On every competitive volleyball team, the setter is the underlined leader both on and off the court. Junior Sandy Kruger is the University of San Francisco's setter and captain along with sophomore Laura Tinetti. Kruger is returning to USF for her senior year and has been labeled "team mom" for the upcoming volleyball season. "She has a really genuine way of standing but as a leader on the court. She takes charge during games and practice," said freshman opposite hitter Katie Christensen. Christensen said that she and the other six freshmen knew volleyball at the collegiate level would be difficult to adapt to considering the road trips, tougher competition and especially a new team to get to know. "At practice we're told 'this isn't high school anymore.' [College and high school] are two different atmospheres and we are aware of what we need to do. Sandy doesn't push us because she wants us to adjust naturally and do our best for the team." Kruger spent two years at the University of Georgia where she was the team's starting center. She's a returning letter winner who contributed greatly to last year's volleyball team by accumulating 1,036 assists, ranking her fifth on USF's All-Time list.
Along with all the new freshmen, the team introduces first-year coach David Noble from New Mexico State and previously of UC Santa Barbara. The Dons took time away from the court to bond with one another at Point Bonita for a retreat in late summer. Christensen said it was a chance for the volleyball team to get away from the athletic part of the game and begin to feel comfortable about playing together. Volleyball is a team sport and the six girls on the court must have a familiarity with each other's playing styles. Kruger expressed her goals with her teammates at the retreat and brought up other important aspects about their team. The Dons agree that once their athletic skills combine with their communication skills that the team will find more notches in the win column. This season will definitely be a growing experience for the team as they face stiff competition in the West Coast Conference. But these Dons are ready to prove why they are better than the predicted sixth place. Senior setter Sandy Kruger will have the job of leading the Dons this season as she climbs the All-Time Assist leaders board ranking in the WCC. The three disappointing losses in the Power Bar Invitational over Labor Day weekend serve as a turning point. With more experience, the freshmen will begin to feel more at ease with returning players and each other. Then again, who couldn't find solace in a six foot, all-star setter who states that her goal for the season is simply to win (TheFoghorn).
