2009tennisguide

3800 Hillsborough Street

Raleigh, NC 27607-5298

www.meredith.edu/athletics

08-171

tennis’09

Meredith College students have participated in athletic events on

campus for more than 100 years. Athletics at Meredith College began

in 1904 with the advent of Meredith’s Athletic Association. In addition

to sponsoring other student activities around campus, the athletic

association began to sponsor sports in 1937. The original sports

at Meredith included basketball and tennis. Meredith’s basketball

program began with two teams, the Reds and the Blues. The first

competitive games against other schools were held in 1904 with two

games against St. Mary’s College.

In the early years, Meredith athletic activities included swimming,

soccer, horseback riding, tennis, baseball, basketball, golf, football and

field hockey. The first events were primarily inter-class competitions.

In November 1937, Meredith

aligned with the Virginia Field

Hockey Association and

became a part of the United

States Conference.

The 1940s and 1950s

brought some big victories

for the basketball team. In

1944, Meredith’s freshman-

sophomore basketball team hosted the Peace Junior

College (now Peace College) team. The outcome was a victory for

Meredith, and the game marked the beginning of the heated cross-

town rivalry between the two Raleigh women’s colleges. In 1952, the

basketball team pulled out impressive victories against the University

of North Carolina and Duke. The field hockey team continued this

trend in 1952 by defeating both the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils.

Meredith athletics took on a new life with the completion of

Weatherspoon Gymnasium in 1970. Weatherspoon is still the home

of the basketball and volleyball teams, training facilities and athletics

offices. The first full-semester golf team was launched in 1976.

The volleyball and tennis teams saw their first winning seasons

during the 1970s.

Riding the wave of momentum built in the 1970s, Meredith athletics

earned state and conference titles in the 1980s. In 1980, the golf

team won the NCAIAW state championship while the tennis team

took the conference title. Also in that year, the Student Government

Association adopted the angel

as the school’s official mascot.

The golf team finished second

in the AIAW Division III national

tournament in 1981, making

it the first bid for a Meredith

athletics team to compete for a

national championship. Softball

was added as a varsity sport during

the 1985-86 academic year. The most recent varsity sports to be added

were soccer in 1993 and cross country in 2005.

In recent years at Meredith, there has been an increase in the

competitiveness of the athletics programs on a regional and national

level in Division III. The program has had five NCAA tournament

bids across three different sports since 2001 (basketball 2001,

2003; tennis 2003, 2007; and soccer 2007). During the summer

of 2007 the name of the sports teams was changed to

“Avenging Angels” to emphasize the prowess of

Meredith athletes. The 2007-08 season marked

the first year of competition in the USA South

Athletic Conference.

Meredith is committed to blending

intercollegiate athletics with a strong academic

program. Student-athletes follow the same

academic requirements and standards as other

students; they must maintain good academic

standing with the College, be full-time

students and follow the rules of the NCAA.

The athletic program maintains the same high

standards set for other departments and the same

commitment to the education and personal development

of student-athletes.

MEREdith COllEgE AthlEtiCS hiStORy thE diViSiON iii EXPERiENCE Meredith athletics teams

participate in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic

Association. Meredith College fully supports the Division III

experience that allows the student athlete to enjoy competitive

sports and other activities throughout their college years. Division

III athletics offers student-athletes the opportunity to become

well-rounded individuals who successfully integrate athletics and

academics while experiencing all aspects of college life. Division III

athletics feature athletes who can receive only academic financial

assistance and athletics departments that are staffed and funded

like any other department in the College.

ACAdEMiCS Meredith College’s commitment to academics

is exemplified by its athletics teams. Each year, the USA South

Athletic Conference recognizes its student-athletes’ hard work in the

classroom by naming an Academic All-Conference team. A student-

athlete must have earned a 3.0 GPA in each of the two semesters

of a given year to be eligible. The athletics department also offers

a special Athletics Director’s List that recognizes the athletes that

receive a 3.5 each of the two semesters. During the 2007-08 season,

48.7% of Meredith’s student athletes finished with a 3.0 or higher

and 20% received the Athletics Director’s award with a 3.5 or higher.

MEdiCAl SERViCES In addition to the academic and fitness

programs available, the athletic training staff provides excellent

care for participants. The athletic training support staff consists of

head athletic trainer, Sharon Malley, student athletic trainers from

the University of North Carolina and on-call physicians. Some of the

services and equipment provided in the Weatherspoon Gymnasium

include a whirlpool, hydrocollator, ultrasound, injury ice and

electrical stimulation. Meredith College serves as a clinical site for

the UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Athletic Training Program.

StRENgth ANd CONditiONiNg The program is headed

by Meredith’s Strength and Conditioning Coach David Zinn who

is a certified personal trainer and sports conditioning specialist.

An instructor in the Department of Health, Exercise & Sports

Sciences at Meredith, Coach Zinn assists in the development and

implementation of conditioning and weight training programs for all

of Meredith sports.

