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| Schedule/Results | Statistics | Meet The Falcons | Players of the Week | Roster | WIAC |
Meet the Falcons
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Andrea Geehan Andrea Geehan has established herself as one of the dominant middles in the WIAC and in the region. A definite focal point for the Falcons, she will not only provide the team with immense offensive output, but is determined to improve her blocking presence at the net. Last year as a junior, Geehan led the Falcons in kills (467), hitting percentage (.300) and total blocks (104). Those statistics earned her All-WIAC first team and AVCA all-Midwest Region honors. She was the team's Co-Player of the Year and Co-Offensive Player of the Year. Geehan also finished with double digit kills in 26 of 35 matches and played in all 124 games. Coach Patti Ford predicts that Geehan will have another terrific season and that she will once again be a standout player in the highly competitive WIAC. Personal: She is the daughter of Bob and Shelia...majoring in health and human performance with coaching and criminal justice minors...2005 All-WIAC first team...2005 AVCA All-Midwest Region honorable mention...2005 Co-Player of the Year...2005 Co-Offensive Player of the Year... 2005 Player of the Week three times...2005 WIAC Player of the Week one time...2004 All-WIAC honorable mention...earned three letters in volleyball.
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Tressa Gustafson Tressa Gustafson gained valuable experience last season as an outside hitter, but this year her duties are going to be primarily targeted on the defensive end of the game. A very gifted passer and defensive force, Gustafson will upgrade the Falcon defense with her versatility and exceptional communication skills. Coach Patti Ford is anticipating that Gustafson's experience and presence will anchor the defensive core. In 2005, Gustafson finished the season with 153 kills, 331 digs and 37 aces. Personal: She is the daughter of Tom and Sandy...majoring in marketing communications and a speech communications minor...2005 team captain...2004 Falcon Super Sub award winner...earned two letters in volleyball...her sister, Cara, was a two-time All-American volleyball player for the Falcons in 1995 and 1996...prep coach was Jim Van Eirden.
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Kat Krtnick Kathryn Krtnick returns for her senior season as one of the top setters in the WIAC. She possesses a work ethic that is second-to-none and a vast knowledge of the game. Technically, Krtnick has all the tools to be a prominent WIAC setter, but this year she looks to improve the tactical aspect of her game. In 2005, Krtnick was named to the All-WIAC first team with 1,067 assists, 178 kills, 50 aces and 396 digs. She was voted the team's Co-Player of the Year and won the Hardest Worker award for the second consecutive season. Coach Patti Ford is confident that Krtnick is the right person to have in a leadership role and ensures that she is the agent that keeps the Falcons successful. Personal: She is the daughter of Dan and Teri...double major in biomedical sciences and marketing communications with a minor in professional writing...2005 team captain...2005 All-WIAC first team...2005 Co-Player of the Year...2005 Hardest Worker...2005 Player of the Week three times...2004 All-WIAC honorable mention...2004 Hardest Worker ...2004 Player of the Week two times... 2003 Rookie of the Year...2003 Player of the Week one time...earned three letters in volleyball...a member of the Recreation staff...a member of the Falcon track & field team...a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory committee...chair of the Recreation committee...member of the HHP Facilities committee...athletic representative for the Student Senate...named to 2003, 2005 and 2005 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll ...UW-RF Dean's List from 2003-2006...prep coach was Ron Kuntz.
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Lindsey Mace Lindsey Mace enters this season as the Falcons starting libero. Coach Patti Ford boasts that Mace is one of most stable liberos in the WIAC. Last season her defensive prowess was evident as she led the team with 510 digs (4.18 per game). The steadiness and consistency of Mace's passing and defense will guide the team in the backcourt and will aid in making UW-RF one of the premier defensive teams in the conference. In 2005, she was awarded as the team's Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season and is hoping to continue this legacy as a senior. Personal: She is the daughter of Dan and Jeanette...majoring in health and human performance...2005 Defensive Player of the Year...2004 Co-Defensive Player of the Year...named to 2003, 2004 and 2005 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll...prep coach was Pan Dombeck.
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Molly Thompson Molly Thompson is a finesse player who possesses all the skills to be a solid outside hitter for the Falcons. Last season she played right side, but Coach Patti Ford is certain that moving her to the outside will enhance the team's offensive output. As an outside hitter, Thompson offers a tremendous array of shots and has the potential to emerge as one of the top players in the conference. In 2005, she finished with 212 kills, 143 digs and 21 aces. Personal: She is the daughter of Todd and Maruta...majoring in marketing communications...earned three letters in volleyball...named to 2004 and 2005 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll...member of the Student Global AIDS Campaign...graphic artist for the Leadership Center...prep coach was Sherri Alm.
