August 05, 2005
The Texas A&M volleyball team reports to campus Monday in preparation for the fall season.
Laurie Corbelli, entering her 13th year as head coach of the Aggies, returns five starters and five other letterwinners from the 2004 squad that went 19-9 and ranked No. 20 after advancing to the second round of the NCAA Championship. She also welcomes a touted group of freshmen.
"As a coach, this is the time of year you sense the excitement in the air," Corbelli said. "It's the feeling of getting ready to go on stage for what you love the most: the competition."
The players will attend a team dinner on Monday and partake in various meetings on Tuesday morning before beginning their first practice at 2:30 p.m. at G. Rollie White Coliseum.
"I sense the players are so eager to get on the court and begin what we think will be an unforgettable season," Corbelli said. "Most of them have been on campus all summer to get in the best shape they can be. I expect them to be in awesome shape and ready to go."
The team begins daily two-a-day practices Wednesday, typically taking the court from 9 a.m. -noon and 3-6 p.m. Practices are open to the public.
"Our returning starters in particular not only have experience but a great commitment to winning a championship," Corbelli said. "With the addition of a great recruiting class, we expect to see a lot of options and great competition both in practice and in matches. And with the return of All-American Laura Jones and the incredible leadership she offers the team, I believe the team chemistry will be the best that it has been in a long time."
The Aggies open the season at home against Prairie View A&M August 26 at 6:30 p.m. on the first day of the Texas A&M/Fazoli's Funfest. A&M concludes the tournament against Texas-Arlington August 27 at 6:30 p.m.