SPARTANS

SPARTANS

Women’s Volleyball

2005

Women’s Volleyball

2005

Table of Contents

Getting to the Gym (maps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover

AU Quick Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover

AU Media Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Head Coach Jerry Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Assistant Coaches Tina Engel and Mark Engel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Official NCAA Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2005 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Player Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

NIIC Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2004 Game-by-Game Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2004 Team Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

AU Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

AU Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

This Is Aurora University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2005 Game Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back cover

AU Quick Facts

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aurora, Ill.Founded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1893Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approximately 4,000Nickname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SpartansColors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Royal Blue and WhiteNational Affiliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NCAA IIIConference . . . . . . . . Northern Illinois-Iowa ConferencePresident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca L. SherrickDirector of Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark WalshHead Volleyball Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry AngleCoach’s Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-58Assistant Coaches . . . . . . . . . Mark Engel and Tina Engel2004 Overall/Conference Record . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31/2-3Athletics Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-5110Athletics Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-7809Athletic Trainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stevie Baker-WatsonSports Information Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian KipleySID Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-7575SID Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-3826AU Spartan Sports Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630-844-3838

On the cover:Junior Julia Eggert

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The bottom map is an enlargement of the Aurora University area.Volleyball is played in Thornton Gymnasium,

located in the Alumni Hall.Parking areas are shown with a circled P.

Getting to the Gym 2005 Media Guide

1AU Women’s Volleyball

Media Outlets Meet the Coach

Local PrintAurora Beacon-News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 S. River, Aurora, IL 60506Dave Parro, Sports Editor 630-844-5911

Fax: 630-844-1043

Kane County Chronicle . . . . . . . . 1000 Randall Rd., Geneva, IL 60134Brian Schaumburg, Sports Editor 630-232-9222

Fax: 630-232-4962

Fox Valley Labor News . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 4155, Aurora, IL 60507Carter Crane, Editor 630-897-4022

Fax: 630-892-3873

Daily Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3805-A Main St., St. Charles, IL 60174630-587-8623

Fax: 630-587-8639

Kendall County Publications . . . . . 222 Bridge St., Yorkville, IL 60560630-533-7034

Fax: 630-533-7085

Oswego Ledger-Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Box #669, Oswego, IL 60611630-554-8565

Fax: 630-554-7560

Regional PrintChicago Tribune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60611Metro Sports 312-222-3474

Fax: 312-828-9392

Chicago Sun-Times . . . . . . . . . . . . 350 N. Orleans, Chicago, IL 60654College Sports 312-321-2247

Radio/TVWKKD (1580 am, 95.9 fm) . . . . . . . P.O. Box C-1730, Aurora, IL 60507Bill Baker, Station Manager 630-898-1580

Fax: 630-898-2355

WSPY (107.1 fm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Broadcast Center, Plano, IL 60545WFXV (TV-30) 630-552-1000Greg Burks, Sports Director Fax: 630-552-9000

Comcast (ch. 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 W. 5th Street, Naperville, IL 60563630-552-1000

Wire ServicesAssociated Press . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60601Sports Desk 312-781-0500

Fax: 312-781-1989

United Press International . . . . . 360 N. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60601Sports Desk 312-781-1600

Fax: 312-781-1603

JERRY ANGLEHead Coach Third Season

Head Coach Jerry Angle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Aurora University volleyball program.He has more than 600 college wins to hiscredit, as well as numerous conference

and national championships.Angle coached both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams

at his alma mater, George Williams College; the men’s team wonconsecutive National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics(NAIA) National championships, and the women’s team qualifiedfor the National championships three years in a row. He wasalso named NAIA Coach of the Year for two years running.

At Division I Northwestern University, he won two Big 10titles, qualified for the NCAA Championships in six seasons andcoached three All-Americans. He also received Big 10 Coach ofthe Year honors.

While coaching at Dominican University, the team won the most matches in school history, as well as the ChicagolandCollegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) title and qualified for the NAIA Nationals. Angle also was selected CCAC Coach of the Year.

Most recently, Angle led Benedictine University to threeconsecutive Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Championships,as well as two trips to the NCAA National championships.Benedictine was regionally ranked at the time.

Angle also served as Assistant Coach for the USA Men’sNational Team, Program Director and Head Coach for theSports Performance Boy’s Volleyball Program, and he coachedboth high school and club teams. Under his leadership, thewomen’s club team won the AAU Nationals in the 19-and-underage group for two consecutive years.

An expert on volleyball, Angle wrote the book, “ModernVolleyball Drills,” as well as a number of published articles. Angle has conducted numerous coaching clinics around thecountry through USA Volleyball, and he taught for the UnitedStates Sports Academy in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Recently,he served as a consultant to the Penn State volleyball team ontheir tour of Cuba.

Angle played at George Williams College as a setter and was atwo-time All-American. As a member of the USA Men’s NationalTeam, he competed in the World University Games in Moscow,Russia. In 2002, Angle was inducted into the Aurora University/George Williams College Athletic Hall of Fame.

He and his wife, Nancy, reside in Downers Grove, Ill.

All requests for interviews should be made through

Brian Kipley, Director of Sports Information, at 630-844-7575.

Media should call in advance, as seating in the press area is limited.

AU Women’s Volleyball2

Meet the Assistant Coaches

TINA ENGELAssistant Coach Third Season

Tina Engel enters her third year as Assistant Volleyball Coach at AuroraUniversity. She was previously at Bene-dictine University, where she served asCoach Jerry Angle’s Assistant Coach forthree years. At Benedictine, she helped

develop a group of players who won three Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Championships and made two appearances at the NCAA National Championships.

