MCVB Alums Unite; Plea for Alum Connections to Current Athletes

We have a couple of fun MCVB Alum updates, and one interesting thing about these two particular situations is that the people involved didn't actually play together, or at least most of them didn't!  We had 3 former players (that we know of) that ran the Boston Marathon in April!!  What a great accomplishment and fun race.  Lauren ('11) is on the left, with Kathryn ('16) in the middle and Caitlin ('13) on the right.  Caitlin and Lauren are sisters, and Kathryn played with Caitlin, but not Lauren.  For additional background, Kathryn is from southern CA but is now living in Boston, while Caitlin is from Boston but is currently living in northern CA for grad school.  Lauren grew up in Boston and still lives there, and has run a few of these Boston Marathons!  These three joined up for a pre-race picture, which they were kind enough to share with me, and then we have the post or in-race pics also!

Then, in early May, Caroline Cordle ('12) met Gabi Rosenfeld ('17) at a MIDD Alumni Event in Washington, D.C.  Gabi introduced herself to Caroline and they started talking and voila--they both played Volleyball at MIDD, but weren't at MIDD at the same time!  What a fun connection!

Special Alumnae Note:  I'm looking for ways to connect MCVB alums with current players who may be studying or interested in a field where some of you are currently working, so I'd love to hear ideas of how I can better connect everyone?!  Alums, would you like to see a newsletter that came out monthly to update you on what we're doing, and who's studying what?  I hope you're enjoying the Blog, but for something like this, maybe a direct email would be better?!  Maybe a junior/senior profile with their areas of studies/interests?  Would you mind if I gave current players your contact information (email most likely) so they can contact you with possible questions about the profession or what your path was like?! Let me know your thoughts and ideas!!  I really am excited about this and feel like several mens' teams have been doing this forever, and I'm so proud of our amazing alumnae group and would be excited to make some connections between people!

MCVB Alums...Teammates for Life

It's always fun to hear from alums, and it's so fun for me to see how they are still in each other's lives long after they leave Middlebury.  I know several of my own teammates were in my wedding, and we still cherish the times we get together and laugh about old times and share new moments of our lives. Thanks for sharing these moments!!

First up, we have Jamie Wong ('06) Larson with her husband and two kids (welcome to the new baby!) in San Francisco with Katy Hicks ('05) visiting.

Next up we have recent alums, Lizzy Reed ('15), Kathryn Haderlein ('16), and Katie Chamberlain ('16) all together visiting Lizzy out in CO.  Lizzy recently spent two years at The Island School in the Bahamas and then moved to the snowy mountains of Vail, CO to teach at the Vail Mountain School.  Quite a weather shift, but it looks like these guys are enjoying some warm water anyway, along with cake and some baked goods that we always all enjoy--Katie is a master baker, so did she make those, are were they just testing them out?!

I always love to hear from alums out there, so forward any news so we can catch up and share with our extended MCVB family network!  I'll also be traveling to Vegas the first weekend of April, and to Philadelphia the weekend of April 19-21 if anyone in either of those areas wants to meet up, just let me know!

I just returned from the CO Crossroads National Qualifier where I often get to catch up with Amy Lowell ('01) Bloch and Dawn Trowbridge ('00) Marsh.  This year was a quick trip for me, so I didn't see either one, unfortunately!  Additionally, Lizzy and Amy Hart ('14), both live within range of the Denver area now, so hopefully next year we'll plan a mini MCVB Reunion in CO!!

Eliana Schaefer ('18) was just back at MIDD visiting, so it was great to see her and catch up a little!!  She's waiting to hear from a few more Medical Schools and will be headed somewhere next year to start that!  We wish her all the best on that next path of life!

Happy Spring to everyone wherever you are, and please send any updates you'd like to share with your MCVB Family!  In typical Vermont fashion, the day after it's officially Spring, the wet, heavy snow is falling outside...and accumulating.  It's snowy and slippery and practically a white-out out there!  Ahhh, Vermont weather--and we thought we'd already started Mud Season!

Alum Happenings: Visits to MIDD, Wedding Fun

There have been some fun alumnae things going on this month so far!  We've had visitors to Middlebury, and visitors at away games, which is always fun.  And, there was a wedding featuring a former MCVB "stud" where many old teammates gathered for lots of fun, laughs and good times!

