Our goal for the conference season has been to play with a strong constitution. We have managed to do this in 6 of our 7 matches (we unraveled against Cal). We head into our final weekend of pre conference play with a full head of steam. I like where we are right now.

We definitely have to fix some things.

a. Our passing has been erratic and streaky. This should calm down in time.

b. Our setting has been inconsistent. This is often the result of inconsistent passing.

c. We have not yet found an answer to the right side position. But this too will be resolved soon.

d. Our block and defense is close to becoming elite. We have out blocked every opponent (except Cal). We need a little more time to allow our back row defenders to become familiar with our blockers’ positioning.

e. Our serving has been very efficient. But we need to stress our opponents more than we have so far.

There has been lots of talk about our loss to Cal. Here is the straight scoop.

Cal is the best team we have played so far. On Saturday night they were better than Stanford. We got hit by a buzz saw. The locals declared to us that it was the best the Bears had played for a long, long time.

We did not respond with much determination. That was the disappointing part. Our freshmen were in a situation they had not been in before and played tentatively. We never got any traction in the match. The main reason was that Cal played flawlessly and with great emotion. It was a great preview of the kinds of matches we will see in the Big Ten, and therein lies the value of the weekend.

Don’t panic, folks. We are 4-3 after playing one of the nation’s strongest schedules. We have a chance to go 7-3 before entering conference play. We have been stressed in every way possible by the teams we have played. We will be ready for the Big Ten.

Head Coach

Minnesota Volleyball

From the Golddiggers’ President

From Larry Mickelson:

When I was a wee lad I was a huge Minnesota Viking fan. My dad and I attended training camps and I couldn’t wait for the football season to start. When the team won, I was ecstatic and it was a great week. When they lost, there was a cloud that followed me around for the week. And don’t even talk to me about the four Super Bowl losses!

As I have become older my interest in the team has waned substantially. No longer do I anxiously wait for training camp to open and for the season to begin. I sometimes ask myself why this is so. And I usually come back to the same reason. When I was younger the players were more accessible, they seemed to play because they enjoyed the game, and player movement was rare which allowed a fan to feel like they got to know the player and root for the player and team.

What, do you ask, has to do with this newsletter? As I reflect upon why I enjoy college volleyball in general and our favorite club specifically, I come upon the following conclusions: the players are accessible (even more so to Golddiggers!), they play because they enjoy the game, and, while players leave when their eligibility is up, they stay with us for four years which allows us to root for them and the team. In summary, the same reasons I was a diehard Viking fan so many years ago are the same reasons I am a diehard Gopher volleyball fan today.

Being a Golddigger allows you the opportunity to meet the players and coaches at our receptions. This is a great time to get to know the players “up close and personal”. I am always impressed by the way the players are willing to talk with Golddiggers and I hope you take advantage and get to know them.

On another note, when I sent out a previous e-mail that talked about televised Gopher matches I received a few replies that said “nice idea about checking in with neighbors that have the BTN. But I am kinda shy and am not sure how to approach them. Can you help?” Of course I can! In my line of work we are often provided with “scripts” to help us talk with new customers. I will offer you a sample of how this can work for you!

Knock on identified neighbor/friend/family member’s door.

Golddigger: HI! (must exhibit great enthusiasm at this stage) How are things going with you? (insert your family member’s name here) were just talking that we haven’t gotten together with (identified neighbor/friend/family member) for much too long and thought we would stop by and see what’s going on in your lives.

Identified neighbor/friend/family member: Uh, hello. Uh, why don’t you come on in? (identified neighbor/friend/family member will need to invite you into their home. Not to do so would be rude)

GD: Great. We brought some beverages along which we would like to share with you. (be sure you have beverages with you; this requires some advance planning. And, no, you cannot use leftover GD beverages for this!)

INFFM: Well, that was nice of you.

At this point, you are on your own for a few minutes. Talk about the weather, the evil neighbors/black sheep family members, whatever. Do this for 15-20 minutes. Don’t worry, you can do this!

Eventually the INFFM will feel obligated to ask what is new with you at which point you reply:

GD: We have been busy following the Gopher volleyball team. They are so much fun to watch, they are having a great season, and the girls are great people. Hey, you know what? They happen to be on the Big Ten Network in five minutes. Care to watch? I can fill you in on what’s going on and provide little tidbits on the players.

INFFM: That sounds wonderful! Why don’t you get the TV ready and I’ll make some popcorn!

This is guaranteed to work (at least that is what my people tell us when they give us a script). Helpful hint: Arrive at said INFFM’s doorstep 25 minutes prior to the match starting. Too early and you will have too much small talk to make. Too close to starting time, well, that would just be rude!

So, get out and identify those INFFM’s who have access to the Big Ten Network and GOOD LUCK!

Point U!

Larry Mickelson, President, Golddiggers

Meet the Gophers

Brook Dieter, Hailey Cowles, and Lauren Gibbemeyer are three players that will be linked together throughout their collegiate careers due primarily to their playing together with the same JO club, Northern Lights. Because of this, we thought we would ask each of them the same group of questions.

