The Official Support Group of
Michigan State University Women's Volleyball

The Big Ten preseason coaches' poll released on August 12 shows Michigan State ranked number six for the 2010 season. Penn State, Illinois, and Minnesota were 1-2-3, exactly the way they finished last season. MSU's Kyndra Abron was named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. [full story]

Egerer Transfers to UWM

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee announced on May 5 that Elizabeth "Bizl" Egerer is transferring there after receiving a release from MSU. This is a return to home for the Sheboygan Falls native, who will have three years of eligibility to play volleyball there. [full story]

Mike Gawlik Earns Coaches' Recognition

Assistant Coach Mike Gawlik has been chosen by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) for a 2010 Thirty Under 30 award. Established in 2009, this award honors the country's top volleyball coaches who are under 30 years old. Mike was one of eight Division 1 coaches to win the award this year. [AVCA story] [MSU release]

Spartans Get Kristen Kelsay as a Late Addition

Kristen Kelsay, one of the top high school setters in the Midwest and an honors student, signed with MSU in February. She originally signed to play at Nebraska, but changed her mind when setter Lauren Cook, the 2009 national freshman of the year, transferred from UCLA to play at Nebraska for her father John Cook. [full story] [MSU release]

Kelsey Kuipers Signs On for 2010

MSU has announced the signing of Otsego middle blocker Kelsey Kuipers to the recruiting class of 2010. The 6'-1" three-sport athlete was a finalist for the 2009 Michigan Miss Volleyball title. [press release] [Kalamazoo Gazette story]

Previous 2010 News

Annual Meeting April 17

The SideOut Club’s Annual Meeting will be held from noon to 1pm on April 17, 2010 at Jenison Field House, during the spring tournament (see below). All SOC members are encouraged to attend. The Club’s annual financial statement will be presented and up to five members will be elected to the Board of Directors. If you are interested in joining the SOC Board, please contact Marge Bossenbery at bossenberym@gmail.com.

Spring Tournament at Jenison

The Spartans will host a spring tournament from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010 featuring Michigan, Akron, Central Michigan, Grand Valley State, Valparaiso, Illinois State, Hillsdale and an MSU alumni team. The alumni team is expected to include Ashley Schatzle, Allison Ianni, Marley Bellwood, Kim Schram-Graham, Vanessa King, Heather McDaniel, Dana Cooke, and Nicole Colaluca. [full schedule]

Prior to that, the team will travel to Muncie, Indiana for a March 27th meet at the Munciana Volleyball Club and to the Ohio Valley Volleyball Center in Louisville, Kentucky for an April 10th tournament.

2009 Annual Awards Presented

The following awards were presented at the annual volleyball banquet on January 10, 2010 at the University Club:

Academic All-Conference Selections: Allyson Karaba, Mandi Karaba, Mischelle Nelson, Jenilee Rathje
Kirkby Scholar-Athlete Award: Jenilee Rathje
Blue Collar Award: Allyson Karaba
Newcomer Award: Cheyenne VanDerSteen
Offensive Award: Kyndra Abron
Defensive Award: Allyson Karaba

The SideOut Club Service Award for 2009 recognized the many years of volunteer work by Jim and Eilleen Ellis, who were not present for the ceremony.

The SideOut Club presented Coach George with a check for $10,000 for use by the volleyball program.

Big Ten and Other News

Big Ten Expansion To Bring Revised Volleyball Scheduling

The expansion to 12 schools in 2011 will bring changes, but conference head coaches reportedly favor sticking with a 20-game full-conference season. Each team would play nine of their opponents twice during the season, while playing the other two only once. With an even number of teams, every team can have a permanent traveling partner. [full story]

Nebraska Brings Powerhouse Volleyball Program to Big Ten

Nebraska has been a national leader in volleyball for many years, with three Division I championships to their name. Coach John Cook is looking forward to returning to the Big Ten. [full story]

Gustin to Helm Volleyball Startup

MSU alum Sarah Gustin has been named the first volleyball coach at Cal State San Marcos. 2011 will see the school's inaugural season for women's volleyball, with the intention of gaining Division II status. [full story]

Vander Meer Named NAIA All-American

Former Spartan Katie Vander Meer, now playing at Aquinas College, has been named to the NAIA All-America third team. [full story]

The Official Support Group of Michigan State University Women's Volleyball

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Spartans Ranked 6th in Conference