Engel also was Assistant Coach at St. Francis High School inWheaton, Ill., and coached eight years at the Sports PerformanceVolleyball Club, the top junior club program in the Midwest.There she coached various age groups, with many of the playersgoing on to play Division I volleyball in college.

As a USA Volleyball certified Level I and II coach, she providesa solid background in the fundamentals of the game andpossesses the ability to help players improve and enjoy playingthe game.

Engel lives in Woodridge, Ill., with her husband, Mark.

MARK ENGELAssistant Coach Third Season

Mark Engel enters his third year as Assistant Volleyball Coach at AuroraUniversity. He was previously at Bene-dictine University with his wife, Tina,where he was Coach Jerry Angle’s AssistantCoach for three years. At Benedictine,

he helped develop a group of players who won three NorthernIllinois-Iowa Conference Championships and made twoappearances at the NCAA National Championships.

Engel also coached in both the boys’ and girls’ programs atSports Performance Volleyball Club, serving as Head Coach andAssistant Coach. He earned a Level I and II certification in theUSA Volleyball Coaches Accreditation Program.

Engel works for Lucent Technologies as a computer systemstroubleshooter and lives in Woodridge, Ill., with his wife, Tina.

3AU Women’s Volleyball

2005 Official NCAA Roster

No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Hometown High School

1 Dina Kyriakoulis S/L 5'0" So Burbank, Ill. Reavis

2 Cheri Conro L 5'2" Fr Hampshire, Ill. Hampshire

3 Lindsey Gruber OH 5'8" Jr Antioch, Ill. Antioch

4 Diane Mennecke S 5'4" Fr Aurora, Ill. Central Catholic

5 Breann Kukurin OH 5'9" So Pahrump, Nev. Pahrump

6 Meghan Michalek MB 5'10" Jr West Chicago, Ill. West Chicago

7 Kayla Holmbeck OH 5'8" Sr Granville, Ill. Putnam County

8 Lauren Ruffie OH 5'9" Jr Batavia, Ill. Batavia

9 Julia Eggert OH 5'8" Jr Aurora, Ill. East Aurora

10 Katie Wyss MB 6'0" So Chebanse, Ill. Clifton Central

11 Jamie McPherrin L 5'7" Sr Wheaton, Ill. Glenbard South

12 Beth Shimkus OH 5'5" Jr Shorewood, Ill. Reavis

13 Andrea Buss MB 6'0" Fr Oswego, Ill. Oswego

14 Lindsay Augustine S 5'8" Fr Decatur, Ill. St. John International

15 Brook Sunleaf OH 6'0" So Yorkville, Ill. Yorkville

16 Katy Jefferson OH 5'7" Jr Plymouth, Ill. Southeastern

18 Sarah Campbell OH 5'7" Jr Lake Villa, Ill. Grayslake

19 Stephanie Oros L 5'3" Fr Montgomery, Ill. Oswego

20 Shauna Harlan OH 5'9" So Indian Head Park, Ill. Lyons Twp.

21 Jamie Hansen L 5'8" Fr North Aurora, Ill. West Aurora

22 Kristen Peara OH 5'10" Fr Elgin, Ill. East Aurora

23 Courtney Lillard OH 6'1" Jr Danville, Ill. Danville

24 Jill Luckenbill MB 5'10" Jr Batavia, Ill. Batavia

Head Coach: Jerry Angle

Assistant Coaches: Tina Engle and Mark Engle

AU Women’s Volleyball4

2005 Spartans’ Review

The success of the Spartan volleyball team will depend uponthe ability of the team to blend returning players with the newplayers entering the program. With 11 returning players and the addition of 12 transfer and freshman players, the Spartanshave the depth they lacked last season and should improveboth offensively and defensively.

“Last season, the 7-31 record didn’t meet our expectations,”Coach Jerry Angle said, “but the team was very young andinexperienced, with the starting lineup made up of mainlyfreshmen and sophomores. Despite the setbacks, the teamgained valuable experience for the coming year. With theaddition of some quality transfers and freshmen, there will be more competition for playing time, and this will only helpour players become better both skill-wise and mentally.”

Sophomore captain Brook Sunleaf moves from the settingposition to her natural right-side hitting position. Junior JuliaEggert, transfers Lindsey Gruber, Sarah Campbell and seniorKayla Holmbeck add depth to the left-side position.

Meghan Michalek, a transfer from College of DuPage and ajunior college All-American, will be the middle blocker, as willsophomore Breann Kukurin and freshman Andrea Buss.

Junior Courtney Lillard will move from middle blocker to

the right side attacker position; she will be joined by transfersJill Luckenbill and Beth Shimkus, who will add depth.

Sophomore Dina Kyriakoulis, a starting setter last season,returns with a year’s experience under her belt. FreshmenLindsay Augustine and Diane Mennecke should see considerableplaying time.

The libero position will have senior Jamie McPherrin andfreshman Jamie Hansen helping to make the team a betterpassing and defensive team.

The team opens up the season at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, a nationally ranked team; The Spartans play athome in the Jim Coleman Invitational Tournament. They travelto Colorado Springs to play at Colorado College and will host thelast Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Volleyball Championship.

“Developing the chemistry of this team is important,” CoachAngle said. “We need to improve our attacking both off of servereceive and in transition. We also need to become a better ball-handling team and hopefully become a team whose block scoresus points. If we can accomplish these things, then we will havea successful season.”

