aamu - “bound and determined” 2009 Media Guide SWAC Tournament Champions 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000

Alabama A&M University Quick Facts

Institution...... Agricultural and Mechanical University Location...... Huntsville (Normal), Alabama Founded...... 1875 Enrollment...... 6,000 Nickname...... Bulldogs Colors...... Maroon and White National Affiliation...... NCAA Division I Conference Affiliation...... Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) President...... Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr. [South Carolina St.] Faculty Athletics Representative...... Dr. Ron Slaughter Director of Athletics...... Betty K. Austin [Alabama A&M, 1973] A.D. Phone...... (256) 372-5364 Athletics Compliance and Eligibility...... Ken Provitt Table of Contents Athletics Communications and Media Relations...... Thomas Galbraith Athletics Academic Enhancement...... Waylon Sims Welcome to the Hill...... 2 Athletics Sales Manager and Cultural Events Coordinator...... Tourischeva Stubbs AAMU Athletics...... 5 Sports Medicine ...... Jessie Zucnick Athletics Administration...... 8 Facility...... T.M. Elmore Gymnasium T.M. Elmore Gymnasium...... 11 Capacity...... 6,000 Bulldog Roster...... 12 Surface...... Wood Program History...... 14 Season Outlook...... 15 Player Profiles...... 18 AAMU Volleyball Coaching Quick Facts AAMU Volleyball D-I Records...... 29 Head Coach...... Nedra Brown Alma Mater...... LeMoyne-Owen [1995] 2009 Team Information Freed Hardeman, M.Ed. [2005] 2008 Record...... 14-17 overall Career Coaching Record...... 148-132 [11th year] 6-2 SWAC (T-1st East) Alabama A&M Record...... 29-27 [3rd year] 3-3 (home) • 4-6 (road) • 7-8 (neutral) Office Phone...... (256) 372-4267 2008 SWAC Tournament Champions Office Fax...... (256) 372-5373 Letterwinners...... Returning: 9 • Lost: 3 Starters...... Returning: 6 • Lost: 3 AAMU Volleyball History Newcomers...... 5 First Year of Volleyball...... 1977 All-time Record...... 633-262 Sports Information Conference Championships...... 19 (11 SIAC, 8 SWAC) All-time NCAA Division I Post-season Record...... 0-8 Sports Information Director...... Tom Galbraith Last appearance...... 2008 NCAA Tourney Office Phone...... (256) 372-4005 Result...... Lost, St. Louis Univ. 3-0 Assistant Sports Information Director..... Jamilah Coribtt Office Phone...... (256) 372-4550 Office Fax...... (256) 372-5919 Southwestern Athletic Conference Volleyball Contact...... Jamilah Corbitt E-Mail...... [email protected] Commissioner...... Duer Sharp ([email protected]) Athletics Website...... www.aamusports.com Asst. Commissioner/Communications...... Duane Lewis ([email protected]) Mailing Address...... 4900 Meridian Street Asst. Director of Communications...... Kia Mason ([email protected]) T.M. Elmore Gym, Box 17 Mailing Address...... A.G. Gaston Building Normal, AL 35762 1527 Fifth Avenue, North Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 251-7573 The 2009 Alabama A&M Volleyball Media Guide is published and designed by Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Sports Information Director. Photos by Sidney Jackson, Eric Harris, Carlton Rice, AAMU Public Relations, SWAC Media Relations, Jamilah Corbitt and Tom Galbraith. Cover designs by Eric Harris of Kaptive De- signs, LLC. Special thanks to Nedra Brown, Naeka Patterson, the AAMU Athletics Staff, Thomas Colvin, Betty Austin, Duane Lewis, Kia Mason, Opponent SIDs, Reggie Benson, Tom Galbraith, Sidney Jackson, Eric Harris, Antoine Sales, and Jerome Saintjones. Printed by Color XPress, Madison, Ala.

 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined”

Welcome to “The Hill”

as the result of a bill passed in the State chanical School for Negroes,” and a new Legislature in 1873 and through the con- location was provided in Normal, Alabama, tinued efforts of its principal and president, where the school would have ample room William Hooper Councill, an ex-slave. The for the development of its trades and school opened on May 1, 1875, as the agricultural programs. In 1919, the institu- Huntsville Normal School with an appro- tion became a junior college, and its name priation of $1,000 per year, 61 students, was changed to “The State Agricultual and and two teachers. Mechanical Institute for Negroes.”

Industrial education was introduced around In 1939, by authority of the State Board of 1878. It attracted wide attention, and the Education, the Institute was permitted to school was assisted financially by the offer work on the senior college level. The Slater and Peabody Funds, along with first graduation class since 1920 received private contributors. The work in industrial the bachelor’s degree in 1941, and on education was so successful that the State January 14, 1948, the name was again Legislature authorized the name to be changed to “Alabama Agricultural and changed to the “State Normal and Indus- Mechanical College.” On June 26, 1969, Alabama A&M University trial School at Huntsville.” The appropria- the Alabama State Board of Education, the Founder, Principle, and President tion was increased by the State to $4,000 governing body of the institution, adopted a William Hooper Councill per year. resolution changing the name of the institu- tion to “Alabama Agricultural and Mechani- Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical In 1891, the school became the recipient cal University.” University is a dynamic and progressive of a part of the Federal Land-Grant Fund institution with a strong commitment to provided by an act of Congress, approved The University received a “Class A” rating academic excellence. The picturesque August 30, 1890. The purpose of this fund by the Southern Association of Colleges campus is situated on what many alumni was to further training in agricultural and and Secondary Schools in August 1946 and friends fondly refer to as “The Hill,” mechanical arts in the various states at the and became a fully accredited member of only a few minutes from downtown Hunts- college level. the Association in December 1963. ville. The institution is a diverse and vibrant microcosm of the larger world around it. The name of the school was changed It offers a student body of approximately again to “The State Agricultural and Me- 6,000 numerous degree programs, includ- ing four Ph.D. degrees in Food Science, Physics, Plant and Soil Science, and Read- ing/Literacy.

Alabama A&M is a land-grant University. It receives support from the State of Alabama and through federal funda appropriated to assist in carrying on work stipulated by the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. The University is under the control of a board of trustees appointed by the Governor, who serves as ex officio Chairman.

The University was organized in 1875

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Alabama A&M University President - Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical Dr. sistant professor (1976-78) at Michigan Andrew Hugine, Jr. joined the in East Lansing, Mich. A&M University family on July 16, 2009, following an extensive career in higher He returned again to South Carolina education the highlighted both academia State University and nobly served in the and administration. following positions: Research Fellow (1978-79), Assistant Director of the Hugine earned a Bachelor of Science Self-Study (1978-79) Director of the Insti- degree in mathematics from South tutional Self Study (1979-80), Assistant Carolina State University, followed by Vice-President for Academic Affairs a Master of Education degree in math- (1980-86), Professor of Mathematics A major highlight of Hugine’s administra- ematics from the same institution. He (1986-2003), and Interim Executive tion at SCSU was the acquisition by the went on to complete studies leading to Vice-President (2002-03), a position institution of the first debate of the 2008 a Doctor of Philosophy degree in higher that thrust him into service as the Chief Democratic Party Presidential Candidate education / institutional research from Operating Officer for the university. Debate Series at the campus’ Martin Michigan State University. Luther King Auditorium. The event also From 2003-08, Dr. Hugine culminated marked the first such distinction by a His lengthy and productive career began his 30-year affiliation with South Carolina historically black college or university. as an instructor at Beaufort High School State University as its President. During in Beaufort, S.C. from 1971-72. He his brief, but productive administration, As the 11th President of the land-grant returned to his alma mater to serve for he was credited with the construction Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical three years in the capacities of director of a major residence facility and the University, Hugine joins a distinguished of the Special Services Program (1972- preparations for a massive complex to group of 10 previous leaders and four 73) and director of the University Year for house the University’s new School of interim administrators who have served Action Program (1972-75). Engineering. in the coveted post since its founding by William Hooper Councill in 1875. While pursuing his doctoral studies, Hugine also began a number of renova- Hugine concurrently served as a teach- tions to the dining facility, the administra- Dr. Hugine and his wife, Abbiegail, have ing assistant (1975-76) and later as an tion building, the science building, and two children, an adult son and an adult institutional research analyst and as- other facilities. daughter.

