The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Volleyball Opens Fall Practice
8/9/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 9, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- First-year UAB head volleyball coach Kerry Messersmith and the 2006 Blazers hit the gym floor early Wednesday morning, as the team assembled for its first practice of the young season. With a new coaching staff and eight newcomers on the roster, Messersmith and her staff are working to build focus in this year's squad, while installing a strong team attitude and a good work ethic in each of the athletes.
"They've come in working hard," said Messersmith. "Our goal for the next few weeks is to build a strong work ethic inside our players. We want to focus on competing hard and trying to build a team."
The Blazers return seven players from last year's team, who worked to post the greatest single-season improvement in school history, winning 13 more matches than the previous campaign. Those veterans along with an influx of talent from the junior college and high school ranks provide UAB with depth and several options for the upcoming season.
"When you bring in several new kids its tough," added Messersmith. "I think they seem to be getting along well and from every indication its a great situation." "They have really been working hard, and that's the main thing. They seem to be focused and they are excited to be out there. I think our young players will really push everyone out there," commented Messersmith.
UAB opens the 2006 campaign on August 25th in Athens, Ga., as they square off against SEC foe Georgia in the first match of the Georgia Invite.