5AU Women’s Volleyball

#14 LINDSAY AUGUSTINE, 5'8", Fr, Setter,Decatur, Ill./St. Johns International SchoolHigh School: Attended St. Johns InternationalSchool. Played three years of varsity volleyballunder Coach Eric Johnson and was named to the All-Tournament team and team MVP all three years. Played three years of varsity

basketball under Coach Eric Johnson and was named to the All-Tournament team and MVP all three years. Threw for threeyears on the varsity track team under Coach Dirk Jacobs. Shewas the ISST champion in the discus her senior year and wasnamed team MVP. Personal: Born 9/24/86 in Decatur, Ill. Family:Michael and Linda Augustine. She has two sisters, Melissa andMichelle, and one brother, Ryan. Hobbies: Watching and playingsports. Major: Athletic Training.

#13 ANDREA BUSS, 5'11", Fr, Middle Blocker,Oswego, Ill./Oswego HSHigh School: Attended Oswego High School.Played two years of varsity volleyball underCoach Heather Schaper and was named team MVP, All-Conference and captain as a senior. Played varsity basketball underCoach Heath Wilson and was the teamcaptain. Personal: Born on 9/9/86 in Oswego, Ill. Family: Ericand Bonnie Buss. She has one sister, Jena. Majors: English andSecondary Education. Minor: Communication.

#18 SARAH CAMPBELL, 5'7", Jr,Outside Hitter, Lake Villa, Ill./ Grayslake Community HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): AttendedCollege of Lake County and was named All-Conference and All-Area. College as aFreshman (’03): Attended College of Lake

County and was named All-Conference and All-Area. HighSchool: Played two years of varsity volleyball under coachesMika Robinson and Karen Steuer. She was named Second TeamAll-State and Third Team All-Area as a junior and team MVP as a senior. Personal: Born on 5/24/85 in Waukegan, Ill. Family:John and Cathy Campbell. She has two sisters, Tracey and Kelly.Hobbies: Shopping and eating. Major: Sociology.

#2 CHERI CONRO, 5'2", Fr, Libero,Hampshire, Ill./ Hampshire HSHigh School: Attended Hampshire HighSchool and played two years of varsityvolleyball under Coach Jen Kremer. Namedteam’s best defensive player as a senior.Personal: Born 1/29/87 in Elgin, Ill. Family:Geraldine Conro. She has one brother, Nick,and one sister, Tami. Hobbies: Showing dairy cattle at fairs. Major: Physical Education. Minor: Health Education.

#9 JULIA EGGERT, 5'8", Jr, Outside Hitter,Aurora, Ill./East Aurora HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): Played in 90games, had 183 kills, 250 digs and 25 blocks.College as a Freshman (’03): Played in 125games, had 230 kills, 207 digs and 53 blocks.High School: Attended East Aurora High

School. Named Athlete of the Year as a senior. Played three yearsof varsity volleyball under Coach Pam Miller and was namedteam MVP her junior and senior seasons. Ran track two yearsunder Coach Scott Martens and was team MVP her junior year.Personal: Born 9/4/84 in Downers Grove, Ill. Family: Paul andGiuliana Eggert. She has two sisters, Jennifer and Erin, and onebrother, William. Hobbies: Dirt racing. Major: ElementaryEducation.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 183 2.03 4 0.04 250 252003 230 1.84 15 0.12 207 53Career 413 1.92 19 0.08 457 78

#3 LINDSEY GRUBER, 5'8", Jr, OutsideHitter, Antioch, Ill./ Antioch Community HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): AttendedCollege of Lake County and played volley-ball. Named All-Area and All-Conference.College as a Freshman (’03): AttendedCollege of Lake County and played volley-ball. Named All-Area and All-Conference.High School: Attended Antioch Community High School. Playedtwo years of varsity volleyball under coaches Gwen Varney andBob Schemke. Named team MVP and All-Conference as a seniorand Honorable Mention All-Conference as a junior. Personal:Born 12/4/84 in Lake Forest, Ill. Family: Thomas and Joan Gruber.She has one brother, Kevin. Major: Elementary Education.

#21 JAMIE HANSEN, 5'8", Fr, Libero,North Aurora, Ill./West Aurora HSHigh School: Attended West Aurora HighSchool and played varsity volleyball underCoach Larson. Named team captain twoyears. Played varsity softball under CoachProctor and was named Most Improved

Player. Personal: Born 5/2/87 in Aurora, Ill. Family: John andCarolyn Hansen. She has two brothers, Eric and Kelton.Hobbies: Teaching swimming and working with kids. Major:Health Science.

Meet the Spartans

AU Women’s Volleyball6

Meet the Spartans

#20 SHAUNA HARLAN, 5'9", So, Right Side,Indian Head Park, Ill./Lyons Township HSCollege as a Freshman (’04): Played in 17 games, had 20 kills, 8 digs and 7 blocks.High School: Attended Lyons Township HighSchool. Played two years of varsity volleyballunder Coach Joann Pyritz. Received Team

Sportsmanship award both years. Personal: Born 12/2/85 inLaGrange, Ill. Family: Dave and Judy Harlan. She has twobrothers, Ryan (twin) and Jason. Hobbies: Volleyball, basketballand softball. Major: Elementary Education. Minor: Psychology.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 20 1.17 1 0.06 8 7Career 20 1.17 1 0.06 8 7

