The fall season kicks off for Salem College Volleyball Program on August 19 with a new coach and a new attitude. Salem will definitely be a different team from years past. With a new coach and eight new players, Salem College will turn heads this 2007 season.
Amanda Ziemba, the new Head Volleyball Coach of the Spirits, brings a new style of volleyball to Salem College. As a two-time Academic All-American and team captain for Division II powerhouse Mt. Olive College, Ziemba knows what it takes to win and is determined to raise the Salem College volleyball team to a very competitive status.
Salem will return two performers from last year team, Alexis Means, of Durham NC and Jenni Hoffman of Chapel Hill. “Both players have proven themselves and will give Salem a foundation to build on. Their hardwork and dedication to this program will be a source that their new teammates can draw from.” -Coach Ziemba.
Since being hired last February, Coach Ziemba has been a very busy recruiter. Among the eight new players that are arriving at Salem College on August 19th are two very impressive additions- Katie Lineberger of Catawba Valley Community College and Whitney Sorensen of Phoenix College. Both of these athletes are junior college transfers and will give this young team the leadership it needs to compete in this region. Katie Lineberger was a member of the Catawba Valley Community College team that finished second at Nationals at the NJCAA Division III. Lineberger was an All-Region and All-Tournament selection both years at Catawba Valley. Whitney Sorenson was a member of the Phoenix College volleyball program where she helped lead her team to a third place finish at Regionals.
According to first-year coach Amanda Ziemba, “Salem has a ton of freshman talent coming in this year starting with 6’1” middle hitter Christine Tillman, of King, NC. Christine was a two year all conference selection in volleyball and track and field. She will be a strong presence in the middle. Another freshman making waves is Tani Hatch of Salt Lake City, Utah. She will play a vital part on this team as a utility player. Tani will be asked to do many things to help make this team a success.” Defense will play a big key to Salem’s future success with libero Alyssa Alcos of Jacksonville FL and outside hitter Latricia Maye of Vestavia Hills, AL. Alcos was a four year letter winner and captain while performing for Robert E. Lee High School. Both players have proven records of leadership and will set the tone for Salem as a defense oriented team. Two-sport athlete, Jazmine Gilbert of Fayetteville, NC, will make an immediate contribution to this program with demonstrated athleticism. Late addition and local favorite Michelle Martinez will find her spot among the Salem College Lady Spirits. “I see Michelle being one of those players that will surprise us.” -Coach Ziemba.
According to Coach Ziemba, “Salem College volleyball program has had some difficult seasons, but with hard work and patience, I see this program growing exponentially and becoming a serious contender in our region. I feel that this could be the breakout season for our program and that each of these young women and the college in years to come will be able to look back with pride and say ‘We built that.”