Women's Volleyball

2007 Season Recap

In spite of a 6-18 (1-8 NEWMAC) record, the Clark University women’s volleyball team grew stronger as a unit throughout the 2007 campaign. First-year head coach Mickey Cahoon stepped in for his collegiate debut and helped change the level of play for the Cougar squad. Cahoon’s efforts were illuminated in Clark’s two of first three sweeps over Husson, 3-0 and Anna Maria, 3-0, mid-season shutouts over Mitchell College (3-0) and Newbury College (3-0), and a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Worcester State College (3-2). Clark hit a high note with their big win over Mt. Holyoke College (3-2), its lone NEWMAC win of the season, on Senior Night at the Kneller Athletic Center.

Individual highlights included sophomore Emily Visone’s new season record of 4.82 digs per game, breaking her previous mark of 4.35. Finishing sixth in the NEWMAC in digs (4.82), Visone, along with teammates Sarah Hunsucker ‘08 and Kylie Kutney ‘10 were ranked among the top-10 in the NEWMAC in kills (2.99) and aces (.70), respectively. Hunsucker, who also finished seventh in the league in points (3.78), was selected to play in the New England Women’s Volleyball Association (NEWVA) Senior Classic match.

2007 Season Outlook

According to first-year head coach Mickey Cahoon, the Clark University women’s volleyball team is set for a season of change. With a revamped roster and system, the Cougars hope to improve upon last year’s 12-13 record (4-4 NEWMAC) – their best campaign since 2001. Although Clark graduated four seniors, including both starting setters and a NEWVA Senior All-Star, Cahoon is optimistic that the eight returnees and a pair of promising recruits can develop into a competitive team.

“The major theme so far has been change,” said Cahoon, a first-time collegiate head coach. “However, I have been really impressed with the team’s attitude – especially their willingness to adjust to new positions.”

While the Cougars will miss Margo Labadorf, Sarah Hunsucker and Karleen Porcena should have no problem filling the void in the middle. Hunsucker, the lone senior captain, topped the team in blocks (23 BS; 30 BA) and finished second in kills per game (2.54) last season, while Porcena (2.12 k/g), a two-year starter, hopes to make the successful transition from outside to middle this year. Senior transfer Pamela Taylor will also be in the rotation.

Sophomore Emily Visone, a former defensive specialist who set a new season mark for digs in a game (4.35) last year, will team up with sophomore Liz Magier, a converted middle-hitter, to give the Cougars a solid outside-hitting tandem. After seeing limited playing time last season, sophomore Brittany Meadows will move into a starting role on the right-side this year. Senior Kate Head, another right-side option, should give Clark much-needed size on the front row.

Cahoon, who must fill the vacancies left by setters Tiffany Ong and Larissa Christensen, is confident that sophomore Kylie Kutney and newcomer Emily Corbett, a former two-year varsity player at Strath Haven (Pa.) High, can step right in and make an immediate contribution. “One of the challenges we face is that we have little experience in that position,” Cahoon said. “However, both players are working extremely hard and are quick studies at that spot.”

Clark should also be bolstered by the addition of first-year Lisa Taylor – penciled in as the starting libero.

In a league as strong as the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), Cahoon feels that defense will be the name of the game. “When you combine our work-ethic and athleticism on the back row, we certainly have the ability to be a factor on the defensive end. At the same time, we’re young, so we will take some hits; but our goal is to work towards being a competitive team.”

About Clark Volleyball

Clark offers a spirited and rigorous Division III volleyball program. The Cougars compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), which is the strongest volleyball conference in the region. Head coach Mickey Cahoon will begin his second year at the helm of the Cougar squad. His coaching philosophy consists of practice sessions that include a disciplined work ethic, an enthusiastic approach toward learning and most importantly, committed teamwork. In doing so, the Cougars are prepared for a 25-30 match slate against some of the top Division III schools in New England. In the spring, players participate in an off-season strength-training program and a five-week nontraditional season. The past four of five nontraditional seasons, Clark has played in the Cathy D’Apice Memorial Tournament to raise funds for breast cancer. In 2005, Clark raised the most money by a single team in the history of the tournament. Members of the volleyball team share their enthusiasm for the sport, serving as mentors and teaching volleyball fundamentals to young girls. In 2001, the team received the Community Partnership Award from Girls, Inc., a prominent national organization that encourages girls to be “strong, smart and bold.” Other team community involvement includes the “Big Brothers, Big Sisters” program, as well as hosting volleyball clinics in the Dolan Field House for both novice and experienced local middle- and high-school students. On the court, in the community and in the classroom – this team shines. The Cougars were one of 43 NCAA Division III teams that received the 2005 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award, which honors teams who achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. The Cougars were also honored with this award in 2003 and 2002. In 2002, the Cougars ranked fifth out of 32 award recipients with a notable 3.52 team GPA.

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