Weekly Update
Looking Back on 2008
Head Coach Tom Hilbert , Jan 1, 2009
Every season lives on its own and, unless you are the National Champion, you always lose the last match you play. This year for us was a little different. The sting of losing in the second round of the NCAA tournament lasted longer than most years, primarily because we set a very high standard for the season. We all felt, and still feel, that we were a good enough team to compete for a regional championship and a spot in the Final Four. It is the standard we want for this program and that will not change. Having the audacity to take risks and set lofty goals takes courage. When others claim that just making the NCAA is good enough we ask “Why not be better?”
All that being said it is still time to reflect and feel good about ourselves as athletes, coaches and as a whole program. Here is what we did accomplish:
We qualified for the NCAA tournament for the 14th year in a row. Only eight programs in the country have accomplished that feat over time. We were ranked in the top ten in the country in home attendance averaging over 2400 per match. This is a testament to the great support of our community and athletic department. We went undefeated in Moby arena for the second year in a row, and our current home win streak is at 28. This includes wins over all the Mountain West including Utah and BYU. It also includes exciting wins against Arizona and #8 Florida where we had over 4000 fans in Moby, the biggest crowd since 2004.
It was a season of high expectation, great risk and reward. The reward lies in the fact that we dared greatly and in doing so put us in the company of some of the nation’s top programs. We took a step this year toward greatness and we don’t plan on moving any direction but forward.
Go Rams!
-Tom Hilbert
NCAA Tournament
Freshmen Megan Plourde and Lisa Weintraub, December 8, 2008
We have been anxiously looking forward and preparing for this trip to Florida, and finally our journey was here! It all began with a team dinner at Stonehouse Grille to learn where we would be seeded in the NCAA tournament. There were many boosters and fans at Stonehouse that joined us for our “party.” We finished our meal and we sat in anticipation and watched the big screen TV, as the brackets were shown. Finally, there we were! We would play in Gainesville, Florida. Our first match would be against Florida International, and then most likely we would face the Gators again! We were all pumped up and excited about the possibility of playing the Gators. However, our focus first was to defeat Florida International.
We left for the airport after practice on Wednesday afternoon. We escaped the big snow storm that was about to hit Fort Collins, and we were headed off to sunny Florida. After the long bus ride and flight we had finally arrived in Orlando, which was two hours away from Gainesville. This meant another two hour ride until we would get to the hotel. We finally arrived at the hotel around 2 a.m. and everyone went straight to bed.
The next day approached fast, and at 9:30 in the morning we were all up and ready for breakfast. Following breakfast we studied for classes and practiced in the Gator’s gym.The rest of the day we were able to relax and get a little taste of Gainesville.
The big day had finally arrived. We got up at 9:30, had breakfast, studied for a little bit, watched film, practiced, and finally it was game-time !We did our pre-game preparation and normal dancing before our match. We came out strong and Florida International didn’t stand a chance, we won in four games!
Our next main focus was the Florida Gators on Saturday night. We came out strong and every game was a tough fought battle. But the Gators came out strong also, and with their home court advantage were able to take control at the end of each game. Unfortunately, the results of the match weren’t as we had hoped for. We sat in the locker disappointed, but we remembered the successful season we did have.
We were undefeated for the second season in a row at Moby, we were one of the top blocking teams in the nation, we had some great top-25 wins on the year, and playing in Moby Arena is one of the best home court atmospheres in the country!
We were very fortunate to have the three most amazing senior volleyball players a team could ever have. Not only were Mekana, Ashley, and Jaime leaders on the court, but also off the court. They all have inspired us each in different ways. All three of them will be missed greatly!!
Thanks ladies, coaches, and fans for the awesome season!!!
Go Rams!
-Meg and Lisa
Senior Night
Juniors Katelin Batten and Tessa Nelson , November 17, 2008
They say time flies when you’re having fun, but sometimes we wish it didn’t. As freshmen, you embark on this journey thinking it will last forever but it’s over in a blink of an eye. We spend everyday with our teammates practicing, lifting, running, hosting recruits, traveling, DANCING, telling stories, and making inside jokes, however, it seems like every year flies by faster than the one before. There’s been days that seemed to last forever but it all seems worth it when you beat #8 Florida in front of 4,000 screaming fans.
