2009 Player Profiles

	Heather DeJongh
	Hometown:  Visalia, Calif. Position: Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker Year of Eligibility: Senior Height: 6-2 High School: Mt. Whitney High School Jersey No. 15

The athlete: Heather returns for her fourth season at Vanguard…started in all 30 matches as a junior…had her finest season as a Lion, leading VU in kills per game (2.88 p/g) and was second in overall kills (300 total), while compiling 47 blocks (10 solo), 28 aces and 200 digs in 2008…with more season like her junior campaign, she will record over 1,000 kills (needs 264), 500 digs (needs 188) and 200 blocks (needs 43) for her career…graduated in 2006 from Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, California…was a team captain for coach J.R. Allen in the West Yosemite League…three-sport high school athlete…earned Best Offensive award in volleyball, as well as the Coach’s Award…volleyball high school All-American…has played volleyball for nine years…active member of B.A.M. (Beyond Athletics Ministries)…reliable teammate who brings great size and strength to the lineup…6’2" all-around athlete…has improved every season…her veteran leadership will be a big factor in determining the Lions’ success this season. The person: Heather Marlene was born on June 8, 1988 in Bellflower, California…parents are Daniel DeJongh, and Stuart and Janet Hendricks…has one younger brother, a track star at Fresno Pacific…majoring in Kinesiology…carried a 3.8 GPA in high school…sports hero is Kerri Walsh…likes to eat at "Panera Bread"…favorite movie is "The Holiday"…watches "Friends" on TV…loves the color blue and the number 15…enjoys taking naps, swimming, biking and camping …favorite Bible verse is John 3:16…most respects her mom because she is her best friend and the most amazing woman she knows…learned in life to trust her future with God…career goal is to play pro volleyball overseas and become a physical therapist…volleyball has taught her to play with heart and for a bigger purpose, communication, and team work. Heather’s Senior Reflection: "I want to be remembered as a light on my team, on and off the court. I want people to remember someone who set the pace for how a collegiate athlete is supposed to act during competition with sportsmanship and servant leadership." Coach Cothran’s comments: "Heather is one of the most adaptable players in our program. She has played Right Side, Outside Hitter, and now will be asked to be a starting Middle Blocker for us. She has worked hard to be the player she is today, and is continuing to develop as a great leader."

	Jessica Roy
	Hometown:  Huntington Beach, Calif. Position:  Middle Blocker Year of Eligibility:  Senior Height: 5-9 High School/Last School:  Edison High School/Orange Coast College Jersey No.  3

The athlete: Jessica comes back to Vanguard for her senior season, her second campaign with the Lions…made an immediate impact on the team, as she played in 28 of the 30 matches as a junior, starting 19…finished second on the team with 57 total blocks (6 solo), and recorded 139 kills (.264 kill percentage) and 31 digs…transferred to VU from Orange Coast College, where she played two seasons with Head Coach Chuck Cutnese…had a record-breaking hitting percentage…Most Improved in 2006…Co-MVP in 2007…graduated from Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California in 2006 where she played for Head Coach Trent Jackson…played club for Orange County Volleyball Club…has played volleyball for ten years…great teammate…powerful attack…has improved her quickness over the last year…will provide the Lions with a mature leader. The person: Jessica was born in Orange, California to parents Jeff and Ellen on 8-8-88…has three brothers…majoring in Psychology…favorite movie is "Rockstar" and TV show is "Barefoot Contessa"…likes the color pink and the number ten…roots for the New York Rangers…sports hero is Cristiano Renaldo…hobbies include soccer, surfing and cooking…says honesty is the most important characteristic for a person to have…learned in life to never underestimate yourself…volleyball has taught her to believe in herself…career goal is to get her Ph.D. and have her own counseling practice. Jessica’s Senior Reflection: "I want to be remembered as someone who treated everyone with love and respect, and someone who did things that united the team and brought each other together." Coach Cothran’s comments: "Jessica’s maturity and ability to meet people where they are at as a person will definitely help the cohesiveness and unity of our team."