First of all, Meg Anderson '14 came to see us opening weekend at Wheaton, which was fun!  I actually didn't get a picture, but promised we'd get one next time!  Also at that tournament, we had Katie Kenney Enslin's '03 parents (who are some of our biggest fans!) visit us and cheer us on, and it's ALWAYS great to see them!

Then, there was a gathering of many MCVB alums for Sarah Studwell's wedding!  There were many fun times and pictures that came out of that weekend, but here's the group photo of them all, which could appear in the Middlebury Magazine with the official banner?!  :)

The fun thing about our MCVB family is that it spans years, and lasts a lifetime!  The following people all gathered for the fun event:  Lizzy Reed '15, Julia Gibbs '13, Sarah Studwell '13(congrats Stud!), Elissa Goeke '12, Megan Jarchow '14, Katie Chamberlain '16, Kathryn Haderlein '16, Meg Anderson '14, and Amy Hart '14.

They also took an informal picture featuring Meg, Katie, Kathryn, Lizzy and Lizzy's parents and dog--ALL in Middlebury Volleyball swag--looking good, MCVB!!  A big congratulations to Sarah Studwell on her wedding!  It sounded like a really fun gathering of old friends and new ones to celebrate life and love!

Lizzy posted pictures from the weekend with a quote that made my day:  "Thank you MCVB for fostering my love of nachos and teaching me that it was never really about the volleyball after all."

It's always fun to hear from any of you alums out there, and of course, always fun to see you back at MIDD, or if we're in your area, come out and see us there!  Happy Fall!

Alumnae Summer Encounters!

I got a couple of great pics from alums this summer who were sharing their fun reunions with former teammates!  First of all, Caitlin ('13) came back to MIDD for a weekend of summer fun at the end of June and hiked Snake Mtn. with Lizzy ('15) and Kathryn ('16). 

You have to love the "selfie," or group selfie in this case?  I, of course, still don't quite have the hang of it, and my now 15 year old daughter just laughs (ok, probably eye rolls) at me when I even attempt it, but it's so great to get these selfies because everyone's in the picture then! 




In July, Jane ('12) ran into Mallory ('10) in Chicago, I think out of the blue!  Jane lives in Chicago, and Mallory was just visiting, and I didn't get all the details, but it sounded like they had a chance encounter.  Small world, huh?!  How exciting and fun to run into old friends!  Thanks for sharing!

 Have a great rest of summer.  The countdown is ON now to the 2015 season.  We start this year as we always do with the BBQ at my house on August 31st, so that puts our countdown at just under three weeks now (20 days!).  I hope the workouts are going well for everyone returning!  IF any alums want our fitness test, just for old times' sake, I'm happy to send it to you!  Just let me know.  :) 

(PS--I've gone soft in my old age--no more timed mile, so many of you might not find it all that bad?!  Boo hoo!)

Sarah Studwell '13 Rides for Pride!

Sarah Studwell '13, or Stud as she was known with MCVB, participated in the Ride for Pride this June near her hometown, and surpassed her group's fundraising goal!  Sarah rode 50 miles to raise awareness and funds toward LGBT regional support programs and national LGBT lobbying efforts.  She reported that, "Despite the recent progress with the blanket legalization of gay marriage, GENDA (the gender non-discrimination act that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identification) failed to pass once again. So your donations will be put to good use!"  

Sarah said that her group's goal was to raise $25,000 and at the time she sent me her update they had raised over $30,000, so well done, Stud, that's awesome!!  And, riding 50 miles is no small feat, so congratulations for not only raising that amount of funds, but also in completing the ride.  Here are a couple of pictures of Stud and her group.  What a great experience and cause.  Happy Summer, and thanks for sharing your event, Sarah!!



This last picture is our flagpole here in MI.  After the court ruling, my middle daughter told my husband that she wanted to get a rainbow flag and fly it along with the American flag.  So, they got on Amazon.com and found one!

