| Head Coach |
Jessica Rinehart (Hillsdale '00; 5th year, 47-68 at Augsburg, 94-98 overall) |
| Assistant Coaches |
Mariah Ohlsen (Southern Methodist '00, 5th year)
Erica Moore (Minnesota '02, 4th year)
Jen Bowman (Minnesota '05, 1st year) |
| 2008 |
17-12 overall, 5-6 MIAC (t6th/12) |
| Starters Returning/Lost |
4/3 |
| Letterwinners Returning/Lost |
11/6 |
| Key Returners |
Dani Tanaka (SR, DS, 5-3), Academic All-MIAC, led team in digs in overall matches with a 5.02 digs per-set average, ranked fifth in the MIAC in conference matches only with a 4.83 digs per-set average, currently ranked ninth on the school's all-time digs list with 1,026 career digs.
Shanna Reed (SR, S, 5-8), led team in assists with an 8.73 assist per-set average, ranked seventh in the MIAC in conference games with an 8.55 assist per-set average, currently ranked third on the school's all-time assists list with 2,225 career assists.
Katie Christensen (JR, OH, 5-11), Academic All-MIAC, second on the team in kills with 249 (2.44 kills per-set), averaged 1.25 digs per-set and .49 blocks per-set.
Barbara Simmons (SR, MH, 5-8), led the team in blocks with 93 (.96 blocks per-set), third in the MIAC in blocking averaging 1.09 blocks per-set in conference games, third on the team in kills with 179 (1.85 kills per-set). |
| Key Newcomers |
Amanda Unze (FY, RS, 6-0), played volleyball at Chaska HS, earned all-conference and all-conference honorable-mention honors, was named an AAU Junior National "All-Star" and to the USA JO Invitational all-tournament team.
Nikolene Miller (FY, MH, 6-1), participated in volleyball and track and field at Tomahawk HS, three-time all-conference performer in volleyball, five-time all-conference performer in track and field.
Lauren Butler (FY, OH, 5-10), played volleyball at Burnsville HS, earned all-conference and all-conference honorable mention honors, played for the Northern Lights club team.
Erin Jugasek (JR, RSH, 6-0), transfer from Central Lakes College, member of 2007 NJCAA Division III National Championship team, participated in volleyball and track and field at Big Lake HS, captain in both sports, school record holder in blocks in a single season and blocks in a career.
Michelle Barum (SO, MH, 6-0), played volleyball at Prior Lake HS, earned all-conference honorable mention honors, played for the Northern Lights and Minnesota One club teams.
Jamila Lee (FY, MH, 5-8), played volleyball at Richfield HS, earned all-conference honorable mention honors, played for Metro Elite club team. |
| Key Losses |
Breann Woelfel (SR, OH, 5-8), Academic All-MIAC, averaged 2.01 kills per-set, 1.98 digs per-set, .22 blocks per-set, third on the team with 23 service aces - season ending knee injury.
Julie Jenkins (S/OH, 5-11), All-MIAC, led team in kills with 250 (2.29 kills per-set), second on the team in blocks averaging .71 blocks per-set, second on team in service aces with 28, second on team in assists averaging .89 assists per-set, ranks second on school's all-time blocks list with 238 and eighth on the all-time assist list with 1,046.
Amanda Rueb * (MH, 5-10), All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team, third on the team in blocking averaging .58 blocks per-set, averaged 1.05 kills per-set, recorded 14 services aces. |
MINNEAPOLIS -- After missing out on the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoffs a year ago on tiebreaking criteria, the Augsburg College volleyball team is determined to claim a playoff spot in 2009. Last year's squad finished 17-12 overall, tying the most victories for an Auggie volleyball team since 1998 (17-11 overall, 6-5 MIAC) and marking the Auggies' fourth consecutive season with an improved win-loss record.
Augsburg was able to accomplish numerous goals in 2008, and the Auggies can't help but feel optimistic for the upcoming season. A year ago, Augsburg claimed four consecutive five-set victories over MIAC opponents, qualified for the MIAC-IIAC Border Battle for the first time in school history, and claimed a thrilling five-set victory over conference rival St. Olaf, snapping a 31-match losing streak to the Oles which dated to Sept. 25, 1989.
“We're extremely excited to enter this season. We've been waiting for this day since the conclusion of our '08 season," said head coach Jessica Rinehart, entering her fifth season at Augsburg. "While we were extremely happy with last year's accomplishments, not making playoffs left us unfulfilled and hungry for more. I have no doubt that this group will reach its full potential and push to grab a playoff spot. This is collectively the most committed, hardworking and focused group of athletes to pass through the volleyball program since I've been here."
The Auggies will be returning solid experience in its upperclassmen and has one of its most talented and tallest recruiting classes in the past few years. Blocking will be one of the key strengths for the Auggies this season. With added height and experience, Rinehart is predicting that Augsburg will challenge opposing hitters and will stop more balls at the net.
Barbara Simmons (SR, Minneapolis, Minn./South HS) returns to anchor the Auggie block. Simmons finished third in the MIAC in blocking last season, averaging 1.09 blocks per-set in conference games. Transfer
Erin Jugasek (JR, Big Lake, Minn.) is expected to team up with Simmons from the right side to create a strong block for the Auggies. Jugasek, who helped lead her Central Lakes College squad to the NJCAA Division III national championship in 2007, is the school record holder for blocks in a single season and blocks in a career at Big Lake High School. In addition, first-year
Amanda Unze (FR, Chaska, Minn.) is expected to help set-up the wall in either the right side or middle position.
“Amanda is coming into Augsburg with a lot of experience, both club and high school. She comes from a very successful high school program, has had great coaching and knows the game well. We are looking for her to give us a big block in addition to generating points for us on offense.”
Guiding the Auggie offense will be
Shanna Reed (SR, Eagan, Minn./Holy Angels HS), who will be entering her fourth year as the team's primary setter. Reed has great court presence, leadership and runs a consistent offense, Rinehart said. She led the team in assists in 2008 with an 8.73 assist per-set average and she currently ranks third on the school's all-time assists list with 2,225. Assuming the other setting responsibilities will be
Denielle Johnson (JR, Blaine, Minn./Spring Lake Park HS).
“With the additional height we acquired we may look to run a 6-2 this season. Both setters have great hands, solid defense and are strong servers,” said Rinehart. The duo combined for 251 digs and 56 service aces a season ago.
Offensively, the Auggies will have a balanced attack.
Katie Christensen (JR, North Mankato, Minn./Mankato West HS) returns as the Auggies' leading attacker. Christensen was second on the team in kills in 2008, collecting 249 (2.44 kills per-set). In addition to their blocking abilities, Jugasek, Unze and Simmons will also be looked to contribute to the Auggies offense. Simmons finished with 179 kills a season ago and will be counted on to contribute in 2009.
Defensively, Augsburg will be anchored by four-year starter
Dani Tanaka (SR, Bloomington, Minn. / Jefferson HS). Tanaka led the team in digs in overall matches last season with a 5.02 digs per-set average and ranked fifth in the MIAC in conference matches-only with a 4.83 digs per-set average. Tanaka is currently ranked ninth on the school's all-time digs list with 1,026 and is on pace to move into the school's top five.
“Dani is one of the hardest workers I've had the pleasure to coach. She's a competitor and truly leads by example.” Rinehart said.
The Auggies take on six teams ranked in the top 25 in the AVCA preseason poll this season. Although they have a challenging schedule, Rinehart says that the Auggies feel confident in their ability to compete with the best in the country.