COMMUNity SERViCE The student athletes at Meredith

College are committed to much more than sports. Members from

each team are elected to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee

that organizes support for each sport and also coordinates

community service. Some of their past volunteer work includes

Special Olympics of Wake County, Habitat for Humanity, Service

Raleigh, and the USA South Athletic Conference’s Cans Across the

Conference and Pennies for a Purpose.

MEREdith COllEgE AthlEtiCS PROgRAM

2009 meredith avenging angels tennis 1

CREDITS: The 2008-09 Meredith College Media Guide is a

publication of the Meredith College Athletics Department

in conjunction with the Department of Marketing.

Editor: Meredith Sports Information Director Greg Jarvis

Editorial Assistance: Melyssa Allen, Gaye Hill, Karen T. Dunton,

Kristi Eaves-McLennan Layout and Design: Vanessa F. Harris,

Mary Rose Photography: Greg Jarvis, David Timberlake, Megan

Morr, Jon Gardiner and Meredith College Archives

IFC History of Meredith Athletics

1 Table of Contents and Quick Facts

2 2009 Season Preview/2008 Season Recap

3 2009 Roster

4 Coaching Staff/Previous Records

5 Player Profiles

7 Schedule and Opponents

8 USA South/Media Coverage

9 Facilities

10 About Meredith College

12 About Raleigh, N.C.

IBC The Meredith Athletics Experience

ConTEnTSMEREDITh CollEgE QuICk FaCTSGeneral InformationLocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raleigh, N.C.

Founded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1891

Enrollment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,298

Nickname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avenging Angels

Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maroon, Black and White

Affiliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NCAA Division III

Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .USA South Athletic Conference

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maureen Hartford

Athletics Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackie Myers (Elon/1978)

Assistant Athletics Director/SWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Weaver (Virginia/2001)

Faculty Athletics Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Novak

Department Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy Melton

Athletics Department Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (919) 760-8205

Athletics Web Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.meredith.edu/athletics

Mailing Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3800 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607

Sports Information Director (SID)/Assistant Athletics Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Jarvis (Virginia Tech/1994)

SID Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (919) 760-8811

SID Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

TEnnISHead Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Weaver

Alma Mater/Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia/2001

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (919) 760-8804

Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Meredith Record (Years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-10 (2)

Assistant Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Gale

Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meredith College Tennis Complex

2 2009 meredith avenging angels tennis

2009 TEnnIS SEaSon PREvIEw

The 2007-08 season was a great success, with the Avenging Angels

compiling a 14-6 record. Some highlights included placing third in

their first season in the USA South Athletic Conference and avenging

a loss against Huntingdon College from the 2007 NCAA Tournament.

Meredith plans to continue to build off last year’s success and enter

the 2009 spring season hungry to be a top contender in the USA

South and compete for another NCAA Tournament bid.

The Avenging Angels experienced success in the fall 2008 season

and enter the spring ranked #13 in the Division III Atlantic South

Region. The Avenging Angels hosted the Meredith College Invita-

tional at Cary Tennis Park and participated in the ITA Fall Regional

Tennis Championships at the University of Mary Washington, where

they competed against several regionally and nationally ranked op-

ponents. Meredith completed their fall 2008 with a dual match win

(5-4) against Division II Catawba College and plan to take the grit

and determination shown in that match with them throughout the

upcoming spring season.

The Avenging Angels are excited to welcome new Assistant Coach Ra-

chel Gale. Gale is currently ranked #1 in the USTA North Carolina 35

and over category and #6 nationally. She also joined the 2008 United

States Women’s Tennis Team to compete in the Suzanne Lenglen Cup

International Tennis competition in Antalya, Turkey, where their team

finished in fourth place.

“We are extremely lucky to have someone as knowledgeable, dedicat-

ed and energetic as Rachel to help the Meredith team achieve great

things this season. Rachel is a true asset to our program,” said Head

Coach Kelly Weaver.

Assistant Coach Rachel Gale said, “I’m personally very excited to work

with Meredith’s tennis team and Coach Weaver this year. I hope to

bring excitement, inspiration, positive attitude and team bonding to

all the players.”

Coach Weaver believes that having a strong team attitude in a typi-

cally individual sport such as tennis is one thing that helps bring

success to Meredith’s team.

“The team has done a great job of supporting one another and they

know they will need to work together as a team in order to reach their

goal of bringing Meredith a USA South Athletic Conference Champi-

onship,” said Weaver.

With 10 strong players and leaders making up the spring 2008 squad,

including four freshmen added to the roster, Coach Weaver believes

that this year’s team has incredible potential.

“We have returning players with unmatched dedication to this pro-

gram. This, combined with the new talent we have brought in, makes

it our year to make our mark in the conference and continue to build

this already strong program,” said Weaver.

Returnees

This spring Meredith tennis returns six players from last year’s squad

and adds four freshmen to the team. Seniors Morgan Martin and

Caitlin Dillon have demonstrated their leadership capabilities last year

and will serve as captains for the 2008-09 season.

“The maturity and team spirit Caitlin and Morgan bring to every prac-

tice will help keep this year’s team focused and determined to achieve

their goals,” said Weaver.

