Freshmen Set To Make Mark, Bring Energy To Rebel Volleyball

by Elizabeth Zaremba

Media Relations Student Assitant

Great chemistry is essential for any team to succeed. In 2006, Ole Miss Volleyball experienced one of its best seasons in school history, and recorded its first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Despite the loss of two seniors, this year’s squad is looking to build on what they have already accomplished in hopes of moving closer to a championship.

The newest additions to the squad are just as eager and ready to make an impact. Here as early as January and as late as two days before the start of pre-season, the Rebels’ five freshmen have brought much talent and enthusiasm to the team.

The make-up of this year’s class features three from Texas, one from Illinois and one from Ohio. Though they traveled far from home, all agree that Ole Miss is the right program for them.

“The program is really starting to build,” said outside hitter Jackie Jones, “The girls are great and Coach Getzin is a great coach.”

Along with fellow Texans, Catherine Heck and Regina Thomas, the girls agree that they all love the southern hospitality that Mississippi offers.

“Texas has that western meanness,” said Jones, with a laugh.

Like any freshman, the girls have had to make several adjustments as they begin college. Between classes and three-a-day practices, they are thankful that their new teammates have the same energetic attitude as them.

“We had to go to 6:30 am workouts, and it wasn’t that big of a deal because you wake up and it’s like laughing the entire day,” said Emily Kvitle.

“They’re horrible,” added Miranda Kitts of the early wake up calls and adjustment required.

All joking aside, they have learned a lot early on from the upperclassmen and are ready to finish pre-season action.

“We look at them to see how they do things and how they work on their swings, and that’s how I adjusted,” said Kvitle.

With the 2007 season starting this Friday against No. 20 Missouri, the freshmen have adjusted to their new school and teammates and know that they will be a valuable asset to the success of the program.

“We just want to help to keep the hard work going and keep the program on its feet,” said Thomas.

As the team gathered to sign autographs at Meet the Rebels Day, they laughed and entertained children by hitting the ball around, showing that this team has the right chemistry for another successful season.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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