Hailey

Brook

Lauren

Note: Photos courtesy of (pilfered from?) the University of Minnesota (although we didn’t actually ask for permission).

How long have the three of you been playing together?

Brook and Hailey – 4 years

Brook and Lauren – 3 years

Hailey and Lauren – 3 years

When making your decision as to where you would play college volleyball did you make independent decisions or did you discuss the decision amongst yourselves and decide to attend the same school together?

Brook: Although Lauren and I made our decision at the same time, it was a personal decision. We both loved the U but not for all the same reasons. It was just a plus we could play college together, too. Once we heard Hails committed we were even more excited.

Hailey: It was a plus that both Brook and Lauren were going here already when I was making my decision on where to go to college. Adding that with the coaching staff here at the U of M, the decision was not too hard.

Lauren: Brook and I pretty much decided to go to the same school but our final decision was an individual choice.

Also, you made your decision (a good one, I may say) to come to MN fairly early. What factors went into your decision?

BD: Ever since I was 10 I have been going to Gopher games & I always pictured myself playing for MN. I loved the way the girls got along w/each other as well as the coaches. And I love the fact that we are considered “underdogs”.

HC: Again, the coaching staff is amazing here. I also fell in love with the campus when I came on my visit. It was the right fit for me.

LG: It’s close enough for friends and family to watch, it has some of the best coaches, and I really liked the girls (even though I wouldn’t be playing with some of them).

When did you start playing volleyball?

BD: 6^th grade

HC: I started playing volleyball when I was in the 3^rd grade.

LG: I played for my grade school in 8^th grade but didn’t start playing club ball until my sophomore year.

Each of you attended a different high school. Did you ever play against each other and, if so, what was that like?

BD: I played against both of them and it was very fun because you knew their tendencies and could tell by heir facial expressions what they were thinking. However, it is much more fun to play with them.

HC: I played against both Lauren and Brook in high school. It was fun when my team got to play them.

LG: Yes, we played each other. It was always really weird to play each other and we always laughed when we did. I definitely like playing on the same side of the net with them rather than against them!

Your 2006 JO season was remarkable, going undefeated against your age group and winning the national championship. What was that like? What do you feel you can take from that season and the following season and apply to your college careers?

BD: It was a year that I will always remember. I’ll never forget the feeling you get when you are confident, there is no team that you can’t beat. That confidence is what enabled us to be such a great team and I think that is something that would help us win our first national championship.

HC: It was one of the most amazing times of my volleyball career. We worked so hard all season long to achieve a goal and to reach our goal was so remarkable. I think I can take the knowledge of knowing how hard you have to work everyday to reach our goals.

LG: Winning nationals our 17s year was one of my favorite moments in volleyball. It was a moment that showed all of us how much it pays to work hard every day you’re in the gym. I feel that after experiencing this I have acquired a feel for what it takes to win a national championship. Everyone has to be determined about working towards the same goal and must work hard during every practice and match.

You will be playing against Naomi Johnson (Northwestern), Allie Oelke (Creighton), and Susan Halvorson (Ohio State) later this season. How do you think it will feel to line up on the other side of the net from them?

BD: I’m going to love it and hate it at the same time. It will be great to see them and see how they are doing with the adjustment but it’s going to be hard not playing with them.

HC: I played against them in high school but it will be a lot different at the college level. It should be fun.

LG: I think it will be a very interesting experience playing against our fellow teammates but I think it will give us an advantage because we know how they all play. It will definitely be good to see them again.

You have been practicing for three weeks now and have your first college match behind you. What are your impressions of college volleyball?

BD: It’s a mixture of club and high school volleyball only at a higher pace. In high school ball all your friends and family can come to the games just like college. And JO you travel all over just like here.

HC: College volleyball is a lot of fun. The speed of the game is way faster so getting used to that was my biggest challenge.

LG: I think college volleyball is definitely a HUGE time commitment and is also very tiring both mentally and physically. I love the drive and passion of my teammates as we really push each other to be the best we can.

What are you looking forward to in your first year as a Gopher?

BD: Meeting new friends and doing whatever I can to help us win a championship.

HC: I’m looking forward to going to the different places and seeing what kind of gyms everyone else gets to play in.

LG: In my first year as a Gopher I am looking forward to meeting a ton of people, winning a national championship, and managing my time as a student-athlete (get good grades, of course!).

Now the fun questions:

Brook:

If I didn’t play volleyball I would…be a professional dancer.

When I need to relax I…listen to music and read.

My favorite food is…pasta.

When watching “Caddyshack” I

____ I pull for the gopher

____ Carl all the way! Cinderella story and all that.

_X__ What is “Caddyshack”?

What people don’t know about me is…I’ve had pancakes every morning since kindergarten!

Hailey:

If I didn’t play volleyball I would…play another sport.

When I need to relax I…go in my room and listen to music.

My favorite food is…pizza.

When watching “Caddyshack” I

X I pull for the gopher

____ Carl all the way! Cinderella story and all that.

____ What is “Caddyshack”?

What people don’t know about me is…I HATE rides!

Lauren:

If I didn’t play volleyball I would…probably be playing college basketball somewhere.

