University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
2011 UNC Asheville Volleyball: The Santos Era Begins
08.25.2011 | Women's Volleyball
The UNC Asheville volleyball program enters a new era in 2011 but it's an era that will have a familiar face.
Frederico Santos, a Bulldog assistant coach from 2000 through the 2007 season, returns to UNC Asheville as the program's new head coach. He takes over for long-time head coach Julie Torbett, who resigned last February. Torbett was the Bulldogs' head coach for 17 years and won 302 matches. In a lot of those matches Asheville won, Santos was by Torbett's side as an assistant.
The Bulldogs will open the 2011 season on Friday afternoon as they take part in the UAB/Samford Invitational. Asheville opens tournament play with Troy University at 3 p.m. before going up against Samford at 7 p.m. The Blue & White will close out the event on Saturday against UAB at 2 p.m.
The Brazilian native left Asheville in 2008 to become the head coach at Barry University in Miami, Fla. Santos led the NCAA Division II Buccaneers to a 46-31 record in three seasons.
"It's a great feeling to be back at UNC Asheville," stated Santos. "There's a level of familiarity here and a lot of great memories. It's exciting to be coaching in Justice Center again, and I'm looking forward to being here."
Santos' first team in Asheville is a little low on numbers with just 10 players.
"We know we have challenges with our numbers," declared Santos. "It is simply imperative that we stay away from injuries. However, we plan to be competitive in the Big South Conference just like we always have and hopefully be playing our best volleyball at the end of the season."
With only 10 players, the Bulldogs need to be a versatile team this season.
"Everyone needs to be ready to play anywhere on the court," admitted Santos. "We need to be total volleyball players and be ready to play anywhere. Our team needs to have the highest volleyball IQ it can have."
Asheville will be led this season by senior outside hitter Cindi Miller. The Indiana native was a first team All-Conference performer last year. She's turned into a versatile player who isn't just a great hitter but an outstanding passer and defensive player. It was the kind of player Santos envisioned when he first started recruiting her before he left for Barry.
"Cindi is a driven player who works extremely hard," stated Santos. "She's an example for our entire team to follow.
"Cindi is a tremendous hitter but has the all-around game, as well," he added. "When I watched her in high school, I thought she had a chance to be a very good player for us, but she has exceeded my expectations. We look for a big year from her both as a player and as a leader."
Asheville returns senior setter Hallie Morse. Morse transferred to the Bulldog program in January of 2010 from Syracuse. She split playing time with Rachel Guinane last season. Morse should be Asheville's starting setter in 2011.
"It's obvious Hallie is a talented setter," explained Santos. "Her height (5-10) is a real attribute for us. She's an excellent athlete and good defensive player. We think we can use Hallie can be more than just a setter. She'll help us in a lot of different places."
Junior middle blocker Holly Shelton has shown flashes of brilliance over the past two seasons. At 6-1, Shelton can be a towering presence along the net.
"Holly's size really makes her a threat in the middle," commented Santos. "We can look for her to develop even more this season and fully reach her potential."
Junior blocker Chelsie Kenley has played in spurts in her first two years with the Bulldog program. Santos believes that Kenley, the tallest player on the squad at 6-2, could play in a number of places in 2011.
"We could play Chelsie at several positions this year. She may play in the middle or as a right-side or outside hitter," explained Santos. "I believe Chelsie can challenge to play at any of those spots, and we will need her to do so."
Sophomore middle blocker Meredith Foster was a key player for the Bulldogs in 2010. She played extremely well as a freshman.
"Meredith was a starter last season and contributed mightily," said Santos. "I believe she has the potential to be an All-Conference player. We expect another good year from her this year."
A newcomer who will compete for playing time on the front row will be sophomore Anna Moore. She's a transfer from N.C. State and played for the Wolfpack in 2010.
"We're really excited about having Anna in the program," declared Santos. "She can play three different positions and her versatility is a real gift to us. Anna has a huge block, and we look for her to develop into a key player right away."
The Bulldogs have some talent returning in the back row. Sophomore libero Alex Stewart put up some good numbers in 2010 as she was named Freshman of the Week twice. She also made the Big South All-Freshman team for her play.
"Alex is an excellent defensive player," admitted Sanots. "I believe she'll be one of the top liberos in the league once again this season. She reads opponents' attack very well and just knows the game quite well."
Sophomore defensive specialist Rachel Wells was a pleasant surprise for the Bulldogs last year. She really sparked Asheville with her defense and serving.
"Rachel has a lot of potential," said Santos. "She will push Alex for playing time as a libero. Rachel plays defense very well and knows how to communicate. I look for big things from her this season."
Sophomore setter Jaimie Dorfman will compete for playing time in 2011.
"I really like Jaimie's attitude," commented Santos. "She has come back in great shape and could push Hallie for playing time as a setter. I think Jamie can also help us in the back row or as a right-side hitter."
Setter Lisa Riggsbee is the lone freshman on this year's club.
"We're pleased to have Lisa in our program," stated Santos. "She'll develop as a setter and compete for playing time."
