2008 Homecoming Parade Pictures

2008-2009 Season Preview

The Minot State Beaver volleyball team is expecting good things in 2008. With the addition of several exciting and strong recruits to the roster in the off season and a solid base of returning players the Beavers look to pick up where they left off last season. After finishing the 2007 season in fifth spot following a well fought play off game against Jamestown the Beaver's are anxious to keep building on that momentum and are excited to see what success the 2008 season has in store.

The Beaver's restocked offense is expected to make an impact right off the bat. The Beavers have several players who will be looked upon to lead the offensive attack. Returning Junior, Suzy Paradine, is coming off a strong season and will help to lead the offense from the right side. UND transfer and Berthold standout, Ashley Holmen, is expected to establish her presence from the get go. Holman's versatile attack strategy and ability to see the court will quickly establish her as a go to player. New comers Bailey Brotzel and Janice Reinboldt, 2008 Saskatchewan graduates, are slated to round out the middle position. Also competing for a spot along the net are juniors Jill Lockie of Colosnay, SK who spent time last season in both the middle and rightside position and middle Jaclyn Sansaver of Wolf Point, MT.

Several veteran athletes demonstrate the 2008 squad's versatility. Sophomore Courtney Hahn, a 2007 graduate of Bottineau High School , started most of the 2007 season in the middle position but will be competing for the rightside position for the 2008 season. Prince Albert, SK native Shari Dueck demonstrated her skills in the right side position last year until being sidelined after an injury. Dueck bounced back in the off-season and due to her strong work ethic enters the 2008 season in the running for the outside position. The 2008 squad added depth to the offense and defense with the signing of Williston State College transfer and Kenmare, ND native, Kara Schumacher. Schumacher was a two-time Region 13 All Region Player as an outside for the Tetons and the 2007 team captain. Schumacher and Bishop Ryan graduate Molly Lundeen will be asked to contribute their skills both along the net in the outside position and in the back row as defensive specialists.

Offensive abilities without defensive skills can only get a team so far. However, the 2008 squad won't have to look far to find those defensive skills. Nicole Koropas, originally from Manitoba enters the 2008 season as a junior after red-shirting the 2007 season. Koropas impressed the coaches with her intensity and defensive skills and is heading into the season contending for the Libero position. Holman will also be adding strength to the backrow. She was the starting Libero at UND and the Beavers are excited to add her to their defense.

  Hopefully the combination of old and new will bring success for the 2008 team. The Beavers will be relying on senior Tracee Tesch and freshman Kaitlin Zalinko to lead the team in the setting position. Tesch will be finishing out her collegiate career with the Beavers and after starting the majority of the 2007 season will be looked upon to quarterback the 2008 squad. Tesch's strong defensive skills will also be a huge asset to the Beavers. Zalinko finished out her high school career leading the Regina Radz to the 2008 SVA provincial championship. Zalinko will be looked upon to bring her winning attitude and strong setting skills to the Beavers.   

The 2008 coaching staff looks to pick up where they left off last year. Head coach Johnna Lewis returns for her second season with the Beavers. Also returning again this year are assistant coaches Katie Aide and Alissa Hoehn. Rounding out the coaching staff will be former Beavers Ashley Henry and Rachel Macaulay.

2007-08 Season Preview