This season has been called the “BIG YEAR,” not only for the high expectations, but to honor the players who have brought a name to Colorado State Volleyball. Our seniors, Jaime, Ashley, and Mekana, have worked hard to bring a positive image to our program and team. Numerous times throughout the season we’ve talked about how much we love our team and how blessed we are to have three great seniors. Their impact reaches far beyond the volleyball court as they have built relationships with fans, teammates, and coaches.
In our "final" (we are hoping to be here for the NCAA's!) home game in Moby, we prepared in the locker room with a little bit of gloom knowing this could be the last time we play at home with our seniors.
Senior day is always filled with much emotion and reflection. As we watched our seniors walk to the center of the court, arm-in-arm, to Sarah McLaughlin’s, “I Will Remember You,” and wave to the Moby faithful, it was hard to hold back tears in our eyes. The words, “don’t let your life pass you by,” seemed appropriate as we all wondered where our time with them had gone, knowing we could never have it back.
It wasn’t all sad though! We had our usual dance party in the locker room before the game, then came out and smashed on a good UNLV team. :)
The team pitched in and bought the seniors balloons, flowers and gift certificates to the spa (which will be used quickly). Several of the girls also wrote each senior a note with words of appreciation.
We will never be able to replace our seniors, they are truly one of a kind. Some of the fondest memories we have are Jaime’s awesome dance moves, Ashley’s love for mashed potatoes, and Kana’s “sassy!” fashion sense (in Batty’s words).
The first play of the UNLV match showed the impact of our seniors. Like so many times before, UNLV served the ball to Jaime, who passed it to Ashley. With perfect timing and execution Ashley set Mekana for the kill. The UNLV players didn’t have time to react. It was picture perfect. 1 2 3, just like the number on their jerseys.
We speak for every fan, coach, and teammate when we say they will be missed. However, we still have a whole lot of season left! We hope to be playing in front of our fans again in December as we keep the “BIG YEAR” dreams alive!
Go Rams!
-Batty and Tessa
A Loss to Learn From
Freshman Evan Sanders, November 10, 2008
I have come to find that one of the most challenging things in college sports is to play your sport in an entirely unfamiliar environment. Different lights, different court, different faces. This is a challenge that our Ram team is still striving to become successful with. Unfortunately this weekend, we fell short of doing that.
After a bus ride to D.I.A. and a delayed departure, we finally had reached our destination of Albuquerque, New Mexico on Wednesday evening. All 13 girls waited patiently at baggage claim while our luggage began to arrive. 12 bags later, the math wasn’t adding up. Poor Audrey Hemmings was luggage-less. After reporting the missing bag, we headed off to the vans that the coaches had rented for our lovely transportation. After scoping out which coach was driving which van (one coach MIGHT be a better driver than the other), we loaded up our bags and headed off to the hotel. Once we got there, we headed to bed (after being told we got to sleep in until 10 A.M. YES!!!!); we had a big day ahead of us.
Thursday evening hit and we began our warm-up in our opponent’s gym. We started our four day road trip off with success, beating the New Mexico Lobos on Thursday night (hopefully you were watching since it was broadcasted on television :)). After losing the first game, we bounced back and beat them in four games. The further into the match we went, the better our play became. The Lobos no longer stood a chance. We walked away with our heads up high; proud of the victory we had just earned ourselves.
Again, getting back to our hotel at a late hour, we headed to bed right after dinner. Unfortunately this time, there was no sleeping in. We were eating breakfast and meeting about our next opponent, the TCU Horned Frogs, by 8:30 A.M Friday morning. A little over an hour later we went back to our rooms, finished packing up, and headed off to the airport that would take us to our next destination.
With only a delayed departure this time, (our plane was broken, or something :)) we arrived in Fort Worth, Texas with one thing on our minds, beating the Horned Frogs. After a 90-minute drive from the airport to our hotel (even though it was really only supposed to take 30 minutes… we won’t talk about it though) we geared up for a little pre-game practice to get ourselves more prepared for our Saturday afternoon game. At the end of another long travel day, and after an amazing meal, we were ready to head off to bed once again.
