May 7, 2008

AUBURN - The Auburn volleyball team recently wrapped up its spring training season, leaving new head coach Wade Benson excited about the team's direction in 2008.

The Tigers did not play any formal matches during the spring season, instead focusing on mental training and adjusting to the style of an entirely new coaching staff. The main competition on the spring schedule came in the first-ever SEC Coaches Beach Volleyball Tournament in Gainesville, Fla.

"I think we have a thought process of what we are trying to get accomplished under the new coaching staff," said Benson. "We worked a lot on our mental training and team cohesiveness, getting a sense of who we are and what we are trying to be."

The Tigers return eight letterwinners from the 2007 season and expect as many as six newcomers on the roster in the spring, including walk-on Rebecca Simon who trained with the team throughout the spring. Also back are 2007 starters Jess Glover, Sara Shanks, Lauren Mellor and Liz Crouch. Others returning for 2008 are Kaitlin Simon, Alyssa Davis, Emily Knuth and Milena Bukinac.

"I thought we were successful in building the foundation that we are looking for in the future," said Benson. "I was happy with how the team responded to the new coaching staff and I feel like they are motivated and energetic toward the summer and the fall."

Benson is not entirely a newcomer to the team as he spent the 2007 season as an assistant under former head coach Laura Farina. He also is no stranger to being the head guy as he as a head coach at Eastern Washington for seven seasons.

Joining him on the staff are assistant coaches Chris Campbell and April Yantis. Campbell begins his first year at Auburn after serving as head coach at Northern Arizona the past four years. Yantis brings nine years experience as an assistant coach to the team, most recently working on the staff at Georgia in 2006.

As far as what will be different in 2008, Benson said it all comes down to taking care of the details.

"We are looking for less error and being more self-reliant on seeing what is going on - how change develops, countering change due to a better understanding and confidence level," said Benson. "Expect us to be a little bit more relaxed, more flowing and definitely more confident."

With Auburn losing its top three offensive threats from the 2007 season, big shoes are left un-filled for 2008. But, Benson said he saw some improvement in some players and it optimistic about the direction of the team.

"Liz Crouch did a good job this spring, and Alyssa Davis, who is going to be a large factor for us, showed a lot of promise," said Benson. "I think Jess Glover is going to show some new things next year and hopefully you will see a lot of passion back in her. But, overall, everyone bought in nicely and is on board with what we are trying to do here."

Auburn opens its 2008 season at home, Aug. 29-30, with the War Eagle Invitational. Mercer, New Orleans and Samford are scheduled to come in for the two-day tournament at the Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.