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Huntsville, Alabama “The Rocket City”

One of the fastest-growing cities in the ers of the Alabama Territory met to Southeast, and home to one of the petition the U.S. Congress to grant highest per capita income levels in the Alabama statehood. The recreated country, the high-tech city of Huntsville, 1819 Alabama Constitution Village, a Alabama, which sprawls in the foothills block from courthouse square, com- of the Appalachian Mountains, is equally memorates the historic events with at home in the 19th century or the 21st. tours given by costumed guides. Huntsville's tourist attractions reflect the heritage of Alabama's first English- Huntsville was the cotton trading speaking city, the strife of the American center of the Tennessee Valley dur- Civil War, and the accomplishments of ing the 1840s and '50s when planters America's rocket scientists. and merchants originally from Virginia and the Carolinas built impressive With the influence of NASA, Redstone town homes. Walking tours of the Arsenal, and hundreds of high-tech gov- Twickenham historic district, with the ernment industries, Huntsville's popula- state's largest collection of pre-Civil tion truly reflects international cultures. Of War homes, are popular year-round. the nearly 200,000 city residents, more Because many wealthy businessmen than 10 percent remained loyal to the Union at are natives of the start of the Civil War, the theless maintains its heritage and reputa- other countries. town was spared the destruction tion for hospitality. More than 100 by occupying armies. languages and A legacy of the space program which dialects are spo- America's Space Capital benefits visitors is the renowned U.S. ken here. Huntsville was still a cot- Space & Rocket Center. Guests can ton market town of 16,437 experience astronaut-training activities, Visitors who want people in 1950 when U.S. Sen. feel simulated weightlessness and view to be "astronauts John Sparkman (who lived in large-screen movies filmed by astronauts for a day" can Huntsville's historic Twickenham in space. The Center's U.S. Space Camp sample astronaut neighborhood) brought a band attracts young people from throughout training activities of German rocket scientists to the world who spend a week experienc- at the sprawling Redstone Arsenal to develop ing space flight training and participate in U.S. Space and rockets for the U.S. Army. By the mock space missions. It was Von Braun Rocket Center. The hands-on showcase end of the decade, Wernher von Braun's himself who inspired Space Camp. He of space technology is the state's larg- team had developed the rocket which suggested that the space museum devel- est tourist attraction. It is home to the orbited America's first satellite. They op an intensive youth science program to internationally known U.S. Space Camp, eventually put the first American in space stimulate children's interest in math and which has franchise operations in Japan, and transported the first astronauts to the science. Belgium and Canada. A variety of city moon. museums downtown and an outstanding symphony orchestra offer rich cultural Redstone Arsenal opportunities involving the arts. The is one of the U.S. legendary Robert Trent Jones Trail, Army's most impor- which encompasses 21 courses in eight tant strategic posts. cities in Alabama, begins here at the It is responsible for 54-hole Hampton Cove Golf Course. research, develop- Hampton Cove features two champion- ment, production and ship courses surrounded by mountains worldwide support and lakes. Alabama now ranks fifth in of missiles, aviation, the nation for public golf courses per rockets and related resident. programs. The influx of engineers, The Birthplace of Alabama scientists and other Pioneer John Hunt, for whom the city is technical specialists named, occupied a cabin alongside a has transformed the spring here in 1805. A town soon flour- small town into a ished and was the largest in the Alabama cosmopolitan com- Territory by 1819. That year the lead- munity which none-

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Alabama A&M Athletics A Department Rich in History and Tradition

The Alabama A&M Athletics Department sponsors A Tradition of Excellence 17 varsity sports - football, volleyball, bowling, base- ball, , men's/women's , men's golf, NCAA CHAMPIONS • Football - 2006 men's/women's soccer, men's/women's , • 1994 Women's Outdoor Track • Women’s Tennis - 2007 women's cross country, and men's/women's track • 1993 Women's Outdoor Track • Bowling - 2007 and field. • 1992 Women's Outdoor Track • Men’s Basketball - 2005 • 1992 Women's Indoor Track • Softball - 2002 Since 1912, the University has fielded at least one varsity sport. • 1979 Men's Soccer Through the course of its 96-year history, the Bulldogs have won • 1977 Men's Soccer SIAC CHAMPIONS numerous national and conference championships. • Women’s Track - 1995; 1994; NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNER-UP 1993; 1992; 1991; 1990; 1988; 1987; • 2006 Bowling; 1981 Men’s Soccer; 1986; 1985; 1984; 1983; 1982; 1981; The University first gained nationwide acclaim from its athletics depart- 1978 Men’s Soccer 1980 ment as Louis Crews guided the football program through a decade of • Volleyball - 1997; 1996; 1995; winning seasons. Then, the men's soccer team won the NCAA Division NCAA TOURNAMENT TEAMS 1994; 1993; 1992; 1991; 1990; 1989; II title under first-year head coach Salah Yousif. The national spotlight • Men’s Basketball - 2005; 1996; 1988; 1987 returned as the women's track and field program won more than a 1995; 1994; 1993; 1989; 1988; 1987; • Men’s Basketball - 1996; 1995; handful of NCAA Championships under retired coach Joe Henderson. 1986; 1985 1994; 1993; 1989; 1988; 1987; 1986; The national spotlight remained as the men's basketball team advanced • Volleyball - 2008; 2007; 2005; 1976; 1975 to the NCAA tournament multiple times. In 2006, the women's bowling 2004; 2003; 2002; 2001; 2000 • Football - 1981; 1980; 1979; 1972; team finished as the NCAA Division I national runner-up, appearing on • Men’s Golf - 1979; 1977; 1976; 1966; 1963; 1962 ESPN in the championship match. NAIA-1961 • Men’s Golf - 1982; 1981; 1980; • Football - 1989; 1979 1979; 1977; 1976; 1975 • Women’s Basketball - 1997; 1991 • Men’s Track/Cross Country - In 1998, A&M moved from Division II to Division I, joining the • Women’s Tennis - 2007 1994; 1993; 1992; 1991; 1990; 1989; Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). With this move, AAMU • Women’s Soccer - 2007 1988 added two women's sports - softball and bowling. A year later, women's • Women’s Basketball - 1997; 1991; soccer was added to the varsity list. Entering the 2008-09 athletic year, SWAC CHAMPIONS 1984 the Bulldogs will continue their quest for excellence on the field, in the • Volleyball - 2008; 2007; 2005; • - 1993; 1970 classroom, and within the community. 2004; 2003; 2002; 2001; 2000 • Men’s Tennis - 1987; 1981 • Women’s Soccer - 2007; 2003 • Women’s Tennis - 1981 AAMU Athletic Mission The Department of Athletics fully embraces the University's mission and enacts its policies, procedures, and initiatives with both the letter and spirit of "Service of Sovereignty." The administration and staff of the Department of Athletics espouses a student-centered philosophy, which ranks academic achieve- ment as the number one priority for its student-athletes. Toward this end, the Department of Athletics is committed to providing a com- prehensive and inclusive intercollegiate and intramural athletics program for men and women, which further promotes the academic, sportsmanship, and total development of the student-athletes. Further, the Department is committed to working cooperatively with other constituents of the University to ensure the production of competent and ethical contributing graduates who are capable of making the transition from university life to the workplace and into today's multicultural society. Embodied within this mission is the concept of an effective athletics program which values success in competition, success in aca- demic and personal development of student-athletes, success in graduating student-athletes, success in fully maintaining compliance with the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and Title IX. The University is further committed to a program of staff development in providing minorities the opportunity for full employment and development in the athletics program.

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined”

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Alabama A&M University Athletics Director - Betty K. Austin

Betty Kelly Austin was named Alabama ending her volleyball career with a 603-235 A&M Director of Athletics in March 2007. record. Based on a recommendation from a search committee comprised of coaches, She also served six years as the head faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate women’s basketball coach at Alabama Renegades women’s football team, and students, alumni and the presidents of A&M from the 1977-78 to 1981-82 sea- the Huntsville Black Arts Festival, to name both booster clubs, Austin was elevated to sons. a few. director of athletics following a year where she had been serving in the position on an Since taking over the director of athletics Austin’s tenure also includes the devel- interim basis. role, Austin has strengthened the athletic opment of the student-athlete academic re- program’s systems and processes, includ- source center and opening of a new sports Austin’s stellar resume includes being one ing filing and meeting all NCAA regula- medicine treatment facility. Last summer of the top volleyball coaches in the country, tions and reporting guidelines. She has she completed renovations to Elmore finishing with over 600 career victories. personally increased revenue generation Gymnasium to include new reserved seat- Coach Austin’s teams won six-straight for the athletic programs and implemented ing in the arena’s lower level. Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) a plan to increase use of the Louis Crews volleyball titles from 2000-05 and 11 more Stadium to include special group nights at Austin is active with the NCAA and its Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Confer- each of the home football games. women and minority leadership develop- enc (SIAC) conference titles in her 30 ment initiatives. She is a member of years as head coach. Austin was named Events at Louis Crews Stadium under her several professional athletic associations, SWAC Coach of the Year in each of her six tenure include a FIFA international soccer including still being an active member of championship seasons. Austin retired her match, the Alabama High School Football the American Volleyball Coaches Associa- coaching duties following the 2006 season, All-Star Game, home to the Alabama tion (AVCA). A 1974 graduate of Alabama A&M Univer- sity, Austin received a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Michigan in 1975. She is a native Hunts- villian graduating from Buckhorn High School.

