Not long ago, the Terrapins volleyball program was an obvious force. But after reigning as ACC champions in 2003 and 2004 and earning NCAA Tournament appearances from 2003 to 2005, the Terps began to slide downward — and fast.
A quick decline culminated with a dismal 6-26 mark in 2008, the first season of Tim Horsmon's coaching career in College Park. He quickly ensured it wouldn't get any worse.
Since taking over, the former Frostburg State standout has presided over season-to-season improvements on both the court and the recruiting trail that he hopes will reap rewards in 2011 and beyond.
If his upward trajectory continues — the Terps have improved their win total each season under Horsmon — this season could be another step toward their former glory.
"For three years, each year we have played a more competitive schedule and our program has taken that step each year," Horsmon said. "I expect for us to do that [this season]. ... I've really enjoyed the group that we have in the gym."
It's a group that includes several newcomers, including five true freshmen and a redshirt freshman who will make their college debuts this year. Adreene Elliott and Ashleigh Crutcher were 2010 Under Armour All-Americans in high school, and despite their age, Horsmon has no qualms about handing them immediate playing time.
"I think each one of them has a chance to earn time," he said. "I think before it's all said and done, you're going to see a couple of them on the floor starting. I think a couple of others will have major roles. It's a good group."
Horsmon will call on his veteran players, though, to lead the Terps through the season. Senior Maddi Lee, who had 219 kills last year and has started games for the Terps in each of her three seasons, will be the main opposite hitter on the squad. Junior Remy McBain, a two-year starter, will be the go-to setter for the Terps and is ninth in school history with 1,441 assists.
With Horsmon's talented group of sophomores, this year's freshman class already has a model to take after. Second-year outside hitter Mary Cushman again figures to contribute heavily after earning an ACC All-Freshman team selection and leading the Terps with 343 kills in 2010.
Defensive specialist Sarah Harper, also a sophomore, will also look to replicate a strong rookie year that saw her finish second on the team with digs and rank fifth in the conference with 0.29 aces per set. Harper will be valuable in a rotation that welcomes back redshirt sophomore Sam Rosario, who was sidelined last year with an ACL injury.
The mix of veterans and newcomers, the majority of whom Horsmon recruited, should make the intrasquad battles as competitive as those they'll face in the ACC.
"We have some special talent in the gym," Horsmon said. "It's just a matter of trying to mix that youth with our veteran leadership."
The Terps' talent will be put to the test on a regular basis throughout the season. The team will face three top-25 teams and 10 teams that played in last year's NCAA Tournament.
The Terps (0-3), picked to finish eighth in the ACC, haven't had the best start to their season. The squad went winless in Knoxville, Tenn., at the Comcast Lady Vol Classic, falling to Villanova, 3-1, on Aug. 26 and then losing to both Ohio and No. 24 Tennessee, 3-2, on Saturday.
The Terps return to College Park for a slate of six straight home games beginning with the Maryland Invitational and the Arundel Mills Invitational. Home play begins with their match against VCU on Friday.
munson@umdbk.com
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