	Meghan Walsh
	Hometown:  Clovis, Calif. Position:  Setter Year of Eligibility:  Senior Height:  5-6 High School:  Clovis High School Jersey No.  4

The athlete: Meghan returns for her fourth season in a Vanguard uniform, after starting all 30 matches in 2008 at setter for the Lions…a solid contributor and part-time starter her first two seasons, she set career highs in assists (1092), digs (217), and kills (62) as a junior…has 2195 assists, 558 digs, 95 kills and 72 serving aces in her career…a 2006 graduate of Clovis High School…team MVP as a senior…made the All-Conference and All-City teams…notched 925 assists in final high school season…setter who played for Coach Richard Lake at CHS…helped earn the TRAC and Valley Championships…also played for the Central Valley Volleyball Club…has played the game for eleven years… good setting skills and good speed to the ball…has agility and quickness…has worked hard on her setting posture and other areas of the game…the Lions will look for another consistent season from their senior setter to help them reach their full potential. The person: Meghan Marie was born in Fresno, California on December 28, 1987 to her parents Tim and Maureen Walsh…nickname is "Squirrel"…has two older brothers…majoring in Psychology…enjoys eating at "Taco Bell"…favorite holiday is Easter…loves the color green and the number four…roots for Notre Dame…favorite movie is "Garden State"…enjoys watching "Seinfeld" on TV…hobbies include sleeping, all sports and reading…most respects her parents for their consistent character and values…career goal is to do something that benefits others – to work for something with unselfish intentions…volleyball has taught her how to rely on herself and others and work as a team. Meghan’s Senior Reflection: "I want to be remembered as a hard worker in the classroom and on the court." Coach Cothran’s comments: "In the past three seasons, Meghan has done a great job leading the team as our setter. Last year she tremendously matured mentally as a player. I am excited to see how she will push her teammates to a new limit this season."

	Kelsey Wirt
	Hometown:  Fair Oaks, Calif. Position:  Outside Hitter Year of Eligibility:  Senior Height: 5-10 High School: Bella Vista High School  Jersey No.  8

The athlete: Kelsey is back for her senior season after garnering another All-GSAC selection as a junior (an honor she also received as a freshmen for VU in 2006)…considered one of the top players in the conference, she started all 30 matches for Vanguard and was near the top in several offensive categories…led the team with 301 kills (2.87 k/g) and was second with 266 digs, 59 blocks, and 67 assists in 2008…also recorded 28 serving aces, tying her for third on the team…has tallied over 300 kills in each of her first three seasons as a Lion, and needs just 37 more to top the 1,000 career kill mark…already has totaled 1,011 digs, 149 blocks, and 116 assists in her first three seasons in a Vanguard uniform…was named an NAIA Academic All-American as a junior (3.5 GPA)…she played for Coach Troy Songer at Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks…four-time varsity MVP…three-time League MVP…four-time All-League player…three years All-City selection…also a high school swimmer…played for the Delta Valley Volleyball Club for four years…has played the game for nine years…top returning attacker for the Lions, yet also has good blocking and defensive skills…will be relied upon to provide a strong outside attack again in 2009. The person: Kelsey Lynn was born on February 26, 1988 in Sacramento, California to her parents Bruce and Toni Wirt…has one athletic older brother…nicknames are "Kelsor", "K Dub", and "Shmeis"…majoring in Communications at Vanguard…likes the color blue and the number eight…enjoys eating sushi, sandwiches, and cookie dough ice cream…favorite movie is "Cool Runnings"…enjoys watching "The Office" on TV…enjoys riding her bike and working at "Sunglass Hut"…says consistency is the most important characteristic for a person to have…most respects her parents because they lead by example…career goal is to play volleyball overseas…learned in life to have good friends. Kelsey’s Senior Reflection: "I want to be remembered as a good student and a passionate volleyball player." Coach Cothran’s comments: "Kelsey is truly a student of the game of volleyball. She is a very strong and powerful player that will help us both defensively and offensively."

