Lewis University Athletics

December 30, 2012

My name is Lauren O'Brien  but most people around Lewis call me LO. I am a freshman outside hitter and wore the number 4 this season.  I am currently sitting on my couch at home in Verona, Wisconsin relaxing, because we are off on our Christmas break.  Local schools are already canceled for tomorrow due to the huge snow storm expected for tomorrow…yikes.
I am planning on majoring in Business Administration and minor in both Marketing along with Spanish.  I am looking into the awesome travel abroad programs Lewis has available for an upcoming summer in order to be fully submersed in the Spanish language. 

One of my most memorable experiences this season was in our preseason Florida tournament when I played for the first time as a Lewis Flyer.  I remember getting put in and I was literally shaking because I was so scared and nervous.  The reason why this was so memorable to me was how comfortable all the other girls made me feel when I was on the court.  They knew I was extremely nervous so their smiles and encouraging comments meant a world of difference to me at that time.

My favorite meal was at the Cheesecake Factory in Florida.  Who knew how good baked Mac n Cheese would be on a burger?

Some of my favorite times are when our volunteer coach “Nate-Dog” is in the gym.  He is a funny guy and always seems to make me laugh.

I couldn’t be happier with my decision to become a Lewis Flyer.  I know the word “family” has been repeated many times, but there is no other way to describe the atmosphere of Lewis, especially the athletic programs.  I originally chose Lewis for the perfect combination of a small school with excellent academics as well as an excelling volleyball program.  Lewis University is a great place to be!
 
-Lo

December 14, 2012

Hello Flyer Fans!
 
It’s Leigh Barea here and I am a sophomore setter this year! Today, is my first official day of Christmas break! I had a tough semester with classes and two tough finals in Genetics and Organic Chemistry, so it feels good to have a month long break in my hometown of Battle Creek, Michigan with my family without any worries about school. But the fact I have to go an entire month without seeing my amazing teammates is always tough, since we are such a close family ourselves!!
 
Looking back on the season, my favorite memory was beating UIndy at home! It was a thrilling 5-set match that gave UIndy there first lost in the conference. Beating Indy is always the best, but getting them makes it even sweeter! The game was on Lakeshore television which is always exciting, plus we had a great fan base like always in Neil Carey!!
 
The worst moment of the season was when our season came to an end. We had to say goodbye to five amazing seniors who weren’t just teammates but my best friends on and off the court. But looking back on the season that threw us many different obstacles and challenges to overcome, we preserved and had a successful season!
 
Now, some quick about me facts…
Favorite Meal: Meal at the Choi’s house before the Wisconsin-Parkside Match
Favorite Trip/Hotel/Location: Conference tournament was a lot of fun because Katie Fuerst was my roommate AND Morgan Cebula and Lauren O’Brien’s room was connected to ours (Morgan dancing in our room was the greatest part!)
Favorite Funny Moment: Katie Fuerst falling down the dunes was still my favorite memory and will probably always be my favorite moment!!
Why Lewis: Lewis was the perfect size school with an amazing volleyball tradition that I wanted to be a part of! I was also extremely comfortable with the girls on the team and the coaches
Why Still Lewis: I love every part of Lewis! The classes are the perfect size and allow me to have a relationship with my professors which I really need to be successful in school!! I also have great friends and teammates that make me love every moment of school and volleyball!
 
I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and New Years’!
 
Leigh Barea
#15

December 10, 2012

Hey Flyer Fans!

I am Alexis Davito,  a sophomore right side hitter. This past season has been really great even though it did not end the way we had hoped. We had our first open gym today to take a break from all of hard work studying for finals! It was really great to have everyone playing again and got us excited for spring season! I think we are all looking forward to working hard over winter break and then getting back into spring season!
 
A little bit about me:
Favorite color: green
Favorite food: cheese burgers and milk
Favorite trip with the team: probably all of them because we always have such a good time together!
 
Keep a look out for us to come back as strong as ever next season!!
 
Love always your Lewis Flyer,
Alexis Davito #18 

November 28, 2012

These past two weeks have been really busy, and filled with lots of good volleyball. Even though losing in the conference finals was a bummer, it was a great experience and honor to be there, especially since I am a senior and it was my last conference tournament. I wish we won, but we now have regionals to look forward to. I'm really excited for this week of matches to begin. I have a good feeling about this year! We have been working really hard in the gym after having a nice Thanksgiving break. I spent mine with my cats and pumpkin pie :) My favorite part of this year has honestly been just spending time with my team and cherishing every moment of competing. Hopefully we pull out some big wins this weekend!
 