#7 KAYLA HOLMBECK, 5'8", Sr, OutsideHitter, Granville, Ill./Putnam County HSCollege as a Junior (’04): Played in 93 games,had 220 kills, 252 digs and 23 blocks. Collegeas a Sophomore (’03): Played in 68 games,had 74 kills, 89 digs and 14 blocks. College as a Freshman (’02): Played in 5 games, had 6 kills and 1 block. High School: AttendedPutnam County High School. Played four years of volleyball under Coach Demi Salazar. Personal: Born 1/18/84 in SpringValley, Ill. Family: John and Diane Holmbeck. She has onebrother, Josh. Hobbies: Shopping and hanging out with friends.Major: Athletic Training.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 220 2.37 7 0.08 252 232003 74 1.09 4 0.05 89 142002 6 1.20 0 0.00 7 1Career 300 1.73 11 0.06 348 38

#16 KATY JEFFERSON, 5'7", Jr, OutsideHitter, Plymouth, Ill./Southeastern HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): Played in 10 games, had 1 kill, 35 digs and 1 block.College as a Freshman (’03): Played in 11games, had 1 kill and 3 blocks. High School:Attended Southeastern High School. Played

two years of varsity volleyball under Coach Tim Kerr. NamedAll-County First Team her junior and senior years, andHonorable Mention All-Area her senior year. Personal: Born5/16/85 in Macomb, Ill. Family: Joe and Rita Jefferson. She hasone brother, Steve, and one sister, Sarah. Major: Psychology.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 1 0.10 0 0.00 35 12003 1 0.09 2 0.18 2 3Career 2 0.09 2 0.09 37 4

#5 BREANN KUKURIN, 5'9", So,Middle Blocker/ Right Side, Pahrump, Nev./Pahrump HSCollege as a Freshman (’04): Played in 94games, had 80 kills, 80 digs and 62 blocks.High School: Attended Pahrump High School.Played three years of varsity volleyball under

Coach Jill Harris. Named 3A Conference MVP as a senior. Playedthree years of varsity basketball under Coach Bob Hopkins.Named First Team All-State as a senior. She was a four-time 4.0 GPA letter winner. Personal: Born 2/22/86 in Las Vegas. Family: John and Debbie Mischel and Jim Kukurin. She has twobrothers, Jimmy and Brian. Hobbies: Sports. Major: Nursing.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 80 0.85 8 0.09 80 62Career 80 0.85 8 0.09 80 62

#1 DINA KYRIAKOULIS, 5'0", So,Setter/Libero, Burbank, Ill./Reavis HSCollege as a Freshman (’04): Played in 82 games, had 2 kills and 160 digs. High School: Attended Reavis High School.Played two years of varsity volleyball underCoach Julie Schultz. Named team captain,All-Conference and Most Contributions as a senior. Personal: Born 9/13/85 in Berwyn, Ill. Family: Georgeand Fotini Kyriakoulis. She has three sisters, Melissa, Tia andMarie, and one brother, Kosta. Hobbies: Reading, music anddancing. Majors: English and Secondary Education.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 2 0.02 337 4.11 160 0Career 2 0.02 337 4.11 160 0

#23 COURTNEY LILLARD, 6'1", Jr,Outside Hitter, Danville, Ill./Danville HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): Was namedNIIC All-Conference Honorable Mention.Played in 124 games, had 203 kills, 50 digsand 162 blocks. College as a Freshman (’03):Played in 139 games, had 240 kills, 95 digs

and 164 blocks. High School: Attended Danville High School.Played four years of varsity volleyball under Coach Lucas Allen.Named captain, team MVP and All-Conference her seniorseason. Played four years of varsity basketball under CoachCharles Miller. Named captain, team MVP and All-Conferenceher senior season. Personal: Born 1/1/85 in Champaign, Ill.Family: Bobby and Elizabeth Lillard. She has one brother,Corey. Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and playing volleyballand basketball. Major: Psychology.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 203 1.64 4 0.03 50 1622003 240 1.73 1 0.01 95 164Career 443 1.68 5 0.01 145 326

7AU Women’s Volleyball

Meet the Spartans

#24 JILL LUCKENBILL, 5'10", Jr,Middle Blocker, Batavia, Ill./ Batavia HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): AttendedWaubonsee Community College and playedvolleyball. Named All-Conference. College as a Freshman (’03): Attended WaubonseeCommunity College. Played volleyball and

was named All-Conference and received the Coaches Award.High School: Played three years of varsity volleyball underCoach Trippi-Payne. Personal: Born on 4/27/84 in St. Charles,Ill. Family: William and Barbara Luckenbill. She has two sisters,Julie and Tracy. Hobbies: Animals, reptiles and rock climbing.Major: Psychology.

#11 JAMIE MCPHERRIN, 5'7", Sr, Libero,Wheaton, Ill./Glenbard South HSCollege as a Junior (’04): Played in 118games, had 95 kills, 461 digs and 7 blocks.College as a Sophomore (’03): AttendedCollege of DuPage. Played volleyball andhelped team finish in fourth place at Nationalsand NJCAA Conference Champions. Playedsoftball at College of DuPage and was a member of the NationalChampionship team. She was named NJCAA and NFCA FirstTeam All-American. College as a Freshman (’02): AttendedCollege of DuPage. Played volleyball for the NJCAA ConferenceChampions. Also played softball and finished second inNationals. High School: Attended Glenbard South High School.Played two years of varsity volleyball under Head Coach CindyHaack. Named Academic All-Conference as a junior and senior.Played two years of varsity basketball under Head Coach TomNussbaum and two years of varsity softball under Head CoachBill Voves. Named All-Conference as a senior. Personal: Born8/27/83 in LaGrange, Ill. Family: Michael and Wendy McPherrin.She has one brother, Ryan, and one sister, Katie. Her uncle isFox 32 Chicago sports anchor Corey McPherrin. Hobbies: Sports,traveling, taking pictures and going to local concerts. Major:Psychology. Minor: Recreation.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 95 0.81 7 0.06 461 7Career 95 0.81 7 0.06 461 7

