Talking Turtle Returns!

Talking Turtle Returns…

As we near the end of another great summer, this could only mean ONE thing. Its Women’s College Volleyball time!

Hello all you volleyball fans. Are you ready for yet another exciting season? I can certainly see all you volleytalkers are anxiously awaiting the last week of August 2011.

So whats in store for us this season? There are numerous questions out there, especially for the top 25 teams in the country. Many things have changed; new coaches, freshman faces, conference switches, and the return of some incredible All-Americans. In addition, there are some teams who will certainly have something to prove this season, and maybe even a big chip on their shoulders. So what do you say, shall we address a few major topics? Let’s get to it!

The biggest question of all – will Penn State complete an unprecedented five-peat? Can Russ truly lead these young ladies to their 5th consecutive national title? Anything is possible, however, many teams have now caught up with The Nittany Lions. They are not quite the dominant roster of Hodge, Harmotto, Glass, and Fawcett. But they are obviously wanting to deepen their history in the women’s college game. As always their roster is loaded (way too many people honestly), but fairly deep in most positions. I am sure all of us are awaiting to witness the return of former freshman phenom Darcy Dorton. How will Darcy handle being back in the game, both physically and mentally? What type of role will she have on the court, especially with the return of Scott and McClendon. She most certainly will also have to contend with newcomer Aiyana Whitney. Russ has gone on record to pick Nebraska to win the Big 10. Hmm – is that a true feeling, or just a way to reflect the pressure?

Moving onto last year’s finalist, the Cal Bears. What a season, and a way to seize the moment by making that incredible run. Yet, to somewhat be exposed in that final match. The break down of passing and defense, and lack of production did them in. Will they be able to win another Pac-10 title and make a run to their first ever championship? Tarah Murray will absolutely need help (even after such a stellar year)! Sophomore Gerhart will need to step up her game even more this year, in addition to both middle blockers. Rich Feller has some talent coming in that will hopefully be able to help with passing and defense. The biggest question of all – what will they do about the setting? Can Barrett step in to lead a talented team on the exited heels of Carli Lloyd?

Two surprising Final Four teams of 2010 (to some) were the USC Trojans and the Longhorns of Texas. Both teams were dismantled in the semis, and should certainly have BIG chips on their shoulders! Just how far can these two incredibly stacked teams go this year?

The rumor mill is always circling USC, and its no different this time around. Hmm has anyone seen or heard anything about Falyn returning? Did those grades finally catch up with her? Unfortunately for them, this is the immense drama right out of the gates – is she on campus and eligible, and IF not, just how far will they go without her? By some, USC is picked to win it all. Can that happen without her? As we all witnessed, she is a baller, and can take over matches. They return basically everyone that will have an impact on their season, plus incredible freshmen; therefore having studs in each position. Can Mick finally have another shot at a National Title?

As of press time, Falyn Fonoimoana is ineligible to play this season.

The heralded #1 recruiting class in the country, once again the Texas Longhorns have stacked their roster. All of these young ladies have experience in many capacities – youth national team, junior national team, college all-americans; they can pass, bang balls, roof people, and more. On paper they should definitely make a fourth consecutive trip to the Final Four, but can they steady out a few things? One: who will be the go-to after losing the likes of Engle, Hooker, and Faucette? Two: will their passing ever be consistent enough to run Rachel Adams every chance they get? Three: who will step in to become the next “Bruiser”? And finally which freshman sensation will earn a starting spot on the court? My pick is definitely, move over Roberson, you might have just lost your spot to the likes of Katherine Bell or Haley Eckerman. (Let’s also not forget Ashley Bannister and Bailey Webster are healthy once again.) Two things are for sure – EVERYONE needs to remain healthy in order to maintain their incredible depth, and we should definitely continue seeing McNeal in all 6 rotations. I’ve got my eye on you Longhorns; this season is surely in your capable hands!

The PAC-10 will certainly welcome back the competitiveness of the Washington Huskies, who have clearly under performed the past couple of years. After stellar runs in 2005-08, UW has been pretty inconsistent, and endured a couple of upsets come tournament time. But this year is a whole different ball game. They are bringing in the #1 high school player in the country (Krista Vansant), returning a tough MB in Bianca Rowland, a beast on the beach in Summer Ross, and the likes of 6-6 MB Amanda Gil. Picked 3rd in conference, they could endure growing pains early on, but don’t count out the experience of a few of these players and of course Coach JM.

There are several notable teams that should NOT go without mention. Of course, we don’t have time to mention every single potential top 25 team, but there are a few that could do some serious damage.

The Fighting Illini could be primed again to make a bit of a run next year. They are certainly in capable hands of Hambly, with the addition of new Asst Coach Kniffin. IMPO this team will return also with a chip on their shoulders and want to make a run.

Look out for the generally solid Hawaii Bows! In her final year, this could be Kanani Danielson’s time to make a claim for National Player of the Year. Such the little engine that could, she will continue being the leader on this yet another incredibly talented squad. They will need more production, but with a few key additions (like Jane Croson), Hawaii could prove to be lethal come tournament time. I also believe with the recent addition of Coach Robyn Ah Maw Santos, this could steady out their setting.

The Bruins of UCLA should go noticed, as they too are bringing in a solid class. With last year being a bit of a rebuilding time, they should have more experience and time with 1st year Head Coach Mike Sealy. Will the newcomers (including Tabitha Love) make an immediate impact in one of the strongest conferences in the country?

Never to be forgotten is the Cornhuskers of Nebraska. What can you say about such a strong steady program, who also brings a stacked roster to the table? Already loaded in most positions they have added ballers such as Laura Dykstra who could be a force to be reckoned with in her freshman year. Returning a few key all-americans who will certainly step into leadership roles, look for Nebraska to work their way back to the top of the game. The interesting thing will be to see how they respond to a whole new conference. Look out Big 10!

Lastly, I’d like mention Mary Wise’s Florida Gators. Just can never seem to get it together at the appropriate times! Ranked the #1 team in the country for weeks last year, they barely made it to the Sweet 16. This will be the final push as well for the likes of the incomparable Kelly Murphy. With a growing and tough SEC, will the Gators be able to send Murphy out on a high note?

There are so many incredible freshmen that could make a splash in the upcoming season: Bell, Eckerman, Vansant, Croson, Ross, Tiffany Baker, Madelyn Hutson, Christina Higgins, Elizabeth McMahon, and Whitney (to name a few). However, with all of these predictions on volleytalk, for example, I will say this. We need to remember these are young women who will be in their freshmen years of college. They will need to grow and adjust. No extra pressure is needed from us. The best thing about sports is that any team is beat able on any given night. So…

Sit back and enjoy the ride. I WILL predict there just might be some heavy upsets this coming season, especially come week one!

More to come from Talking Turtle…

(images: various online sources. no copyright violation intended)