diego vs. Hofstra vs. Rice vs. Austin F. Stephen at Creighton vs. American Texas-Pan vs. MISSOURI A&M Texas at Baylor at TECH TEXAS TEXAS State Iowa at Nebraska at COLORADO Kansas at NEBRASK Texas at BAYLOR Missouri at Tech Texas at Kansas State at TEXAS A&M STATE IOWA Colorado at OPPONENT ! ! ! & & & # # # # * * * * * * * * * k * * * * * * * k * * * * DAY SATURDAY Thursday Friday Saturday Friday Saturday WEDNESDAY Sunday Wednesday SATURDAY WEDNESDAY Saturday Wednesday SATURDAY WEDNESDAY Saturday SATURDAY Wednesday SUNDAY FRIDAY Sunday WEDNESDAY Saturday Wednesday WEDNESDAY SATURDAY Wednesday
Hilton Nike Invitational (Norman, Okla.) (Norman, Invitational Nike Hilton Calif.) Angeles, (Los Invitation Trojan Texas) (Nacogdoches, Tournament SFA games Big 12 Conference All times Central and subject change to All times Central Nov. 5 Nov. 30 AUG. 4 Sept. 5 Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 13 Sept. 17 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 27 SEPT. 1 OCT. 4 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 OCT. 15 OCT. 18 Oct. 25 OCT. 29 Oct. 2 NOV. DATE 29 AUG. Nov. 9 Nov. 12 NOV. 15 Nov. NOV. 19 NOV. 22 NOV. 26 Nov. ! & # * 2008 MEDIA GUIDE SOONERSPORTS.COM the future inNormanisfoundthepresent. season,playersyoungerthis the for on time placed the being weight more With transfers. two and freshmen true five – newcomers seven has roster Sooners’ the all, In freshmen. senior,featuresone juniors,three seven and sophomores five With two starters returning from a year ago, the 2008 OU team on theirway. championship.are national Sooners question;the no is There a and 12 Big the win to are goals team,OU’smain any with Tournament. NCAA As the to it make – simple are year each expectations court.His the off and on players his of out deal great a expects and floor the on aggressive and intense is Restrepo’sknow hand.who some,first those not style He but The manner in which the Sooners have risen may have amazed – Oklahomaishere to stay. knows Now,everyone nation. and conference the surprised time.long very ago, a Threeyears for squad successful the be to place in pieces the have Sooners the but map the on OU is W SEASON in women’s volleyball. Half a decade later,only decade women’snot a volleyball.in Half ago, he set out to make the Sooners a national power hen Santiago Restrepo came to Oklahoma five years BUILDING BL oma l oklah OUTLOOK ooks t are a superstar team.’superstar area we superstar havewanttoa We not do – mind mysuperstars. in of teamstuck ‘Wethata arenot We quote a me gave person. niece specific My a on rely not does said. “It Restrepo team,” the on relies that team a are “We believes ingredient histeam hasanecessary to besuccessful. Restrepo but again, barrier the break can Sooners the if tell Big 12, finishing eighth in the preseason voting. Only time will This season, once again, OU was picked near the bottom of the 2007.in fourth and 2006 secondin – league the of tier upper the in finished years,Oklahoma those of voting.each During the bottom half of the conference standings during preseason in selected wereseasons, Sooners two the last the of each In did agoodjob.” spring,the they during playcourt.and them of some Wethe had on doing of capable are them of some what know We returners have worked extremely hard over the summer break. the beat.of away,a All right miss mesh not we will if we but experienced.and good arewho very Wehavesenior,only one have some very good players coming in, but we have returners year.this approaching are said.Wewe Restrepo how is “That unknown,”the with season a into going tough always is “It o the future t o guide the team in the presnt O wet in a hurry forustowet be successful.” inahurry play and the NCAA Tournament. They will have to get their feet conference for us prepare away.should right It environment game. We wanted to give them the experience of playing the inof level intensitythat high pressures.very some a with is This to realize the choice they made (to come to Oklahoma) comes to start at least one freshman – maybe two or more. They have going werewe knew said.we because waythat done was “It tough,”extremelyRestrepo is schedule non-conference “The home againstMissourionSeptember17. at play 12 Big opens OU tournament, road non-conference to Southern California for the Trojan Invitational. After another Tournament a year ago. NCAA The followingthe week, in Oklahoma travels participated team every and Hilton Invitational the Nike with home at year the begins OU early. tested be will Sooners the country, the in schedules of toughest the one considered to is is what OU Playing year. if this team successful that be from contributions the take will It theteam.” carrying team the team. the is It carrying individual specific a not is it on.rely team.the on Wedepend that Weunderstand tohave CKS Junior OutsideHitter Bridget L aplante 2008 MEDIA GUIDE VE .’ TEAM.’ TEAM.” ND O UNDERSTA THE T OUTLOOK SOONERSPORTS.COM VE Lacy Barnes Harbster Taylor Danielle Alva Brianne Barker Brianne Barker Cowan Kylie
– to work hard to make players better.” players make to hard work – to DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS/LIBEROS Players: Returning Newcomers: Despite just senior only two the returners,Barnes, Lacy position. the specialist/libero Sooners defensive are deep at the experience with season final her enters squad season’s this on and ethic work Barnes impressive an possesses year. last from games. during court the to over carry it see to expects Restrepo game. 1.70 digs per she averaged ago, A year After transferring from Southeast Missouri State two years ago, junior Taylor Harbster finally has one Sooner under seasonher belt. She saw action last season, mainly to serve points. key at “We are very deep in some positions, them,” Restrepoand “Lacysaid. thisbrings isexperience oneto the of table and has gotten better with her serve, passing and defense. She contributed a lot This she last year, will year. contribute in a but different I capacity, know she can carry We the load. Jasmine and Danielle who are all very have Taylor, others like good defenders. It is going to be good to see a competitive practice.” SETTERS Newcomers: Sooners the for untested most be to appears that position The will be one considered the most important The on the floor. Brianne Barker Sooners just at have this two players position, and both Kylie Cowan, of whom are new to the At program. least one of these two will players to have step up early if OU contend. expects to Barker comes to OU and Year with of the Player Gatorade Texas’ including being named many high school accolades,Her All-American. Association Coaches Volleyball American an high school team won back-to-back state titles and with a resume she like knows Barker’s, what it takes to Cowan win. honors several has and Texas, Odessa, from Oklahoma to comes as well. her credit, to “This is a tough position with everyone being“It is a position new Restrepo I said. think program,” both toBrianne our want I way the offense the run can Brianne play. can Kylie and for here are we what is that but work, little a needs Kylie run. it . WE HA TEAM. SEASON ING TEAM CARRY THE THE ’S RSON. MY NIECE ONCE GA Y ON A SPECIFIC PERSON. . IT TEAM. R W E ARE A SUPERSTA RS. TEAM OF SUPERSTA THE O RESTREPO CH SANTIAG A T A Francie Ekwerekwu Francie Chrissy Disarro Sarah Machen Sarah Freudenrich Y ON. WE DEPEND ON Y ON.