Alumnae Get Togethers, Far and Near

I've heard from some alums recently who've been getting together with old MCVB pals, both near and far from Middlebury, and were nice enough to send pictures of their rendezvous.  Amy Hart '14 was recently out west in Houston visiting "MJ" Jarchow '14.  MJ often gets together with Julia Gibbs '13, who also lives in Houston.  Julia is from TX, and has moved back out there and I believe is making furniture?!  MJ spent time in TX as a youngster, and even knew Julia (I'm pretty sure) from club days before meeting up again at MIDD, and has also recently moved back out there to take a job after coaching volleyball in CT this Fall.  So, when Amy came to visit, they had their own mini MCVB reunion!   

Then, today was the Boston Marathon, and Lisa Barrett was kind enough to send me this picture of MCVB alums (daughter Lauren '11, and Lindsay Patterson '08.5) who both ran in the race  today.  What fun!  They both look great, and no worse for wear after their 26.2 mile race today!!  Wonderful  post-race smiles, guys!  Great job, Lauren and Lindsay!!

Alum Jane Handel's ('12) 8th Graders Take Championship!

Jane Handel ('12) is coaching an 8th grade team in the Chicago area, and her team just won their Championship!!  The St. Athanasius Redhawks beat St. Fancis 25-12, 25-12 for the Championship.  Well done, girls (and Jane!)  How exciting.  The look of pure joy and FUN is all over these young faces.  This is where it all starts...any future MCVB'ers in there?!

We have a few alums now in the coaching ranks, which is exciting.  Meg Anderson ('14) is our assistant here at MIDD, Luz Brito Pena ('04) is coaching at her High School in NY, Elissa Goeke ('12) is coaching with her former HS team in MD, and Megan "MJ" Jarchow ('14) assisted Concordia College in NY this past year.

I'm sure I'm missing some, as I know that Courtney Shepard ('14) has done a lot of club coaching, Lacee Patterson Phillips ('08) has been involved with the Starlings Club Program, Katy Hicks ('05) had a stint coaching before becoming a Doctor, and I'm sure there are a lot of others out there as well, maybe Lindsay Patterson('08), and Lexie Fisher ('08), or Rachael Faraone ('02), or Kellie Jensen ('02)?!?  Caitlin Barrett ('13), Lauren Barrett ('11), and Sarah Studwell ('13) have all sat on the bench here for games as "assistant coaches" as alums, so that counts too.  :)  If I've left anyone out, please let me know!

Happy Thanksgiving all, and thank you, Jane for sharing your fun news!!

MCVB Alums Visiting This Fall

It's been a great Fall for having Alums visit, and that's been so much FUN!  First, Amy Lowell ('01) visited with her friend Charlie, and watched the beginning of practice, and got introduced to the team back during pre season.  Then, just recently, Jane Handel '12, and Elissa Goeke '12 visited and stayed for most of practice and even ran a ball control drill while Brian and I were working with the blockers on the other court.   We also had another surprise visitor from the class of '98.

Cathy Veach Moyer '98 stopped by with her husband after being in the Stowe area on business.  I looked right at her, and was like, "Hi there!  How's it going?" and then realized, wait a minute...Veach?!  (I still can't call her anything but Veach, and even introduced her that way--sorry Kevin!)  :)  It was fun to introduce them all to the team, and have them say a bit about when they were here, and what they're doing now.  I'm really hoping to get some alumnae connections set up, or at least a pathway for current players/alums to connect, if possible. 



Anyway, what fun to have you guys all stop by.  A fun fact about these visitors was that they were all part of one of our four NESCAC Championships!  Amy was on both the 97, and 98 teams, and Veach was a senior for our first one in 1997.  Jane and Elissa were part of the 2010 Championship.  Fun times!

If anyone is ever in the area, please stop by to say hello--it's always so great to see you, and catch up, even briefly!  Also, Amy sent me this picture of Rachael Faraone '02, Amy Lowell '01, and Leslie Edwards (not sure of her married name--sorry Leslie!) '01 at the beach this past summer in East Hampton.  You all look great!  Thanks for sharing, and please keep in touch!  FYI--I still tell stories about the upperclassmen making you two 6 foot freshmen middles sit in the way back of the vans for our "multiple" trips to Maine back in the day!