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Athletics Administration

A&M Directory • (256) 372-xxxx • Athletics Director (Austin) x5364 • Main Office (Brooks) x4001 • Coaches’ Offices (Rogers) x8269 • Ticket Sales (Stubbs) x4059 • Compliance (Provitt) x8316 • Academic Enhancement (Sims) x4740 • Sports Medicine (Zucknick) x8458 • Sports Information (Galbraith) x4005 • Baseball (Mitchell) x4064 • M Basketball (Pettaway) x4009 • W Basketball/SWA (Warmley) x4008 Tourischeva Stubbs Tom Galbraith Jamilah Corbitt Altherias Warmley • Bowling (McCorvey) x4704 Athletics Marketing/Sales and Director of Media Relations Asst. Dir. of Media Relations Senior Woman Administrator • Football (Jones) x4014 Cultural Events and Sports Information and Sports Information • M Golf (Oliver) x8663 • M Soccer (Yousif) x4788 Academic Enhancement and NCAA Compliance • W Soccer (Davies) x8265 • Softball/Volleyball (Brown) x4267 • M/W Tennis (Colvin) x5655 • M/W Track/WXC (Seals) x4013

Kenneth Provitt Waylon Sims LaDonna Lumbus Dr. Ronald Slaughter NCAA Compliance Academic Enhancement Academic Enhancement Faculty Athletics Rep. and Eligibility

The Alabama A&M Department of Athletics has made huge strides in the past couple years in helping to secure the aca- demic, social, and life success for its student-athletes. In the summer of 2007, the Academic Enhancement Center opened its doors and houses the academic enhancement staff, compliance and eligibility, NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills, and is also connected to the new Athletic Sports Medicine facility.

This state-of-the-art facility makes it possible for the four-person staff under student-athlete services to better track stu- dent-athlete successes, not only in the classroom, but in career development and social development as well. The Center has been instrumental since its inception in developing a better interaction between the athletics department and the rest of the Alabama A&M community, which includes a commitment to building rapport with faculty and administration to build support for the busy schedules maintained by Bulldog student-athletes.

The Student-Athlete Service Center at Alabama A&M University assists the nearly 400 athletes in the eligibility and aca- demic arenas. Once a student is recruited or accepted by on of our teams, the student’s initial eligibility to play collegiate athletics is determined in the Compliance Office. The Academic Enhancement staff assists the student-athletes in register- ing for classes every semester, arranging tutors, and conducts study hall Monday through Friday.

The newly renovated Academic Enhancement Center has a computer lab (with 18 individual stations), lap top computers for athletes use during team travel, private study/tutor rooms, a large team study room, and the offices of the four staff members. No other school in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) has made a more substantial commitment to the future success of its student-athletes than Alabama A&M.

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Jessie Zucnick - Director Jessie Zucnick is entering her first year as Head Athletic Trainer at Alabama A&M University after being promoted to the position in May 2009, but her fifth year overall with the program. Prior to being promoted as Head Athletic Trainer she served as assistant athletic trainer, where Zucnick’s primary sports respon- sibilities include coverage of the men’s soccer and baseball programs. In addition to her sports coverage she is also the Insurance Coordinator for the Alabama A&M Sport Medicine Department, as well as over- seeing the overall direction of the program and supervising Assistant Athletic Trainers, Graduate Assistant and Student Athletic Trainers.

Zucnick graduated from Stetson University in May 2003 with a B.S. in Athletic Training and a minor in Russian Studies. While at Stetson, she gained a majority of her student athletic training experience working with Men’s Soccer and Baseball, as well as gaining additional experience with the men’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, volleyball, crew, and cross country teams. In addition to her athletic training work, Jessie also took a semester to study abroad in Russia.

In Fall 2004, Jessie came to Alabama A&M to begin work as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer. She worked primarily with men’s soccer, baseball, softball, and women’s soccer as a GA. In May 2007 she received her M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling. Jessie is a NATABOC certified athletic trainer and a member of the NATA and SEATA organizations. She is also licensed in the state of Alabama. For all her dedication to the A&M Sports Medicine Department Jessie was awarded the 2007 Employee of the Year award by Huntsville Hospital Sports Center.

In her spare time, the Huntsville resident enjoys Tae kwon do, where she is a second degree black belt, reading, horse back riding, spending times with friends and family, and watching movies.

Naeka Patterson - Volleyball Trainer Naeka Patterson is entering her third year as a Graduate Assistant Certified Athletic Trainer. Patterson attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia where she received a B.S. in Athletic Training in Dec 2003. She served as a student athletic trainer for track and field, football, volleyball, baseball, and men’s basketball.

In January 2004 Patterson took a position at Liberty University working as an intern assistant athletic trainer. Her duties included working with the football team. In May of the same year she took a position at Morgan State University working primarily with football, men’s basketball, and softball. In June 2005 Patterson moved to Coastal Carolina University, working with football and men’s & women’s track and field. Prior to coming to A&M, she served as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at University of Texas- El Paso (UTEP) working with their volleyball team.

During summers she works for Eastern Invitational Basketball Clinic and Five Star Basketball Camps. Patterson is a member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association and the South Carolina Athletic Trainer’s Association. She is also a NATABOC certified athletic trainer as well as licensed in the state of Alabama. She is working towards a master’s degree in Nutrition and hopes to work in Division I college athletics as an assistant athletic trainer with men’s basketball.

  aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined”

Strength and Conditioning

James Hester James Hester arrived on "The Hill" in January of 2002, having been the assistant strength and condi- tioning coach at South Carolina. He serves as strength and conditioning coach for football, basketball, and softball.

Hester, a native of Durham, N.C., got his start in 1994 as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at South Carolina State. After four seasons, he moved on to South Carolina. At USC, he assist- ed with the football team, and was in charge of women's golf and men's and women's . Hester also served as a personal trainer for three years for NFL running back Duce Staley.

As an athlete, Hester played free safety at South Carolina State. While there, he was named first-team all-conference and team cap- tain. In 1993, Hester was also named a Sheridan Black College All-America and honorable mention NCAA I-AA All-America. While he was at USC, the Gamecocks won back-to-back Outback Bowl titles over Ohio State.

Hester is a certified strength and conditioning coach and a member of the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association.

James and his wife, Telesa, are the parents of one son James, Jr.

Andrew Lee Andrew Lee enters his 16th season as the Bulldogs agilities and strength conditioning coordinator. Lee, a former offensive line coach for the Bulldogs, was a standout player under former A&M coach Louis Crews. Lee also lettered in basketball while a student-athlete at A&M.

In addition to coaching at Alabama A&M, the Fairfield, Ala., native has also coached at the Maryland- Eastern Shore and Texas Southern. Lee has coached several All-America linemen during his career, including Dino Wynn and Howard Ballard. Ballard was named the SIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year and later drafted by the Buffalo Bills and helped anchor the offensive line during Buffalo's four straight trips to the Super Bowl.

Always with a smile and willing to take time out of his day for the student-athletes and other staff mem- bers, Lee is one of the most popular members of the Bulldog Athletics staff.

