United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - Volleyball

Coast Guard is coming off the greatest season in the history of the program as the Bears went 26-3, won the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) regular season and tournament championships and advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.

First year head coach Rob Mullowney takes over a team that returns junior All-America tri-captain and middle blocker Nicole Gurr, senior tri-captain and right side hitter Corinne McCormack, a first team All-New England selection and eight other letterwinners that were part of last season’s success.

“I have taken over a team that has a wealth of talent, strong leadership and a drive to succeed,” said Mullowney. “These players have a lot of energy and intensity at practice and anytime you have the type of talent that we have, there is the potential to have a very successful season. If we stay healthy and work together as a team we will in a position to repeat last season’s success.”

Gurr, an AVCA second-team All-America, All-New England and first team All-conference selection last season, led the team with 498 kills, the second most in a single-season at the Coast Guard Academy. Gurr was second on the team with 65 aces and 74 blocks.

McCormack, who was named All-New England and second-team All-conference a year ago, was second on the team with 399 kills to move into second place on the Bears all-time list with 1,163 career kills. McCormack also led the team with 73 aces.

The Bears must replace NEWMAC Player of the Year, setter Christine Rostowfske, who led the league with 1,247 assists. She set the school record with 4,241 career assists.

Senior Anne Staley and freshman Ashley Bullard will battle for the starting setter spot.

Junior Jeannie Crump (127 kills last season) returns at one of the outside hitter spots while junior Mary Bitzer and sophomore Carin Sweeney will push each other for the other starting spot on the outside which was held by exchange cadet Kim Jung (269 kills) last season.

Senior tri-captain Megan Durbin returns to the libero spot. Sophomore Leanna Minton, may also see time there along with playing the back row for Crump.

Sophomore Courtney Wolf will see time at middle blocker while classmate Alyssa McDonald will add depth to the back row.

The NEWMAC will be very strong again this season as Coast Guard which beat conference foe MIT to get to the Elite 8 last season will be very competitive with Wellesley and Springfield also returning strong teams.

“The NEWMAC is one of the strongest conferences in the region and we will be pushed throughout the season and the winner of the conference will have a strong chance to get to the Elite 8,” said Mullowney.