Game day had once again arrived. Loaded up in our amazing soccer mom mini-vans with our luggage packed, we were ready to go beat the Horned Frogs and head back home to Fort Collins. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Our match with TCU suddenly seemed to be a battle; a battle that we didn’t exactly expect out of them. With TCU taking the first two games, we sat in the locker room discussing how we would improve our performance and come out of this struggle and earn ourselves a win. With a crazy screaming guy in gorilla suit (even though their mascot is far from a gorilla), a football team pounding on mats behind our service line, and a 0-2 hole we had to dig ourselves out of, we managed to come back from being behind and win the third game. The joy of winning the third game was short lived as the TCU Horned Frogs pulled away from us in the fourth game, giving us our second conference loss for the season.
As our disappointed team sat in the locker room, we remember the most important thing: it isn’t over. We headed back to Fort Collins later that afternoon knowing that there were things we needed to get done when we were back in the gym on Monday.
Now tied for first in our conference, we have moved past the loss and are focusing on what we have control over. We are fixing the errors that were made during our lost match so that we don’t have to deal with the consequences of having them happen again. Although a tough loss to take, it was a learning experience. We will not be overlooking any opponents as we come down to the final weeks of our conference season. We have our sights set high and don’t plan on lowering them- for anybody.
Go Rams!
-Evan Sanders
Life on the Road : Sand Diego and Vegas
Junior Katelin Batten and Sophomore Audrey Hemmings, October 21, 2008
In college athletics, you look forward to the home matches and view the away matches as one of the many challenges of the experience. This past weekend we played San Diego State and a very tough UNLV team. Although the ending result of the UNLV game was not what we hoped for, we were able to bounce back against SDSU. Both matches were a learning experience for us and it was good to compete in an environment where we weren’t entirely comfortable. One of our goals this season is to compete better on the road. The ability to play and compete well in an uncomfortable environment is very important and necessary to our team.
While we were in San Diego, Tom took us to a ‘famous’ restaurant named World Famous. It was set right on the beach and we were able to watch the sunset over the ocean. During our stay in Vegas we had extra time to walk the strip. It was exciting for some of the new players because they had never been there before.
So far, this season has been nothing short of amazing. We are excited to play the Wyoming Cowgirls this weekend as it will be another good test for us. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by coaches, teammates, and fans that love and support us. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and we are excited to see what is in-store for the rest of the season.
Go Rams!
-Batty and Audrey
300 and Counting...
Head Coach Tom Hilbert , October 13, 2008
On Sunday afternoon, in front of over 2000 Moby Arena fans and a national TV audience, my team pulled out a come from behind victory over the New Mexico Lobos.
(Match highlights from CBS College Sports)
It was an emotional battle and I was proud of my team for fighting the way they did. We had our customary center court talk after the handshake and then the PA announcer made an announcement that this had been my 300th victory at CSU surpassing the previous coach, Rich Feller's total of 299.
I had been told this was coming but I really didn’t want to talk about it before it happened. To me, #300 was the same as #299 and #298. You prepare your team and they get out on the court and fight for it. But as the fans applauded the milestone I became overwhelmed with emotion. My wife and daughter came out on the court and I began to realize what had happened. I have had many people’s dream job for 12 years here at CSU and I was in the middle of another great season surrounded by wonderful young ladies who work so hard for me.
The real honor here is longevity. I have been at the same school and haven’t gotten burned out or gone broke on a coach's salary. I have never had the threat of being fired and I love where I live and work. We can recruit great players here because everyone who comes to Fort Collins loves it. This community is one of the top volleyball communities in the nation and athletes have great experiences playing here.
Now that I have hit this milestone I will go back to work trying to win #301 and #302 this weekend because that is what I do... try to win the next one. That is the life of a coach. Maybe another Mountain West Championship and another NCAA appearance. A Regional appearance here at home and, with skill and a little luck, maybe a Final Four appearance in Omaha.
Whatever happens I will always stop to appreciate what I have. For twelve years here and twenty years total, I have had many people's dream job... and hopefully for another 300 wins.
Go Rams!
-Tom Hilbert
Moby Magic: The Streak
Junior Tessa Nelson , September 28, 2008
This past Friday we had the opportunity to defend our Moby winning-streak in a very important game against our “Border-War” rivals: The Wyoming Cowgirls. We came into the match knowing that we were going to have a tough team to beat, as the Cowgirls had recently beat the Utah Utes in 3 sets the previous week.
