The 2009-2010 season will bring new challenges for the Redhawks, who will be in their second year of the D-I transition process.
Youth leadership
On the volleyball court, head coach Shannon Ellis and the young team look forward to another challenging but exciting season.
"Next year in volleyball Jamie Mellies will once again be running the court from the setter position," Ellis said.
Mellies was named GNAC Co-Freshman of the Year in 2007 and led the team in assists this season with 1,023.
"Kaytlyn Dill and Cristin Richards will be key hitters for us again, and they are a year stronger, faster and smarter now as sophomores so that will be really fun to watch," Ellis said.
Dill and Richards were at the top of the team in 2008 for kills with 113 and 110, respectively.
Life in the fast-lane
The 2009-2010 season will be the last transitional year for men's and women's soccer because both teams are being fast-tracked and will have full and active D-I status in the 2010-2011 season.
Returning for the men's soccer team will be the team's top scorer last year: Kyle Peterman. Peterman led the team in his freshman year with seven goals and three assists and scored 17 total points.
Goalkeeper Emerson DeOliveira boasted 28 saves last season and carries that into his senior year.
"To have a successful season we need good defense," said Brad Agoos, men's soccer head coach. "And that starts with our goalkeeper."
Agoos said sophomore midfielder Sean Morris will be another player to watch.
"We're expecting him to step it up a little bit more as a junior and continue to provide leadership," Agoos said. "He should have a great season."
On the women's side, head coach Julie Woodward named three upperclassmen as players to watch next year.
Jamie Coe and Kate Edstrom will be captains their senior year. Coe was the leading goal scorer for the team in 2008 with 11 goals and 24 total points. Edstrom led the team defensively.
Kara Kuttler, a forward entering her junior year, was second in goals with five and 17 total points.
"Kara had an unbelievable spring season and scored a ton of goals," Woodward said. "[She's] one of our most exciting players to watch."
Goalkeeper Madison Goverde had 20 starts and 56 saves this season, even as a freshman.
Building blocks start with foundation
For men's basketball, Chris Gweth is the top returning scorer with 312 points last season. Mike Boxley was fourth in points with 253. Gweth and Boxley will lead the team as seniors.
Aaron Broussard and Drew Harris were top scorers at the March 3 game against the University of Washington, posting 13 and 11 points respectively. They could be the future for new head coach Cameron Dollar.
A new team, a new tradition
Baseball will be the new kid on the block in its first season at Seattle U in almost 20 years.
Head coach Donny Harrel said baseball players who transferred from other colleges will provide leadership and experience on the new team. Arlo Evasick, a right-handed pitcher, transferred from Everett Community College where he led the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges in wins.
"He will be a huge plus for us," Harrel added.
Blaine Jones, another right-handed pitcher, transferred from Saddleback Junior College in California. Harrel said Jones is important because of his ability to close games.
Harrel also listed two transfer centerfielders, Phil Parrish and Doug Buser, as assets to the team because of their previous experience at D-I schools. Parrish and Buser transferred from University of Kansas and University of Oklahoma, respectively. Both Parrish and
Buser were on campus this year but lost a year of eligibility in order to meet NCAA transfer requirements.
"We hope to take from them experience from Division I and pass that on to our incoming players," Harrel said.
Taylor can be reached at sports@su-spectator.com.
In second year of transition, look to these players to make a difference
Published: Sunday, July 19, 2009
Updated: Thursday, August 20, 2009
 "Photo: Braden VanDragt | The Spectator")
Braden VanDragt | The Spectator
Sophomore Drew Harris drives the lane during the game vs. UW March 3. He is one of the rising men's basketball stars at Seattle U.
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