Jen Krumwiede #7


November 21, 2012

Hey Flyer Fans!

My name is Lauren Stitz and I am a redshirt freshman! This season has been great for me so far, even though it has gone by so fast. My position is an outside hitter and I am #5. I am from the suburbs of Indianapolis, but I love it here at Lewis. I am double majoring in marketing and business administration and I plan to use my fifth year here to get my masters in business administration.

I would have to say that my all time favorite moment of this season was beating Indianapolis at home! Beating them was one of the best feelings ever, especially because we’re rivals! But I’d also have to say that whenever I’m with my teammates it’s my favorite too because we’re family!

My worst moment this season was when I found out that I had to get surgery on my shoulder. I was absolutely devastated and scared, but I can’t say that I didn’t see it coming! Even though recovery takes so long and that I couldn’t play this season, I think getting surgery was the best option because I will no longer be in pain when I play and I’ll be even stronger than before thanks to rehab :)

My favorite meal so far was when several of us who rode the bus back after the crossover went to Texas Roadhouse. We had soooo much food and of course we tried to tell the waitress that it was coach’s birthday but it didn’t work out as we had planned!

Florida was the best trip this year by far! I love traveling as it is but the fact that I was in Florida, with my volleyball family, having fun, playing volleyball and going to the beach on our extra day made it the best ever! We all had a great time and I definitely won’t forget about that!
 
As some of you may know, our team has tons of personality. And that means, tons of hysterical, laughing until you cry kinds of moments. Whenever we are with the team it’s always fun, but you never know what’s going to happen or how hard it will make you laugh. Out of all of our funny moments, which are a ton, I can’t choose just one as my favorite!

But now for the most important questions, why I chose Lewis and why I love it. I chose Lewis because once I met the team I instantaneously felt like a part of our Lewis family. Everyone here is great and the campus is absolutely beautiful no matter what time of the year it is! When I came on all of my visits I knew right away that Lewis was the place for me! I absolutely love it here for all the reasons why I chose it and even more. It’s so great to be a part of such a great school and volleyball program.

Go Flyers!

Lauren Stitz #5

November 20, 2012

Hello Flyer Fans,
 
I’m Katie Fuerst a Sophomore Outside Hitter. This past weekend we ended our regular season being 3-0. We defeated Southern Indiana in four on Friday night, which was a huge match for us to win for conference. Then on Saturday we ended regular season with Kentucky Wesleyan defeating them in three! Those two matches seeded us as being regular season champions!! All this was very exciting to hear considering conference is this upcoming Friday. Then we played a regional game against Urbana College and got a nice win to help seed us for regionals after thanksgiving break. Our team couldn’t be happier with where we are right now but were not done yet. We have a huge weekend coming up and are looking forward to play our hearts out and leave everything we got on the court. We know its go out hard or go home so were ready to fight and couldn’t be more excited to see where post season takes us!!!
 
About Me:
Favorite Color: Turquoise
Favorite Meal: Chili and Cornbread
Favorite trip with the team: Florida is always a good time and I look forward to going somewhere else that is nice and WARM (coach here is a hint :))
Favorite Moment: This had to be my freshman year meeting all new people and becoming a part of something more than volleyball. This program is a family and we all can go to one another with anything and really put trust in each other as teammates and friends.
 
Keep an eye out for our games at conference this weekend! We play at noon on Friday against University of Saint Louis Missouri. We will do our best to make our fans proud!
 
Love always your Lewis Flyer,
Katie Fuerst #20


November 18, 2012

Hello Lewis fans!
 
My name is Amy Choi and I am a junior libero on the Lewis Women's volleyball team.

I am writing only a couple hours after playing Rockhurst in the GLVC conference championship match... We didn't win, but there is still more of the season ahead, and we are looking to move forward from the experience, but still learn from it. This weekend has been a roller coaster of emotions to say the least. We played two very good teams (UMSL and Missouri S&T) to make it to the finals... both of them being thrilling five-game matches!

This weekend showed us of what we are capable of. We come together as a team and we never give up, no matter what the scoreboard says. This entire season we have had to work up to where we are now. Now that we are here, all we need to do is believe in each other, believe in the team, and believe that we can win.
 
