There is no question that the 2010 season for volleyball was not
only their best season ever, but it was the greatest season for ANY
sport in Beacons history. The girls won the New England regional
championship before losing to Calvin College in the elite eight in
St. Louis. The ladies are going into 2011 ranked 19th in the
nation, and there is no doubt that they’re hungry and looking to
close the deal to become the first national champion in Umass
Boston history. Shannon Thompson said, “I think we could very well
win a national championship. I think if we are focused and work
hard we can do it. It is definitely a championship or bust year.”
Coach Terry Condon is optimistic but humble with her outlook for
the season. She commented, “I believe this team definitely has the
potential to win a National Championship, which would be great for
Athletics and the University; however, we are just going to take
the season one game at a time. We will talk about National
Champions when we earn the opportunity to play for one.” 

The team is the most “national” of any at UMB. Frana Burtness Adams
comes down from the North Pole while 6 Lady Beacons come from sunny
California. Shockingly, only 2 of the 12 players on the roster are
from New England. Coming from far and wide gives the team unique
chances to bond and train more than the average Beacon squad. When
asked about this dynamic, coach Terry Condon said, “The level of
play where our players are coming from is a high level of
volleyball. They can help bring our program to the next level.
Also, it is great to have people from all over and come together.
It allows our players to meet and befriend girls from all over and
everyone brings something new to the team.” Frana Burtness-Adams
echoed that sentiment. “[Being from all over the nation] makes us
closer because few of us have families to go home to, therefore we
are each others’ family,” she said. 

Shannon Thompson is the B.W.O.C. for the club. The California
native was named a first team All-American last year. She was 14th
in the nation with 5.11 kills per set in 2010, and she had double
digit kills in an astounding 30 matches last year. The Junior
middle hitter is a model of consistency; she has started every game
of her career. When asked about 2011 she said, “Last year was very
rewarding but this year is a new year and I am looking for that
national championship. I think the team definitely has the
potential to go further. I think if we stay focused then we will be
fine.”

Joining Thompson will be a glut of fresh talent that has been
brought in over the off season. Kayla Wilson, a transfer student
out of California, is expected to make “a big contribution right
away” according to Condon. Joining her will be Brooke Nemethy, who
transferred in from Florida Atlantic, as well as MA freshman middle
hitter Kirsten Morrison. Captain Frana Burtness-Adams said, “It’s
basically a whole new team this year, so there is pressure, but not
as much as you would expect considering our roster looks completely
different. The only pressure we see is ourselves.” When asked about
the expectations the team is facing this season. She is also
adamant that the team is hungry and wants to surpass last year’s
successes. “The returning starters have the loss against Calvin
fresh in their minds still and want to get back there. The newbies
are a great contribution to our competitiveness and also want to
get to the Elite Eight,” she said. 

 It’s looking like all the stars are aligning for a landmark year
for the Lady Beacons. This team has the potential to be very
special, and is coming in confident and eager to equal and surpass
last year’s magical run. Shannon Thompson said it best. “I think if
we stay focused than we will be fine. We are working hard and
everyone wants it badly enough. We just have to get through each
game to get to that championship weekend.”

Mass Media Prediction-26-9 (7-0 LEAC)

First Game- 9-2-11 @ Hawaii Hilo, 4 PM