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T.M. Elmore Gymnasium Home of the Bulldogs

Built in 1974, T.M. Elmore Gymnasium last Alabama A&M loss at home has been the permanent home of was to Belmont on October 14, Alabama A&M volleyball since its 2002. Over that span, Alabama inception in 1977. Over the years, the A&M was 54-11 in games in those Bulldogs have made this one of the matches and only let opponents toughest places in the country for visit- take a match to five games on four institutional activities from concerts ing teams to come away with a victory. occasions. and pep rallies, to guest speakers and convocations. The building also hous- The facility went through a bit of a The volleyball team has earned a es classrooms, office space, training facelift in the off-season as Operation remarkable following in the community facilities and the Physical Education Elmore was a successful fundraising and on campus. It is not uncommon department. campaign that provided permanent- for Bulldog fans to pack the lower backed seating in the lower bowl of bowl of the 6,000-seat arena for home the arena. The Bulldogs also have a games. And those fans are vocal, new floor as part of the renovations. loudly cheering on their maroon and white to another home victory. During an impressive span from 2002 to the end of the 2005 regular sea- The T.M. Elmore Gymnasium and son, the Bulldogs won an astounding Health Sciences Complex is home to 18 straight matches at T.M. Elmore the Bulldog basketball teams also, as Gymnasium. Prior to the streak, the well as numerous other civic and

10 11 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Rosters

Numerical # Name Position Height Class Hometown/Previous School 5 Courtney Jenkins MB 5-10 Jr. Marietta, Ga./Sprayberry H.S. 6 Karensa Beckford RS 6-0 So. St. Anne Bay, Jamaica/Eisenhower H.S. 7 Audrey Harris DS/L 5-6 So. San Antonio, Tex./Byron H.S. 9 Darah Hooks OH 5-10 Jr. Dallas, Tex./DeSoto H.S. 10 Casey Craig DS/L 5-8 So. Huntsville, Ala./LaGrange College 11 Anna Crutchfield MB 5-11 So. Columbus, Ga./Columbus H.S. 12 Mariah Brown OH 5-7 Fr. Dallas, Tex./Skyline H.S. 14 Rose Corneille DS/L 5-7 Jr. Dacula, Ga./Dacula H.S. 15 Madinah Abdullah OH 5-8 Sr. Homewood, Ala./Homewood H.S. 16 Makeda Moore OH 5-11 So. Los Angeles, Calif./McEachern H.S. 17 Lydia Adeosun MB 5-10 Sr. Houston, Tex./Southeastern Louisiana Univ. 18 Natalie Rodriguez S 5-7 Sr. Caguas, Puerto Rico/Georgia Southern Univ. 19 Dymond Rangel DS/L 5-0 Fr. San Antonio, Tex./Holmes H.S. 24 Clarissa Moore OH/RS 5-11 Fr. Houston, Tex./Eisenhower H.S. Alphabetical 15 Madinah Abdullah OH 5-8 Sr. Homewood, Ala./Homewood H.S. 17 Lydia Adeosun MB 5-10 Sr. Houston, Tex./Southeastern Louisiana Univ. 6 Karensa Beckford RS 6-0 So. St. Anne Bay, Jamaica/Eisenhower H.S. 12 Mariah Brown OH 5-7 Fr. Dallas, Tex./Skyline H.S. 14 Rose Corneille DS/L 5-4 Jr. Dacula, Ga./Dacula H.S. 10 Casey Craig DS/L 5-8 So. Huntsville, Ala./LaGrange College 11 Anna Crutchfield MB 5-11 So. Columbus, Ga./Columbus H.S. 7 Audrey Harris DS/L 5-6 So. San Antonio, Tex./Byron H.S. 9 Darah Hooks OH 5-10 Jr. Dallas, Tex./DeSoto H.S. 5 Courtney Jenkins MB 5-10 Jr. Marietta, Ga./Sprayberry H.S. 24 Clarissa Moore OH/RS 5-11 Fr. Houston, Tex./Eishenhower H.S. 16 Makeda Moore OH 5-11 So. Los Angeles, Calif./McEachern H.S. 19 Dymond Rangel DS/L 5-0 Fr. San Antonio, Tex./Holmes H.S. 18 Natalie Rodriguez S 5-7 Sr. Caguas, Puerto Rico/Georgia Southern Univ.

Coaching Staff Head Coach: Nedra Brown (LeMoyne-Owen, 1995) Managers: Celeste Crenshaw, Antonio Garner

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The 2009 Bulldogs by position by state Middle Blockers: (3) Georgia: (3) letterwinners by Courtney Jenkins Courtney Jenkins classification Anna Crutchfield Anna Crutchfield Returning: (9) Lydia Adeosun Rose Corneille Courtney Jenkins (MB) Karensa Beckford (RS) Seniors: (3) Setters: (1) Texas: (6) Audrey Harris (DS/L) Madinah Abdullah Natalie Rodriguez Audrey Harris Darah Hooks (OH) Natalie Rodriguez Darah Hooks Anna Crutchfield (MB) Lydia Adeosun Outside Hitters: (5) Mariah Brown Rose Corneille (DS/L) Mariah Brown Clarissa Moore Madinah Abdullah (OH) Juniors: (3) Clarissa Moore Lydia Adeosun Makeda Moore (OH) Courtney Jenkins Makeda Moore Dymond Rangel Natalie Rodriguez (S) Darah Hooks Madinah Abdullah Rose Corneille Darah Hooks Alabama: (2) Lost: (3) Madinah Abdullah Brittani Lewis (MB) Sophomores: (5) Rightside Hitters: (2) Casey Craig Cassidy Brazelton (OH) Karensa Beckford Karensa Beckford Tabria Majors (OH) Audrey Harris Clarissa Moore California: (1) Makeda Moore Makeda Moore Newcomers: (4) Casey Craig Defensive Specialist/ Mariah Brown (OH) Liberos: (3) Puerto Rico: (1) Casey Craig (DS/L) Freshmen: (3) Audrey Harris Natalie Rodriguez Clarissa Moore (OH/RS) Mariah Brown Rose Corneille Lydia Adeosun (MB) Dymond Rangel Casey Craig Jamaica: (1) Dymond Rangel (DS/L) Clarissa Moore Dymond Rangel Karensa Beckford

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14 15 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Alabama A&M Volleyball Program History

October 20,1987 Offensive Player and Tournament Most Valuable Player. Alabama A&M wins SIAC Volleyball Crown Tuskegee, AL -The Lady Bulldogs used the new Chappie James Arena on November 13, 2004 the campus to give Alabama A&M University its third Lady Bulldogs Capture 5th Consecutive SWAC Title straight Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) sports crown The Alabama A&M University Lady Bulldogs women's volleyball team in just seven (7) days, and the first-ever SIAC Volleyball championship. captured the 2004 SWAC Championship. The victory was the fifth in Alabama A&M defeated Tuskegee University 10-15,15-11 and 15-11. a row for the program. Alabama A&M downed Grambling State in the championship match 3 games to 1 (30-21, 30-21, 26-30, & 30-22). 1987-1996 Phyllis Hetie is named SWAC Player of the Year while Megan Chatman, Alabama A&M dominates Southern Intercollegiate Conference Princess Dixson and Alex Brazelton are named all-conference. Hetie, Over this time, the Lady Bulldogs capture 10 consecutive titles and 10 Dixson, and Chatman are named to the 2004 All-Tournament team while consecutive Most Valuable Player awards. Betty Austin was named Coach of the Year.

1997 Nov. 12, 2005 Alabama A&M on the outside looking in Six Straight SWAC Titles for Alabama A&M The Lady Bulldogs found themselves not eligible for the SIAC Tournament Houston, Tex. - Led by tournament MVP Alexandria Brazelton, the AAMU Championship. volleyball team won its sixth straight SWAC title. The Bulldogs swept four matches in Houston over the weekend to capture the league title and an 1998 automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. NCAA pairings will not be Alabama A&M moves to Division I announced until Nov. 27. Alexandria Brazelton was named tournament Alabama A&M moves from Division II to Division I to compete in the MVP, while the SWAC Freshman of the Year, Brittani Lewis, also earned Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Volleyball not eligible for all-tournament honors. Brazelton, Lewis and freshman setter Kara Jerden SWAC Championships. were named second-team all-conference earlier in the week. Betty Austin earned Coach of the Year honors from her fellow coaches. November 9, 1999 AAMU, GSU Take Top Seeds in SWAC Tourney 2006 Alabama A&M finishes in fourth place in its first SWAC Tournament, Austin Wins Number 600 in Final Season despite earning the top seed in the Eastern Division. It would be the last After claiming 17 conference championships (11 SIAC and 6 SWAC) time the Bulldogs finished without a championship for the next six years. and 604 career victories, Betty Austin moves from the coaching ranks to Director of Athletics at Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs are SWAC East November 20, 2000 champions once again, but fail to win the conference tournament for the Volleyball Wins SWAC, Bound for NCAA - Arbuckle Named MVP first time since 2000. Pine Bluff, AR -The Alabama A&M volleyball team earned its first berth to the NCAA "Big Dance" by defeating Prairie View A&M 3-0 in the 2007 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Championship game held Back on Top - The Nedra Brown Era Begins at the Kenneth Johnson HPER Complex in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Phatty Replacing legendary coach Betty Austin, head coach Nedra Brown Arbuckle was named tournament MVP after posting an astounding 66 leads Alabama A&M back to the top of the SWAC and into the NCAA kills with only five errors in 113 total attacks for a .540 hitting percentage. Tournament. Brittani Lewis earns SWAC MVP honors at the tourna- Monica Thompson also was named all-tournament. Alabama A&M wins ment, along with Natalie Rodriguez earning SWAC Newcomer of the Eastern Division Championship De’Anna Hines named Player of the Year honors. Alabama A&M faces UCLA in the first round of the NCAA Year, Phatty Arbuckle and Monica Thompson earn first team All-SWAC Tournament. honors, and Betty Austin is tabbed Coach of the Year. November 15, 2008 November 20, 2001 Eighth SWAC title for A&M Lady Bulldogs Capture Second SWAC Championship Alabama A&M captured its second straight Southwestern Athletic Pine Bluff, AR- For the second consecutive year, the Lady Bulldogs of Conference volleyball title and the eighth in nine years Saturday with a Alabama A&M University have captured the SWAC Volleyball Title. In the five-set victory over Grambling in the championship match. The Bulldogs preseason poll, the Lady Bulldogs were chosen to finish 1 st in the Eastern won the deciding set 15-11 to claim the league’s automatic berth into Division, but was edged out by Alcorn State. Nevertheless, Alabama A&M the NCAA Tournament. Karensa Beckford was named tournament most preserved to bring home the university s second volleyball championship outstanding performer as she guided the Bulldogs throughout the tourna- title. Alabama A&M defeated Alcorn State in straight sets (30-28, 30-22, ment. In the final match, she finished with 12 kills, nine blocks and three 30-27) in Saturday’s championship match held in Pine Bluff, AR. Princess digs. Cassidy Brazelton added 13 kills and three digs, while Madinah Dixson and Monica Thompson were named to the All-SWAC Tournament Abdullah had eight kills and 10 digs. Team. Dixson was named outstanding setter and Thompson Outstanding

