University of Georgia Athletics
Stemke Previews 2012 Season
August 16, 2012 | Volleyball
Aug. 16, 2012
ATHENS, Ga. - As practice for the 2012 volleyball season began, Georgia head coach Lizzy Stemke sat down and talked about the makeup of the team, the coaching staff and what fans can expect of the 2012 Georgia volleyball team.
On the seniors…
"Bri and Nicole have a love for this University and for this athletic department and they will be determined to make a mark as they conclude their careers here. They know they have a solid competitive group to forge ahead with and they are excited for the journey."
On the underclassmen…
"We have an invested underclassmen group that is one year stronger and one year wiser. They are gym rats that truly love playing the game. We will have to make these kids go home and rest because they are so passionate about volleyball."
On the newcomers…
"Our newcomers are physical, athletic, and hungry for an environment and team where they can spread their wings. They are driven for greatness and they are ready to get started with the Bulldogs!"
On the makeup of the team…
"We have a blend of different regions covered, different personalities, and different school interests but the one thing that binds them is the determination to put Georgia on the map in volleyball. They have the heart and drive to move this program to the next level and we are eager to get in the gym."
On what you expect in year two…
"In year two the systems are now in place, our gym culture has been established, the expectations are second nature. With a year under our belt we will be a more aggressive team because we will be much more confident as a group."
On what the biggest strengths of the team…
"In 2012 our "Refuse to Lose" attitude will be a force to be reckoned with. This is a team that is unified and committed to its goals. "
On the SEC and the conference schedule…
"With the addition of Texas A&M and Missouri our SEC schedule will no longer be a true double round robin however every match is an opportunity to improve our standings in the national ranking and our strength of schedule will prepare us for great opportunities ahead."
On the nonconference schedule…
"The non conference lineup includes great competition and experience for our young 2012 squad. We will host a Slovenian professional team in our home opening tournament along with Troy, Georgia Southern, and Georgia State which will give us great blend of region competition as well as an international flair. Our trips to both Michigan State and Florida State will include great competition as well as travel near families of current Bulldog Elena Perri and Bri Bahr. It is important to diversify our non conference schedule and we believe we have done that and are excited to take on the adventures of a new season."
On the coaching staff…
"We have excellent training at every position but most importantly we have fantastic communication between the players and the staff. We are driven to improve at every aspect of our program and we work incredibly well together as we align those pieces of the puzzle together."
On the setters…
"We have two extremely talented setters and each brings a slightly different look to the game but both are wonderful leaders and competitors in their own right."
On the attackers…
"We have created more depth and versatility with our attackers with new additions to our roster as well as a few changes in positions. We are hoping to bring a faster and dynamic look to this 2012 season."
On the middle blockers…
"We are as deep in the middle blocker position as any and we are fired up about the athleticism and game IQ of this group."
On the defensive specialists…
"Our defense is more organized and one year smarter. This position will be more confident and more aggressive because of the hard work and extra repetitions by our defensive players."