#4 DIANE MENNECKE, 5'4", Fr, Setter,Aurora, Ill./ Aurora Central Catholic HSHigh School: Attended Aurora Catholic HighSchool. Played two years of varsity volleyballunder Coach Randy Hewitt. Played varsitybasketball under Coach Scott Bieller and wasnamed team MVP and captain. Also ran one

year of varsity track under Coach Troy Kerber. Personal: Bornon 3/9/87 in Aurora, Ill. Family: Judy Mennecke. She has twosisters, Brenda and Lisa. Major: Criminal Justice.

#6 MEGHAN MICHALEK, 5'9", Jr, MiddleBlocker, West Chicago, Ill./ West Chicago HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): AttendedCollege of DuPage and played volleyball.Named Academic All-American, NationalPlayer of the Week, All-Conference, All-Regionand All-Regional Tournament. College as a

Freshman (’03): Attended College of DuPage and played volley-ball. Named All-Conference, All-Region and All-Regional Tour-nament. High School: Attended West Chicago High School andplayed three years of varsity volleyball under Coach Kris Hasty.Personal: Born on 2/25/84 in Lombard, Ill. Family: Ron andHolly Michalek. She has one brother, Ronnie. Hobbies: Movies,swimming, music and coaching volleyball. Major: Biology.

#19 STEPHANIE OROS, 5'3", Fr, Libero,Montgomery, Ill./ Oswego HSHigh School: Attended Oswego High Schooland played two years of varsity volleyballunder Coach Heather Schaper. Personal:Born on 11/24/86 in Montgomery, Ill.Family: Kevin and Denise Oros. She has onebrother, Josh. Major: Undecided.

#22 KRISTEN PEARA, 5'10", Fr,Outside Hitter, Elgin, Ill./ East Aurora HSHigh School: Attended East Aurora HighSchool and played three years of varsityvolleyball under Coach Pam Miller. Wasnamed Academic All-Conference all threeyears, Most Outstanding Player as a senior

and Most Dedicated Player as a sophomore. Personal: Born on1/12/87 in Elgin, Ill. Family: Bob and Karen Peara. She has twosisters, Rachel and Sarah. Hobbies: Working out, reading andlistening to music. Major: Athletic Training.

#8 LAUREN RUFFIE, 5'9", Jr, Outside Hitter,Batavia, Ill./Batavia HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): Played in 42 games, had 24 kills, 19 digs and 27 blocks.College as a Freshman (’03): AttendedIllinois State University. High School:Attended Batavia High School. Played twoyears of varsity volleyball under Coach Trippi-Payne. Named Most Improved as a senior. Personal: Born12/11/84 in Downers Grove, Ill. Family: Patricia and RonaldRuffie. She has one sister, Amy. Hobbies: Working out, snow-boarding and vacations. Major: Elementary Education. Minor: Spanish.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 24 0.57 3 0.07 19 27Career 24 0.57 3 0.07 19 27

AU Women’s Volleyball8

Meet the Spartans

#12 BETH SHIMKUS, 5'5", So, OutsideHitter, Shorewood, Ill./ Reavis HSCollege as a Sophomore (’04): Attended Joliet Junior College. College as a Freshman(’03): Attended Joliet Junior College. HighSchool: Attended Reavis High School. Playedtwo years of varsity volleyball under Diane

Lee. Was named Honorable Mention All-Conference as a junior.Personal: Born on 12/4/81 in Palos Heights, Ill. Family: Ronaldand Shari Shimkus. She has two brothers, Mike and Rob, andthree sisters, Chris, Gen and Therese. Hobbies: Sports. Major:Elementary Education

#15 BROOK SUNLEAF, 6'0", So,Outside Hitter, Yorkville, Ill./Yorkville HSCollege as a Freshman (’04): Was namedNIIC All-Conference Honorable Mention.Played in 124 games, had 142 kills, 233 digsand 42 blocks. High School: AttendedYorkville High School. Played two years of varsity volleyball. Named team MVP,Offensive Player of the Year, and Academic All-Conference as a junior and senior. Named All-Conference and receivedService Award as a senior. Personal: Born 12/19/85 in Aurora,Ill. Family: John and Robin Sunleaf. She has one brother, Zeke.Major: Elementary Education.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 142 1.15 855 6.90 233 42Career 142 1.15 855 6.90 233 42

#10 KATHRYN WYSS, 6'0", So, Right SideHitter, Chebanse, Ill./Clifton Central HSCollege as a Freshman (’04): Played in 14games, had 17 kills, 6 digs and 2 blocks.High School: Attended Clifton Central HighSchool. Played two years of varsity volleyballunder Coach Mike Lanove. Was team captain,

MVP, All-Area, All-Conference, top blocker, server, hitter andbest offensive and defensive player as a senior. Played threeyears of varsity basketball under Coach Andrea Adams. Wasnamed team captain, MVP, All-Area and All-Conference. Ranfour years of varsity track under Coach Sam Tharnish and wasteam captain as a senior. Personal: Born 6/22/86 in Kankakee,Ill. Family: Kenny and Linda Wyss. She has one brother, John.Hobbies: Shopping, hanging out with friends and playingsports. Major: Secondary Education.