Coming onto our home court and getting the chance to play at Moby again was definitely an advantage for our team. I was standing on the court waiting for the ref to signal our libero Batty (Katelin Batten) to sub in for me in the back row and I remember looking around at the full stands and thinking how lucky we are to be a part of the “Moby Magic” here at CSU. Here we were, a regular conference game on a Friday night, and yet there were almost 3,000 fans in attendance. Some were out in face paint, costumes, and all were bringing plenty of energy with them to support us.
And it turns out we were in need of their support as we went to five games with the Cowgirls. They played a great game and we got a better idea of where we need to improve our game in order to get better with each competition. With the win, however, we climbed to a #12 national ranking (The #12 ranking is the highest for the Rams since the end of the 2004 season where the Rams were ranked 9th!) and we now have 22 straight wins at home (the 4th longest streak in Division 1).
There is a reason for the success we’ve had at home; we are truly blessed to play in such a supportive and encouraging environment here at Moby. The fans have been there for us all season and we have appreciated and needed their support against our tough competition so far this season so thanks everyone and go Rams!
Go Rams!
-Tessa Nelson
P.S. Wish us luck as we take on the Air Force Falcons and Arizona Wildcats this week!
Big Year...Big Win...Keep it in Perspective
Head Coach Tom Hilbert , September 15, 2008
Saturday night Colorado State had one of the biggest non-conference wins in our history when we swept the Florida Gators 3-0 in front of over 4000 fans in a rabid Moby Arena. Notice I said one of the biggest wins. I often like to remind people of other big Moby wins. Back in 1987 Beating Stanford in the NCAA tournament, in 1997 Beating BYU when they were ranked #5 in the nation, in 2000 beating #6 ranked Santa Barbara at home and then it’s hard to eclipse winning the State Farm Invitational in 2000 beating #9 Florida and then #1 UCLA the next night.
The point is there have been many big wins in CSU Volleyball history because we have had so many good seasons. What sets this one apart was the incredible home court environment. There were 4,009 fans with at least 2000 students going absolutely nuts at every point. The Florida TV crew told us this was one of the best home environments they had ever seen. The fans were not just in attendance, they were involved in every play. It was truly magical. After winning a close game one. Our team fed off the crowds energy and stayed tough. Last Saturday night we were just too tough for the Gators and probably would have beaten most any team.
When the match was finished I stood at center court with our players and told them they had created a “Signature Moment” in their career. One that they could talk about forever. They can talk about Moby Magic, the competition and the exhilaration of knowing they battled a great opponent and came out on top. This is what makes me the happiest as a coach. Moments like this don’t come along that often for any college athlete. We will have more big matches and big wins but getting to share this one with our fans is extra special.
Go Rams!
-Tom Hilbert
Beating the Buffs!
Seniors Ashley Fornstrom and Jaime Strauss , September 11, 2008
Ever since we have been here at CSU, there has always been an emphasis and excitement for the match against CU. Wednesday night was the first time in our 4 years as Rams that we have played them in Boulder (the first 3 years we had them at Moby). We knew it was going to be tough, especially with them playing at home, they would come out strong. They had loud fans (a few of the more obnoxious ones behind our bench) and it was a tough atmosphere. But we felt comfortable looking into the stands before the match and seeing plenty GREEN support there too...like a piece of Moby was with us. CU played us tough, but we really pulled together in game 4 and come out of the match with a 3-1 victory.
It's a very satifying feeling knowing our class finished our careers a perfect 4-0 against the Buffs!
Looking back at the times we've played them in the last 4 years, we both especially remember our match against them our freshman year, when we hosted the first and second round of the NCAA Tournament here at Moby. Over 3,500 fans packed into Moby, and all wearing green. It was our first experience with the whole "rivalry" game thing and the feeling was electric. We will always remember those experiences, and we are very thankful for the support that we've had over the years.
Jaime and Ashley
p.s. GO RAMS!
GREEN OUT!
Assistant Coach Jesse Mahoney, September 1, 2008
One of the best things about playing at Colorado State is the opportunity to play your home matches in front of thousands of fans in Moby Arena and GREEN OUT night is a part of that tradition. We open with it every year, and we always get a great response...and this year was no different. We had over 3,200 fans in the stands all yelling, screaming, singing the fight song and most of all, wearing green.