We are keeping our heads high and working hard to win regionals!
           
Here are some fun things about me:
-Favorite meal so far: PENN STATION: I couldn't decide between chicken parmesan and chicken teriyaki, so Leeroy and I got both and shared. It was amazing.
-Favorite trip so far: The Dunes
-Why I chose Lewis: It was either here or New York, and anyone that knows me and my family know that the only life my dad has right now is coming to every single one of my games and dressing as cute as possible. Sometimes, he will even wear a little pink bow tie, but only on special occasions.
-Why I still like Lewis: There are so many things I love about Lewis. Obviously, the volleyball program is great, with the best coaches, teammates, and fans I have ever had. I love the small size of the school and how we are more than just friends in school, we are family.
 
Amy Choi #2

October 30, 2012

Hi Volleyball Fans,
 
I am Colleen Mitros and I am a red-shirt senior, also known as a super senior.  My position on the team is an outside hitter, #8.  My family and I live in the surrounding suburbs. I am graduating soon with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Sports Management.  As soon as I am done with that, I am all signed up to start the Nursing Program at Lewis. I know what you’re thinking and yes, I am a professional student :)
 
I cannot pinpoint just one favorite moment but I can say that I enjoy bus rides because you have nowhere to be but there and it’s a time to watch movies, snack, hang out, take naps and on a good day maybe even some homework will get done! I love spending time with my teammates and coaches; practice is one of my most favorite parts of the day.  Winning always makes everything way more fun but with a loss we try to learn from our mistakes to make ourselves better and to hopefully keep our losses to a minimum.
 
A little bit more about me:
 
Favorite Meal: Anytime we go to Panera. It never gets old!
 
Favorite Trip: Our trip to Florida was a great trip because we walked away with a winning record and we were able to have some fun in the sun!
 
Funniest Moment: Favorite moment OFF the court was when the team performed our Music Video dances…Hysterical!
 
Why I still Like Lewis: The reason I still like Lewis is because it is home away from home.
 
GO FLYERS!
 
Colleen Mitros #8


Hello Everybody!
 
My name is Alesia Kroeker #16.  I am a libero….no wait a setter…just kidding, I am a middle blocker :)! I am a freshman this year, but I am redshirting so it’s like I get 2 freshman years! Woohoo! I am from Omaha, Nebraska (no I don’t eat corn for every meal and ride cows to school in case you were wondering).

We just got done with a very important weekend. We came out with two great wins, beating William Jewel in three and Rockhurst in four.

My favorite meal: My favorite food would probably be just food in general. I don’t discriminate, Mexican food, Italian food, Chinese food I’ll eat it all.

Favorite trip: My favorite trip would be Florida, definitely. Being able to play very competitive teams and go 3-1 was a plus and then the beautiful beach and sun is just icing on the cake! (Yum, cake.)

I chose to come to Lewis University because of the team and Coach Lorelee. My first experience was different than the other freshman because I actually practiced with the team. I was extremely nervous before but as soon as I started to play with the team all of my nerves went away and it was like I have been playing with them for years. The energy and competiveness the team brings was exactly what I was looking for in a team. Coach Lorelee is one of the best coaches I have ever had. She brings just as much if not more energy to each practice and game. She is always there for us if we ever need her and it’s a great feeling to know you have a coach who cares for you at all times. Coach Lorelee and the rest of the coaching staff push me and the team and will continue to push us beyond our limits because they believe in us and know the potential we have.
Thanks future Flyers! Hope to see you all at our games! We play UIndy November 2!



Hello fellow Flyers!

My name is Vivian Pritz (I know a little grandma like) and I am a redshirt junior #12 setter on this fabulous team!

This week is a big week for us, on Monday we played Michigan-Tech and IU-Kokomo coming out with two great wins. On Saturday we play William Jewel at 5:00 pm and come back again on Sunday against Rockhurst at 1:00 pm. These are both home matches so I hope to see everyone there!

My Favorite meal:  My favorite food is anything and everything Mexican. I love tacos, burritos quesadillas which is basically everything that is bad for you but saying that Chipotle is one of my favorite places to eat would be an understatement.

Favorite trip: FLO-RIDA! I love Florida and getting a chance to play in the sunshine state is always a great time for me.  We get to walk to and from the gym outside and yes, it is a little hot but living in Illinois my whole life, I don’t mind a little heat every now and then.