14 15 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Season Outlook Bulldogs looking for third-straight postseason appearance

The Bulldogs finished the 2008 season with a 14-17 record, by sophmore and SWAC including a 6-2 mark in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Tournament Most Valu- This season, The Bulldogs are picked to finish first in the East, able Player Karensa and will look to build upon their success in 2008 with an experi- Beckford, who tallied a enced group of returning players and five talented newcomers. team-high 242 kills last season. “Karensa really Outside Hitters came on last season and The Bulldogs return one of the best outside hitters in the gave us a close look of SWAC for the 2009 season. Senior Madinah Abdullah will be what to expect and what she will be capable of doing in the the focus of the offense after having a successful 2008 season. future,” comments Brown. Beckford earned First Team honors Abdullah, who was named to the All-Tournament Team, is a last season and was selected to the Preseason All-SWAC First 2009 Preseason First Team All-SWAC selection. Team for the ‘09 campaign. “Madinah Abdullah is one of the most talented outside hitters Joining Beckford is junior Darah Hooks and newcomer Clar- in the SWAC. We look for Madinah to have an outstanding issa Moore. Brown expects Hooks and Moore to step in and get season and expect her leadership to lead the team to a very some quality playing time. “Last season we wanted to go out successful season”. and make this position stronger and more diverse and I think we The Bulldogs also will add some depth at the position with succeeded in doing that,” says Brown. Sophmore Makeda Moore, Freshmen Mariah Brown and Cla- rissa Moore. All three players are expected to receive playing Setters time and bring something different when they are in the game. Senior setter Natalie Rodriguez returns to the Bulldogs this “Overall we are excited about the talent we have at this position; year as a floor leader and off the court leader. Brown is hoping however, we are young and expect the young ladies to peak at that Rodriguez will “go out with a bang” and receive the credit the right moment,” says Brown. that she is due. The Puerto Rico native finished the ‘08 season first in the SWAC with 948 assists on the year. Brown says, Middle Blockers “Natalie is a premier setter in this conference and she continues The Bulldogs will return junior Courtney Jenkins and Soph- to assure our success.” more Anna Crutchfield at the Middle Blocker position. Both players saw significant playing time last season and will be Libero and Defensive Specialists expected to continue to contribute early this season. Jenkins Junior Rose Corneille will return to lead the group of defen- was selected to the 2009 Preseason All-SWAC Second Team. sive specialists. Corneille saw action in 31 games last year, Although Jenkins and Crutchfield are both coming off great while tallying a team-high 331 digs as a sophmore. She was seasons, Brown is expecting them to elevate their level of play selected as the 2009 SWAC Preseason Defensive Specialist of to have an even better season to conquer this year’s team the Year for the second straight time. “Rose has the experience objectives. we need at the libero position,” says Brown, “she also has an “Courtney is a very talented player and we are looking for her to awesome ‘knack’ for the game.” Brown is expecting Rose to capitalize on her athletic abilities this year,” says Brown. have a great season in the conference this campaign. After graduating All Conference and three-time MVP Middle Behind Corneille will be sophomore Audrey Harris, redshirt Blocker Brittani Lewis, Brown made it a priority to add experi- sophomore Casey Craig, and walk-on freshman Dymond Ran- ence to the position. Transfer newcomer from Southeastern gel. “These three young ladies will be the core of our defensive Louisiana Univ., Lydia Adeosun will help the Lady Bulldogs at efforts,” says Brown. the net. Brown feels that Adeosun can help add some intensity Brown is excited about the upcoming season and the chal- to this position. lenges it brings. The squad is ready to defend their crown each and every night. Opposite Hitters The Bulldogs have two players returning from last year to run the opposite position this season. The position will be led

16 17 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Nedra Brown Third Season at Alabama A&M

Nedra Brown is entering her third season as head coach for Alabama A&M University and has sustained the excellence Bulldog fans have come to except from their netters. Brown has led A&M to consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles and two berths into the NCAA Tournament. Following both seasons, she was named SWAC Coach of the Year. In 2008, the Bulldogs finished with a 14-17 overall mark, including 6-2 in the SWAC – tying for first place in the Eastern Division.

Brown faced many challenges when she came to Alabama A&M. She had to come behind one of the most successful coaches in the sport, and the only volleyball coach at the University. Entering the 2007 season, the Bulldogs were predicted to finish third behind Mississippi Valley State and Jackson State, after losing the conference tournament for the first time in seven years. The netters entered the SWAC tournament as underdogs, and defeated Texas Southern in the first round. The Bulldogs upset defending champions Prairie View in the second round, and defeated Grambling State University in the third round to ad- vance to the Championship game. A&M volleyball prevailed to win its seventh SWAC Conference Championship in 2007.

The 2008 season mirrored the 2007 season. They faced early conference losses to Mississippi Valley on the road and Jackson State at home. The divi- sion ended in a three-way tie for first place. Mississippi Valley finished first place in the division for the second year in a row, however. The Bulldogs faced a tough Prairie View team in the opening round for the second straight year. They defeated the Panthers 3-2, and then advanced to beat Southern in the second round. The semi-final contest matched A&M against Grambling, and the Bulldogs prevailed over the Tigers for the second straight year to earn a spot in the championship game. The two teams met again in the title match, and the decision was taken to five sets, with A&M capturing its eighth SWAC title in nine years.

Brown came to “the Hill” from head coaching stints at Kentucky State University and her Alma Mater, LeMoyne-Owen College. In 2006, her only season at Kentucky State, she led the Thorobrettes to a 19-15 overall record and an undefeated regular season mark of 10-0 in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). KSU was upset in the third round of the SIAC Tournament.

During her tenure at LeMoyne-Owen, the Lady Magicians captured a 100-95 overall record and Brown earned Coach of the Year honors in 2000. While at her Alma Mater Brown not only had a successful competitive career on the court she also was active off the court. She enjoyed working with student-athletes serving as the SAAC advisor, incorporating partnerships within the community. Brown served as the Activity Director, secre- tary, lifeguard, volleyball professional, and tennis professional for the National Youth Sports Program from 1994-2006.

Brown is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, where she competed in volleyball, basketball, softball, and tennis at Hillcrest High School. She graduated in 1990 and earned a scholarship in Volleyball and Basketball at LeMoyne-Owen College. In 1994 Brown was apart of the SIAC Basketball Tournament Championship Team, defeating Alabama A&M University. After graduating in 1995 with her B.S. in Biology, Brown taught and coached on the high school level for four years before working fulltime at LeMoyne-Owen College in 2000. Brown also served as Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, Academic Advisor, Senior Woman Administrator, and Head Softball Coach during her tenure at her Alma Mater.

Brown has taken advantage of professional opportunities by taking part in speaking engagements, attending team leadership academies, organiz- ing athletic banquets, attending coaches clinics, serving on hiring committees, and attending NCAA National Conventions. She has graduated a number of successful student-athletes over the years.

Brown is the daughter of Ned Taylor (deceased) and Nora Brown. She has one sister, Nicholle, who has a daughter Lanece; one brother, Chris, with has three sons: Isiah, Malcolm, and JayQuinn. Brown is also member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education in 2006 from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. In addition, she also serves as the Head Softball Coach for the Alabama A&M Athletics Department.

