SD Mines 2009 women's volleyball media guide

team that steps on the court, noting smarts, ability and more specifically blocking as the things the Hardrockers excel at.

"We are a pretty athletic team and a very intelligent team," the coach said."lt's just a matter of trying to get this group to figure out just what type of team we will be. Are we going to be a solid, all-around hard-working team? We need to figure out a team personality."

With eight new freshmen along with the returning athletes stepping into new roles it will take time, but the Hardrockers have a good mix to complete the task.

SD Mines has just one senior this year in Katherine Hanson, a 6-foot-1-inch middle hitter from Sioux Falls, S.D. Hanson finished with a DAC All-Conference Honorable Mention after recording 221 kills, 17 aces, 312 digs and 71 blocks in 2008. She is already stepping into a leadership role for the 'Rockers and becoming the floor general.

"Katherine brings so much more than she is given credit for to this team," McCampbell said."She is a very good player fundamentally and athletically. She is going to be a huge key to this offense as to how fast we can go and whether we can use her as a hitter or a decoy."

Junior Paige Corcoran, a 6-0 middle hitter from Pierre, S.D., is another veteran player that is a proven volleyball player that is prepared to lead the squad. She missed some time in 2008 with injuries, but still managed to tally 90 kills, seven aces, 62 digs and 51 blocks.

"I am continuing to be impressed by Paige. She has a very good work ethic," McCampbell said."She is still trying to come back from her knee injury and see where that knee can take her. She just keeps getting better every day."

Running a three-middle offense, keeping Corcoran healthy is going to be another important factor in the Hardrockers' success in 2009.

The third middle hitter has also been with the team for three seasons, but hasn't seen the court much. Karma Garber, a 6-0 middle hitter from Torrington, Wyo., redshirted her first season and was in a reserve spot last year. McCampbell said as a sophomore, Garber would see a considerable amount of action.

"The biggest things for Karina are going to be her experience, strength and confidence," McCampbell added."She's done very well in preseason. She's athletic SD Mines sophomore Karina Garber goes up for a block during pratice Monday. Garber is a middle hitter from Torrington Wyomnig. Photo by and fundamentally sound, but we have to keep working on her confidence."

Brad Blume The Hardrockers have a powerful weapon on the outside with Madisen Lane, a 6-0 outside hitter from Fort Collins, Co. She returns with an incredible ability to terminate the volleyball. Lane also had some problems last year with injuries, but was able to play through the pain for a majority of the season. She finished 2008 with 154 kills, eight aces, 91 digs and 42 blocks.

"If we can keep Madisen Lane healthy this will hopefully be a breakout year for her," McCampbell said."She can play all the way around, she's a strong, athletic individual and Madi really wants to be a good leader to this team as well."

A lot of how Hardrockers fair hinges on Lane's progress through the early part of the season. She is strong and sound and is working on shot selection and other facets of the game.

With the exit of the DAC Libero of the year, DAC's MVP senior of the year and holder of many records at SDM, the Hardrockers have replaced Hiykel with Reanna Roberson, a 5-4 sophomore from Windsor, Colo. Roberson was listed as a setter last season.

"She has made that switch to libero easy. She looks like she is a lot more comfortable in the libero role