Why I still like Lewis: Being a part of Lewis is something that is hard to describe to students that go to a big city school. Lewis is not just a school for some people but is something they hold high in their heart. I am extremely proud to say I attend Lewis University because we are one big family. I understand that some individuals may say that they don’t like that everyone knows everyone but in Lewis’ case, it is possibly the best situation especially if you are in a sport. All of these girls on this team are my sisters and I could not image going anywhere else.  (#LUFamily )

Favorite Moment: I’m not sure if you know anything about the Harvard baseball team and I didn’t either until they came out with their “call me maybe” YouTube video. But we made our own video to that song while we were in Florida. It might be a, you-gotta-be-there moment because everyone was singing (well more like yelling) and car dancing to the best of their abilities and we all couldn’t stop laughing.

Thank you all so much for supporting us and we certainly wouldn’t be where we are today without you fans!! GO FLYERS!

-Vivian #12 

October 10, 2012

Hello there everyone!
            My name is Morgan Cebula and I am currently a freshman here at Lewis and I am a middle hitter, #17, on the team. I suppose since I am new to this bunch I should tell you just a little about myself. Well, I am from Stevens Point, Wisconsin but born and raised in Jamestown, North Dakota… (I know what you are thinking, probably the two most exciting places in the world to live right?). As of now I am double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology and I will be starting the ARMY ROTC this coming semester..WOOHOO!!!
 
            Alright well enough about me… Time to talk about LEWIS VOLLEYBALL!!!
 
            I am writing you this Tuesday afternoon with my mind on the big weekend that we have ahead of us. We have the GLVC Crossover coming up. We just came off of a tough loss from Missouri S&T this past weekend and I know that we are all fired up to go out there and prove to all those in our conference and those in the GLIAC what Lewis Volleyball is really made of. I have never before played with such a competitive team with a group of girls whose hearts and minds are 100% devoted to the game and to the other 17 girls on this team. It’s an incredible feeling being out on that court!
           
            One of the best and probably secretly bad things about this team is that above all things we LOVE to eat and coach sure does keep us fed! My favorite meal so far was probably when we went to the Cheesecake Factory and I ate my life away on the most delicious salmon ever! This year we took two big trips at the beginning of the season and I would have to say my favorite trip was the Florida trip we had so much fun and nothing is more rewarding then ending the tournament with a day at the beach. But if you want to talk about some high class hotels…I have no better memories than those made at the good old Broker Inn in Colorado haha.  The funniest memory that I have from this year is no doubt watching Katie fall face first down a sand dune during preseason and better yet the fact that we got it all on tape!
 
            Now to the important question, why did I choose Lewis? I am the type of person that will not make a decision until I know exactly what I want. And Lewis was and had exactly everything that I wanted. The second that I met the team it felt like a family and coach was the little mother that watched over them all. Lorelee was like no other coach that I had ever met just by how much she really did care about me as a person and how down to earth she was. She inspired me and made me want to play the game that I love at this great school. I do not regret the choice that I made one bit. Lewis, the team, and the coaches are everything that I thought they would be and life here at Lewis keeps getting better with every day!
 
Thank you to all of you that come and support us and I hope to see you at our future games! GO FLYERS!!!!!
                                                     -Morgan–
                                              2 Corinthians 4:8-9

October 8, 2012

Hello Flyer Fans!
 
My name is Mary and I am a senior libero #3 on the team!
 
This has been another amazing week to be a part of the Lewis family. If you’ve been keeping up (which I hope you have been) we’re now officially on a six game win streak (WOO) and have secured second place in our half of the conference. Currently, we’re driving to Drury to face them and Missouri S&T. Not going to lie to you, the bus rides been a little boring (I love you Illinois, but the view for four hours down I-55 is not exciting).
 
Let’s get to the fun stuff…
 
Favorite moment of the year: Playing with Leigh Barea. I’ve developed a relationship with her on the court that I’m not sure many athletes get to experience. We feed off each other’s energies, and play with more passion together that some entire teams can’t even touch. I love her like a sister, and am grateful every time I get to step out on the court with her.
 
Worst moment of the year: Doing the pit drill ran by Rudi. To say that those three minutes were the toughest of my volleyball career would be an understatement. Then to make matters worse, the entire men’s basketball team watched and I am now known as the girl who bled and crawled on the court like the hot mess that I was. Thanks Rudi for that awesome reputation ;)
 
Favorite meal: Anytime we get coach to order us pizza spontaneously…. during preseason she ordered it for us and we spent the night eating and doing arts & crafts. Our team is never growing up and I love it.
 
