Fuchs leads Dukes into 2004 with aspirations of CAA championship

Lone senior poised to break school block record

Nathan Chiantella / photo editor Katie Fuchs goes for the kill against teammate Blair St. Onge in practice.

Middle blocker Kate Fuchs is the lone senior on the 2004 women’s volleyball team. In three years, she has yet to accomplish what she came to JMU to do.

"When I decided to come here, my club coach told me, ‘you can go anywhere as long as you can bring back a ring,"

Fuchs said. "For four years, I’ve been working for that ring. This is my last chance and I’ll do anything possible."

The Dukes have not won a Colonial Athletic Association title since 2000, with George Mason University sweeping the last two years.

"Kate, more than anyone, wants a conference ring," coach Disa Garner said. "It’s kind of an obsession. She’s tasted it and wants it."

This year could be Fuchs’ year. JMU returns five starters after only losing two seniors from last season’s squad: Lauren Ruzicka and kills leader, Dana Jones, who averaged 4.46 a game.

Also on the horizon for Fuchs is the JMU blocks record. Going into the Dukes’ season opener against Charleston Southern University Sept. 3, in the Charlotte Spring Hill Suites Invitational, Fuchs has 371 blocks, tied with Jones for fourth on the JMU list. Fuchs is currently 82 shy of the school record of 453, held by Debbi Prince (1992-'95).

"I never set a goal to be the leading blocker in JMU history," Fuchs said. "If I get it, that would be sweet but what I really want is a CAA ring."

Supporting Fuchs in her senior quest is junior outside hitter Emilee Hussack who embodies the philosophy of physicality, combined with tact that Garner has recruited throughout the program.

"She’s our centerpiece," Garner said. "She has developed into a go-to player, but it’s what she does away from the net that is going to make the biggest difference."

Hussack is the Dukes returning kills leader. She averaged 4.07 kills per game in 2003.

"I just like to hit hard and that’s the way I play," Hussack said.

This season could be one of fruition for the Dukes' as it sees Garner realize her recruiting goals. For the first time since her tenure began in 2000, every athlete on the team is one of her choosing.

"I inherited a really great group of athletes when I got here," Garner said. "The majority of them were wonderful, but there’s always a group recruited under different expectations.

"Now that they are all mine, it makes it easier because we’re all on the same page. Everyone is here for the same reason."

After a third-place finish in the CAA last year at 9-5, 14-13 overall, JMU worked hard in the spring to further its ambitions of conference glory.

"We had a very productive spring," Garner said. "The spring is critical for the learning curve in volleyball.
"We don’t have the time to develop anyone during the season because we jump right in. The spring is a time for the returning players to set the tone."

The Dukes have plenty of those. In addition to returning Fuchs and Hussack, JMU has junior setter Krysta Cannon, a second-team all-CAA selection in 2003 and the CAA Rookie of the Year in 2002.

"She is smart technically which is among the great things she offers," Garner said. "But her tactical abilities is what sets her apart."

After the season opening tournament in Charlotte, N.C., the Dukes return to Godwin Hall for their home opener Sept. 7 against the Norfolk State University Spartans. Game time is 6 p.m.