Whit '10.5 Visits, and Other Fall Fun

We had a surprise visit from Whitney Bean on Friday before we left for Hamilton.  Her youngest brother Tom was here doing his official visit with the soccer team, and she and her parents came up to enjoy the weekend also!  What a great surprise it was to see Whitney just appear at my office door!  And, of course, she showed the girls her "rock" since they'd recently found out she was engaged!  Maybe we'll get the last of the Bean clan to come to MIDD and keep it all in the family!   I'm sure they all enjoyed seeing our Football team absolutely rout Amherst after all the years when Jared played football and Amherst was unbeatable.  GO MIDD!

And, FALL is upon us, and what a gorgeous one it is so far.  If the sun would ever stay out long enough to enjoy the beauty, it could be one of the best in years?!  I took this picture out behind the field house while the sun was actually out between all the rain we've been having.  As I'm writing this, I can hear the rain on the roof yet again.



Last week, I had another surprise, but it was in our chicken shed.  THE FIRST EGG!  I've been checking the nesting boxes for the past couple of weeks thinking, "any day now."  And, there it was, a little egg!  Here's Maxwell showing off the egg!

 A couple of weeks ago now, when we had our home stand against Williams on a Wednesday night, and then Colby and Bates over the weekend, I actually got out and played some golf with Dave Gibbs and Tim Barrett, and my husband.   I hadn't been out on our course here since last Spring when Jane and Elissa and I went out with the softball coach and one of her seniors during senior week.  It's a "lifetime" sport, and one which I encourage all my athletes to pick up.  Eventually, you'll want to know how to play, and it's almost always easier to learn when you're younger.  That's what I believe, so that's what I tell them.  In college, you can take a PE class and learn how to play for free! 

Anyway, what fun we had that day, however, even in the light drizzle!  We also got in a game of 3v3 on the basketball court, but I didn't get pictures of that--no one needs to see the three of us all sweaty!  All I will say is, our VB dad's still got GAME!  There was some talk of doing another sport to complete our "triathlon," but we didn't get quite that far.  We still have another home weekend, though, so who knows...

Christine Knox '99 Playing Beach Semi-professionally

I'm not sure why I never got this in the blog, and now it's somewhat outdated, but cool nonetheless, so I had to add it in here!  I caught up with Christine Knox '99 over email a couple years ago, which was great!  She's an attorney who works on Long Island practicing estate planning and administration.  She was also in school part time getting a masters.  Still going strong both academically and athletically, and finding time to play some serious volleyball.  

We had lost touch for a few years there, and she got back in touch with me when she was planning to come up for Homecoming, but were out of town that weekend.  She's still playing a ton of volleyball, and was playing semi-professionally on the beach, which was fantastic news to hear!  She mentioned that she and her partner had done very well over the summer ('10, I believe), and had won a free trip to play in the US Open for Beach Volleyball in Manhattan Beach, CA.  She said it was an incredible experience.  This picture is from that tournament.  She also had this to say about beach vs. indoor, "I'm mostly retired from indoors - too cruel on your body once you get older - but I'm now playing beach volleyball semi-professionally.  Such a blast and sooooo much more fun than indoors!"

To the right is a picture of her brother getting married.  It's fun to have both the "athletic" Knox, and the "totally decked out" Knox with her family.  Thanks for sharing your new life, Knox, and next time you're in VT I hope we're in town too so we can catch up in person!

If you're an alum--send me updates any time, and we'll just keep adding to the Alum database of fun updates and pictures etc.  

Reunion 2012

What a fun weekend!  I had recently talked to Jane and Elissa and told them that we'd all be on the same reunion schedule in the future since they were graduating in 2012, and I was having my 20th reunion ('92).  I had a friend returning for reunion, and was looking forward to seeing others from my class, but I hadn't heard from any volleyball alums.

Well, I took my family and we were having dinner and catching up with my old college roommate when Rachael Faraone '02 and I spied each other!!  We had such a nice chat, and she was teaching my kids some blocking technique, or maybe high-fives, and what fun!  She's a lawyer and is currently doing some soul searching for just what makes her truly happy in life, and it was really great to catch up with her.  She also commented that she's finally gotten her blocking timing down.  She's not early any more!  Better late than never, I say!