	Jamie Heenan
	Hometown:  Costa Mesa, Calif. Position: Outside Hitter Year of Eligibility: Sophomore Height: 5-9 High School:  Newport Harbor High School Jersey No. 10

The athlete: Jamie returns to Lions for her sophomore season after an impressive debut as a freshman…played in all 30 matches for VU, starting 23…was second on the squad with 33 serving aces, and also recorded 184 kills (1.75 k/g), and 150 digs in 2008…set a season high with 13 kills against Holy Names…also recorded 5 serving aces against conference rival Azusa Pacific…came to Vanguard from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California where she played for Head Coach Dan Glenn…four-time first-team All-League performer…All-County…Orange County All-Star team member…has played volleyball for seven years…played seven years of club for OCVBC…also ran track… …great ball control…consistent server…great potential for VU’s future. . . athletic, strong young player who looks to build on the success of her freshman season. The person: Jamie was born in Newport Beach, California on July 1, 1989…parents are Kevin and Debbie…has three other siblings…her brother Dennis plays basketball for the VU Lions…major is psychology…likes eating bluemoon salad…favorite movie is "Happy Feet" and TV show is "Weeds"…likes the color pink and the number ten…roots for the LA Lakers…sports hero is Kevin Garnett…enjoys reading, going to the beach, playing with her dog "Charlie", and art…most respects her parents for loving her and teaching her lessons…learned in life to be kind to everyone and be yourself…volleyball has taught her to work hard and determination…career goals are to graduate and become a teacher. Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because of the location, the team, and the coaches. Coach Cothran’s comments: "The competitive spirit that Jamie brings to the court for our matches will help lead our team to success. Her mental aspect as a player has improved and she will bring consistency in passing to our program."

	Alexandra Leja
	Hometown:  Thermal, Calif. Position: Setter Year of Eligibility:  Sophomore Height: 5-8 High School/Last School:  La Quinta High School/Academy of Art University Jersey No.  9

The athlete: Alex joins the Lions as a sophomore after transferring from Academy of Art University where she played one season…as a freshman, she played in 26 matches and was second on the team recording 443 assists and 26 serving aces in 2008…also had 129 digs while primarily playing the setter position…played for coach Gary Barton at La Quinta High School in La Quinta, California…was a four-year letter winner and a two-time co-captain…along with new VU teammate Lisa Morgan, led her High School team to undefeated seasons her junior and senior years…MVP of the Desert Valley League as a senior…also was "The Desert Sun" Volleyball Athlete of the Year as a senior…has played volleyball for eight years, including two years as a member of 951 Elite Volleyball Club in Temecula…very coachable….great work ethic…always puts her team first…will see action her first season as a Lion. The person: Alex was born in Palm Springs, California on May 10, 1990…parents are Greg and Cheri…has one older sister who also plays collegiate volleyball…majoring in theatre arts at VU…likes to eat anything her mom makes, especially chocolate…enjoys watching "Grey’s Anatomy" and the movies "Italian Job" and "Nacho Libre"…roots for USC…sports hero is George Morris…favorite hobby is horseback riding…thinks the most important characteristics for a person to have are tolerance, honesty, and gratitude…most respects her family for molding her into the person she is today…volleyball has taught her to be a servant leader…career goal is to work in design. Her thoughts: I came to Vanguard because of the location, the competitive conference, and the sense of family at VU. Coach Cothran’s comments: "Alex understands what it means to be a great teammate. Because she pushed players and also looks out for the needs of the team, Alex has been selected as a captain this season. She will also have a big role as one of our setters."