Why I chose Lewis: I fell in love with Lewis the first time I pulled onto campus my junior year of high school. The Lewis community is a family, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that. Plus, I fell in love with Rachel Ruedi at camp and knew I wanted to be her teammate. MISS YOU RAY
 
Why I still love Lewis: The best way for me to describe why I still love Lewis would be to reference Twitter (I know, so 21^st century). But all of the athletes have this ongoing hashtag trending “#LUfamily.” Baseball players wish us good luck and write that, an athlete will get injured and we will wish them the best with that hashtag and we see it almost everyday on our news feeds. That simple saying embodies everything Lewis is about, we are a family and have each others backs. That’s something that no matter what happens will never change about not only our volleyball program, but the entire athletic department.
 
Thanks for the continued support as always. We’ll never truly be able to tell you how grateful we are for our fans. Also, shout out to the men’s volleyball team for continually painting their bodies and getting Neil Carey pumped during our matches.
 
PS. If you happen to see Rudi Ballich at any point, let her know that I’d make a really good best friend.
 
Dream big! #3 Mary Carroll



October 1, 2012

Hey Everyone!
 
My name is #Cassidy Parsons#, I am number nine on the team and hit middle front, right front and outside, but for now I am a right side.
 
This week has been really great! We came in this week with good confidence after winning all of our home games the previous Friday and Saturday which is really great. We have been working really hard in practices, not settling with those wins but trying to improve even more. My favorite moment of this week would have to be Mary announcing to the team that I got offensive player of the week! It was so nice seeing how happy everyone was for me, and I am so grateful to be a part of such a caring team and I could not have gotten that without them.
 
My least favorite moment this week would have to be the athletic edge work out we do on Wednesdays because they are really tough. The sad part is I missed the beginning of it because of a meeting with one of my counselors so I did not even get as hard of a workout as the rest of the girls, so props to them. I like tough workouts but the reason it is my least favorite moment is because I can barely sit down.
 
Some random facts about me:
    Favorite food: I do not have a favorite food; I love food too much to have a favorite. I have favorites of the moment and right now a nice Big mac sounds delicious!

    Favorite color: My favorite color is blue because it represents first place, which is always nice!

    Who I miss the most from home: I miss my Dad the most. I call him whenever I doubt myself and start to lose confidence and he always knows the right thing to say to make me feel better. He believes in me even when I don't believe in myself, and I think everyone should have someone like that in their lives.

    Most embarrassing moment so far this year: Going in to hit a four ball on the outside during warm ups when we were in Florida and I tripped and fell the whole way to the net trying to awkwardly catch myself. I caught myself. But at the very last second before falling to my knees. Everyone saw. I almost cried.

 Quotes of the week: 
"Smiling is infectious, you can catch it like the flu, someone smiled at me today, and I started smiling too." –Unknown

 "A friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life’s worthwhile." –Unknown 

Why did I choose Lewis?: I chose Lewis mostly because of the volleyball program, they made me feel at home. They are the type of people that I want to surround myself with because I feel like they each have qualities that I hope to become. 

Have a good day Flyer Fans!
 
Cassidy Parsons #9


September 23, 2012

Hello Flyer Fans!

Kim Vertin here and this week was a great week to be a Flyer! We had a tough week of practice and that showed in our record this week 4-0!!!

We had a lot of injuries and illnesses that kept people from playing but fortunately many players stepped up off the bench and helped contribute to this week's victories :) This season has been so different from any other season I have had at Lewis, but of course it is still just as fun! I think my favorite part about this season so far was definitely our beach day in Florida where we got to just relax on the beach and do a little shopping and just had fun in the sun!

My least favorite part of the season would be losing to Barry or Central Missouri. We all hate losing but I especially hate losing in 5. But with every loss comes room to grow so we are working on it!

