August 28, 1998
TEMPE, Ariz. - ASU volleyball's setter, Jolynn Faatulu's road to success during her career has been rocky so far.
Plagued by injuries season after season, Faatulu's health seems to be the only thing that has kept her back.
1995- After getting the starting nod at setter her freshman year, Faatulu tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a game against USC in October. She was out for the remainder of the season.
1996- Faatulu medical-redshirted the season to rehabilitate her knee.
1997- Faatulu plays with nagging pain in both knees as well as both ankles. An avulsion fracture to her right ankle during a game against Oregon State kept her out of five games.
1998- ???
There is no question that this will be Faatulu's year to shine, barring injuries. Head coach Patti Snyder-Park is convinced that this is the season for Faatulu to thrive at the setter position and finally have the opportunity to reach her top potential.
"It's night and day compared to this time last season," Snyder-Park said. "She is setting as well as we've ever seen her set because she is in great shape. She is stronger, she is lighter, she is touching the ball- golden hands - the ball is on target every time.
"We're also able to challenge her more because her body can stand it. I'm making her jump set everything all the time, which I couldn't really do with her last year. Now we're able to train her at a whole different level. She is ready to go."
Despite playing through injuries Faatulu has had an impact on the court when she was able to play. Before her knee injury in 1995 she was averaging 12.29 assists per game and 2.90 digs. Last season she averaged 11.34 assists, 2.05 digs and 0.53 blocks per game, her best performance coming against Washington State when she had three kills, 58 assists, 12 digs and three block solos against the Cougars in an October match. Faatulu was also an all-tournament selection at the Phoenix Airport Hilton/Sun Devil Challenge and the Ladyjack Invitational.
Faatulu is also sixth on ASU's all-time list in career assists with 1,502.
This may be a brand new season for an ASU volleyball team that has finally gotten beyond the "rebuilding" stage. After last year's disappointing 13-16 finish, 4-14 in the Pac-10, the youth of yesteryear have turned into a more mature, experienced squad. And while one of Faatulu's personal goals is to keep healthy and strong, team wise, she is excited to start a season among such talented, determined players.
"I feel we can be in the top three in the Pac-10, for sure we can be in the playoffs this year," Faatulu said. "We're all having fun playing and that's the most important thing. Not everyone was in it last year, the (team) chemistry has really changed for the better.
"Before it was practice just to get through practice and then play hard during the games, but I think that is different this year because everyone is working hard during practice and just going all out."
As one of the few upperclassmen on the team Faatulu was named co-captain along with fellow junior Jamie Peck. In years before Faatulu was known for her quiet, controlled temperament on and off the court. This season things have changed.
"This is really different for me because now it's me and Jamie Peck, before there was always someone above me and I was always following them," Faatulu said. "This year it's a really different role for me and I've really trying to be a leader to these girls."
And Snyder-Park agrees Faatulu has taken charge.
"She has just showed such leadership and confidence in herself that it's just sort of oozed on over to the rest of the players and it couldn't be more timely to have that come from your setter," Snyder-Park said. "It's been wonderful, it's kind of a blossoming we always knew she was a strong player, but now the physical is matching up with the potential and we're expecting great things."
It is not only Snyder-Park that believes Faatulu is one of the premiere players on the team. Junior-transfer Becky Sidoti, who will be backing Faatulu up as the reserve setter, also looks up to her as a leader.
"When everyone else goes up and down, she is the one everyone can count on," Sidoti said. "She is the one that keeps us steady."
Great things are not only expected from Faatulu this season. According to Snyder-Park and the players, this team is finally ready to own up to its potential.
"Everybody has a great attitude. The players took ownership, but that comes from leadership. Jolynn, Jamie Peck and Amanda Burbridge were really core in holding all the rest of the kids accountable in their workouts in the spring and over summer," Snyder-Park said. "We have much more competitive drills that we can challenge them in because they can execute them. Through that they're gaining confidence because they're executing more competitive drills at a higher level."
In other words, actually Peck's, "We've got an awesome team this year."
The team has reason to be excited. ASU returns four of six starters, and while the shoes of ex-Sun Devils Terri Cox and Kirstin Mattson will be difficult to fill there are several newcomers and returnees willing to give it a try.
From the Court:
The Letterman- ASU returns the following starters, outside hitter Amanda Burbridge, setter Faatulu, middle blocker Laura Hibsman and opposite/middle blocker Peck.
Also returning for the Sun Devils are outside hitter/middle blocker Shawna Vanley, middle blocker Michelle Mortensen, setter/opposite Lindsay Priest and middle blocker Ashley Ottmann.
Look for Burbridge to have a major impact on the left side. The 6-2 sophomore averaged 2.28 kills and 2.08 digs last season earning her a spot on the All-Pac-10 Freshman team.
Hibsman will most likely lead the middle blockers through her experience. Last season she was third on the team in kills (198) and second in block assists (80). Vanley could also see time as a starter in the middle. Vanley averaged 1.79 kills and 0.79 blocks per game last season.
On the right side look for Peck or Priest to step into a starting spot. Peck averaged 1.47 kills, 1.00 digs and 0.60 blocks per game last year. Priest showed her versatility last season playing several positions, including setting when Faatulu was injured.
The Newcomers- Snyder-Park is extremely excited about how the newcomers will do on the team. As well she should be after recruiting one of the best players in the state last year, outside hitter Jami Coughlin. Coughlin led her Moon Valley volleyball squad to two back-to-back state championships in high school. However, Coughlin is not the only one Snyder-Park has high hopes for.
"We have five newcomers and every single one of them has something to offer," Snyder-Park said.
Of the five newcomers, two are junior-transfers. Sidoti was the starting setter on her at her California junior college (Golden West College) that earned back-to-back state titles.
Darice Smith is a transfer from New Mexico State and will serve the Sun Devils as a defensive specialist. Last season she lead her team in service aces (36) and averaged 2.17 digs.
The in-coming freshman include Coughlin, outside hitter Robyn Mattingly and defensive specialist Amy Bowler.
Snyder-Park considers Coughlin to be a real gift to the program.
"She is just a superb recruit for us-one of the best we've ever had as an overall package scholar athlete," Snyder-Park said. "She will be the first one to run through a brick wall and then come back and pick up the person that couldn't make it."
Snyder-Park is also pleased with Mattingly's versatility and power on the court and looks forward to see Bowler contribute as well.
The ASU volleyball season gets underway when the Sun Devils take on Georgia Tech Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Wells Fargo Arena at 7 p.m.
By Lori Haro