AU Career StatisticsYear Kills K/Game Assists A/Game Digs Blocks2004 17 1.21 2 0.14 6 2Career 17 1.21 2 0.14 6 2

9AU Women’s Volleyball

2004 Spartans’ Stats

Final 2004 NIIC StandingsPlace School NIIC NIIC TOURN. Overall

1. Benedictine University 5-1 (2) 1st 23-15

2. Dominican University 6-0 (1) 3rd 20-17

3. Concordia University 2-4 (4t) 2nd 10-21

4. Rockford College 3-3 (3) 5th tie 9-18

5. Aurora University 2-4 (4t) 4th 7-31

6. Eureka College 2-4 (4t) 5th tie 10-16

7. Clarke College 1-5 (7) 7th 2-19

2004 All-NIIC Team

Lindsey Michael ............................... Aurora University

Melanie Hatch .......................... Dominican University

Sandra Nowicki......................... Dominican University

Becky Knotek ............................ Dominican University

Kate Zintak................................ Dominican University

Jessica Tuchowski.................... Benedictine University

Liz Fredlund............................. Benedictine University

Danielle Miller................................... Rockford College

Paula Jones......................................... Rockford College

Katrina Kramer........................... Concordia University

Lauren Sandrick.................................... Eureka College

Amber Naumann................................... Clarke College

Player of the YearMelanie Hatch, Dominican University

Coach of the YearMeghan Maxwell, Dominican University

2004...........................................Benedictine University2003.....................................................Rockford College2002...........................................Benedictine University

Rockford College2001...........................................Benedictine University2000...........................................Benedictine University1999...........................................Benedictine University1997 ........................................................Eureka College1996.................................................Aurora University

Eureka CollegeBenedictine University

1995 .............................................Concordia University1994 ........................................Benedictine University*1993 ........................................Benedictine University*1992 ........................................Benedictine University*1991 ........................................Benedictine University*1990 ........................................Benedictine University*1989 ........................................Benedictine University*1988 ........................................Benedictine University*1987 ........................................Benedictine University*1986 ........................................Benedictine University*1985 ........................................Benedictine University*1984 ........................................Benedictine University*1983 ........................................Benedictine University*1982 ........................................Benedictine University*1991 ........................................Benedictine University*1980 .............................................Concordia University1979 .............................................Concordia University1978 .............................................Concordia University1977.................................................Aurora University

Benedictine University*

*then known as Illinois Benedictine College

Past NIIC Champions

AU Women’s Volleyball10

Date W/L Opponent Score Scores Record/NIIC

9/1 W Endicott University 3-0 30-24, 30-28, 30-21 1-0/0-0

9/3 W Marian College 3-1 30-26, 24-30, 30-26, 30-27 2-0/0-0

9/3 L University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 0-3 16-30, 17-30, 14-30 2-1/0-0

9/4 W Carroll College 3-0 30-27, 30-25, 30-20 3-1/0-0

9/4 L Manchester College 1-3 30-17, 20-30, 25-30, 26-30 3-2/0-0

9/7 L Lake Forest College 0-3 24-30, 17-30, 18-30 3-3/0-0

9/10 L Dominican University 0-3 25-30, 17-30, 29-31 3-4/0-0

9/10 L Lawrence University 2-3 19-30, 21-30, 33-31, 30-27, 8-15 3-5/0-0

9/11 L Millikin University 0-3 24-30, 10-30, 22-30 3-6/0-0

9/11 L Wheaton College 0-3 24-30, 24-30, 18-30 3-7/0-0

9/14 W Clarke College 3-2 30-25, 31-29, 22-30, 26-30, 15-5 4-7/0-0

9/18 L Beloit College 0-3 20-30, 28-30, 26-30 4-8/0-0

9/18 L Lake Forest College 0-3 19-30, 26-30, 22-30 4-9/0-0

9/18 L Wheaton College 0-3 24-30, 24-30, 18-30 4-10/0-0

9/21 L Benedictine University 1-3 7-30, 21-30, 30-26, 25-30 4-11/0-0

9/24 L North Central College 2-3 20-30, 30-32, 31-29, 34-32, 10-15 4-12/0-0

9/25 L Manchester College 1-3 30-19, 21-30, 33-35, 16-30 4-13/0-0

9/25 L Wisconsin Lutheran College 2-3 30-23, 20-30, 30-28, 20-30, 9-15 4-14/0-0

10/1 L Anderson University 0-3 12-30, 23-30, 13-30 4-15/0-0

10/1 W MacMurray College 3-0 31-29, 32-30, 30-19 5-15/0-0

10/2 L Monmouth College 1-3 23-30, 32-30, 24-30, 20-30 5-16/0-0

10/2 L Heidelberg College 0-3 15-30, 11,30, 26-30 5-17/0-0

10/5 L Rockford College 2-3 27-30, 30-28, 30-21, 24-30, 9-15 5-18/0-1

10/12 W Eureka College 3-0 31-28, 30-27, 31-29 6-18/1-1

10/16 L West Connecticut University 2-3 30-25, 26-30, 33-31, 27-30, 5-15 6-19/1-1

10/16 L Smith College 0-3 24-30, 21-30, 24-30 6-20/1-1

10/17 L Amerst College 0-3 23-30, 15-30, 28-30 6-21/1-1

10/19 L Dominican University 1-3 32-30, 15-30, 23-30, 11-30 6-22/1-2

10/22 L North Central College 0-3 17-30, 15-30, 23-30 6-23/1-2

10/22 L St. Norbert College 0-3 19-30, 19-30, 21-30 6-24/1-2

10/23 L Webster University 0-3 23-30, 15-30, 22-30 6-25/1-2

10/23 L North Park University 0-3 13-30, 16-30, 20-30 6-26/1-2

10/26 L Concordia (Ill.) University 2-3 16-30, 30-27, 30-27, 25-30, 7-15 6-27/1-3