Martin was awarded USA South First Team honors for the 2007-08

season. Martin played #1 singles position and #2 doubles position

last year and was undefeated in doubles conference play.

Other returners include junior Kathryn Maples, who was named to

the USA South Second Team and the All Sportsmanship Team for the

2007-08 season, and junior Amanda Bitler, who was named to the

Honorable Mention USA South Team.

“Kathryn’s determination as well as her poise on the court earned her a

spot high in the line-up early on as a freshman,” said Weaver. “Kathryn


name Yr ht hometown/ high School

Brooke Baird FR 5'6" Belmont, N.C. / Statesville Christian

Amanda Bitler JR 5'8" Raleigh, N.C. / Cardinal Gibbons

Caitlin Dillon* SR 5'3" Bassett, Va. / Bassett

Alison Flanagan FR 5'4" Holly Springs, N.C. / Middle Creek

Kathryn Maples JR 5'0" Pinehurst, N.C. / O’Neal School

Morgan Martin* SR 5'3" Hilton Head, S.C. / Heritage Academy

Molly Parks SO 5’8” Siler City, N.C. / Jordan-Matthews

Ashley Pearsall FR 5'8" Rocky Mount, N.C. / Rocky Mount

Zannah Webster SO 5'2" Clinton, N.C. / Harrells Christian Academy

2009 TEnnIS RoSTER

* Team Captains

Head Coach: Kelly Weaver

Assistant Coach: Rachel Gale

Athletics Director: Jackie Myers

Assistant Athletics Director/SWA: Kelly Weaver

Assistant Athletics Director/Sports

Information Director: Greg Jarvis

Athletic Trainer: Sharon Malley

has the tools to really make her mark this year in conference play.”

Bitler was undefeated during singles conference play in the #5 position.

“Amanda is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. She never

gives up and fights until the end, which is a wonderful example for the

rest of the team,” said Weaver.

Sophomores Molly Parks and Zannah Webster also return this year

ready to compete for a spot in the line-up. “We have a very deep team

this year. All 10 players will be contending for a starting position,

which is great to see as a coach,” said Weaver.

Incoming Class

This year’s incoming class consists of talented freshmen who are

eager to make their mark for the Avenging Angels. Freshman Brooke

Baird, Ashley Pearsall and Alison Flanagan each enter their first

season for Meredith with incredible willingness to learn and contrib-

ute to the team, and all have the potential to break into the starting

line-up.

“I think we have a very talented team with four strong incoming fresh-

men. The freshmen and upperclassmen will use their experience to

create a cohesive unit to make a solid team,” said Gale.

Weaver adds, “I am excited to work with these young players and help

them develop their games over the next four years. Most of these play-

ers have played multiple sports in high school and have demonstrated

their athleticism and team attitude from the beginning. They all have

bright futures ahead of them here at Meredith.”

Schedule

Meredith will compete in the USA South Athletic Conference. The

team plans to test themselves within the conference and beyond,

playing outside competition such as Huntingdon College, N.C. Central,

Pfeiffer University and Bridgewater College.

“We are excited to build rivalries within the conference and be able to

compete again at the end of our season in the USA South Conference

Tournament and hopefully at the national level with an NCAA bid,”

said Weaver.


kEllY wEavER became Head Tennis

Coach at Meredith College in September

2006 and in the past two years has led the

Avenging Angels to a 29-10 record. During

Weaver’s first season as head coach, the

Avenging Angels compiled a 14-3 record

and Meredith received their second NCAA

bid in school history. Last year Meredith

went 6-2 in head-to-head competition with

teams in the USA South Athletic Confer-

ence, and the Avenging Angels enter the

spring ranked #13 in the Division III Atlantic South Region. Weaver

hopes to carry on the success of the program as Meredith continues to

be a force to be reckoned with in the USA South Conference.

Weaver also serves as the Assistant Athletics Director and Senior

Women Administrator at Meredith College, which encompasses a

wide range of responsibilities. For the past two summers Weaver has

organized the Meredith Masters Showcase for former college tennis

players in the area, and in the spring focuses much of her attention

on fundraising and event planning for the Meredith College Golf Clas-

sic as well as the Annual Spring Banquet. Weaver also serves as the

staff advisor for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and stays

involved with game management and compliance for all six sports on

Meredith’s campus. Weaver also teaches a section of the freshman

class First Year Experience specifically for incoming student-athletes.

Weaver grew up in Kingston, N.Y., where she was a high school stand-

out. She was the New York State Public High School champion as a

sophomore and was ranked as high as #38 nationally. Weaver went on

to receive a full scholarship to play tennis at the University of Virginia,

where she served as captain and was voted Most Valuable Player her ju-

nior and senior years. Weaver played in two NCAA Championships (1998

& 2001) and currently is ranked 5th in career singles wins and 6th in

career doubles wins at Virginia. In 2001 Weaver was named the ITA/Cissy

Leary Sportsmanship Award Winner. During her college years, Weaver was

honored to be asked twice to be doubles partner with Billie Jean King in

exhibitions held at the Concord Tennis Club in Kiamesha, N.Y.

