Ladyjack Volleyball Gives Back
5/18/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
February 25, 2000
CONTACT: Mandy B. Sciba
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- The Stephen F. Austin State University Ladyjack volleyball team has had much to be thankful for this year. After finishing the 1999 season with a 26-10 overall record and a NCAA tournament bid, the twelve member team decided to count its blessings and give back to the supportive Nacogdoches community.
The Ladyjacks' first project was in December when they worked in correlation with "Love in the Name of Christ," an organization that provided them with the names of families in the Nacogdoches area who were in need during the holidays. Ladyjack team members adopted a child and went on the hunt for various gifts. These gifts were purchased with donations from each member of the team.
Senior outside hitter Jenny Orndorff has participated in the Christmas event three consecutive years. "It is such a fulfilling thing to do. The children we go see are absolutely thrilled to receive these gifts. I don't think I'll ever forget the looks on their faces when they are opening each box. It is something that makes you so thankful for every little aspect of your life," said Orndorff.
Junior setter Marissa Dorcheus was a national leader last season in assists and has been a leader both on and off the court for the Ladyjacks. "You could win a NCAA championship and it couldn't compare to the magnitude of self-gratification those children can give you with just a smile. It is so powerful. I have done this project since I came to Stephen F. Austin in 1998, and I look forward to it every year," said Dorcheus.
In February the Ladyjacks were involved in the Bowling for Kids Sake which benefited the Big Brothers/Big Sisters's Club in Nacogdoches. There were teams of five, and each team member was responsible for collecting a minimum of $25. Sophomore Angie Wood and junior Melanie Taliaferro, both outside hitters for the Ladyjacks, were the designated team captains. The Ladyjacks helped raise over $22,000 for the project.
"This was an awesome opportunity for us. We don't do this for recognition. We do this for the people it helps. It also helps us as a team to grow together," said Wood.
"We had a great time. There were various activities throughout the event. Our team was more than happy to participate, as usual. We did a good thing and had fun at the same time," said Taliaferro.
Head Coach Debbie Humphreys has been with the Ladyjack volleyball program for thirteen seasons. Every season she has encouraged her teams to participate in community service. "Participating in community service activities is an important part of the overall college experience. It provides the student-athlete an opportunity to experience the joy of helping others, in a very different setting," said Humphreys.
The Ladyjacks enter next season with high hopes of bringing home a Southland Conference title after finishing last fall in second and clinching the Southland Conference Tournament title. They will open the season at home September 12, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. as they face Sam Houston State in the William R. Johnson Coliseum in Nacogdoches.