Our players real feed on that kind of energy, and our opponents are always thrown off. This year Arkansas felt the brunt of Green Out night. With the crowd cheering them on, our players came out strong. Passing and defending with precision and playing big and athletic at the net. Veterans like Mekana and Ashley settled right back into their All-Conference ways. New starters Jacque Davisson and Kate Steffan showed glimpses of the stars they are going to become. We won the match in 3 quick sets (-16, -16, and -18).
After the match there is another tradition: instead of retiring to the locker room, our players stay on the floor to mingle with friends, family, other students and fans. They sign autographs for the kids and say thanks to everyone who comes out to Moby to support them. CSU Volleyball is one big family and Friday night we were 3,200 strong!
Go Rams!
-Jesse Mahoney
Team Building - Pingree Park
Sophomore Jacque Davisson, August 19, 2008
It's 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning and we are driving up into the mountains to Pingree Park. It's been an hour and a half driving through the canyons looking at the beautiful scenery and we finally come to our home for the next few days. Immediately we unpack and get situated in the dorms and then make the hike up the hill to the Low Ropes course.
These challenges are designed to test our unity, ability to communicate, work together and problem solve. The first challenge was called the "Spider Web": a web of ropes with small, medium and large spaces suspended between two trees. The challenge is to transport the entire team through the web without touching any of the ropes...and once a hole in the web has been used, it is closed off. We struggled at first, but eventually learned to communicate and plan, and most importantly work throught the task together to get it done. I'm glad we had a few small DS's to make it through the tiny holes!
The next challenge was the "Mountain Climb": basically a huge teeter-totter. The goal was to get everyone on the board without having it touch the ground on either side. The farther to the edge you can get your "climbers", the higher up the "mountain" you are going. This was certainly a challenge. I'm proud to say we got all 16 girls to the top (very edge of the board) and back down again with no deaths (board touching the ground). It had been 5 years since a group our size had been able to accomplish that feat!
The final challenge was the "Tight-rope Walk": a course of low steel ropes connecting 6 trees in a zig-zag pattern. We had to get our entire team from one end of the course to the other without anyone falling off. Again we came though as a team, planning and executing an efficient course of action. Mekana led the way with Ashley and figured out the best ways through all the course and relayed it back through the line.
Feeling pretty good about ourselves after conquering the Low Ropes course, we headed to the High Ropes course after lunch. These challenges would test our ability to overcome fear and learn to trust and support each other. The first challenge was a "Giant Swing"; a 40 foot climb up a wall, and a partner freefall jump connected to a rope swing. It looked fun from the ground, but let me tell you, it was scary from the ledge!
The second challenge was the "Leap of Faith": another 30 foot climb, this time up a 8 inch diameter pole. Once at the top you have to stand up and jump to a suspended trapeze 10 feet away. I'm proud to say that we all accomplished the task. Some who missed the first time, got right back on to try again.
The final challenge was the "Catwalk": climb up a tree, walk a narrow plank 30 feet to another tree, climb up that tree, walk 30 feet back, then walk back to the center of the plank and jump off. This was one of the hardest because you spent so much time off the ground. Coach Bri showed us all up by walking half of the course backward.
Though all the high elements were pretty scary to most of us, we all conquered our own personal fears and learned to trust and support each other through the experience. It was cool to see Ashley uncontrollably shaking on the "Leap of Faith", miss the bar, and get right back on the pole to try again. It was great to see our freshmen adding to the group, and rallying around each other. More than a few of us balked during one of the tests, but we all got through them when the group provided support. We now know we can count on each to work and compete this year when are pushed out of our comfort zones.
Sincerely,
Jacque Davisson
Back in Moby!
Senior Mekana Barnes, August 13, 2008
I am sure that you are wondering what the Rams have been up to since our return from Europe. Some of my teammates went home to visit with family for the remainder of the summer while many of us stayed near campus. Some of us did a combination of working, playing, resting, studying for class, and all of my team and I worked hard this summer to stay in shape.
Finally it is time to come back to Moby, our second home, and get ready for the 2008 season. Our first couple of practices was the perfect time for us all to show off how hard we worked over the summer at staying in shape, as we were taken through a series of physical tests. Now that we have come to regular practices I have had the opportunity to see what my teammates can do on the court again. I have been excited to see that older players are competitive and skilled and the newest players are athletic, and ready to learn and contribute.