10/29 L Elmhurst College 0-3 18-30, 28-30, 10-30 6-28/1-3

10/29 L University of Chicago 0-3 26-30, 28-30, 29-31 6-29/1-3

11/2 L Concordia (Ill.) University 1-3 27-30, 24-30, 30-23, 24-30 6-30/1-4

11/5 W Rockford College 3-0 30-28, 35-33, 30-23 7-30/2-4

11/6 L Dominican University 0-3 30-32, 27-30, 26-30 7-31/2-4

2004 Game-by-Game Results

11AU Women’s Volleyball

2004 Team Totals

ATTACK SERVE

Name G K K/G TA K% SA SE SA/G

Courtney Lillard 124 203 1.64 579 .195 5 3 0.04

Katie Wyss 14 17 1.21 52 .192 0 0 0.00

Lindsay Michael 122 309 2.53 1086 .145 0 0 0.00

Breann Kukurin 94 80 0.85 252 .091 27 26 0.29

Brook Sunleaf 124 142 1.15 609 .080 42 42 0.34

Julia Eggert 90 183 2.03 747 .058 9 26 0.10

Jamie McPherrin 118 95 0.81 475 .057 35 17 0.30

Tara Read 18 11 0.61 38 .053 0 5 0.00

Kayla Holmbeck 93 220 2.37 838 .049 23 24 0.25

Lauren Ruffie 42 24 0.57 94 .032 12 13 0.29

Shauna Harlan 17 20 1.18 94 .021 0 0 0.00

Katy Jefferson 10 1 0.10 6 .000 2 3 0.20

Barbie Miller 63 102 1.62 439 -.011 25 21 0.40

Tia Kyriakoulis 122 6 0.05 74 -.068 40 39 0.33

Kari Drewelow 126 5 0.04 55 -.127 44 30 0.35

Dina Kyriakoulis 82 2 0.02 12 -.167 15 31 0.18

AU 136 1420 10.44 5450 .083 279 31 0.35

BLOCKING DIG SET

Name BS BA TOT B/G BE D D/G A A/G

Courtney Lillard 51 111 162 1.31 19 50 0.40 4 0.03

Katie Wyss 0 2 2 0.14 2 6 0.43 2 0.14

Lindsay Michael 13 89 102 0.84 7 73 0.60 28 0.23

Breann Kukurin 12 50 62 0.66 4 80 0.85 8 0.09

Brook Sunleaf 8 34 42 0.34 4 233 1.88 855 6.90

Julia Eggert 4 25 29 0.32 3 250 2.78 4 0.04

Jamie McPherrin 4 3 7 0.06 1 461 3.91 7 0.06

Tara Read 0 10 10 0.56 2 2 0.11 1 0.06

Kayla Holmbeck 5 18 23 0.25 2 252 2.71 7 0.08

Lauren Ruffie 1 16 27 0.64 7 19 0.45 3 0.07

Shauna Harlan 0 7 7 0.41 1 8 0.47 1 0.06

Katy Jefferson 0 1 1 0.10 0 35 3.50 0 0.00

Barbie Miller 4 10 14 0.22 6 108 1.71 1 0.02

Tia Kyriakoulis 0 0 0 0.00 0 724 5.93 18 0.15

Kari Drewelow 0 0 0 0.00 0 285 2.26 137 1.09

Dina Kyriakoulis 0 0 0 0.00 0 160 1.95 337 4.11

AU 112 376 300 2.21 58 2746 20.19 1413 10.39

AU Women’s Volleyball12

Brian KipleySports Information

Director

AU AdministrationAU Directory

(All numbers are 630 area code)

Sport/Department Coach/Contact PhoneDirector of Athletics Mark Walsh 844-5111Athletics Business

Manager Lisa Wisniowicz 844-4574Athletic Trainer Stevie Baker-Watson 844-5114Asst. Athletic Trainer Terry Smith 844-6173Baseball Shaun Neitzel 844-6515Basketball, Men James Lancaster 844-5144Basketball, Women Michelle Roof 844-5112Cross Country and

Track and Field James Kluckhohn 844-4573Events/Equipment

Manager Jason Smith 844-6891Football Rich Duncan 844-5115Golf, Men John Donofrio 844-3855Golf, Women Chad Johansen 844-3849Soccer, Men Pete Watkins 844-5268Soccer, Women Kanute Drugan 844-4207Softball Mike McKenzie 844-4939Sports Information Brian Kipley 844-7575Tennis, Men and Women Paul Heinkel 844-5152Volleyball Jerry Angle 844-5261

Other Important NumbersAdmission 844-5533Alumni Office 844-5486Physical Education Office 844-6181Campus Safety 844-5450Training Room 844-4891University Communications 844-5481Wellness Center 844-5434

Rebecca L. SherrickPresidentCurrently in her sixth year as AuroraUniversity President, Rebecca Sherrick is a true Spartan booster and often attendsathletic events. She earned her B.A. fromIllinois Wesleyan University and Ph.D.from Northwestern University.

Andrew ManionProvostPreviously Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1998 to 2000, AndrewManion earned his B.A. from Saint NorbertCollege and his Ph.D. in experimentalpsychology from Adelphi University.