Sometime after that, I realized that Carolyn Stewart Birbiglia '97was actually in my same tent (they'd combined the 20th and 25th classes under one tent)  What fun it was to catch up with her.  She had both of her adorable kids there, one of whom wasn't feeling all that well, which was too bad.  She's doing well, though, and was very happy to be back on campus for reunion!

There were fireworks on the old practice football field (which probably didn't make the neighbors all that happy), but it was a great MIDD celebration.  It was a time to relive some glory days, and to catch up on what we've all become since we left (most of us anyway?!) our little time capsule of MIDD LIFE.

I would encourage any/all MCVB alums to come back, and please let me know when you do so we can catch up, even if it's only briefly!

Reunion 2011!

It's June, and at MIDD, that means Reunion Time! It's been about the soggiest Spring in VT on record, but Reunion Weekend was as nice as it could be. I had a fabulous time catching up with Jamie Wong '06! We sat outside of Proctor on the terrace in the sun and caught up on life. We did laugh about old times, and reminisce a bit, but we also had fun catching up on what's new for both of us.

She reported that she keeps in touch with Katy Hicks '05 in CA, who is currently in Med School, and also with several other MIDD VB alums. She met Reisa Bloch'10 (and they figured out they both wore the same jersey # while at MIDD!), and sees Lindsay Patterson '09.5, Lacee Patterson Phillips '07.5, and Evan Kanaly Herberts '03, but has yet to meet Blair Sly '01, so we'll have to work on that! Word has it that Lexie Fisher '08.5 is moving back to CA, so she will join the CA contingent of VB alums as well.

Jamie is as fit as can be, and has trained for varying races like half-marathons, triathlons, and even mentioned the words: Olympic Distance, and Iron Man in conversation!! Wow!! She's back in San Francisco working with her dad in the exporting business, but is also going back to grad school to get her MBA, and likely also her Realtor's License, just for fun. She's happy and healthy, and it was so great to see her smiling face back on campus!!

In other alumnae news, I just found out that Katie Kenney Enslin '03 had her first baby--a girl. Congratulations to her and her husband on starting their family, other than their "first" baby, Cash, the dog. We wish you the best, Katie and family!!

Alum Updates

OK, I've been in touch with several people over the course of the Fall/Winter, so I'll see if I can summarize what's going on with people from whom I've heard.

Amy Lowell ('01) was out west this past summer for her brothers wedding and had a reunion of sorts with a fellow teammate Anne McDonough ('99), who is friends with the bride. After spending the summer under the Western sun, Amy decided she liked it enough to make the move! She up and moved to Boulder, CO and is getting settled out West after living in New England her whole life! She's excited about the change, and is settling into a new job in occupational therapy and is loving all the fun outdoor activities her new environment has to offer. Before she left the East, however, she got to visit with her old pal, Leslie Edwards ('01) in Manhattan. She reports that Les is doing great and is happily married and enjoying life there. Once in CO, Amy hopes to catch up with Dawn Trowbridge Marsh ('00) who lives in nearby Fort Collins and works in a bank and enjoys spending time with her two kids, Tanner and Cadence. I'm actually hoping to catch up with Dawn when I go recruiting in the Denver area for the CO Crossroads tournament. 

Blair Sly ('01) is still in California running his own business and coaching volleyball on the side. He's now coaching only the boys varsity at The College Prep School in Oakland, after a few years coaching both boys and girls. His varsity team has won League 3 or 4 years in a row now, which is a testament to his coaching abilities as he took over a young program. He said this about coaching his team: "It's so fun to show up at tournaments with [our] dorky name ("The College Prep School") and take out huge public schools." He said he hasn't kept in touch all that well with many alums, but did say that he was sad to have missed old pal Leslie Edwards' wedding. His girlfriend may bring him East, and if so, we hope we get to see him again one of these days.