	Chelsea McCrea
	Hometown:  Costa Mesa, Calif. Position: Setter Year of Eligibility: Sophomore Height: 5-6 High School:  Capistrano Valley Christian High School  Jersey No.  11

The athlete: Chelsea returns to VU for her sophomore season, after joining the team in the fall of 2008…played in five matches for the Lions last season, after winning a National Championship as a redshirt on the Vanguard Women’s Basketball team the previous year…came to VUSC from Capistrano Valley Christian High School…graduated in 2007…played multiple sports, including volleyball, softball, and basketball in high school…4-year volleyball player and led her team as a captain…two-time second-team All-CIF selection…has played volleyball for ten years…left-handed…late addition to the volleyball team who provided some enthusiasm and spark to the Lions roster…has worked hard the past season to contribute more on the court for Vanguard. The person: Chelsea was born on May 8, 1989 to her parents Phil and Ceci McCrea…is a Communications major at Vanguard…nicknames are "Chels" and "McCrea"…has two younger brothers…favorite place to eat is "Tommy Bahamas"…likes to eat Mexican food and coffee ice cream…favorite bible verse is Hebrews 11:1…roots for the New England Patriots…sports hero is Tom Brady…loves the number 11 and color yellow…enjoys reading and shopping at Nordstrom’s…favorite holidays are Christmas and Valentine’s Day…believes that honesty is the most important characteristic for a person to have…respects her mom and dad for the great examples they have set for her…has learned that life is short, so live it up…competing in athletics has taught her to be mentally tough. Her thoughts: The thing I like most about Vanguard is the Christ-centered environment. Coach Cothran’s Comments: "Chelsea has the ability to unite people and bring people together. Because Chelsea has a heart for everyone, she will help contribute to the cohesiveness of our team."

	Lisa Morgan
	Hometown:  Indian Wells, Calif. Position:  Outside Hitter Year of Eligibility: Sophomore Height: 5-10 High School/Last School:  La Quinta High School/San Francisco State University Jersey No.  6

The athlete: Lisa joins the Lions for a her sophomore season after transferring from San Francisco State University, where she played her freshman season in 2008…played in 28 matches for the Gators, starting 20…recorded 100 kills (1.15 k/g), 170 digs and 28 serving aces (third on the team)… played for coach Gary Barton at La Quinta High School in La Quinta, California…was a four-year letter winner and a three-time co-captain…along with new VU teammate Alex Leja, led her High School team to undefeated seasons her junior and senior years…played in the Desert Valley League, where she was named all-league three times and also League MVP…was named "The Desert Sun" Player of the Year...has played Volleyball for nine years…played seven seasons of club volleyball with the Desert Sports Volleyball Club and 951 Elite...carried a 4.3 GPA in High School…provides another offensive weapon with her passing and attack skills…has potential to be a great impact player…should be an instant contributor in her first season as a Lion. The person: Lisa was born on October 15, 1990, to her parents Scott and Brenda…will major in accounting at Vanguard…has an older sister, Sarah…enjoys eating at "BJ’s" and anything Mexican…likes the movie "16 Candles" and the TV Shows "The Office" and "South Park", roots for Lance Armstrong and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim…favorite Bible verse is Psalms 118:24…likes the color teal and the number three…hobbies include shopping at Urban Outfitters, going to the movies and the beach, snowboarding, and hanging out with friends and family…most respects her mom for working hard and being willing to do anything for the kids…believes honesty and a sense of humor are the most important characteristics a person can have…has learned that life is not always fair, so make the best of what you have…volleyball has taught her to have patience and a strong work ethic…career goal is to combine her accounting skills with her interest in media. Her thoughts: I chose Vanguard because of its great location, the school atmosphere, and the friends. Coach Cothran’s Comments: "Lisa is a very well-rounded player and displays the consistency that will help stabilize our team."

