Aug. 26, 2003

Columbia, S.C. –
After a month of two-a-day practices, Carolina Volleyball begins the 2003 season this week as they travel to Los Angeles, Calif. for the Holiday Inn Tournament, hosted by the University of Southern Cal. The Gamecocks will face No. 8 Northern Iowa, No. 1 Southern Cal and Ball State during their first week of competition.

Head coach Kim Hudson Christopher is pleased with the progress the team has made since first stepping on the court in early August but knows there is still a lot to learn with this team.

“The opening tournament will no doubt be a tough test. We will be challenged in every area and I feel strongly that this is the best thing for this team at this time,” said Hudson Christopher. “We need to know where we stand and be challenged every time we compete.”

During the preseason training, the Gamecocks fine tuned fundamentals, worked on defenses and offenses and focused on individual strengths and weaknesses.

“This team is very talented. With a patient attitude and hard work, we will be good,” said Hudson Christopher. “Leadership is the key. The team has been exceptional in the gym, they are eager to learn and are diligent workers.”

Off the court, Carolina participated in several community service opportunities including a “Shadow Day” practice with young girls from the Epworth Children’s Home. To close out the two-a-day sessions, the team went on a retreat where they participated in team bonding exercises, relaxed and had a cookout.

Carolina plays its home opener next weekend when they host the Carolina Classic, Sept. 5-7. The Gamecocks will open the home tournament next Friday against No. 24 Michigan State and play No. 18 North Carolina on Sunday.