
I chose VI on a whim and it was the best
choice I ever made. I was contacted by Coach Kinser three weeks before
pre-season was going to start and everything fell into place, especially
because I am a Biology/Pre-Medicine Major. The first time that I had the chance
to visit VI was the day that I moved on campus for pre-season! The greatest
memory of that day was the feeling of a new family all around me, especially
the huge Bella hug that I received. Joining this family was the best choice of
my life thus far because without these amazing sisters to push me I would not
be where I am today. Get ready for a lot of hugs and love!
What do you like most about Bristol and the Tri-Cities?
The thing that I enjoy most
about the Bristol/Tri-Cities area is the fact that it is a small town, but has
more stuff to do than my hometown. We have great places to eat on state street
and all of the necessary stores (Wal-Mart!). This area is in the midst of
mountains and is extremely beautiful. Bristol is a Great Place to Live!
What do you like most about playing for Coach Kinser?
Coach Kinser is passionate about
the sport of volleyball and that is what struck me first when I had my first
conversation with her. So far she has pushed me to grow as a player and I can't
wait for her to continue doing so. Her faith and guidance is what brought me to
VI and if she was not the coach, then I do not think that I would be here right
now. She will never give up on us as a family and she is the type of coach to
get just as excited as we do when we play! Coach is the one that brings us
closer as a family each and every day.
What is the greatest benefit about about playing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference and the NAIA?
The greatest benefit about
playing in the AAC is the fact that there is no real top dog and that any team
has a chance to be on top. The AAC provides great competition that will make us
work for what we want by showing us what we are good at and what we are not
that strong at. I was hesitant about the NAIA at first because I had no idea
what it exactly stood for. The NAIA is a highly competitive association and
they give schools the opportunity to offer more scholarships to athletes. I
feel that by being a part of a NAIA team we have more fun!
| # | Name | Cl. | Pos. | Ht. | Hometown | Previous School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raiesha Burns | SO | DS | 5-6 | Shreveport, LA | Huntington HS | |
| 1 | Jessica Brasington | JR | OH/DS | 5-7 | Sevier Co, TN | Sevier County HS |
| 3 | Kierstan Arnold | FR | OH | 5-9 | Clinton, TN | Anderson County HS |
| 4 | Angela Ruhstorfer | FR | DS | 5-3 | Nokesville, VA | Brentsville District HS |
| 5 | Tori Starnes | SR | S | 5-8 | Kingsport, TN | Central HS |
| 6 | Taylor DuFault | FR | OH | 6-0 | Ironwood, MI | Luther L Wright HS |
| 9 | Brandi Blessing | JR | OH | 5-9 | Wytheville, VA | George Wythe HS |
| 11 | Tiffany Vu | SO | DS | 5-3 | Fairfax, VA | W.T. Woodson HS |
| 12 | Shelby Conner | SO | OH | 5-9 | Ormond Beach, FL | Calvary Christian Academy |
| 13 | Kayla Robbins | SO | OPP | 5-8 | Sevierville, TN | Sevier County HS |
| 15 | Courtney Madden | FR | DS | 5-6 | Knoxville, TN | Webb HS |
| 16 | Rachael Bell | SO | RS/M | 5-9 | Morristown, TN | Carson Newman HS |
| 18 | Ashley Hooven | FR | S | 5-8 | Church Hill, TN | Volunteer HS |