	Ariel Strickler
	Hometown:  Silverthorne, Colo. Position:  Libero Year of Eligibility:  Sophomore Height: 5-6 High School/Last School:  Summit High School/Graceland University Jersey No.  1

The athlete: Ariel comes to Vanguard as a sophomore transfer from Graceland University…saw limited action as a freshman at GU…enrolled at VU in the spring of 2009, and has been practicing with the Lions throughout the spring and summer…played for coach Gary Sorenson at Summit High School in Frisco, Colorado…was named second-team all-conference as a junior, then first-team all-conference as a senior in the Jeffco Conference…was voted the best defensive player at Summit her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons…has played volleyball for nine years…played club volleyball for the Thundercats and Wolfpack for four seasons…has worked really hard through the spring and summer to have a huge impact playing the libero position. The person: Ariel Celestina was born on August 4, 1990 to parents Russ and JoGina…plans on majoring in business at VU…has one younger brother…loves to eat at "Nozawa" and enjoys sushi and cookie dough ice cream…likes watching "Desperate Housewives" on TV…Favorite color is burgundy and number is four…roots for the Denver Nuggets, especially Chris Anderson…hobbies include art, going to the beach, and snowboarding…believes that the most important characteristic for a person to have is trust…most respects her parents for teaching her everything she needs to know…has learned in life that sports don’t build character, they reveal it…volleyball has taught her discipline…career goal is to have her own business. Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because of the community and the friends I have here, as well as the location! Coach Cothran’s Comments: "Ariel’s desire to improve and the best possible player she can be will help her be successful at the libero position for us."

	Alison Verwey
	Hometown:  Fresno, Calif. Position:  Outside Hitter Year of Eligibility: Sophomore Height: 6-0 High School: Immanuel High School  Jersey No.  2

The athlete: Alison is back at VUSC for her sophomore season in a Lion uniform…played in 16 games as freshman, mostly appearing at the outside hitter position…though she saw limited time in her first collegiate season, she was a standout high school player for Immanuel High School, in Reedley, California…played for Head Coach Ken Clyburne…was the league MVP in 2007…was chosen as an all-league performer for three seasons…played six seasons of club volleyball for Central Cal Volleyball…has played the game for nine years…has shown glimpses of her natural skills and potential…possesses a great attitude and has strong character…could see more playing time as a sophomore, after gaining some experience in the collegiate game last season. The person: Alison was born in Fresno, California to parents John and Ann on March 6, 1990…has two older sisters and one older brother…plans to major in Liberal Studies…loves eating at "BJ’s", "CPK" and "Chipotle"…favorite movies are "What Happens in Vegas" and "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days"…likes the color purple and the number 11…favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:19…hobbies include beach volleyball, reading, movies and spending time with friends and family…says loving and serving everyone are the most important characteristics for a person to have…most respects her mom because she’s strong in the Lord and has always pushed me to be a better person…learned in life that God will prove His strengths in our weaknesses, and that He is always unfailing…career goal is to be a secondary school teacher and/or a hairdresser. Her thoughts: I like Vanguard because I love how small it is. I also love its location and what it stands for: a God-fearing school. Coach Cothran’s comments: "We are fortunate to have Aly has a part of our program. She has such a caring heart towards everyone one she comes in contact with. She has improved tremendously from her freshman year and could see more playing time this season."

	Danielle Beebe
	Hometown:  Sparks, Nev. Position: Setter Year of Eligibility: Freshman Height: 6-0 High School:  Spanish Springs High School Jersey No.  5

The athlete: Danielle joins the Vanguard Volleyball program as a freshman setter from Sparks, Nevada…played for Coach Frank Sandomenico at Spanish Springs High School…was the four-time MVP of her team…also voted first-team all-league…led her team in assists, kills, and serving aces…earned a 4.0 GPA at Spanish Springs…has played volleyball for eight years, including two seasons for the Capital City Volleyball Club…also played basketball in high school…provides height at the setter position, as well as more depth…could earn playing time due to her size and athleticism…must adjust to the talent and speed level of the collegiate game. The person: Danielle Catherine was born on June 18, 1991 in Reno, Nevada, to parents Mike and Mary Beebe…has two younger brothers and one younger sister, all of whom are athletes…majoring in kinesiology at VUSC…likes eating at "The Olive Garden" and enjoys banana bread…favorite movie is "Finding Nemo" and TV show is "That 70’s Show"…favorite colors are yellow and purple and number is seven…roots for Misty May and Kerri Walsh in Women’s Beach Volleyball…favorite Bible verses are 1 Corinthians 13:4-7…enjoys watching anything with Will Ferrell in it…hobbies include playing the guitar, singing, and writing music…believes the most important characteristic for a person to have is having a heart for God…most respects her grandma because of her love for the Lord…Volleyball has taught her to always strive to be the best…career goal is to work with children and eventually own her own business. Her thoughts: I chose Vanguard because it is a Christian school, it has a good Volleyball program and academic program, and it is close to home. Coach Cothran’s Comments: "Danielle is a great example as a student-athlete. Being a 6’1" setter will provide height for us on the right side. Her teachable spirit will help her to catch on the our system quickly."

