July 3, 2003

By Matthew Shoultz, USC Sports Information

Columbia, S.C. – As the 2003 season quickly approaches, the University of South Carolina volleyball team is having no problems finding ways to keep busy throughout the dog days of summer. Sarah Morgan, Lynae Vanden Hull, and Nicole Miller are spending their summers doing many different things while still focusing on preparing for the 2003 season.

Morgan began her summer in the classroom. The sophomore outside hitter took a Maymester class taught by the former voice of the Gamecocks, Charlie McAlexander. After completing the sports broadcasting course, Morgan took time off to visit with family and friends back home.

“Being that I am so far away during the school year, it is nice to be able to spend time with them over the summer,” said the Gibsonia, Pa. native.

Morgan will have the chance to spend plenty of time with her family as they have vacations planned in Charleston and Bethany Beach, Del. for later this summer. According to Morgan, the family has made Bethany Beach their vacation destination for the last 16 years. In July, Morgan will join her teammates as they take to the courts to help direct the volleyball camps that are run by USC.

Vanden Hull, a redshirt-freshman, spent the first month and a half in her hometown of Omaha, Neb. While in Omaha, Vanden Hull took the short drive to Rosenblatt Stadium to watch the Gamecock baseball team participate in the College World Series.

“It was a lot of fun and great to see people from Columbia in Omaha supporting our team,” said Vanden Hull.

A business major, Vanden Hull will focus on early morning workouts and a summer class to keep her busy throughout the summer. She will also work the five volleyball camps that are scheduled to take place at USC during the month of July.

“I haven’t been here long enough to say to much, but it is definitely much more humid here than it is back home.” Vanden Hull stated, when asked about the difference between summer in Columbia and back home in Omaha.

Miller is spending her third summer working as a lifeguard for the City of Stockton, Calif.

“I really enjoy it and the hours work good for me,’ said Miller who will be a sophomore this year.

Miller continues to improve her game by practicing at the junior college in her hometown and practicing with her former club team, Delta Valley.

“I’m spending a lot of time hanging out with my friends and relaxing since I will only be here for another month,” said Miller.