Cheyney Volleyball Begins a New Era

Aug. 31, 2010 - PRLog -- Contact:
Lenn Margolis
lmargolis@cheyney.edu

A new era in Cheyney University Volleyball began last week as first year head coach Sue Kilian took to the court for the first time with her Lady Wolves.  

“I came to Cheyney with full knowledge of the programs past,” commented the twenty-four year volleyball veteran.  “I’m in the process of changing the culture of volleyball here at Cheyney.   Prior to the season I had the buy-in from China Jude, the athletic director, and her staff.  I have now reached the players and it has been a very positive experience.”  

“I’ve been impressed with the attitudes of the student-athletes.  They are really beginning to understand the simplicity of the skill sets that we use to play the game.  We are now in the process of putting the skills together and are beginning to compete within the framework of practice. “

“The goal this year is to be competitive from set to set.  I believe that if we simplify the team goals we can start building on a firm foundation,“ commented Kilian when asked about the schedule.  “I know we are going to have our moments, both good and bad.    Our biggest challenge will be preparing for the physical, mental and emotional challenges ahead of us and how we choose to respond.”

Several players will be playing new positions this year.  Returning player Crystal Limes will be taking on some of the setting this season.   “This is a better position for Limes,” commented Kilian, “as it will keep her more involved with the flow of the game.”  Former setter Manoucheca Julce will be seeing some time as a hitter in 2010.  As one of the leaders of the team, Julce served as the lone setter in the past.  Her quickness and jumping ability will help the team in a more positive manner.  Joining Julce on the front row will a pair of new comers, and Middle Blockers, Denise Hill and Jamie Archibald. Hill is one of the better all around athletes on the team.  A very enthusiastic player, Hill is the tallest player on the Cheyney roster.   Archibald, recruited as a bowler, will also put on a volleyball uniform this fall.  Archibald will be an impact player for this team.  

The two other newcomers to the squad this season are Tyiama Turner and Danielle Mines.  Both athletes have been putting in a lot of time working on their defensive and serving skills this fall.    Turner is a senior and first year player for Cheyney.  Daniel Mines is an incoming freshman and Keystone Scholar.    Rounding out the team is Dejanirah “DeeDee” McIver, who is a perfectionist according to Coach Kilian.  “DeeDee has a great work ethic and always want s to get it right.   I am impressed with her persistence when she is working on her game.”

Cheyney opens the season on the road Wednesday, September 8 at Bowie State. Cheyney’s first home match this season will be while hosting the PSAC Crossovers on September 17th.  The Lady Wolves will face Mercyhurst at Noon and Edinboro at 7:30 pm.  All home matches will be played in Cope Hall and admission is free of charge.

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Cheyney University is the nation’s oldest historically Black institution of higher education. It is also the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE.) Now celebrating its 26th year, PASSHE comprises Pennsylvania’s 14 public universities, with a combined enrollment of more than 112,500, making it the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth. At its inception, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania successfully provided free classical education for qualified young people, and today the university offers baccalaureate degrees in more than 30 disciplines and six master’s degree programs. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.cheyney.edu.