We practices twice a day until classes begin. Other than practice our days include getting involved with the Fort Collins community and important player and team meetings. We have enjoyed eating out and going to movies together, but the thing we do best in our time off the court is hanging out in our team room, watching tv or the occasional Disney movie, listening to music, having our famous dance parties with the disco ball, or just napping. We’re always having a good time.
I’m sure that I speak for my entire team when I say, we are so very excited to begin the season playing in Moby Arena in front of all of you. See you there!
Genuinely,
Mekana Barnes
All-Decade Team
Coach Tom Hilbert, July 24, 2008
The recent announcement of the Mountain West Conference Volleyball "All-Decade team" brought back alot of memories. Six CSU players made the team, more than any other conference team. Players spanning eight years and three generations of teams. Several thoughts came to mind as I watched the announcement on the .mtn network.
First, it's hard to believe the Mountain West has been around for ten years already. It seems like just yesterday when Tim Weiser and President Yates called us all in for a mandatory meeting and shocked the room by announcing that we were leaving the WAC and forming our own conference, much to the chagrin of the remaining members who were not asked to go with us. We knew at the time that we were doing something special and it has turned out to be a great conference in so many ways.
Second, as I go through the consistent routines of preparing my team for the upcoming season and recruiting for the future, I tend not to look back because I am so focused on the future. The announcement of this team allows us to look back and see what a special ten years it has been for Colorado State Volleyball. We have been the dominant team in this league on a regluar basis. We have set a standard for our program that is very high and we must work hard to maintain. Great all around players like Angela Knopf and Melissa Courtney made us all so proud. Courtney Cox and Tess Rogers were warriors. Katie Jo patrolled the net as does Mekana right now. Mekana being the only active member of the team is quite an honor as well and connects the present with the past on our team.
Lastly, it allow us to reflect on how good the Mountain West has been as a volleyball conference. In its ten year existence the MWC has had at least three teams go to the big dance every year producing at least eight top sixteen teams and one top eight team in NCAA finishes. We have had too many All-Americans for me to remember and our conference ranking has been as high as fourth in the RPI. These are good numbers making us one of the nations top volleyball conferences without a doubt.
I will now continue to prepare for the 2008 season. Obviously we are doing alot of things the right way. I would like nothing more that to be sitting in this same chair in 2023 as they announce the Mountain West 25th anniversary team.
Go Rams!
-Tom Hilbert
The Benefits of a Foreign Tour, in Retrospect
Coach Tom Hilbert, June 9, 2008
We returned from our 13 day tour on Friday and I have had the weekend to think about it. Each time I have done this I always evaluate the benefits. Did we get what we needed as a bonding experience? Did we get the competition we needed? Did the players have a great experience? In actuality it is impossible to answer these questions right now. The real answers will come next fall season and into the future. Will the players talk about the trip with fondness? Will they remark about it at their senior banquet? Will they talk about it at alumni functions when they are 30 years old.
From my perspective as a coach I saw a team that was energized and stimulated daily by their surroundings. They met people who come from different cultures and they were immersed in different cultures. They played eight matches and won seven of them. I would actually like to have been challenged more and lost a couple of matches, but I do feel great about how we played. Two great things happened on the court. First, we learned to be a better road team because we had to. We were so uncomfortable after the first match that we had to make adjustments and we did. We improved serving and passing and that allowed us to be offensive. Second, we played several different lineups and had great performances from almost every player on different nights. We grew as a team during the tour and that is really valuable.
Outside of volleyball I saw a group of 11 young ladies working hard to get along every day and get to know each other well. They hung together and supported each other. They explored and experienced new things and are closer because of it.They saw the world from a different viewpoint. They saw sport under much different circumstances and that will help them appreciate what they have here at home. They came home exhausted and now know much more about the world than they did before they left.
My job as a coach is encompasses so many different avenues. I teach, I recruit, I raise money, I counsel and much much more. The best way to sum up my job is that I am responsible for managing the experience of our volleyball athletes. Sometimes that experience is difficult and as a coach you understand that. Sometimes it is rewarding and other times you are fighting hard to make sure that we are not just "killing time"going through the motions.On the rareoccasion that you can make a trip like this happen, it really makes you feel good about your job and your impact on young people. A lot of very generous people helped make this happen and I can't thank them enough. This trip has impacted the lives of 11 young women and they are better people because of it.