Weaver has also excelled academically. She was named to the All-ACC

Honor Roll every semester while at Virginia and was also named a Scholar

Athlete All-American by the NCAA. Weaver decided to continue her

education at the University of North Carolina—School of Law, where she

received her Juris Doctor and was on the Deans List for all six semes-

ters. For two years during law school Weaver worked at the UNC Athletic

Department part-time in Ticket Operations as well as taught tennis at The

Farm in Chapel Hill in order to stay connected in sports.

After graduation from law school in May 2005, Weaver accepted a

job at the law firm of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP in Atlanta,

GA, where she practiced in the securities litigation practice group.

After one year, Weaver decided to pursue her passion for athletics and

accepted a job at Meredith College as the Assistant Athletics Director

and Head Tennis Coach.

RaChEl galE enters her first season

as the assistant tennis coach at Meredith

College. The Virginia native joins the staff

of Head Coach Kelly Weaver.

Gale brings fifteen years of championship

level tennis to Meredith. Gale is currently

ranked #1 in the USTA North Carolina 35

and over and #6 nationally. Gale was honored

to join the 2008 United States Women’s Ten-

nis Team to compete in this year’s Suzanne

Lenglen Cup International Tennis competition in Antalya, Turkey where

her team finished in fourth place. In 2008, Gale was runner up in singles

in the 35’s National Indoor and 3rd at the 35’s National Claycourts.

Gale graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University in 1989 with

an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. She then went on to Virginia

Commonwealth University, where she earned a degree in Parks and

Recreation in 1992. Gale is also a tennis teaching professional at the

Lochmere Swim and Tennis Club in Cary, N.C.

Playing Career Highlights 2008 - Selected as one of four women in the USTA 35’s age group to

play in the Senior World Team Championships on the Suzanne Lenglen

Cup Team in Antalya, Turkey where her team finished 4th, Won a 2nd

place Silver ball in the women’s 35’s National Indoor Hard Court Tour-

nament in singles, Won a third place Bronze ball in the women’s 35’s

National Clay Court Tournament in singles

2006 - City of Richmond 6th Women’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed

Doubles Champion (currently the only woman to win all three events

for the third time)

2005 - City of Richmond 5th Women’s Singles Champion, Richmond

Times Dispatch “Player of the Year” for #1 singles ranking

2004 - USPTR Women’s Doubles Champion,Virginia State Indoor

Women’s Doubles Champion

2003 - City of Richmond Women’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed

Doubles Champion (currently the only woman to win all three events

for the second time)

2001 - Virginia State Indoor Women’s Singles Champion

2000 - Country Club of Petersburg Women’s Singles and Women’s

Doubles Champion

1999 - City of Richmond Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles

Champion

1998 - Virginia State Indoor Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles

Champion, City of Richmond Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles

Champion

1997 - City of Richmond Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles

Champion, State Clay Court Women’s Singles Champion, State Hard

Court Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles Champion, Ranked #1 in

Women’s Singles in Virginia

1993 - City of Richmond Women’s Singles, Doubles, and Mixed

Doubles Champion (currently the only woman to win all three events)

CoaChIng STaFF


PlaYER PRoFIlES

Kathryn MaplesClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JuniorHeight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5'0"Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pinehurst, N.C. High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O’Neal School

BrooKe BairdClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Freshman Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’6”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Belmont, N.C.High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Statesville Christian

Caitlin dillon*Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SeniorHeight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’3”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bassett, Va. High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bassett

alison FlanaganClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FreshmanHeight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’4”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holly Springs, N.C. High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Middle Creek

aManda BitlerClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JuniorHeight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’8”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raleigh, N.C.High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cardinal Gibbons

Morgan Martin*Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’3”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hilton Head, S.C. High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heritage Academy

* team Captains


PlaYER PRoFIlES

Molly parKsClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SophomoreHeight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’8”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Siler City, N.C. High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jordan-Matthews

Zannah WeBsterClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SophomoreHeight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’2”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clinton, N.C.High School . . . . . . . . . . . . Harrells Christian Academy

ashley pearsallClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FreshmanHeight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5’8”Hometown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mount, N.C.High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rocky Mount

2008 uSa SouTh awaRDSAll Tournament TeamMeredith Roberson

All Conference - First TeamMorgan Martin

All Conference - Second TeamMeredith Roberson

All Conference - Second TeamKathryn Maples

All Conference - Honorable MentionAmanda Bitler

All Conference - All Sportsmanship TeamKathryn Maples


avERETT unIvERSITYLocation – Danville, Va.

Enrollment – 1,000 (Co-Ed)

Nickname – Cougars

Colors – Blue and Gold

Conference – USA South

2008 Record (Conference) 1-12 (1-8)

Head Coach – Bobby Shields (Averett)

Record at School – 1-12 (1)

Sports Information Director –

Drew Wilson

Sports Info Phone – (434) 791-5621

ChRISToPhER nEwPoRTLocation – Newport News, Va.


