Volleyball notes: Tate makes All-Big 12 Freshman team

By Josh Bowe

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

TATE NAMED TO ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM

Nicole Tate’s first campaign at setter would have been considered a success anyway; this is just the icing on the cake. The St. Louis, Mo., native was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team yesterday. Tate was the only Kansas player to be selected to any of the All-Big 12 teams. She started all 29 matches at one of the more difficult positions on the floor. She finished fifth in the Big 12 in assists at just a shade less than 10 per set at 9.92. Tate also chipped in 2.27 digs per set, which allowed her to lead the team in double-doubles with 11. Tate is the first Jayhawk to be named to the team.

BECHARD NAMED PRESIDENT-ELECT OF AVCA

Coach Ray Bechard can add another footnote to his long and successful career. The Kansas volleyball coach was announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) their new President-Elect for 2009.

“It’s exciting to once again become involved with the AVCA and its Board of Directors,” Bechard said. “The opportunity to work with outstanding leadership of this organization at a time where our sport is experiencing so much growth is something I am really looking forward to.”

Bechard’s responsibilities will include conducting board meetings, and he will serve as board liaison to the executive director and also as the general chair of the AVCA’s annual convention. Bechard had previous experience with the AVCA during his tenure at Barton Community College, where he served on the board of directors from 1992-1998

“When I saw this year’s slate of candidates, I knew the AVCA was going to benefit from continued strong leadership,” AVCA executive director Kathy DeBoer said. “Congratulations to Ray Bechard… we look forward to working with you.”

Bechard will take up his new position Jan. 1.

TOLEFREE SIGNS WITH KANSAS

Tayler Tolefree, a Lawrence native, signed a letter of intent last week to play for Bechard at Kansas. Tolefree is a six feet two inch middle blocker out of Lawrence High School who will hopefully fill the void created by blockers Natalie Uhart and Savannah Noyes’s graduation. She was an all-state selection in 2007 and has been named First-Team All-Sunflower League the last two seasons.

“Tayler is an outstanding player and we are very pleased that she has decided to become a Jayhawk,” Bechard said. “She is a great kid and one who the coaching staff and I feel can make an immediate impact on our team.”

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