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Susie Ingalls Susie Ingalls returns to the Falcons after having a breakout season last year. As a sophomore, she was voted as the team's Most Improved Player, and she served as one of the team's starting middles, recording 103 kills and 63 blocks. With extraordinary athletic ability and a relentless yearning to succeed, Coach Patti Ford foresees Ingalls as having another sensational season for the Falcons. Her solid blocking skills, her adaptability, and her aptitude in adjusting to the quick pace of game will enhance not only her game, but also the play of all her teammates. Personal: She is the daughter of Douglas and Cathy...majoring in conservation and land use planning...2005 Most Improved...named to 2004 and 2005 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll...earned UW-RF Freshman and Sophomore Merit honors...prep coach was Mindy Widiker.
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Krista Russell Krista Russell is fierce competitor who not only loves volleyball, but has a great understanding of the game. This fervent passion combined with her athleticism will help her vie for a position on the right side this year. Coach Patti Ford is looking for Russell to take another step forward to enhance the team's core and to fill many roles as the season progresses. Personal: She is the daughter of Keith and Ann...majoring in health and human performance...prep coach was Becky Egan.
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Courtney Schroeder Courtney Schroeder has an innate gift for keeping the game alive with her defensive instincts and athletic ability. Her lack of court experience won't faze her this year as Coach Patti Ford is hoping to utilize her competitiveness and establish her in a role very early in the season. Although she will mostly contribute to Falcons as a defensive specialist, Schroeder is able to come into the game and give the opposition a different look as an outside hitter. In 2005, she was honored with the team's Super Sub award winner. Personal: She is the daughter of Gene and Cindy...majoring in elementary education with health and coaching minors...2005 Super Sub...named to 2004 and 2005 WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll... a member of the Falcon track & field team...prep coach was Jane Krier.
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Nina Cooper Nina Cooper brings charisma and competitiveness to the Falcon volleyball court. Her spirit and well-developed skills make her a great contributor to the squad. Though Cooper did not play in any matches during her freshman season, she made exceptional strides during the spring. Coach Patti Ford anticipates that Cooper will develop into an eminent player for the Falcons sometime in her career. She is the type of player who can function in many roles and is an ideal teammate on and off the court. Personal: She is daughter of Steve and Carolyn...majoring in health and human performance with a business minor...prep coach was Steve Magnuson.
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Drew Hample Drew Hample is a tremendous athlete who leads by her industriousness and enthusiasm. As a freshman, she concentrated primarily on fulfilling defense roles for the Falcons, but this year she will also train as a setter. Coach Patti Ford strongly believes that Hample's eagerness and self-discipline will compel her to develop into an exceptional setter for the team. Loyalty and commitment to both her teammates and the game of volleyball are apparent in her disposition on the court. Personal: She is the daughter of Dirk and Patricia...majoring in elementary education with a health education minor...member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee...prep coach was Jill Holstrom.
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Shelby Sand Shelby Sand adds a great depth and understanding of the game to the Falcon lineup. She was plagued with injuries last season, but Coach Patti Ford is optimistic that she will be healthy for this season. Sand is a solid player who will challenge for a starting position in the middle or right side. The experience level she brings into the gym is very high, and her prominent blocking skills and ability to run a fast tempo will augment the offensive productivity of the Falcons. Personal: She is the daughter of Greg and Rhonda...majoring in fine arts...named to UW-RF Dean's List ...prep coach was Connie Huberty.
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Ali Busby Ali Busby is a middle hitter by trade but will probably use her blocking and stability to help the Falcons on the right side. Coach Ford boasts about Busby's adaptability, but says that Busby will use this year to learn from the upperclassmen and find her role. Busby is a great competitor and determined athlete who brings a great wealth of athleticism and talent to the court. Personal: She is the daughter of Carl and Shawn...majoring in health and human performance...at St. Croix Falls High School was named to the all-conference team her senior year and received honorable mention her junior year...also an all-conference performer in both basketball and track & field... in track & field she was conference champion in the 400-meter dash for three years...awarded the WPCA Award of Excellence in track & field...prep coach was Steve Magnuson. |
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Gina DeRosa Gina DeRosa is another impact player for the Falcons. An athletic and a mobile middle blocker, DeRosa blends very well with the Falcons offense. "She presents a wide array of options in the middle that will enhance our offensive output," said Coach Ford. DeRosa is also a standout blocker and her tremendous range will only get better. Personal: She is the daughter of Mike and Judy...majoring in elementary education with a Spanish minor... at North St. Paul High School was named to the all-conference team and Academic All-State team...prep coach was Alyssa Larson.
