Kansas Volleyball Reports to Campus for Busy First Day

Aug. 8, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Head coach Ray Bechard and the Kansas volleyball staff welcomed the returning and incoming Jayhawks to campus on Monday afternoon for a day of team meetings followed by the traditional “Welcome Back” team dinner.

The Jayhawks bring back three seniors, two juniors, 10 sophomores and add two freshmen to the mix as the 2011 season gets underway Tuesday morning with a full two-a-day practice schedule.

“It never gets old for me, even in my 14th year,” Bechard said. “With a bunch of kids coming back after a successful trip this summer and then adding the two newcomers, I’m excited to get everybody back and get started.”

Bechard and the Jayhawks played seven matches during the team’s 12-day European tour earlier this summer. Kansas posted a 5-2 record during the trip that began in Rome, Italy and finished in Montreux, Switzerland.The seven matches gave KU’s 14 retuning letterwinners an added advantage on and off the floor as the competition enhanced their volleyball skills and the time away further strengthened the team’s chemistry.

Both will come in handy as the Jayhawks prepare to embark on the work-intensive preseason practices.On Monday, the team gathered for meetings with the coaching staff, Kansas Director of Athletics Dr. Sheahon Zenger and other members of the team’s support staff. Following their meetings, the Jayhawks suited up for team pictures before gathering for the annual team dinner that begins each new season.

Prior to the season opener, KU will hold an intersquad scrimmage at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center on Aug. 20. The match is slated for 3 p.m., and will be followed by an alumni reception. All fans are encouraged to attend free of charge.

Kansas will open the 2011 campaign in Athens, Ga., against Florida A&M in the opening match of the University of Georgia Bulldog Invitational. First serve is set for Aug. 26 at 3:30 p.m. CT.

Media Availability
Head coach Ray Bechard and requested student-athletes will be available following the second session of practice, Tuesday-Thursday at approximately 4 p.m. After an overnight retreat, Bechard and the team will again be available after second session from Aug. 13-19.

All requests should be directed to Alissa Bauer via email anbauerku.edu or by calling 785.840.5852.