Volleyball coach Tommy Harold can expect strong backup support from new recruits Kristie Hadley, sociology freshman, and Katherine Thompson, biology freshman. Although they come from different backgrounds, the two new members arrive with resumes full of winning experience.
HEPTATHLON HITTER
The heptathlon is a two-day women’s track event that tests skills in the 100-meter hurdle, high jump, shotput, 200-meter sprint, long jump, javelin and 800-meter race. Just to compete, an athlete must demonstrate the highest versatility and endurance. Hadley finished second in her district this spring.
Her 1.47-meter high jump may prove invaluable to her position as outside hitter.
In Plymouth, Mass., Hadley helped lead the Notre Dame Academy of Hingham to a 23-1 season and the first round of the semifinals last year. That year, the Massachusetts Girls Volleyball Coaches Association voted her to the 2006 Division II All-State team.
She said that so far, playing at the university level is a lot faster and more consistent than high school play. “Here, you have hit after hit after hit before you finally get the ball down,” Hadley said.
Hadley chose Loyola after visiting the school and learning about the volleyball program from libero Tiffany Stafford, psychology senior. Relatives in Baton Rouge and a need for a change of environment also contributed to her decision.
Of the city, Hadley said, “I love it so far. It’s really different from where I’m from, but it’s been a great experience.”
Between classes and practice Hadley enjoys photography and watching sports, particularly the Red Sox and Patriots.
‘I ALWAYS WANT TO STAY A NEW ORLEANS GIRL’
Choosing Loyola was not a difficult decision for setter Katie Thompson.
“It just fell into place,” she said.
Thompson remembers going to The Den to watch her godfather, 2007 Loyola Hall of Fame inductee Scott Thompson, A ’96, player on Loyola’s first winning basketball team since the reinstatement of athletics. She also attended Loyola athletic camps for youths.
When asked about her decision to attend college in the town she grew up, Thompson said, “I’m a New Orleans girl, and I always want to stay a New Orleans girl.”
Last year Thompson captained the Mt. Carmel Academy Cubs to a Division I Class 5A State Championship. Her co-captain from Mt. Carmel, Amaris Genemaras, is currently a quickly-rising talent on Tulane’s volleyball team.
Success seems to follow Thompson wherever she goes. After Hurricane Katrina hit, she relocated to St. Scholastica Academy in Covington for her junior year. There, she helped lead the volleyball team to the semifinals – the farthest in the school’s history.
Earlier this season, Thompson suffered a dislocated shoulder after diving for a ball in practice. She has since recovered after undergoing electrical stimulation therapy.
Of Harold, Thompson said he teaches consistency and puts special focus on technique instead of overexertion.
In her spare time, Thompson likes to absorb the atmosphere of the city, whether it is in the French Quarter or Puccino’s coffeehouse. “I could sit on Magazine and just watch people walk by for hours,” she said.
Steve Heath can be reached at [email protected].