ING AL CARRY ‘W NO E ARE . IT DOESN’T REL TEAM. Sarah Freudenrich comes to OU with a year of experienceplaying in the Southeastern A Conference. transfer from 1.45 the and kills 1.70 averaged Freudenrich Arkansas, of University blocks for the Razorbacks. She also earned All-Southeastern honors. team Freshman Conference One of the league’s top middle blockers, Ekwerekwu returns to to returns Ekwerekwu blockers, middle top league’s the of One pick up where she left off A last preseason season. All-Big 12 member a as season last finished Ekwerekwu year, this selection team. of the Big 12 All-Freshman “Francie is coming back from surgery on both redshirtedknees her (she true freshman season),” Restrepo “Last said. she is capable see what to I cannot wait hurt. she played year, 100 percent.” of at 2.61 averaged Ekwerekwu knees, hurt those on ago, year a Just kills per game and had a .344 hitting percentage against Big 12 She schools. emerged during the later part of the season, double-digit kills in 13 of the last 20 matches. recording “Caitlin “Caitlin has a very good knowledge of volleyball,” Restrepo “She is going to contribute and we added. have other players who could get some playing time in could We also those (transfer) use Stephanie Jackie Puckett. on the positions like outside.” KERS MIDDLE BLOC Players: Returning Newcomers: THE oklahoma HEAD CO R WE REL R VE A SUPERSTA acy Barnes O HA T A SPECIFIC INDIVIDU RELIES ON THAT T ND - STUCK IN MY MI THAT ANT ’S NO TEAM Bridget Laplante Jackie Fotu Megan Bess Jasmine Powell Caitlin Higgins Caitlin Puckett Stephanie Suzy Boulavsky TE
IT THAT
W WE DON’T “W A E ARE ME A QUO L Specialist/Libero Senior Defensive comes to OU with several highly regarded awards. highly regarded OU with several to comes Higgins was named the west team’s Most Valuable Player of the the of Player Valuable Most team’s west the named was Higgins 2008 Girls Texas Coaches Association 5A All-Star After game. earning firstteam all-state honors as she a junior and senior, also been successful the last two seasons. When she has been When also the been last seasons. successful two her on rely to going are We record. 50-16 a have we floor, the on carryingof capable is she know weight.” the we because lot a “Bridget is very rely maturewe and mentally strong forvery is She her well. time age,” her manages Restrepo said. “She on her a lot because she She’s comes through in clutch times. a go-to player, the Sooners a will go-to look player, to Laplante to lead with percentage winning percent 75 a carries team The reason. good when she is on the floor. the introduction of high school standout Caitlin the Higgins, makers. be big-time difference poised to are outside hitters Last season, Laplante tallied 15 double-doubles, averaging 3.08 kills per game and 3.28 digs to Poised each be time out. positions. It is the most obvious strength of the team and returns a very experienced with player in junior and, Bridget Laplante. year last time playing saw also Fotu Jackie Sophomore Again Again this the year, outside looks to be one of OU’s deepest Newcomers: OUTSIDE HITTERS Players: Returning
10 2008 MEDIA GUIDE SOONERSPORTS.COM WHY OKLAHOMA? foot onthecampus, Iknewitwas forme.” one ofthosemoments where from thetimeIstepped love theschoolspirit, whichapparently OUhas. Itwas fitfor my personality.“Oklahoma feltlike theperfect I atmosphere.”positivecreating a while time same the at havefun to and serious game.be tohow knows He Restrepo’sthe for passion strongreputation and good Coachof because Oklahoma for wantedplayto “I - Suzy Boulavsky - Suzy - Chrissy Disarro Chrissy -
me.” fitfor play intheBig12andOUseemedlike theperfect excellent athletic programs. Ihave always wanted to “I choseOklahomabecauseitisagreat schoolandhas gaveme.” Norman in and OU at people the that feeling lovedthe greatI environment.a because Oklahoma to came I programwith athletic and greatacademic a has “OU - Caitlin Higgins - Jackie FotuJackie -