Volleyball Preview: Volleyball team as Ei on winning

September 11, 2008 | Written by Tyler Conover

The Lady Cavs Volleyball team is off to a promising season with a 4-1, 1-0 start. Following a season that yielded a 28-5, 9-0 record and a second place finish nationally, expectations are high. This year’s volleyball team started the season with a 6th place ranking nationally in the NJCAA pre-season poll and a new head coach, Jennifer Ei.

Some will wonder why the college would hire a first year head coach. In this case, once Jill Stinson, former head coach, Volleyball, stepped down at the end of last season, Ei was an easy choice. As an assistant coach under Stinson for five seasons, the volleyball program was the most productive in team history.

The team posted a 144-36 record, good for a .800 winning percentage. Ei helped the Cavaliers land All-Americans Emily Escher, Katie Latenser, Jackie Swab and Sydney Pemberton. Since joining the program in 2003, Ei has helped tutor some of the top players in the East Jayhawk Conference and NJCAA. In all, she has coached eight All-Americans, 23 All-Region selections, 25 All-East Jayhawk Conference picks, including two season MVPs, and five NJCAA All-Tournament selections.

Striving for first place, Ei has been pleased with the off-season.
“They have worked hard in the off-season and during the summer to be a stronger team than last year,” said Ei.

The team is freshmen laden but Ei’s keeping a positive outlook on the season.

“The freshmen are gamers, they don’t get rattled and they play to the end. They will absolutely push the sophomores for playing time,” said Ei.

Following up an act like Jill Stinson is no small task, but by the looks of Ei’s résumé, the volleyball program is in good hands.

Contact Tyler Conover, staff reporter at tconover@jccc.edu