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#15 madinah abdullah 5-8 / Senior / Middle Blocker / Homewood, Ala. / Homewood High School

• 2009 Preseason First team All-SWAC • 2008 First team all-SWAC s • 2008 SWAC All-tournament team

e Getting to know Madinah What’s your goal this season?: To win SWAC People would be surprised to know that: I have five sisters n and three brothers with the same two parents. When I’m nervous: my eyes get big and I pace back and forth My favorite sport to watch besides volleyball: basketball i The most played artist on my MP3 player: Keri Hilson My biggest weakness: not making enough time for myself My favorite meal: chicken alfredo I am: a distinguished and determined woman o I used to be: a dancer The one superhero I would like to be: Storm (X-Men) I would watch any movie starring: jamie foxx r My favorite thing to do during free time: relax The one thing I can’t live without: God in my life The best TV show currently on right now: The Game s My favorite dessert: cheesecake

Abdullah’s Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB 2008 102 30 233 123 740 .149 12 31 32 191 22 3 22 25 2007 89 25 240 116 687 .180 10 23 37 147 11 3 16 19 2006 51 23 97 72 287 .087 2 24 28 38 5 5 3 8 TOTAL 242 78 570 311 1714 .151 24 78 97 376 38 11 41 52

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#18 natalie rodriguez 5-7 / Senior / Setter / Caguas, Puerto Rico / Georgia Southern Univ.

• 2009 Preseason First team All-SWAC • 2007 SWAC Newcomer of the Year s

Getting to know Natalie e What’s your goal this season?: SWAC Champs and Setter of the Year People would be surprised to know that: I am a lefty n I would watch any movie starring: Will Smith My favorite sport to watch besides volleyball: gymnastics My favorite sport to play besides volleyball: bowling i My favorite dessert: cake batter ice cream with caramel The best TV show currently on right now: Real World I am: a happy person and a winner If I could have dinner with any three people in the world, I o would invite: Will Smith, Jesus, Luis Fonsi (Puerto Rican singer) The one thing I can’t live without: my family I used to be: a loner r The best movie I’ve ever seen: Save the Last Dance The one superhero I would like to be: Super Woman When I’m happy I: get hyper s

Rodriguez’s Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB 2008 105 30 65 19 191 .241 936 24 27 183 0 1 21 22 2007 89 25 78 35 219 .196 949 33 20 190 2 1 11 12 TOTAL 194 55 143 54 410 .217 1885 57 47 373 2 2 32 34

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#5 courtney jenkins 5-10 / Junior / Middle Blocker / Marietta, Ga. / Sprayberry H.S. • 2008 Preseason Second Team All-SWAC Getting to know Courtney Major: Biology Why Alabama A&M?: God told me to What’s your goal this season?: to become All-SWAC j I am: a competitor and a fighter People would be surprised to know that: I am a twin

Jenkins’ Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB u 2008 106 30 194 77 458 .255 7 12 33 52 7 9 42 51 2007 27 17 25 17 65 .123 0 5 2 15 2 4 2 6 n TOTAL 133 47 219 94 523 .239 7 17 35 67 9 13 44 57 i o #9 darah hooks 5-8 / Junior / Outside Hitter / Dallas, Texas / DeSoto H.S. r Getting to know Darah Major: Social Work Why Alabama A&M?: It has the best history My favorite dessert: vanilla ice cream The most played artist on my MP3 player: Drake s The best movie I’ve ever seen: Friday Night Lights I would watch any movie starring: Will Smith

Hooks’ Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB 2008 18 13 12 4 30 .267 1 2 4 16 3 0 2 2 TOTAL 18 13 12 4 30 .267 1 2 4 16 3 0 2 2

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j #14 rose corneille 5-7 / Junior / Defensive Specialist / Dacula, Ga. / Dacula H.S. u • 2009 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year • 2009 Preseason First Team All-SWAC n • 2007 SWAC Newcomer of the Year Getting to know Rose Major: International Business i What’s your goal this season?: To become libero of the year My favorite sport to play besides volleyball: flag football People would be surprised to know that: I’m the fourth of seven children o Corneille’s Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB r 2008 103 30 11 6 74 .068 29 21 20 317 18 0 0 0 2007 89 25 8 7 43 .023 30 3 8 342 34 2 0 2 TOTAL 192 55 19 13 117 .051 59 24 28 659 52 2 0 2 __

s o p #6 karensa beckford 6-0 / Sophomore / Middle Blocker / St. Anne Bay, Jamaica / Eisenhower H.S. h • 2009 Preseason First Team All-SWAC • 2008 SWAC Tournament Most Valuable Player • 2008 First Team All-SWAC o Getting to know Karensa Major: Psychology m What being a Bulldog means to me: to work hard and never settle for less The one thing i can’t live without: my family The best TV show currently on right now: The First 48 o Beckford’s Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB r 2008 101 29 236 118 606 .195 20 6 17 71 25 4 45 49 TOTAL 101 29 236 118 606 .195 20 6 17 71 25 4 45 49 e

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s #7 audrey harris 5-6 / Sophomore / Defensive Specialist / San Antonio, Texas / Byron H.S. Getting to know Audrey Major: Computer Science o Why Alabama A&M?: I just knew it was the right place. My favorite sport to play besides volleyball: tennis My biggest weakness: animals My favorite meal: steak, baked potato, steamed vegetables p The most exciting thing that’s happened to me: moving to Korea Harris’ Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB 2008 74 23 7 6 22 .045 6 7 20 69 9 0 0 0 h TOTAL 74 23 7 6 22 .045 6 7 20 69 9 0 0 0 o m o #16 makeda moore 5-11 / Sophomore / Outside Hitter / Los Angeles, Calif. / McEachern H.S. Getting to know Makeda Major: Biology r My favorite dessert?: ice cream cake What being a Bulldog means to me: being a part of a strong supporting family What’s your goal(s) this season?: to give 110% all the time and set a good example My favorite sport to watch besides volleyball: basketball e I would watch any movie starring: Denzel Washington Moore’s Career Statistics

Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB 2008 42 21 84 46 240 .158 7 12 20 42 4 1 4 5 s TOTAL 42 21 84 46 240 .158 7 12 20 42 4lol 1 4 5

22 23 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” s o #11 anna crutchfield p 5-11 / Sophomore / Middle Blocker / Columbus, Ga. / Columbus H.S. Getting to know Anna Major: Biology h Why Alabama A&M?: tradition of winning/my sister is an alumn What being a Bulldog means to me: gentle heart, yet fierce when in battle o My favorite sport to play besides volleyball: basketball The best TV show currently on right now: Family Guy People would be surprised to know that: my hair is naturally blonde-red m Crutchfield’s Career Statistics o Year MP GP K E TA Pct. A SA SE DG RE BS BA TB 2008 100 29 145 76 355 .194 12 1 4 18 0 9 53 62 TOTAL 100 29 145 76 355 .194 12 1 4 18 0 9 53 62 r e __

n #17 lydia adeosun 5-10 / Senior / Middle Blocker / Houston, Texas / Southeastern Louisiana Univ. e Getting to know Lydia Major: Masters of Business Administration w My favorite dessert?: Chili’s chocolate molten cake My favorite sport to play besides volleyball: basketball My biggest weakness: candy c The best movie I’ve seen: Coming to America I used to be: a cheerleader o m e r

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#10 casey craig n 5-8 / Sophomore / Defensive Specialist / Huntsville, Ala. / LaGrange College Getting to know Casey Major: English What’s your goal this season: to help lead the team to another SWAC title People would be surprised to know that: I have six tattoos e My favorite sport to play besides volleyball: softball The most played artist on my MP3 player: T.I. The one superhero I would like to be: The Hulk w I used to be: very shy c o m #24 clarissa moore 5-11 / Freshman / Outside/Rightside Hitter / Houston, Texas / Eishenhower H.S. Getting to know Clarissa e Major: Business Management What’s your goal this season?: I want to earn the right to be called a Bulldog What being a Bulldog means to me: It means that I am a part of a growing family I am: a Pisces I used to be: a good singer r My favorite meal: shrimp alfredo pasta The best movie I’ve ever seen: Love and Basketball s

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#12 mariah brown 5-7 / Freshman / Outside Hitter / Dallas, Texas / Skyline High School n Getting to know Mariah Major: Psychology My favorite dessert: chocolate cake I am: a very athletic and outgoing person The most played artist on my MP3 player: Beyonce e The best TV show currently on right now: True Life The best movie I’ve ever seen: The Notebook My favorite thing to do during free time: read w c o