When I need to relax I…listen to music and talk to my family.

My favorite food is…Chipotle burrito.

When watching “Caddyshack” I

_X__ I pull for the gopher

____ Carl all the way! Cinderella story and all that.

____ What is “Caddyshack”?

What people don’t know about me is…I was born in Rhode Island.

Announcements

Merchandise

We’re taking orders for Golddigger and Minnesota Volleyball apparel again this year. We have a very small window of time here in order to get the orders filled and delivered to boosters before it’s too far into the season. Check out the options at the link below -- and then place your order right away if interested!

http://www.golddigger-boosters.org/2007/announcements/GoldCountry_Merchandise.pdf

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Reception

We will host a Golddigger reception following the Saturday evening match vs. Creighton. DuAnn Thompson will be contacting her angels to arrange for what to bring. If you would like to volunteer to be one of DuAnn’s angels please see her at the reception.

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Also, we would very much like to hear from YOU! Former Gophers, out-of-town members, Hollywood celebrities -- whomever -- please email us at the address below, let us know what you are up to, pass on suggestions or questions for the Point U!(betcha), or hammer the coaching staff for their time-out usage -- it’s up to you. The coaching staff has also generously offered to answer questions submitted to them through this newsletter. We look forward to all your input.

Point U!(betcha)

Recruiting News (Oh, Canada!)

The latest news, according to PrepVolleyball.com, RichKern.com and even the StarTribune, is that 6’5” OH Tabitha Love from Dauphin, Manitoba has verbally committed to the Gophers for the 2009 season. Tabi has been a member of Canada’s Junior National Team for the past two years, was the MVP of their 17-and-under national tournament, and currently touches 10’ 4.5”.

Tabi joins a (still?) growing list of impressive and extremely athletic 2008 and 2009 recruits for the Gopher program:

Alex Blatt is a 5’10” 2008 setter from Orland Park, Illinois and 1st Alliance VBC.

Ariana Filho (pronounced Feelyo) is a 6’2” 2008 middle blocker from Colorado Springs, CO and the Front Range Volleyball Club.

Jessica Granquist is a 5’9” 2008 libero/DS from Blaine and M1 Juniors (and a defensive standout). Jessica was recently the #100 in the list of Senior Aces by Prepvolleyball.com

Katherine Harms is a 6’1” 2009 RS, now from St. Michael-Albertville, formerly of Little Falls, and Minnesota Select VBC.

Mia Tabberson is a 6’1” 2009 RS/S from Muncie, Indiana and Municiana juniors. Mia and Katherine are both left-handed.

Upcoming Match Previews

Charlotte

The Charlotte 49ers are 8-2 on the year. They were 20-12 overall in 2006 and 7-6 in the Atlantic 10 Conference, good for a 2nd place finish in the East Division. They have been picked to finish 2nd again this year, behind Temple, in the pre-season Atlantic 10 coaches’ poll.

The 49ers are coached by Chris Redding and this is his first year in charge. Outside hitter Alma Arroyo was the conference’s co-Player of the Week. Arroyo recorded 29 kills in the 49ers’ 5-game win over Morgan State 9/8. Courtney Cowles, Haley’s big sister, is currently 3rd on the team in digs.

Wisconsin-Green Bay

The Wisconsin-Green Bay Phoenix is 1-5 in 2007. They were 15-15 overall in 2006, 8-6 in the Horizon League. Although picked to finish 7th, the Phoenix landed in 2nd place, their best finish in school history. The conference coaches have picked them to come in 5th this year.

Debbie Kirch is in her 11th year as head coach. There are two Minnesotans on an otherwise all-Wisconsin roster. Setter Betty Slinger, the 2003 Miss Minnesota Volleyball award winner from Bethlehem Academy, is not only averaging 10.55 assists per game, but also is hitting a robust .377 and is 3rd on the team in kills. Fellow junior and Northern Lights teammate Leah Steinbauer, from Medford, Minnesota, plays MB for the Phoenix.

Creighton

The Creighton Bluejays, at 5-4 (1-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference) for 2007, should provide the toughest test of the weekend. Their difficult schedule has included Middle Tennessee, Nebraska, Cal Poly and Illinois, all 0-3 losses. However, they have beaten 2006 NCAA participants Iowa State and Tennessee. They opened their 2007 conference season Tuesday night with a 5-game win over Drake, taking the last game 17-15. The Jays were 21-10 in 2006, including 12-6 in the very competitive MVC. The coaches’ poll picked them for 3rd in 2007.

This is Kirsten Bernthal Booth’s 5th season as head coach. The Jays feature two Minnesotans: Chaska’s Allie Oelke, freshman OH and former teammate of Lauren Gibbemeyer, Brook Dieter and Haley Cowles with Northern Lights; and Bloomington Kennedy’s Jessica Houts, now a junior middle blocker. Kelly Goc, a 6’2” MB, was a 1st team All-MVC pick in 2006 and is hitting .327.

Rankings

1 Nebraska (56)	10 Michigan	18 San Diego
2 Stanford (4)	11 California	19 Kansas State
3 Penn State	12 BYU	20 Ohio State
4 Southern California