Mahoney wraps up KU volleyball career
Senior overcomes past adversity, makes final season as Jayhawk her best
Though senior middle blocker Caitlin Mahoney had to overcome serious injuries early in her KU volleyball career, she has recovered to become a valuable player during her senior year.
Tuesday, November 20th, 2007
Caitlin Mahoney and Emily Brown play their last game as Kansas volleyball players 7 p.m. Wednesday at Texas Tech. Although their careers will end at the same time, that’s about all Mahoney, a senior middle blocker, has had in common with the record-breaking Brown.
Brown, a senior setter/right side, has received praise and accolades as the only player in KU history to start every game of a four-year career. Mahoney’s career has been about struggles and overcoming adversity.
It all started about a month before her freshman season in 2003. Mahoney, who led her a St. Louis high school team to 26 victories during her senior year, hurt her knee during a preseason workout. When the results came back, her worst fears came true. She would have to miss the entire season.
“Coach Bechard didn’t have to take me,” Mahoney said tearfully at Senior Night, “but he still did.”
Kansas at Texas Tech
7 p.m. Wednesday
Lubbock, Texas
Kansas (12-17, 5-14 Big 12) defeated Texas Tech (7-20, 1-17 Big 12) 3-0 on Sept. 22. The Jayhawks have an opportunity to sweep the season series against Texas Tech after losing both matches against Texas Tech last season.
Players to Watch
Kansas
Melissa Grieb, sophomore defensive specialist
Grieb, an Olathe native, has played in all 29 matches and is second on the team with 25 service aces. The defensive specialist also has averaged 1.70 digs per game.
Texas Tech
Alicia Ostmeyer, senior middle blocker
Ostmeyer is from Grinnell — the same hometown as Kansas volleyball coach Ray Bechard. She had 11 kills and four blocks in Texas Tech’s first match against Kansas and is averaging 2.42 kills per game.
To repay Bechard, Mahoney went to work. She took a redshirt and rehabbed the injury for a year, only to re-injure her knee in practice after the first two games of the 2004 season. When she was finally healthy as a sophomore in 2005, Mahoney played in 14 matches, including an NCAA Tournament match against UCLA where she made her first career start. Mahoney had her best match of the season the next year against No. 1 Nebraska. She recorded a career-high two solo blocks.
This has been Mahoney’s best year yet. She’s played in all but three matches and has totaled 115 kills and 64 blocks.
Now, she’s done being a Jayhawk. Mahoney might not have gained much attention for her career, but Kansas coach Ray Bechard noticed the work she did.
“She’s a lady who’s overcome a lot, a fifth-year player who had a real serious injury early in her career, but she’s been a tremendous teammate and asset for us.”
— Edited by Matt Erickson
Discussion
All comments are moderated by Kansan.com staff. For our full user policy, click here.
Share your 2¢
Requires free registration.