Katie Kenney Enslin ('03) had a lot of news in her Holiday card. She's happy living in MN with native hubby, and dog Cash. However, the family will soon grow as baby Enslin is due in May! She keeps in close touch with pal Evan Kanaly Herberts ('03), who had a new baby this past Fall. Congrats to both of you with your expanding families! Katie was in her first triathlon this summer too, so a lot going on for "Kato," as my young daughter used to call Katie! Since living in MN, Katie has been known to fish for Bass, make Sauerkraut, and other "Midwestern" pasttimes. It warms my heart to think of her making her life in the good ole' Midwest, although we miss seeing her out here. We did, however, get to see her parents this Fall. They were our loyal fans from the past! It was great to see them at (I think) all three of our NESCAC Tournament matches! At least the semi-finals and finals. Thank you so much, Kenney's!! We love the support! :)

Luz Brito Pena ('04) had a little baby boy last summer and they made a trip to VT to visit and to show her husband around Midd! Little Kevin is adorable, and they're all doing great. Luz is teaching at her HS Alma mater and enjoys the challenges of working with HS age students.

Danielle Boniello Gannett('04) has a new job that could be her dream job working in marketing for a Hotel & Resort company.

She doesn't have to commute into the city anymore, which is great for her! She's still working toward a business degree in her "spare time," so she's keeping herself very busy. Danielle keeps tabs on us through her mother-in-law, whose daughter is playing volleyball, so she's up on who's doing what in Northeast Volleyball.

Lindsay Patterson ('08.5) is living in San Fransisco with Reisa Bloch (09.5). Reisa is working for the Gap still--yes, the job she got when she missed our final NESCAC game a couple years ago (reinforcement of a wise decision!) Lindsay is taking classes in preparation for PT school, and will apply next Fall. She's loving life in San Fran, but she enjoyed visiting Lexie Fisher ('08) in NYC not long ago. She said it was great to visit friends, and catch up with their lives, but after she returned she commented that she was "reminded that I love NYC, but I could never live there."

Sister Lacee Patterson Phillips(06.5) also lives in San Fran now with new hubby and Cooper (the dog), and is teaching 5th grade at a KIPP school. She's involved with Starlings Volleyball Club, which helps provide opportunities for girls to get involved with volleyball regardless of thier socioeconomic background, which is fantastic. Lacee commented that she and fellow alums in San Fran Georgia Jolink ('06), and Jamie Wong ('06) were anxiously following our progress through the season last year. Along with raising a puppy, Lacee is also "hooked" on doing triathlons, which is actually no surprise to any of us that know Lacee--good for you, Lacee, and enjoy those excruciating training workouts! :)
 
Mallory White ('10) moved back to CO after graduation and is working for the El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs. She's enjoying being back in CO, but keeps tabs on her pals still here in MIDD and was very excited about our season. She was recently back on campus for Whit's Feb Graduation, as was Natalie DuPre ('10), who's currently working in Boston.

Molly Elmer-Dewitt ('10) had a lot to report on her life in Chicago. She's living with sister Kitty in a "lovely apartment in [a] Ukrainian village." She's interning in the prevention department of a non-profit before heading into Med School. To help pay the rent, she's also a waitress at a "snazzy new sushi restaurant." Of course, Molly had great stories to share about her current experiences in the prevention department, and for anyone that read her blog while she was in Africa, you know she's got a gift there! Molly is still running (of course), and trained this Fall for a marathon. I'm not sure I heard from her afterwards?! I do believe that Molly still holds the VB team record for the preseason mile?....

OK, thanks to all of you for the updates, and please keep us posted!! Enjoy!

MIDD downs Union in Three

Not only did we win another match at home, but we had a Midd VB alum in the stands to watch us! Ali ('04) is back living in Burlington and working in Vergennes after spending a few years in LA, and then Chicago. She reports that she's very, very happy to be back in VT, and loved watching us play. She commented on the size of our players, and the speed of the game since her time here. Not to mention that the libero position is new. She loved watching us play, and is excited to be back in touch with MIDD Volleyball action!
So, without Julia in the lineup, we moved MJ to the right side, and Studwell into the front row OH spot. The team was in control the first and third games, despite a little lull in intensity. The second game was a rough one as we just couldn't seem to muster the enthusiasm, nor the intensity to play our game, and take control of the tempo. We were making unforced errors, and just found ourselves not moving for balls, over passing, not covering, etc. etc. We continue to work on improving every day, and thus practice will be full of those little adjustments and intensity today!
Even though Julia wasn't playing tonight, it didn't stop her involvement with the pre-game preparation before our team pictures. It seems we have more than one hair braiding specialist on the team?! At least we were looking good before the game started.... As for our actual play, however, there were definitely some bright spots there as well. Overall, our serve receive was very good, with only one receiving error on the night, and an average of just over a 2.0 receive rating (my own rough estimation from game stats)?! Caitlin anchored our defense once again, as did Caroline and Jane. Meg Anderson received 9 serves with no errors, and MJ went 5/0 in receptions. Lauren came through with a good serving night with 3 service aces, and Elissa and Whit both had two blocks. Our offense was again varied with 6 players all having 3 or more kills: Jane, Elissa, Stud, MJ, Whit, and Maddie.
We will need to be on top of our game this weekend as we face a couple of top 15 teams in our Region, which will be exciting. Our next web cast will be our next home match, on Oct. 8 against Bowdoin.

