SALT LAKE CITY — The factor that stands out most to Utah volleyball coach Beth Launiere is that all the players on the 2010 team returned to campus after a two-week break to practice throughout the summer.
"Some years you don't know where anyone is," Launiere said. "They don't come back until the fall semester begins."
Practicing all summer on their own shows team unity, Launiere said as she begins her 21st season at Utah. This team boasts talent, experience, depth and a winning attitude, and a special dedication unlike that of most of her other teams.
Back leading the team for her senior year is Karolina Bartkowiak, who led the team in kills last year.
"My goal is to get my teammates better around me," Bartkowiak said.
Looking fit and trim, she noted that her conditioning is much better than last year.
"I tried to get myself in really, really good shape," she said.
Bartkowiak said she spent two weeks at home in Chicago, then went to Phoenix for a tournament before returning to Utah and has been practicing all summer.
As a young team last year, the Utes posted a 17-12 record, and this year their experience and depth will be a strength. Stephanie Neeley and Keisha Fisher are returning starters from last year who are looking to make a lasting impression in their senior seasons.
Danielle Killpack saw action last year and, though still only a junior, will be counted on heavily as a middle blocker. Returning as an experienced outside hitter is Sarah Hibbert, who saw plentiful action last year, got married in the offseason and is now known as Sarah Hibbert Collette.
The player Launiere thinks will have a breakout year is junior Jennifer Lanting. At 6-foot-6, she has the height and physicality to improve her statistics. "When she came here," said Launiere, "she was pretty raw."
Speaking about last year and Lanting's summer workouts, Launiere said, "She took a step in her confidence. She is coming into her own."
Lanting agrees and said she also worked on little things as well as her hitting, describing herself as very team-oriented. "I'm giving all my focus to the team," she said. "I want to support them and do all I can for them."
She came to Utah from California and said her original decision to come to the Ute campus was made because of the "family style" of the team.
"They are like sisters to me," Lanting added.
Her goal for this year is "to keep her hitting percentage positive."
Newcomers to the team this year include Erin Redd of Spanish Fork and Morgan Odale, who's from Idaho. Her older sister, McKenzie, played some last year and returns as a sophomore on the team this year.
Launiere said the incoming Odale shows plenty of promise.
"I think she will be able to contribute as a freshman this year," the Utes' coach said.
"She is a little raw," Launiere said of Redd, "but she is very physical and a tremendous athlete."
Launiere noted two new defensive specialists who will join the team this year. Nikki Sims comes from Juan Diego High School, while Charlee Dyroff comes to the Utes from Boulder, Colo.
From Aug. 12-20, the Utes got away to Moab for a team-bonding experience where, in addition to practice, they did some hiking and recreational activities.
Bartkowiak stated explicitly the team's goal this season: "Get back to the NCAAs."
The first step on that road begins tonight at 7 p.m. on Crimson Court when UC Davis comes to town. On Saturday, Utah State comes south for a 7 p.m. matchup.
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