#19 dymond rangel m 5-0 / Freshman / Defensive Specialist / San Antonio, Texas / Holmes H.S. Getting to know Dymond Major: Animal Science My favorite dessert: pumpkin pie e My favorite sport to play besides volleyball: softball When I’m happy I: scream The best TV show currently on right now: True Life The best movie I’ve ever seen: Remember the Titans r My biggest weakness: I’m hard on myself s

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26 27 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” The Southwestern Athletic Conference

Member Schools (10) Notable SWAC Alumni • Alabama A&M Bulldogs - Huntsville, Ala. Lem Barney (Jackson State), Mel Blount • Alabama State Hornets - Montgomery, Ala. (Southern), Willie Brown (Grambling), • Alcorn State Braves - Alcorn State, Miss. Buck Buchanan (Grambling), Steve • Ark.-Pine Bluff Golden Lions - Pine Bluff, Ark. McNair (Alcorn State), Willie Davis • Grambling State Tigers - Grambling, La. (Grambling), Donald Driver (Alcorn • Jackson State Tigers - Jackson, Miss. State), Michael Strahan (Texas • Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils - Itta Bena, Miss. Southern), Robert Mathis (Alabama • Prairie View A&M Panthers - Prairie View, Tex. A&M), Ken Houston (Prairie View A&M), • Southern Jaguars - Baton Rouge, La. David “Deacon” Jones (Mississippi • Texas Southern Tigers - Houston, Tex. Valley State), Walter Payton (Jackson State), Jackie Slater (Jackson State) Membership Timeline Charlie Joiner (Grambling), Jerry Rice SWAC Comissioner Duer Sharp Bishop College 1920-56 (Mississippi Valley State). Paul Quinn College 1920-29 Sam Houston College 1920-59 Texas College 1920-68 In 1920, eight men representing six colleges from the state of Texas met to Wiley College 1920-68 discuss collegiate athletics and the many challenges that face their respec- Prairie View A&M 1920-present tive institutions. By the time the session in Houston had concluded, they had Langston University 1931-57 founded an athletic league that has slowly became one of the leading sports Arkansas AM&N 1936-70 associations in the world of collegiate athletics, the Southwestern Athletic Southern 1934-present Conference Texas Southern 1954-present Grambling State 1958-present The founding fathers of the original “Super Six” were C.H. Fuller of Bishop Jackson State 1958-present College, Red Randolph and C.H. Patterson of Paul Quinn, E.G. Evans, H.J. Alcorn State 1962-present Evans and H.J. Starns of Prairie View A&M, D.C. Fuller of Texas College and Miss. Valley State 1968-present G. Whitte Jordan of Wiley College. Alabama State 1982-present Ark.-Pine Bluff 1997-present Alabama A&M 1999-present

SWAC Staff Contacts Phone: 205-251-7573 www.swac.org • Commissioner - Duer Sharp - [email protected] • Associate Commissioner - Jennifer Huggins - [email protected] • Assistant Commissioner/Compliance - Ashley Robinson - [email protected] • Assistant Commissioner/Compliance - Duane Lewis - [email protected] • Assistant Commissioner for Communications - Esha Hand - [email protected] • Assistant Director for Media Relations - Kia Mason - [email protected] • Conference Liaison - Milton Taylor - [email protected]

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2008 Season Results

Date Opponent W/L Score Overall SWAC Attend 8.29.08 at Memphis L 3-0 0-1 0-0 343 8.30.08 vs. Ark.-Little Rock L 3-0 0-2 0-0 79 8.30.08 vs. McNeese State L 3-0 0-3 0-0 116 9.5.08 at Chattanooga L 3-0 0-4 0-0 263 9.6.08 vs. Central Michigan L 3-0 0-5 0-0 112 9.6.08 vs. South Alabama L 3-0 0-6 0-0 134 9.12.08 vs. N. Carolina A&T W 3-1 1-6 0-0 67 9.13.08 vs. Clark- W 3-0 2-6 0-0 65 9.15.08 vs. Southern W 3-0 3-6 0-0 42 9.16.08 at Tennessee State L 3-1 3-7 0-0 393 9.19.08 at Ala.-Birmingham L 3-0 3-8 0-0 178 9.19.08 vs. Chattanooga L 3-1 3-9 0-0 187 9.20.08 vs. Troy L 3-0 3-10 0-0 143 9.20.08 at Samford L 3-0 3-11 0-0 309 9.24.08 *ALCORN STATE W 3-0 4-11 1-0 357 9.29.08 *at Miss. Valley L 3-0 4-12 1-1 109 10.3.08 *JACKSON STATE L 3-2 4-13 1-2 110 10.7.08 ALBANY STATE L 3-0 4-14 1-2 512 10.13.08 *MISS. VALLEY W 3-0 5-14 2-2 538 10.21.08 *at Jackson State W 3-2 6-14 3-2 250 10.22.08 *at Alcorn State W 3-0 7-14 4-2 75 10.28.08 *at Alabama State W 3-1 8-14 5-2 475 10.29.08 at Albany State W 3-1 9-14 5-2 141 10.31.08 WEST ALABAMA L 3-1 9-15 5-2 305 11.6.08 *ALABAMA STATE W 3-0 10-15 6-2 530 11.14.08 ^vs. Prairie View A&M W 3-2 11-15 6-2 120 11.14.08 ^vs. Southern W 3-0 12-15 6-2 135 11.15.08 ^at Grambling W 3-1 13-15 6-2 475 11.15.08 ^at Grambling L 3-1 13-16 6-2 200 11.15.08 ^at Grambling W 3-2 14-16 6-2 200 12.04.08 #vs. St. Louis L 3-0 14-17 6-2 350

* SWAC Match ^ SWAC Tournament (Grambling, La.) # NCAA Tournament (Lexington, Ky.)

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Career Records (NCAA Division-I)

Kills 982 - Megan CHATMAN (.337) 2001-04 Total blocks 914 - Phyllis HETIE (.308) 2002-04 446 - Megan CHATMAN (395 games) 2001-04 888 - Brittani LEWIS (.181) 2005-08 246 - Lutasha BRADLEY (247 games) 2001-03 799 - De’Anna Hines (.364) 1997-00 222 - De’Anna Hines (295 games) 1997-00 750 - Monica Thompson (.340) 2000-01 211 - Brittani LEWIS (328 games) 2005-08 719 - Alex BRAZELTON (.238) 2002-04 205 - Princess DIXSON (396 games) 2001-04 710 - Shawn Medlock (.352) 1997-99 156 - Shondrell CLARKE (247 games) 2004-07 625 - Lutasha BRADLEY (.309) 2001-03 145 - Alex BRAZELTON (286 games) 2002-04 570 - Madinah ABDULLAH (.151) 2006-08 140 - Kyetta Walker (218 games) 1998-01 510 - Phatty Arbuckle (.303) 1999-00 139 - Feah Williams (301 games) 1999-02 135 - Talea Orr (137 games) 1998-99 Assists 4268 - Princess DIXSON (396 games) 2001-04 1991 - Shannon Perkins (231 games) 1997-99 Brittani Lewis 1885 - Natalie RODRIGUEZ (194 games) 2007-08 1344 - Kara JERDEN (164 games) 2005-06 1070 - Nikki Tilton (99 games) 2000-01 554 - Laura Wilson (152 games) 2003-06 244 - Natasha Welty (113 games) 2000-01 145 - Feah Williams (301 games) 1999-02 122 - Kneckie STALLSWORTH (182 games) 2002-03 110 - Lety Plascencia (23 games) 1998-99

Service aces 243 - Princess DIXSON (396 games) 2001-04 162 - Lutasha BRADLEY (247 games) 2001-03 128 - Brittani LEWIS (328 games) 2005-08 107 - Shannon Perkins (231 games) 1997-99 96 - Phyllis HETIE (245 games) 2002-04 94 - Monica Thompson (207 games) 2000-01 90 - Phatty Arbuckle (218 games) 1999-00 86 - Feah Williams (301 games) 1999-02 85 - Kara JERDEN (164 games) 2005-06 84 - Kneckie STALLSWORTH (182 games) 2002-03

Digs 898 - Tameeka THOMPSON (329 games) 2002-05 730 - Princess DIXSON (396 games) 2001-04 659 - Rose CORNEILLE (192 games) 2007-08 646 - Alex BRAZELTON (286 games) 2002-04 627 - Monica Thompson (207 games) 2000-01 621 - Keia Odle (359 games) 1999-02 617 - Brittani LEWIS (328 games) 2005-08 564 - Feah Williams (301 games) 1999-02 503 - Phatty Arbuckle (218 games) 1999-00 480 - Janessa Grayson (293 games) 1997-00