Nickname – Captains

Colors – Royal Blue and Silver


2008 Record (Conference) – 20-3 (8-1)

Head Coach – Jenny Nuttycombe

(CNU)


Asst. to AD for Athletic Comm. –

Wayne Block


FERRuM CollEgELocation – Ferrum, Va.


Nickname – Panthers

Colors – Black and Gold



Head Coach – Lew Hege (Georgia ’77)



Gary Holden


gREEnSBoRo CollEgELocation – Greensboro, N.C.


Nickname – The Pride

Colors – Green, White and Silver



Head Coach – Dave McCain


Sports Information Director – Bob Lowe

Sports Info Phone –

(336) 272-7102 x279

MaRY BalDwIn CollEgELocation – Staunton, Va.

Enrollment – 806 (Women’s)

Nickname – Fighting Squirrels

Colors – Yellow, White and Green



Head Coach – Lynda Alanko


Sports Information Director – Paul Yee


MEREDITh CollEgELocation – Raleigh, N.C.

Enrollment – 2,289 (Women’s)

Nickname – Avenging Angels

Colors – Maroon, Black and white



Head Coach – Kelly Weaver (Virginia ’01)


Sports Information Director – Greg Jarvis


METhoDIST unIvERSITYLocation – Fayetteville, N.C.


Nickname – Monarchs

Colors – Green and Gold



Head Coach – Francie Barragan (NC

State ’00)


Sports Information Director – Kirbie Britt


n.C. wESlEYan CollEgELocation – Rocky Mount, N.C.


Nickname – Battling Bishops

Colors – Blue and Gold



Head Coach – Dominic Modise (U.

of Hawaii at Manoa ’99)



Rikki C. Rich


uSa SouTh aThlETIC ConFEREnCE MEMBERS

PEaCE CollEgELocation – Raleigh, N.C.

Enrollment – 700 (Women’s)

Nickname – Pacers

Colors – Green, Black and White



Head Coach – Cy King (NC State ‘74)



Wendy Jones


ShEnanDoah unIvERSITYLocation – Winchester, Va.


Nickname – Hornets

Colors – Red, White and Midnight Blue



Head Coach – Kim Scruton

(West Liberty ’98)


Sports Information Director – Scott Musa


SChEDulE Date Opponent Time

7 tues @ Catawba W, 5-4 21 sat vs. salisbury 1 p.m. @ mary Washington 26 thurs vs. peaCe 3:30 p.m. 1 sun vs. York # 12 p.m. 2 mon vs. Bloomsburg # 8 a.m. 3 tues vs. st. vincent # 9 a.m. 3 tues vs. Wartburg # 6 p.m. 14 sun @ greensboro 3 p.m. 15 sun vs. huntingdon @ greensboro 12 p.m. 17 tues vs. n.C. Wesleyan * 3:30 p.m. 19 thurs vs. pFeiFFer 3:30 p.m. 21 sat @ mary Baldwin* 10 a.m. 21 sat @ Bridgewater 2 p.m. 25 Wed vs. Methodist * 3:30 p.m. 28 sat vs. shenandoah * 2 p.m. 29 sun vs. Chris. neWport * 12 p.m. W 2 thurs vs. n.C. Central 3:30 p.m. 5 sun vs. aVerett * 12 p.m. 8 Wed @ Peace * 3:30 p.m. 11 sat @ Ferrum * 11 a.m. 14 tues Usa south Conference tBa Quarterfinals 17 Fri Usa south Conference tBa semifinals 18 sat Usa south Conference tBa Finals

* - Usa south Conference game W - Web cast on meredith athletics web site # - spring Break matches in hilton head,s.C. home games in bold

schedule is subject to change. visit www.meredith.edu/athletics for up-to-date information

october

March

april

February


uSa SouTh aThlETIC ConFEREnCEMEDIa InFoRMaTIonAll inquiries about interviews, press credentials, broadcasting

requests, and other related sports information areas should be sent

to Greg Jarvis, sports information director, at [email protected],

(919) 760-8811.

www.MEREDITh.EDu/aThlETICSFollow the Avenging Angels on Meredith’s official athletics web site

at www.meredith.edu/athletics throughout the 2008-09 season. The

site features game notes, schedules, rosters, player and coaches’

bios, game recaps and special news related to the program.

BRoaDCaSTIng InFoRMaTIonThe 2008-09 sports season will feature at least 32 Meredith

College athletic events to be broadcast live and archived on the

athletics web site. Last season was the first time Meredith athletic

events were available online. All broadcasts can be found on Mer-

edith’s official athletics web site at www.meredith.edu/athletics.

The USA South Athletic Conference is home to 11 institutions, five in Virginia, five in

North Carolina and one in Tennessee. The conference consists of Averett University,

Christopher Newport University, Ferrum College, Greensboro College, Peace College,

Shenandoah University, Methodist University, Mary Baldwin College, Meredith College

and North Carolina Wesleyan College. The Tennessee institution, Maryville College,

entered the conference in 2005 as a football-only member.

