The University of Tampa volleyball program has been filled with ups and downs for seniors Kaleigh Cunningham, Sam Macks, Meghan Sherman and Melissa Vanderhall.
The women all commented on Coach Catanach’s ability to communicate with the team and send the right messages.
“You come in not knowing what’s going on, and as you play for him for a few years, you realize he has to be the most brilliant man in volleyball” said Macks.
Sherman echoed the praise of her teammate.
“It’s mind blowing when you’re sitting here as a junior or senior and you see him give speeches to the freshmen, and you realize that was me only a few years ago” she said.
Some of the women consider Catanach a father figure, but they all consider him a great mentor.
“Just the other day he gave us all a speech about the people at the water cooler, and how hard they work. He’s always getting through to us,” said Cunningham.
For the seniors that came to UT far from home he has been a great assest in their lives.
“He is way more than just a coach. He wants us to succeed not only as volleyball players, but grow as women,” said Vanderhall.
It is safe to say that these four special seniors have grown from the time of their freshman years.
Sam Macks came to UT all the way from Oak Park, Ca. She started only one game her freshman year, but she was mature enough to keep working hard.
She didn’t miss a start her next year, and earned an All-SSC Honorable Mention and a spot on the NCAA South Regional All-Tournament team.
She didn’t slow down her junior year, focusing on academics as well as athletics, earning the SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
This season Macks is amongst the team leaders in many categories.
She is also tied for first with 87 blocks thus far.
Sherman had to be patient, as she only started one game her freshman year, but still saw a substantial amount of playing time.
Her sophomore season she was second on the team in assists with 478, earning SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Sherman separated herself from the competition during her junior year, leading the team and SSC with 1,293 assists, which was also fifth in the nation.
She earned Second-team-all-SSC honors, AVCA first-team All-American, and a spot on the NCAA South Regional all-tournament team.
This season Sherman has 1,151 assists, and her non-selfish style of play has been crucial to the Spartans success.
Cunningham was a key contributor to the team her freshman and sophomore seasons, but she too earned only one start her freshman year.
She made the SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll each of her first three seasons, but her junior year was when she made it clear what a tremendous volleyball player she is.
She earned First-team all-SSC, AVCA second-team All-American, CoSIDA Academic All-District second-team and was second on the team with 354 kills and 278 digs.
Vanderhall is one of the most talented volleyball players ever to come to UT. After redshirting her first year, she made the All-SSC freshman team in 2007.
She has also made the SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll every year. Vanderhall has been the SSC player of the year in back-to-back seasons, her sophomore and junior years. She has made the AVCA first-team All-American both seasons, and has been a vocal leader of the team since her sophomore year.
These four women have been getting better, and are leading what is turning out to be an amazing season this year.
Riding a 16-game-winning streak, the Spartans will open up the South Regional, at home, against Kentucky State, on Nov.18.
The team is playing fantastic, and is nearing its peak heading into Regionals.
Senior Night was last Saturday, and the seniors know this is their last chance to win a national championship and want to go out on top.
John Hilsenroth can be reached at jhilsenroth@spartans.ut.edu.