Michael MoserVice President for Student LifeMichael Moser assumed the duties of VicePresident for Student Life in March 2004.He has a B.A. from North Central Collegeand a Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Mark WalshDirector of AthleticsMark Walsh was named Director ofAthletics in 1998. Previously, Walsh wasAU’s Head Baseball Coach from 1992-2002and Assistant Coach from 1987-1992.Walsh led the Spartans to nine NIICConference Championships and nine

NCAA Tournament appearances while posting a 320-85(.790) won-lost record in 10 seasons. Walsh also served as Assistant Football Coach at AU from 1986-1996 and was part of the coaching staff who reinstated football after it had been dropped in 1952. Walsh earned both his bachelor’sand master’s degrees from Aurora University.

Eckhart Hall

Aurora University traces its origins to the 1893 founding of a seminary in the small town of Mendota, Ill. Though established initially to prepare graduatesfor ministry, the institution soon adopted a broader mission and moved to anew campus on the western edge of the nearby community of Aurora. With thischange came a different name and a growing enrollment. In 1985, the institutionwas rechristened Aurora University.

In 1992, the Aurora and George Williams College traditions blended when thetwo institutions entered into the affiliation agreement that paved the way for amerger eight years later.

Today Aurora University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s,and doctoral levels. The institution enrolls approximately 4,000 degree-seekingstudents a year on its Illinois and Wisconsin campuses. AU offers its under-graduates a wide range of on- and off-campus learning experiences. Studentsparticipate in more than 40 musical, literary, religious, social and service organi-zations and play active roles in campus governance. The university also fields 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletic teams. The Spartans boast a winningtradition with 37 conference titles in recent years and 32 regular appearances innational tournaments.

The Alumni Hall of Physical Education features a racquetball court, climbingwall, complete locker-room facilities, training room, weight room, aerobic-activities room, classroom and coaches’ offices.

At AU, we believe that the educational needs of students are served bestthrough the formation of strategic partnerships with institutions of like vision,mission and values. Such collaborations also enhance the well being of thecommunities around our campus. For example, our innovative partnership with the West Aurora School District is recognized nationally as a model foreducational reform. Opening this year is AU’s $13 million Institute forCollaboration that will house this growing collaboration and the students andfaculty it nurtures. Our George Williams Campus at Williams Bay, Wis., is alsothe scene for important collaborative efforts. Last year, the residential, confer-ence and academic facility, developed in partnership with Children’s OncologyServices Inc., opened. In the years ahead, the new building will serve as thehome to the One Step At A Time Camp for children with cancer and the universi-ty’s rapidly growing academic program.

Aurora University is located in west Aurora, within an hour’s drive of Chicagoand at the western end of the Illinois Research and Development Corridor. It isaccessible via Interstate 88 at the Orchard Road exit.

This Is Aurora UniversityWhen you can’t

attend games, catchALL the scores on the

SPARTAN SPORTSHOTLINE

630-844-3838touchtone phone required

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2005 Aurora UniversitySpartans Volleyball Schedule

Date/Day Opponent TimeSept. 2, Fri UW-Whitewater Tournament

vs. Marian College 3 p.m.vs. Wheaton College 7 p.m.

Sept. 3, Sat UW-Whitewater Tournament vs. Carroll College 10 a.m.vs. UW Whitewater 2 p.m.

Sept. 9, Fri AU Coleman Memorial Tournament vs. Wheaton College 3 p.m.vs. St. Norbert College 7 p.m.

Sept. 10, Sat AU Coleman Memorial Tournamentvs. North Park University 10 a.m.vs. University of Chicago 2 p.m.

Sept. 16, Fri University of Chicago Tournament vs. Augsburg College 5 p.m.vs. Augustana College 7 p.m.

Sept. 17, Sat University of Chicago Tournament vs. Monmouth College 10 a.m.vs. Macalester College 12 p.m.

Sept. 23, Fri Wheaton College Thunder Classic vs. Wheaton College 3 p.m.vs. Judson College 7 p.m.

Sept. 24, Sat Wheaton College Thunder Classic vs. Franklin College 10 a.m.vs. TBD 2 p.m.

Sept. 27, Tue Benedictine University * 7 p.m.Oct. 1, Sat North Park University @ Lake Forest College 10 a.m.

Lake Forest College 12 p.m.Oct. 4, Tue Clarke College* 7 p.m.Oct. 6, Thu Beloit College 7 p.m.Oct. 11, Tue Concordia University (Ill.) * 7 p.m.Oct. 14, Fri Colorado College 4 p.m.Oct. 15, Sat Colorado College 1 p.m.Oct. 18, Tue Rockford College * 7 p.m.Oct. 21, Fri North Central College Tournament

vs. North Central 3 p.m.vs. St. Norbert 5 p.m.

Oct. 22, Sat North Central College Tournament vs. UW Oshkosh 9 a.m.vs. Luther College 1 p.m.

Oct. 25, Tue Eureka College * 7 p.m.Oct. 28, Fri Benedictine University Eagle Classic

Elmhurst College 4 p.m.Beloit College 6 p.m.

Oct. 29, Sat Benedictine University Eagle Classic Dominican University 9 a.m.Concordia University (Wis.) 1 p.m.

Nov. 1, Tue 1st Round of NIIC Championships TBANov. 5, Sat NIIC Championships at Aurora University TBA

347 S. Gladstone Ave.Aurora, IL 60506-4892630-844-5533 or800-742-5281www. aurora.edu

All home matches in BOLD*Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference match