Spring Break
Oustanding Acknowledgements for Heiser and Higgins of WNMU Volleyball
Martyn Pearson
Issue date: 1/26/06 Section: Sports
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By Martyn Pearson
After a season full of exceptional performances, two key athletes from the WNMU volleyball team received profuse honors for their outstanding performance. Sophomore Courtney Heiser and Junior Stephanie Higgins both found themselves laden with credit throughout the fall season. Having followed each of these athlete's key contributions, no one can question just how well earned this recognition truly is.
Many WNMU supporters found themselves shifting closer to the edge of their seats as the squad made more and more headway throughout their Heartland conference play. However, one member of the team continued to shine in the eyes of Heartland officials. During the last two months of the conference season, Courtney Heiser was remarkably nominated setter of the week, five weeks out of seven. "It was really exciting," Heiser told The Mustang, "the nominations would come in every Tuesday, and after a while I found it hard to believe!"
Her contributions to the squad were truly honored by being named, not only MVP at the Heartland Conference tournament, but as a member of the All Conference 1st Team. However, even though 2005 was only her second year in college athletics, Heiser has her sights firmly set on the future.
"This week we have begun a very hard work out with Coach Buskin from the Football team," Heiser explained. "Even though the exercises are basic, we have found them very hard work! There is no question that the effort the whole team is putting in this off-season will help us to improve for next season."
Unfortunately, a broken hand is currently preventing hard-hitting Junior Stephanie Higgins from working out with the team. Whilst the injury was picked up during the Christmas break, many spectators in bleachers across the Midwest would have believed that any one of her superhuman kills could have shattered bone.
Higgins led the Heartland conference, not only in total kills (591), but also in kills per-game (6.16). However, being named Heartland Conference player of the year was only the first in a string of outstanding honors for the athlete. Soon after, Higgins was named into the All Southwest Region Volleyball team as a right side hitter, which was followed by a selection into the 2005 Daktronics Division two All-American third team.
It is clear Higgins possesses something very special indeed. As hard as it is to fathom however, her performance this season did not impress her as much as it did everyone else! "I didn't feel like I played that well at all." Higgins told The Mustang. "As soon as I am over this injury I will be back training regularly with the team. We are in for a very busy off-season!"
Last semester the WNMU volleyball team proved they have what it takes to compete at a remarkably high level. While students are still buying books and sorting out schedules, this team has not wasted a moment before getting into the weight room and beginning their rigorous off-season. It is clear from the attitudes and work ethic shown already by this talented team, WNMU can look forward to an exciting 2006 season!