28 29 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Season Records (NCAA Division-I)

Kills 480 - Phyllis HETIE (.318) 2004 Total blocks 399 - Phatty Arbuckle (.360) 2000 127 - Shannon Lumpkin (99 games) 1999 376 - Monica Thompson (.365) 2000 125 - Megan Chatman (96 games) 2003 374 - Monica THOMPSON (.315) 2001 118 - De’Anna Hines (102 games) 2000 369 - Shawn Medlock (.361) 1999 117 - Lutasha BRADLEY (105 games) 2002 363 - De’Anna Hines (.445) 2000 114 - Lutasha Bradley (105 games) 2003 341 - Brittani LEWIS (.196) 2007 113 - Talea Orr (112 games) 1999 328 - Phyllis Hetie (.272) 2003 113 - Megan CHATMAN (93 games) 2004 323 - Alexandria BRAZELTON (.177) 2005 106 - Megan CHATMAN (108 games) 2002 317 - Alex BRAZELTON (.261) 2004 102 - Megan CHATMAN (98 games) 2001 77 - Brittani LEWIS (96 games) 2005 Assists 1140 - Princess DIXSON (109 games) 2002 1070 - Nikki Tilton (99 games) 2000 1066 - Shannon Perkins (112 games) 1999 1048 - Princess DIXSON (101 games) 2001 1045 - Princess Dixson (95 games) 2003 Princess Dixson 1035 - Princess DIXSON (91 games) 2004 949 - Natalie RODRIGUEZ (89 games) 2007 936 - Natalie RODRIGUEZ (105 games) 2008 809 - Shannon Perkins (94 games) 1997 701 - Kara JERDEN (82 games) 2006

Service aces 82 - Princess DIXSON (109 games) 2002 79 - Princess DIXSON (101 games) 2001 78 - Lutasha Bradley (105 games) 2003 76 - Lutasha BRADLEY (105 games) 2002 55 - Nikki Tilton (99 games) 2000 53 - Phatty Arbuckle (112 games) 1999 51 - Talea Orr (112 games) 1999 50 - Brittani LEWIS (70 games) 2006 50 - Kneckie STALLSWORTH (106 games) 2002 50 - Shannon Perkins (94 games) 1997

Digs 373 - Monica THOMPSON (103 games) 2001 342 - Rose CORNEILLE (89 games) 2007 317 - Rose CORNEILLE (103 games) 2008 314 - Tameeka Thompson (100 games) 2003 287 - Tameeka THOMPSON (95 games) 2004 278 - Shawn Medlock (112 games) 1999 276 - Phatty Arbuckle (112 games) 1999 270 - Talea Orr (112 games) 1999 260 - Tameeka THOMPSON (95 games) 2005 254 - Monica Thompson (104 games) 2000

30 31 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” aamu volleyball - “bound and determined” Match Records (NCAA Division-I)

Kills 22 Brazelton, Alex at TENNESSEE STATE Oct 11, 2003 32 HETIE,Phyllis at Illinois-Chicago Sep 04, 2004 22, THOMPSON,Tameeka Jackson State Sep 24, 2004 29 HETIE,Phyllis vs GRAMBLING STATE UNIV Oct 15, 2004 22 Townsend, Natasha vs GRAMBLING STATE UNIV Oct 17, 2003 29 HETIE,Phyllis at Mississippi Valley Oct 23, 2004 21 ABDULLAH,Madinah vs Grambling State Nov 17, 2007 28 HETIE,Phyllis Jackson State Sep 24, 2004 21 CORNEILLE,Rose at Alcorn State Oct 17, 2007 26 HETIE,Phyllis GRAMBLING STATE UNIV Nov 13, 2004 21 THOMPSON, Monica at Albany State Oct 05, 2001 26 THOMPSON,Monica vs Texas Southern Univ Oct 12, 2001 21 Thompson, Tameeka at ALBANY STATE Nov 07, 2003 25 BRAZELTON,Alex at Albany State Univ. Oct 04, 2004 25 Hetie, Phylis TROY STATE Sept 24,2003 23 LEWIS,Brittani vs Prairie View A&M Nov 16, 2007 Total blocks 23 LEWIS,Brittani Miss Valley State Oct 28, 2005 11 CHATMAN,Megan vs GRAMBLING STATE UNIV Oct 15, 2004 11 CRUTCHFIELD,Anna vs Prairie View A&M Nov 14, 2008 11 Chatman, Megan at TROY STATE Sept 24,2003 Assists 9 BECKFORD,Karensa vs Grambling State Nov 15, 2008 69 JERDEN,Kara Miss Valley State Oct 28, 2005 9 BRADLEY, Lutasha ALABAMA STATE UNIV Oct. 31,2002 64 DIXSON,Princess at Jackson State Oct 22, 2004 9 Bradley, Lutasha PRAIRIE VIEW A&M Nov 15, 2003 62 DIXSON,Princess Jackson State Sep 24, 2004 9 Bradley, Lutasha at ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM Sept 27,2003 62 Dixson, Princess vs GRAMBLING STATE UNIV Oct 17, 2003 9 CHATMAN,Megan at Illinois-Chicago Sep 04, 2004 61 DIXSON, Princess vs ALCORN STATE UNIV Nov 15, 2002 9 CLARKE,Shondrell vs PRAIRIE VIEW A&M Oct 16, 2004 59 DIXSON,Princess vs GRAMBLING STATE UNIV Nov 13, 2004 9 CRUTCHFIELD,Anna at Alabama State Oct 28, 2008 57 DIXSON,Princess at Illinois-Chicago Sep 04, 2004 9 McDUFFIE,Elizabeth at Jackson State Oct 20, 2005 54 DIXSON, Princess Albany State Univ. Oct.08, 2002 54 DIXSON,Princess at Albany State Univ. Oct 04, 2004 54 Dixson, Princess vs SOUTH CAROLINA STATE Aug 30, 2003 54 Dixson, Princess at TENNESSEE STATE Oct 11, 2003 Madinah Abdullah 54 RODRIGUEZ,Natalie Mississippi Valley Nov 05, 2007

Service aces 9 BRADLEY, Lutasha LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY Nov 07, 2002 9 DIXSON, Princess Morris Brown Nov 02, 2001 8 ABDULLAH,Madinah West Alabama Oct 31, 2008 8 DIXSON, Princess ALCORN STATE UNIV SEP 04, 2002 8 HETIE,Phyllis vs Delaware State Sept 3, 2004 8 STALLSWORTH, Kneckie at MS. VALLEY ST. UNIV. Nov 01, 2002 7 BRADLEY, Lutasha Albany State Univ. Oct.08, 2002 7 Bradley, Lutasha vs NORFOLK STATE AUG 29, 2003 7 Bradley, Lutasha ALBANY STATE Sept 8, 2003 7 DIXSON, Princess HAMPTON UNIVERSITY AUG 30, 2002 7 DIXSON, Princess MS. VALLEY ST. UNIV. Sep 16, 2002 7 HETIE,Phyllis at Alcorn State Sep 21, 2004 7 LEWIS,Brittani vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff Nov 11, 2005

Digs 29 CORNEILLE,Rose vs Nicholls State Sep 14, 2007 25 CORNEILLE,Rose vs Grambling State Nov 17, 2007 25 LEWIS,Brittani vs Grambling State Nov 17, 2007 23 ODLE, Keia at Albany State Oct 05, 2001

30 31 aamu volleyball - “bound and determined”

32 Alabama A&M Volleyball Media Roster

#5 Courtney Jenkins #6 Karensa Beckford #7 Audrey Harris #9 Darah Hooks MB • 5-10 • Jr. RS • 6-0 • So. DS/L • 5-6 • So. OH • 5-10 • Jr. Marietta, Ga. St. Anne Bay, Jamaica San Antonio, Tex. Dallas, Tex.

#10 Casey Craig #11 Anna Crutchfield #12 Mariah Brown #14 Rose Corneille DS/L • 5-8 • So. MB • 5-11 • So. OH • 5-7 • Fr. DS/L • 5-7 • Jr. Huntsville, Ala. Columbus, Ga. Dallas, Tex. Dacula, Ga.

#15 Madinah Abdullah #16 Makeda Moore #17 Lydia Adeosun #18 Natalie Rodriguez OH • 5-8 • Sr. OH • 5-11 • So. MB • 5-10 • Sr. S • 5-7 • Sr. Homewood, Ala. Los Angeles, Calif. Houston, Tex. Caguas, Puerto Rico

#19 Dymond Rangel #24 Clarissa Moore DS/L • 5-0 • Fr. OH/RS • 5-11 • Fr. San Antonio, Tex. Houston, Tex.