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Emily Hagen Emily Hagen is an exceptionally versatile player who knows the game very well. She is an outside hitter by trade, but has taken on a setting role for the Falcons. Coach Ford is very confident that Hagen could step in the game and run the show at any time and is amazed at how quickly Hagen has adjusted to the setting position. A perfect fit for the Falcons, Hagen possesses a great work ethic and a true passion for the game. Hagen will definitely be able to help the Falcons in a variety of situations this season. Personal: She is the daughter of Randy and Ann...majoring in marketing...at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva High School was named all-conference both her junior and senior years in volleyball and basketball...Named to the all-conference team all four years in softball and named to the All-State team as a senior...prep coach was Jackie Schultz. |
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Brittany Johnson Brittany Johnson is solid in every aspect of her game as an outside hitter. Coach Ford is excited to see her develop into a prominent player as her career progresses. In addition to having a great court sense, Johnson possesses a wide array of shots and steady backcourt play. She relentlessly pursues the ball both in the frontcourt and backcourt, adding immense depth the Falcons outside hitting core. Personal: She is the daughter of Rich and Claire...majoring in elementary education...at Mounds View High School was voted all-conference and most inspirational...played Junior Olympics for Minnesota One Volleyball Club...prep coach was Tom Weko. |
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Kelsey Scheele Kelsey Scheele is a great addition to the Falcon lineup. Coach Ford is very impressed with what Scheele has to offer the team. One of the best defensive players on the team, she is a confident sideout passer and is very crafty with the ball. Playing at the highest level with her high school and club teams, Scheele's transition to the college game will be smooth. As well, Scheele provides the Falcons with great depth at the outside hitter position. She thrives on the pressure of hitting against a big blocks and utilizes a great array of shots. Personal: She is the daughter of Scott and Cheryl...majoring in accounting...at Mayer Lutheran High School was named all-conference and all-area both her junior and senior years...Named to the All-Tournament team in the 2005 State Tournament...decorated track & field athlete in the long and triple jumps...prep coach was Joelle Grimsley. |
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Justine Speckel Justine Speckle is a great surprise for the Falcons. Though she hasn't played for a year, Speckle has an exceptional understanding of the game of volleyball. Her hard work ethic and blocking skills have impressed Coach Ford. Ford says that Speckle will continue to gain strength in the middle hitter's position as the season progresses and will help the Falcon lineup immensely. Speckle is also a member of the Falcon women's basketball team. Personal: She is the daughter of Tim and Patty...majoring in biology with a minor in Spanish...at Buffalo High School she earned all-conference honorable mention honors...all-conference performer in basketball...also played softball...prep coach was Dennis Axel. |
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Amber Starr Amber Starr is a developing collegiate player who will evolve into a strong setter for the Falcons. Coach Ford compliments Starr's athleticism, her ability to see the court and her experience on successful high school teams. Starr will use this year to learn the Falcons offensive schemes and transition to the college game. With a yearning for competition and for her team to win, Starr will also contribute her defensive abilities to the Falcons backcourt this season. Personal: She is the daughter of Jeff and Julie...majoring in international studies...at Mosinee High School was awarded with second team all-conference honors after her senior season...State Tournament participant in both volleyball and basketball...named to the all-conference track & field team for three years...prep coach was Cathy Reichert.
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Becca Troop Becca Troop is an excellent athlete who originates from a prominent high school program. Her desire to keep the ball alive provides energy on the court for the rest of her teammates. Coach Ford asserts that Troop is a solid and steady libero for the Falcons and will contribute in key defensive situations in the backcourt. Troop is also an accomplished softball player who will play for the Falcons in the spring. Personal: She is the daughter of Jeff and Martha...majoring in health and human performance with an adaptive PE minor...she helped Lakeville North High School place third in the 2005 State Tournament...prep coach was Milan Mader.
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Andria Vetsch Andria Vetsch will evolve into a very dependable right side player for the Falcons. She has a tremendous desire to compete and improve her skills. A very potent force in the front row, Coach Ford compliments Vetsch's ability to hit a heavy ball. Vetsch is an intimidating factor at the net with her powerful arm swing and strong hands for blocking. Personal: She is the daughter of Terri...undecided on a major...at Richfield High School was named to the all-conference team as a senior and earned honorable mention as a junior...played for the Club Tonka Junior Olympic volleyball club...prep coach was Monica Shaw.
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University of Wisconsin - River Falls |
