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Sept. 4, 2003 Garden City, N.Y. - Adelphi Women's Volleyball is entering its 12th season as a collegiate program with several major changes for 2003. After serving as assistant coach for three years, Joe Chojnacki was named the new head volleyball coach, replacing former coach Jeff Lipton. "I am extremely excited about this year's squad. They are more aggressive and more vocal then any other team I have been involved with at Adelphi," Chojnacki said. Last fall the Panthers put together their most successful season in the 11 years of the program, recording their first-ever winning season and qualifying for their second consecutive New York Collegiate Athletic Conference (NYCAC) Tournament. The head coach is not the only change for 2003, as five of last year's six starters were also lost due to graduation. In all, ten players from last year's squad of 14 are gone, leaving only four returning players. Coach Chojnacki sees the loss of these player as both challenge and a positive experience. This year's squad introduces seven new players to the program, including five freshman and two sophomores. "The players have stepped up and taken on the responsibility I have given them," Chojnacki said. "They are also mature beyond their years and have already exceeded my expectations".
Returners Three sophomores return to solidify the nucleus of the squad, tri-captains Jessica Haynes and Meaghan Joyce along with Alexandra Sedlik. Haynes saw action in 90 games from her middle blocker spot, recording 153 kills, the most by any returning player. She also led the team with 50 service aces, along with 45 blocks and 56 digs last fall. Sedlik recorded 111 kills in just 57 games, and averaged almost two kills per game (1.95 kills/game). She also totaled 65 digs and will see increased action at the outside hitter spot. Joyce rounds out the returning players having appeared in 46 games in 2002. In 46 appearances Joyce tallied 24 kills and 28 digs and will see added time at the outside hitter position.
Newcomers Sophomore walk-on Laura Cappolla should also see time at the defensive specialist position. A infielder on the Adelphi softball team, Cappolla also lettered four years in volleyball at West Hempstead High School, earning all-county and all-conference honors along the way. Sophomore Michelle Canaria, also a two-sport athlete at Valley Stream Central, was also an all-conference selection. She will fight for a spot at setter or as a defensive specialist. Freshmen Julie Roke, Kelly Campbell, and Deanna Maggio round out the newcomers. Adding the talent of the newcomers with Roke at the outside hitter spot, Campbell as a middle blocker and Maggio as a setter, will give Adelphi added depth and versatility in 2003.
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