Ohio

Tennessee

North Carolina

South Carolina

Georgia

Florida

Alabama

Louisiana

Mississippi

Arkansas

Missouri

Indiana

Illinois

Wisconsin

Michigan

PennsylvaniaIowa

Nebraska

New York

VTNH

MA

CT RI

MD

NJ

Delaware

WestVirginia

VirginiaKansas

Texas

New Mexico

South Dakota

North Dakota

Minnesota

Wyoming

Colorado

Montana Maine

Utah

Arizona

Idaho

Oklahoma

Meredith’s athletics broadcasting team is made up of (left to right)

faculty member Dan Fountain, student Amanda Bitler, faculty member

Michael Novak and faculty member Gregory Vitarbo (not shown).


BaSkETBallWeatherspoon Gymnasium

The Weatherspoon Gymnasium is home to the Meredith College

basketball team. The facility provides up close seating for over 500

spectators. The complex also includes locker rooms, athletics offices,

a training room, a fitness center, a 5,000 square-foot dance studio

and a six-lane, indoor swimming pool. The basketball team shares the

court with the volleyball team.

CRoSS CounTRYMeredith College Campus

The Cross Country team has plenty of room to run on the College’s

225-acre campus. The sprawling campus and the Reedy Creek

Greenway provide a challenging place to train and hold meets.

Meredith also hosts contests at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

SoCCERNew Complex under construction – 2008 games held at

Wake Med Soccer Park and WRAL Soccer Center

Meredith has played previous seasons on one of the best Bermuda

surfaces in the South. Beginning in the 2009 season, the soccer

team is slated to play in a new facility located on campus, which will

improve the playing environment even further.

SoFTBallMeredith Softball Complex

The softball complex has undergone several renovations in the last year.

The addition of irrigation to the Bermuda field and infield improvements

have stepped up the playing conditions to make it one of the best fields

in the area. New dugouts and a press box have been planned for the future

to increase comfort for the players and enhance the game atmosphere.

TEnnISMeredith Tennis Complex

The home of the Meredith tennis program includes six lighted tennis

courts with windscreen. Over the summer of 2007, the courts were

resurfaced with a new color scheme - a “US Open Blue” inner court

surrounded by a green outer court. This new color scheme will help to

heighten the visibility of the ball for players and fans.

vollEYBallWeatherspoon Gymnasium

The Weatherspoon Gymnasium is home to the Meredith College volleyball

team. The volleyball team has full use of the facility during their season

and the ability to set up two courts for special tournaments. The complex

also includes locker rooms, athletics offices, a training room, a fitness

center, a 5,000 square-foot dance studio and a six-lane, indoor swim-

ming pool. The volleyball team shares the gym with the basketball team.

aThlETIC FaCIlITIES


aCaDEMICS anD SPECIal PRogRaMS• Meredith offers 45+ majors and concentrations at the undergraduate level.

• Meredith awards Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Music;

Bachelor of Social Work; Master of Business Administration; Master of Arts

in Teaching; Master of Education; and Master of Science in Nutrition degrees.

• Meredith’s innovative undergraduate general education curriculum

encourages students to be involved and concerned citizens of their

community and the world.

• In 2001, Meredith became the first women’s college to adopt a

campus-wide laptop program as part of the Meredith Technology Initiative.

Full-time students receive a ThinkPad® loaded with professional and

educational software to use on Meredith’s wireless campus.

• The Undergraduate Research Program supports student/faculty

partnerships in the pursuit of research and creative activity in all fields.

College funds support these projects and underwrite travel costs for

students presenting their work at conferences.

• Study abroad options include a summer program in Italy, Switzerland

and England, plus a variety of semester and year-long travel opportunities

throughout the world. Semester programs at the United Nations in New

York City or in Washington, D.C., are also available.

• Post-baccalaureate certificate programs at Meredith include the Paralegal

Program and the Dietetic Internship Program. Meredith offers numerous

opportunities for coeducational graduate and professional study, and

lifelong learning programs.

aBouT MEREDITh CollEgE


FaCulTY• The undergraduate student-faculty ratio is approximately 10:1.

The average class size is 16.

• There are 140 full-time and 120 part-time teaching faculty

members and 90% of full-time professors have earned doctoral or

terminal degrees. Sixty-nine percent of the full-time faculty is

female and 31% is male.

CaMPuS anD FaCIlITIES • Meredith College is located in Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital city.

Meredith students are part of the more than 108,000 college

students who reside in the Research Triangle Park area, the

country’s premier research and development hub.

• Meredith’s 225-acre campus includes a 1,200-seat amphitheater

on a lake, seven residence halls, music library, art galleries,

research greenhouse, music practice rooms, auditoriums, theater,

concert halls, student center, computer labs, child care lab,

learning center, autism lab, astronomy observation deck,

indoor swimming pool, fitness center, dance studio, lighted

tennis courts, putting green, soccer field and two miles of

greenway connecting our campus to the community.