	Jordan Brackett
	Hometown:  Palm Desert, Calif. Position:  Liberto Year of Eligibility: Freshman  Height:  5-6 High School: Palm Desert High School  Jersey No.  7

The athlete: Jordan arrives at VUSC as a freshman from Palm Desert, California…played volleyball at Palm Desert High School for Coach Scott McGihon…was named all-conference as a senior at PDHS…led her team to the league title as a senior, after back-to-back seasons finishing runner-up…was a scholar-athlete as she carried a 3.7 GPA throughout high school…has played volleyball for eight years, including two seasons for 951 Elite Volleyball Club…gives the Lions more options defensively…quick learner who could adapt well to the faster-paced college game…has worked hard to contribute to the Vanguard program. The person: Jordan was born to parents Steve and Susi Brackett in Garden Grove, California, on April 18, 1991…has one younger sister…plans to major in Liberal Studies at VU…loves to eat at CPK, or any Italian food…enjoys watching "Talladega Nights" and "The Notebook", as well as "Gossip Girl" on television…favorite color is turquoise and number is three…roots for the Los Angeles Angels and Mike Napoli…favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 16:3…hobbies include beach volleyball, surfing, and shopping…believes determination and drive are the most important characteristics a person can possess…most respects her mom because she has gone through so much…life has taught her to laugh at yourself, take everything in, and not to care what people say…volleyball has taught her to not give up and to keep her head high…career goal is to become a first-grade teacher or wedding planner. Her thoughts: I selected Vanguard because I love Newport, the people, and the coaches. Coach Cothran’s Comments: "Jordan has such a great spirit about her. She has a very powerful jump serve and will be competing for a libero spot this season."

	Candace Cedarstrom
	Hometown: Ladera Ranch, Calif. Position:  Middle Blocker Year of Eligibility: Freshman Height:  6-1 High School: Tesoro High School  Jersey No.  13

The athlete: Candace joins the Lions as a freshman middle blocker from Ladera Ranch, California…played for Tesoro High School and Head Coach Rich Polk…was named most improved player in high school, as she has dramatically improved every season…recorded a season-high 16 points in one game her senior year…carried a 3.38 GPS in high school…has played volleyball for only four years…though she is relatively new to the game of volleyball, she will compete for playing time as a freshman…brings great size and athleticism to the VU attack…provides added depth on the front line…though just her first season of college volleyball, she should make an immediate impact on the Lions program. The person: Candace was born in January 7, 1991 in Long Beach, California…parents are Roy and Mary Cedarstrom…has one younger brother, Eric…favorite place to eat is "Jalapenos", and enjoys quesadillas and cookie dough ice cream…favorite movies is "Mean Girls" and TV show is "House"…likes the number fourteen and the color pink…favorite car is a Corvette and favorite day is Friday…loves Christmas…likes to hang out, read and shop at Nordstrom when she is not playing volleyball…believes that compassion is the most important characteristic a person can have…has learned in life to work hard…volleyball has taught her that everyone needs to work hard together to be successful…career goal is to help others. Her thoughts: The things I like about Vanguard are its location and the great academics it provides. Coach Cothran’s Comments: "Candace is a great addition to our program. She provides height in the front row and is a very determined and diligent person. We are excited to see what Cadace is going to do for our program the next four years."