The Next Level

[pogo]

Last night on sports sunday they talked briefly as to what it was going to take to get to the "next level". Admittedly we are at a very high level now but there are a few teams that are perhaps a little better than the shox on any given night. The UT coach talked about an athletic outside hitter being enough to get to the next level. How do you attract the next level of player to WSU away from the Pac 10 and the big 12. I agree with the broadcasters last night that the atmosphere and crowd should be a very strong selling point with the lack of support in so many of the "top" teams and conferences. I mean why wouldn't an athlete want to play in CKA in front of 3,500 people on a nightly basis? Just wondering if anybody had any other thoughts. Go Shox

[shocks02]

Good Point. Most recruiting things come down to what the athlete thinks about these in the program.

Coach
Other Players
Fans
School
Location
Facilities

I think overall in these we rank pretty good. The things are most unattractive would be the fact that academically WSU isn't that prestigous of a school. Every thing else would seem to help recruiting.

[Shocker85]

Watching the Texas vs. Stanford and Penn St. vs. Nebraska national semifinal matches on Thursday night made it clear the Lady Shocks have some work to do to break into the elite circle in women's volleyball.

The athleticism and power of the players on these four teams was clearly superior to the level at which the Shocks can consistently play. Outside hitters ... indeed!

I think they have been to the mountain and seen what takes, now it is a matter of getting those elite players to come to WSU.

--'85.

[SpanglerFan316]

Does anyone have any info on incoming players? I know we have some wonderful players coming in; can they help us get to the top?
Chelsey Feekin and Mary Elizabeth Hooper might make a great 6-2 combo for the Shocks with Chelsey's strong right side potential when in the front row and MEH's strength (e.g. good blocker & smart player). MEH may not be able to do some things when setting (since she will be a backrow player when setting in the 6-2).

Here is an interesting item. KSU recruit Caitlyn Donahue is the Kansas Player of the Year (repeat 6A POY, prepvolleyball.com Kansas POY, etc.) and is the #78 rated player in the Senior Aces 2009 list. Chelsey Feekin is #72 on this same list.