CaMPuS lIFE• Total enrollment for 2007–08 was 2,202, which included 2,039

undergraduate degree students and 163 graduate-level. One

hundred four non-degree students also took undergraduate courses.

ouTCoMES anD aluMnaE SaTISFaCTIon• Meredith has more than 18,000 alumnae living in all 50 states and

abroad. With 30 chapters, the Alumnae Association continues to

build relationships between alumnae and the College.

Majors and ConcentrationsAccountingArt Graphic Design Studio ArtBiologyBusiness AdministrationChemistryChild DevelopmentCommunication Interpersonal Communication Mass CommunicationComputer Information SystemsComputer ScienceDance Performance and Choreography Private Studio TeachingEconomicsEnglishEnvironmental StudiesExercise and Sports Science Health and WellnessFamily and Consumer Sciences Fashion Merchandising and Design Design Merchandising

Foods and NutritionFrenchHistoryInterior DesignInternational StudiesMathematics Music Musical Theatre Music Performance Piano PedagogyPolitical Science Law and JusticePsychologyPublic HistoryReligionSocial WorkSociologySpanishTheatre Musical Theatre Theatre PerformanceWomen’s Studies

aCaDEMIC PRogRaMS

undergraduate Degrees offeredBachelor of Arts (B.A.)Bachelor of Music (B.M.)Bachelor of Science (B.S.)Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)

licensure ProgramsBirth – Kindergarten (B-K)Elementary Education (K-6)Middle Grades (6-9) Communication Skills, Mathematics, Science, Social StudiesSecondary Grades (9-12) Comprehensive Science, English, Mathematics, Social StudiesSpecial Subject Areas (K-12) Art, Dance, English as a Second Language, French, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, TheatreWorkforce Development (7-12) Family and Consumer Sciences

Pre-Professional ProgramsDentistryLawMedicinePharmacyPhysical TherapyPhysician’s AssistantVeterinary Medicine

Dual Degree ProgramEngineering

graduate ProgramsMaster of Business AdministrationMaster of Arts in TeachingMaster of EducationMaster of Science in Nutrition


uRBan lIFE With an energy all its own, Raleigh blends city life with Carolina

charm. A population of more than 350,000 enjoys shopping, arts and

culture, and outdoor recreation—all within the city limits. And with

an annual average high of 70 degrees, Raleigh buzzes with activity

year-round including springtime strolls in Cameron Village, summer

concerts in the park, fall at the North Carolina State Fair and sledding

in the occasional light snow.

• The capital city of North Carolina has a population of more

than 350,000

• Raleigh is located 150 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean and

190 east of the Great Smoky Mountains

• Raleigh has an annual average high of 70 degrees and low of 47

• The mean annual temperature is 59.8

• Diverse population—one third of Raleigh’s population is made up

of minorities

• Home to three state museums of art, history and natural sciences

• Three hospitals within the city

• Raleigh is a true college town; in addition to Meredith College,

Raleigh is home to a variety of higher learning institutions: North

Carolina State University, Peace College (women’s college),

St. Augustine’s College, Shaw University.

• NC Central University, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University are

located within 30 minutes of Meredith’s campus

aRTS anD CulTuRE There is always something to do in Raleigh, thanks to a wide variety

of cultural and entertainment options. Major venues include: RBC

Center; Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek; and

the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, a four-theatre

complex minutes from Meredith. Major performance companies are:

North Carolina Symphony, the North Carolina Theatre, the Carolina

Ballet and the A. J. Fletcher Opera Institute. Major museums located

in Raleigh include: North Carolina Museum of Art; the North Carolina

Museum of History; the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences;

the African American Cultural Complex; and Marbles, an interactive

children’s museum. Raleigh is also home to movie theaters, music

and dance clubs and a lively theatre and gallery scene.

SPoRTS anD lEISuRE The area offers a variety of restaurants, specialty shops, clubs and

galleries in bustling neighborhoods. Professional sports teams include

the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), the Carolina Mudcats (AA baseball),

the Durham Bulls (AAA baseball) and the Carolina Railhawks (USL-1

soccer). Raleigh has more than 50 miles of greenways, including two

miles of greenway connecting our campus to the community, as well

as 150 parks and lakes.

#1 Best City for Women Entrepreneurs (Raleigh-Cary, NC)-

Allbusiness.com, November 2006

#1 Best Place to Get a Job – “Forbes” Magazine, February 2007

#1 Hottest Job Market – Business 2.0, March 2004

#2 Best City to live, work and play – Kiplinger.com, June 2008.

#2 Most Educated City – U.S. Census Bureau, May 2004

#2 Best Place for Business and Careers – Forbes Magazine, 2006

#4 Best Places to Live – “Money” Magazine, 2006

#4 City That Rocks – “Esquire” Magazine, April 2004

#6 Best City for Singles – “Forbes” Magazine, 2006

aBouT RalEIgh, n.C.

Meredith College students have participated in athletic events on

campus for more than 100 years. Athletics at Meredith College began

in 1904 with the advent of Meredith’s Athletic Association. In addition

to sponsoring other student activities around campus, the athletic

association began to sponsor sports in 1937. The original sports

at Meredith included basketball and tennis. Meredith’s basketball

program began with two teams, the Reds and the Blues. The first

competitive games against other schools were held in 1904 with two

games against St. Mary’s College.

