There was plenty to be optimistic about over the summer of 1989 leading into the fall school year and the eagerly anticipated volleyball season at Oglethorpe University. The women's team had posted three consecutive 20+ win seasons and were set to return the top four statistical performers from the 1988 team, which was 24-6. The team, for the previous three years, had an incredible one two punch at setter and outside hitter Mary Jane Stuart and Kerensa Shoemake and they were poised for their senior seasons. Outside hitter Shoemake was top 10 in kills per game nationally in 1988 and Stuart had over 500 assists the previous year and there was no reason to think that combination would be any different.
The back row was anchored by defensive specialist Tracy Larson who led the team in digs and passing. Jennifer Marine would return as the player who excelled in transition from defense to offense. She was the most skilled player in all facets of the game in school history. Marine was outstanding, moving effortlessly between offense and defense and her serve success percentage of .965 was second only to Larson at .972 percent. Tall, athletic, veteran middle and right side hitters Lee Ann Fleming, Wendy Smith and Katrina Heath gave the team experience, height and depth along the front lines. The back row also featured Lynn Moody, Jeanne Miller and Tracy Rodgers. All seemed very promising, and then came a late addition via a transfer named Sami Bashlor. "We knew we had an incredible team with great chemistry, talent and depth and then in walked Sami," Coach Owen recalled. "At 6'0 tall and tremendously talented, she took the offensive position opposite of Kerensa and they formed the best duo of outside hitters on one team anywhere. It is a shame we weren't already NCAA DIIl and eligible for the NCAA post season, added Owen. We weren't competing in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) yet either. This team would have won the SCAC and advanced deeply into the NCAAs and may have won the championship," Owen stated.
Coach: Jim Owen
Players: Jennifer Marine, Mary Jane Stuart, Kerensa Shoemake, Monica Eidelman, Tracy Larson, Lee Ann Fleming, Wendy Smith, Katrina Heath, Sami Bashlor, Lynn Moody, Jeanne Miller, and Tracy Rodgers.