Some fun facts about me:

• Favorite food: Steak! Any type of steak, but my favorite is when my dad grills steak...soooo good!!!
• Favorite Trip: Last year when we went to Florida because we got to stay in 2 different houses, Amy Choi and I ended up sleeping in the bedroom with animal pelts and deer heads hanging up on the wall, it was definitely an interesting site to wake up to! But our house was so much fun and I really enjoyed the bonding time we spent.
• Funniest Moment(s): Some funny moments included Katie Fuerst falling down the sand dune of course, Faith Watson and Mary Carroll running the hot seat, and this year I had to piggy back Amy Choi up a sand dune and she says to me "Kim ya know what we're like right now?! We're like Sam carrying Frodo up the volcano!!!" Lord of the Rings reference, but I could not stop laughing and I ended up not being able to continue carrying her up the sand dune.
• I chose Lewis mainly because of volleyball. The team was so nice and made me feel so welcomed when I went on my visit and everyone could only tell me good things about Lorelee and the program. Of course, Lewis is also a great school and I love the smaller atmosphere, and it's only 20 minutes away from home so I can see my family whenever I'd like! (Which means steak dinners on Sundays!)

Take care Flyer Fans!

Kim Vertin #6



September 17, 2012

Hello Everybody!

My name is Carly Perschnick and I am a middle, #14, on the team! I am feeling Fantastic at this very moment, I just got back to school from being home this weekend! I got to see my dog, Boone, who was super excited to see me and went for a ride in the tractor. It was a good relaxing day with my family.

So far this season, I would say my favorite moment was the Florida trip when I got to see my best friend Kevin from my college my freshman year, Nova Southeastern University. It was so great to be able to catch up with him and see how he has been. Turns out he got a job in Maine as a State Trooper!

As for the worst moment, I would have to say was after our game verses Central Missouri because at that time we had gone 0-3 at the tournament. Definitely not the happiest time for any of us I would assume.

Other info about me!

• Favorite meal: Cheesecake Factory (Crusted chicken Parmesan with white chocolate raspberry cheesecake for dessert)
• Favorite trip/hotel/location: I would say in my career here at Lewis, my favorite trip was when we went to Missouri my Freshman year and after we went 2-0 on the weekend we went to BASS PRO SHOPS, and may I add that it is the biggest Bass Pro Shop in the world. 
• Favorite Funny Moment: If I had to pick one funny moment, It would be when Faith Watson used to put people on the HOT SEAT on bus trips. She would get on the microphone and ask random, sometimes embarrassing, questions to the whole team and coaches. MISS YOU FAITH!
• I chose to transfer to Lewis because it seemed like a school I would like. It is somewhat secluded from the city and surrounding towns. It is close to my hometown of Dwight, Ill. It also has a great volleyball program to be a part of.

I still love Lewis because of all the friends I have made. There are some great people here on campus I got to know and now can call my best friends.

That’s all I got for you all, hope you have a great day!

LOVE,

YOUR LEWIS FLYERS!

Carly Perschnick  #14



September 5, 2012

Dear Diary,

My name is Nicole Yuede and I am a freshman on the Lewis University volleyball team. I write to you as in sit in the O’Hare airport waiting to board the plane that is taking us to our tournament in Florida! I am so excited right now! These are our first season games. The life of a collegiate athlete is finally hitting me. This is one of my favorite moments of the season so far!

My overall favorite memory was our preseason trip to the Dunes. The entire time we mixed athletic training, competition and genuine fun. By this time our “Olympics” had been in full swing for about 4 days. We participated in drills, challenges, games for individual and team gold, silver, or bronze “medals” (in our case stickers). I am a very competitive person and the Dunes provided many chances to compete in a variety of events for “Olympic” gold medals. One of the funniest moments of the season so far came when Katie Fuerst tripped running down one of the Dunes. Alex caught the entire thing on camera and eventually made a video of it and posted it on our Lewis Women’s Volleyball Facebook page. My favorite team vs. team event was a relay which required players to do a form of running exercise through the water. Yea, my team won! OUU OUU! Hahaha. My absolute favorite event was the team charades in which the prize was dessert at our dinner. Our team gets VERY into charades! It was no surprise that we went 9 for 9! The coaches acted out all the rest. After the Dunes we went to La Hacienda. It ended up being my favorite meal. (The dessert helped that a little. Haha) Although my team did not win the entire Dunes trip, we all worked very hard and had a good team bonding day. After that trip, we had grown closer to each other and stronger as a team.