In the early years, Meredith athletic activities included swimming,

soccer, horseback riding, tennis, baseball, basketball, golf, football and

field hockey. The first events were primarily inter-class competitions.

In November 1937, Meredith

aligned with the Virginia Field

Hockey Association and

became a part of the United

States Conference.

The 1940s and 1950s

brought some big victories

for the basketball team. In

1944, Meredith’s freshman-

sophomore basketball team hosted the Peace Junior

College (now Peace College) team. The outcome was a victory for

Meredith, and the game marked the beginning of the heated cross-

town rivalry between the two Raleigh women’s colleges. In 1952, the

basketball team pulled out impressive victories against the University

of North Carolina and Duke. The field hockey team continued this

trend in 1952 by defeating both the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils.

Meredith athletics took on a new life with the completion of

Weatherspoon Gymnasium in 1970. Weatherspoon is still the home

of the basketball and volleyball teams, training facilities and athletics

offices. The first full-semester golf team was launched in 1976.

The volleyball and tennis teams saw their first winning seasons

during the 1970s.

Riding the wave of momentum built in the 1970s, Meredith athletics

earned state and conference titles in the 1980s. In 1980, the golf

team won the NCAIAW state championship while the tennis team

took the conference title. Also in that year, the Student Government

Association adopted the angel

as the school’s official mascot.

The golf team finished second

in the AIAW Division III national

tournament in 1981, making

it the first bid for a Meredith

athletics team to compete for a

national championship. Softball

was added as a varsity sport during

the 1985-86 academic year. The most recent varsity sports to be added

were soccer in 1993 and cross country in 2005.

In recent years at Meredith, there has been an increase in the

competitiveness of the athletics programs on a regional and national

level in Division III. The program has had five NCAA tournament

bids across three different sports since 2001 (basketball 2001,

2003; tennis 2003, 2007; and soccer 2007). During the summer

of 2007 the name of the sports teams was changed to

“Avenging Angels” to emphasize the prowess of

Meredith athletes. The 2007-08 season marked

the first year of competition in the USA South

Athletic Conference.

Meredith is committed to blending

intercollegiate athletics with a strong academic

program. Student-athletes follow the same

academic requirements and standards as other

students; they must maintain good academic

standing with the College, be full-time

students and follow the rules of the NCAA.

The athletic program maintains the same high

standards set for other departments and the same

commitment to the education and personal development

of student-athletes.

MEREdith COllEgE AthlEtiCS hiStORy thE diViSiON iii EXPERiENCE Meredith athletics teams

participate in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic

Association. Meredith College fully supports the Division III

experience that allows the student athlete to enjoy competitive

sports and other activities throughout their college years. Division

III athletics offers student-athletes the opportunity to become

well-rounded individuals who successfully integrate athletics and

academics while experiencing all aspects of college life. Division III

athletics feature athletes who can receive only academic financial

assistance and athletics departments that are staffed and funded

like any other department in the College.

ACAdEMiCS Meredith College’s commitment to academics

is exemplified by its athletics teams. Each year, the USA South

Athletic Conference recognizes its student-athletes’ hard work in the

classroom by naming an Academic All-Conference team. A student-

athlete must have earned a 3.0 GPA in each of the two semesters

of a given year to be eligible. The athletics department also offers

a special Athletics Director’s List that recognizes the athletes that

receive a 3.5 each of the two semesters. During the 2007-08 season,

48.7% of Meredith’s student athletes finished with a 3.0 or higher

and 20% received the Athletics Director’s award with a 3.5 or higher.

MEdiCAl SERViCES In addition to the academic and fitness

programs available, the athletic training staff provides excellent

care for participants. The athletic training support staff consists of

head athletic trainer, Sharon Malley, student athletic trainers from

the University of North Carolina and on-call physicians. Some of the

services and equipment provided in the Weatherspoon Gymnasium

include a whirlpool, hydrocollator, ultrasound, injury ice and

electrical stimulation. Meredith College serves as a clinical site for

the UNC-Chapel Hill Undergraduate Athletic Training Program.

StRENgth ANd CONditiONiNg The program is headed

by Meredith’s Strength and Conditioning Coach David Zinn who

is a certified personal trainer and sports conditioning specialist.

An instructor in the Department of Health, Exercise & Sports

Sciences at Meredith, Coach Zinn assists in the development and

implementation of conditioning and weight training programs for all

of Meredith sports.

COMMUNity SERViCE The student athletes at Meredith

College are committed to much more than sports. Members from

each team are elected to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee

that organizes support for each sport and also coordinates

community service. Some of their past volunteer work includes

Special Olympics of Wake County, Habitat for Humanity, Service

Raleigh, and the USA South Athletic Conference’s Cans Across the

Conference and Pennies for a Purpose.

MEREdith COllEgE AthlEtiCS PROgRAM

Documents

2009tennisguide