Check out our European Blog HERE
Europe Here We Come...Again!
Coach Tom Hilbert, May 6, 2008
When I started working here at CSU in 1997 I was approached by a player's parent and offered a significant financial gift. He asked what I thought would be a great use of the money and I told him I had always wanted to do a foreign tour with my team. That summer we visited Prague, Munich and Holland. It turned out to be one of the most memorable moments in the careers of those players and it was a great bonding experience to share the trip with each other.
I decided at that time that I would try and take a tour every four years knowing how valuable it was. We took another trip in 2004 and now we are days away from our next tour which starts on May 25th.
We will play seven matches in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Switzerland. We will sightsee and meet players from other countries and cultures. We will take seven players who have never traveled overseas. We have discussed our excitement our fears and our curiosities. Once again, I think this trip will be a great bonding experience for all of our players and will help develop trust and intimacy between all of the CSU Ram Volleyballers.
You can follow our on-line blog at RamVolleyball.Blogspot.com as we chronicle our tour on the web. Hopefully we will grow and develop as a team right before your eyes.
Bri Frech: Our Newest Ram Coach
Coach Tom Hilbert, April 7th, 2008
When Karrie Larsen walked into my office in January of 2008 and told me she would leave coaching to become a full time mom, I was happy for her but I was stunned for a moment. Having the same assistant for eight years shapes a big part of the program. I knew replacing her would be a challenge but at the same time an opportunity to hire someone to help us enhance the players experience.
Flash back to December and the Annual AVCA convention. My video and statistical coordinator Bri Frech accompanied me to the convention with the hope of networking and finding herself a career in US coaching. Bri played at CSU and was one of the most complete players on the team in 2003 and 2004. She also demonstrated a great maturity and work ethic as a player and a fifth year coach, then left to play professionally in France, only to realize she liked the life she had in Fort Collins and her association with Ram Volleyball. She returned to be our video and statistics coordinator last August and now she was hoping to convince others that she would be a good college coach.
I had spoken to many potential suitors and the question was always asked "would you hire Bri?" The answer was "absolutely I would". As I was speaking with everyone about Bri and espousing her great qualities I was thinking "Maybe I should hire her someday". Well that day was sooner than I realized. Karrie resigned a few weeks later and I began a search. Bri continued to prove, day in and day out, that she was the one and when the smoke cleared my prophecy was self-fulfilled. I hired her and I believe she will be a great assistant.
First and foremost, she will be great with players young and old. She has a wonderfully engaging personality and is not judgmental in the least. There is something about Europeans that I think all of us can benefit from getting to know them and Bri is no exception. She is mature beyond her years yet at the same time she has a child like charm that makes everyone have fun and feel comfortable with her.
Second, she was a great player fundamentally and played for several coaches during her playing career. She has complete technical knowledge that will help our players improve. She is also great at statistical analysis. This is something that we have really strived to improve in the past few years and something that will become even more important as we move to the 25 point game. Bri can break down film and scout with the best and this will make Jesse and I more efficient in our preparation roles.
Bri has some things to learn but when you are a bright young intelligent European you are ahead of the game. Look for Bri to be another bright spot in our future here at CSU Volleyball.
Why this web site?
Coach Tom Hilbert, March 5, 2008
I have coached at Colorado State now for eleven years. During that time we have continued a tradition of fielding nationally competitive teams performing in one of the warmest and most exciting home court environments for volleyball.
Yet just a few weeks ago in Las Vegas I was asked the ultimate identity killing question “Colorado State… Are you guys division one?” And maybe that should be expected. You see, in this instant information age, not everyone will seek or find information that is not readily available. In Big Twelve country, those are the programs people know about. In the Pac-10 cities, people are familiar with that conference.
Well the web is a window to the world, so what better place to give everyone a window into Colorado State Volleyball.
We are proud of this program, and if you are proud of something you should show it to people.
Ram Volleyball Backstage Pass is a way that volleyball fans, players and alumni across the country, even across the ocean, can learn about CSU Volleyball. And I believe that once people get a realistic look inside our program, they'll realize how legitimate it is.
You don’t have to be in one of the big dollar football conferences to have a great volleyball program - we do it every year. Now with this site, we can show everyone and hopefully avoid the questions about who we are.