Texas Tech University Athletics
Week 1: Red Raider Volleyball Notebook
August 25, 2004 | Women's Volleyball
Aug. 25, 2004
While the Red Raider fan can come and see their 2004-05 volleyball team on the court at every home game, there are many things that the fan will never experience. This year's Red Raider volleyball team will give fans an inside look at what preparation the team goes through for every match. Each week a different player(s) will be highlighted to write about the past weeks experiences and events in their own words. This week features this year's 2004-05 senior class. Senior Defensive Specialist, Daneen Grisham: It seems like only yesterday when I walked into the Spirit Arena for the first time, and now I'm already beginning my senior year. Weird, how time flies. We have gone through 11 days of grueling practices and things are looking really good for us. (Ok, things haven't been THAT grueling but we have had some tough days.) People are showing up everyday ready to play some great volleyball. It's exciting to see that coming from the nine new faces and all the returnees. The team this year is already meshing well on and off the court. We enjoyed a fun day together out at the pool on our day off. It was fun being out of the gym for once. I can't wait to see how talented our team is going to be this season, I'm hoping for the best!! Senior Setter Laura Grote: We have officially kicked off the second week of two-a-days after an already intense first week. I can honestly say that the competitive level this year is so much higher and the depth of our players is so much stronger than I have ever seen during my career at Tech. With each practice our team improves more and more and we are definitely ready to travel to San Diego State for our first tournament. Plus, we are anxious to play in our home tournament in front of all our family, friends and loyal fans. And although I am so ready to start conference play, it is scary to think this is my last season. And although I don't know if I will ever pick up another volleyball after these next four months, I do know that my last semester will bring some memorable moments and lasting friendships. For instance, I already have the image of Desiree Batista dancing in the locker room one day to her Brazilian music, providing some relaxation and laughter before our second practice. Well, I hope to see every one of you at our games this fall!! We are expecting big things this season and the Texas Tech volleyball program wants to share all this excitement with you. Senior Outsider Hitter Kelly Johnson: We are finally in our second week of two-a-days and it feels like it's our sixth week. We are starting to play more games and practices and are definitely getting more intense. The freshman are doing great and our other junior college transfers are going to add a whole new aspect to the team. We like to laugh at Desiree Batista in the locker room when she does dances from Brazil. Batista she is so laid back and is one of a kind. We all have bruises and blisters to compare at the end of the day, but in the end we just keep playing hard and have fun together on and off the court. We can't wait until the home tournament to show off our new team and showcase the new talents. Hope to see new and old faces in the stands this upcoming season.
