Sept. 6, 2004

Columbia, S.C. –
Entering her sophomore year, Lynae Vanden Hull has already proven that she has what it takes to compete with the best in college volleyball. Having won SEC Co-Freshman of the Year in 2003, Vanden Hull is looking to help give the Gamecocks a winning season.

Originally from Papillion, Nebraska, a suburb of Omaha, Vanden Hull had her choice of many Division I schools. She chose USC because of the program, the coaches, and the school.

“I like it here a lot. I like the weather. I love Columbia,” said Vanden Hull. ” I like other places in South Carolina, like Charleston. I also like being close to the ocean.”

In spite of her success in volleyball, many would be surprised to know that Vanden Hull almost gave up volleyball altogether in high school.

“I really wanted to quit my junior year. I wanted to focus on basketball,” said Vanden Hull.

She kept with it because of the guidance and support that her high school coach, Gwen Egbert gave to her. Egbert started Vanden Hull in volleyball competitively when she was in high school.

“My high school coach really pushed volleyball and made me go to practice. She made sure I was at practice getting my things done,” said Vanden Hull.

Vanden Hull is no stranger to winning. Her high school team earned a national ranking of No. 11 in 2001, and won back-to-back state championships. Vanden Hull’s hard work has made her a valuable asset on the Gamecock team.

“I like the energy you can get from playing volleyball. After a good kill or when your teammate gets a really good pass, you get so much energy,” said Vanden Hull.

Vanden Hull isn’t concerned as much with individual achievements right now, but on achieving just as much success with the team.

“I want us to make it to the NCAA Tournament. That is what matters most to me,” said Vanden Hull.

With the Clemson match just around the corner, Vanden Hull is not only getting ready to play Carolina’s biggest rival, but her longtime friend, Anna Vallinch, who just transferred to Clemson this year. In the Clemson match last year, Vanden Hull led the team with a hitting percentage of .414 and was second on the team with 13 kills.

Vanden Hull has hopes of making it to the Sweet 16 and also aims for the Final Four, volleyball’s championship tournament. Vanden Hull would like to play in Europe after she finishes at USC.