This season has not been a cake walk though. My toughest moment was at the end of week one when the topic of red shirting was discussed with the team. I had never even considered the idea of me red shirting, but I knew that if this choice could help me tremendously in the later years. I always struggle making huge decisions for myself and this was one that no one else but me could make. After my initial freak out, I found the strength inside me and ultimately chose that I will be red shirting. For me, making that decision gave me confidence in myself. I am stronger than I think. I am confident in myself. I can do this. I am taking my extra year and will use it to my full advantage. I cannot wait.

I chose Lewis because of the excellence in both academics and athletics. I am currently majoring in aviation, in which Lewis is ranked among the top aviation programs in the country. The women’s volleyball team has a history of repetitive athletic success. I did not want to go to a school where I would be the best. I wanted to go to a school where I would be challenged to push beyond my boundaries. I still love Lewis. Every day I wake up excited to go to class and play volleyball. The atmosphere around campus is infectiously welcoming. You feel compelled to get involved in something! I love the girls on the team and the coaches. We have really become a little family. I could not imagine going anywhere else.

Until next time… Nicole #11



September 5, 2012

Hi everyone, my name is Jillian Carlberg and PRESEASON IS OVER! And surprisingly’ I’m bittersweet about it. Of course it feels amazing to say we owned another preseason here at Lewis, but I am sad to say it is my last preseason as I will be graduating this year. It is pretty crazy to think I’ve been here for four years. Time to figure out what to I want to do in the “real world,” but before that begins we have a season to finish!
           
For the past two weeks we have all been working our little tails off getting in better shape, becoming better volleyball players, and most importantly building our team for this coming season. My favorite part of preseason probably was our trip to the Dunes... mostly because I almost peed my pants laughing at my beautiful roommate Katie fall face first running down a hill, but also because it was a good team bonding experience followed up by food from La Hacienda. We definitely know how to kill a basket of chips and salsa.
           
Of course with preseason comes with some obstacles. Some people experience injuries, some struggle with their game, I personally had an inner struggle working to be a better leader. As a senior, I am really working to put the team before myself and help mentor others. Sometimes it can get a little exhausting, but the positive energy our team gives back definitely makes it all worthwhile.
           
Here is a little insight to a few of my favorites so far this season and a little insight to my experience at Lewis:
-favorite meal so far: veggie burgers and fruit galore at Alexis’ casa
-favorite trip so far: Dunes
-favorite funny moment: Katie face planting at the Dunes
-Why I chose Lewis: I love the small school feel, the team, coach and the beautiful campus.
-Why I still like Lewis: I have found some of my best friends in the whole world here and love my classes.
           
Tomorrow morning we head out to Florida for our first preseason tournament, wish us luck!
 
Jillian Carlberg  #13



August 27, 2012
Hello from your 2012 Lewis Flyers!!!
 
As we are winding down to the end of our preseason we are all very excited about the upcoming season to start off! I am returning as a sophomore on the team and am so excited to see what this season is going to bring. Unfortunately, I am currently recovering from an injury, making this season so far start a little unusual for me.  However, I couldn’t be more grateful for my teammates and their constant reassurance of including me and making sure I feel just as a part of the team.
 
Part of our preseason is always taking an annual trip to the Indiana/Michigan Dunes for a team workout. This year we all got a little extra entertainment thanks to Katie Fuerst. As many of you have already heard and probably seen she took a nice little fall during one of our relays, making the whole team burst into laughter. This is something we are all never going to forget.
 
Another aspect of our preseason is extra conditioning workouts (Athletic Edge). Although many of us do not particularly enjoy this part, we know in the end it will make us stronger as a team.
 
My favorite meal so far was our team lunch we had at Hacienda Mexican Restaurant after our dunes trip.
 
Since we have not actually traveled anywhere yet this season, my favorite trip so far is a personal trip I took during preseason. This trip was to the doctor’s office in which he told me I was finally able to start playing again, which was obviously very exciting news!
 
My favorite funny moment aside from Katie falling down the dunes was Amy Choi falling back into the pool while trying to get out after our workout. And those of you who know Amy Choi, she like me, is not too fond of the pool.
 
There are many reasons why I chose to come to Lewis.  Along with the good location, campus, and academics, this team was a huge reason I chose to come here. The team and coaching staff really made me feel welcomed when I came to visit and I could tell right away they are like a family. And I am so glad I chose to come here, there isn’t anywhere else I would want to be. My teammates support me not only in volleyball but in every aspect of my life. I am so grateful for the amazing coaches and teammates I have here at Lewis and they have helped me grow on and off the court.

Jenni Mueller   #10