Alums Return for Reunion Weekend

Reunion time at MIDD is always a fun time. I didn't see many volleyball alums, but I did catch up with these two!

Shani is a doctor in Boston (we joked that she's living Grey's Anatomy, and she did hint that there were times when it seemed like that, but not in ALL ways!) She's in the Hospital, and deals with whomever is there, and said that she enjoys it it that way, but does not develop relationships with patients like a Family Practitioner might, but she is constantly challenged by always facing sick patients in need every day in the Hospital.

Hav, aka Heather, is teaching art to our youngsters, and they are the lucky recipients of her talents and enthusiasm! She is also enjoying her job, and has many fun stories to share about crazy kids! Way to go, both of you! So fun to catch up with you both. I got to see Hav this winter at a Basketball Alumni Game, but haven't gotten to see Shani in quite some time. Keep in touch, ladies!

I've also heard from Kellie Jensen recently. She was somewhat recently married to her MIDD boyfriend, Ian. I believe that the wedding was in Germany, where he was stationed briefly during his command with the Army. Stay safe now while you're in Afghanistan! It was great to catch up with Kellie, who is finishing up a Masters in the Business School at the University of Michigan this Spring.

Lindsay Patterson has been in touch, and she's enjoyed being in Aspen for a while. She was still working with the Buddy Program, which is a fantastic organization, and has continued her coaching career again this year with the 5th-6th graders. She reports that it's very fun to work with such an enthusiastic bunch! She's just spent some time recently in NYC interning with a Physical Therapist, and has some fun/work planned out West before starting classes in the Fall for PT/Medical school out in San Francisco. Lindsay, you will be a fantastic PT or Doctor, whichever direction you end up! The Rehab Portion of PT sounds like it's right up your alley, especially with the variety of injuries you've had experience with. :) Any good X-Game Family ought to have a PT in the family! She also caught up with Lexie Fisher and had a fun Girls getaway, which was probably a needed break for the TFA teacher. Lexie continues with that Program in NYC, and Luz Brito Pena is also still teaching in the Big Apple.
I also heard recently from Blair Sly, my Student Assistant Coach in the late 90's. He's doing great in San Francisco. His business is still doing great, which allows him to continue coaching boys volleyball in Oakland, where he's starting to rack up the victories! His team has been League Champs three years running now. I think he's developing a dynasty out there. He's enjoying his work a lot, but would love for the Coaching to keep growing as a bigger and bigger part of his life! He's still coaching JV girls too, and is contemplating coaching a club team? Keep up the great work, Blair! He has not been in touch with a ton of MIDD KIDS, but did mention that he was sorry he'd missed Leslie Edwards wedding recently. Maybe we'll get that scoop from either Leslie or Amy soon?! Thanks for the update, Blair.

I've also been in touch briefly with both Katie Kenney and Evan Kanaly, who were both married in the recent past. Katie is very happy living in MN with Eric, and their adorable dog, and Evan has recently moved into a new home with her hubby Curt. Hope to catch up more soon.

OK, if anyone out there has more news they'd like to share with their MIDD Volleyball family, please let me know! Have a great summer, everyone!

Alumnae News

Well, I finally am getting around to putting together the alums updates from our Homecoming gathering! We didn't quite get enough alums back for a real Alumnae Game that weekend this fall, but it sure was great to see those that did come back, and to hear from those that couldn't make it. Karen Engler Bartlett ('95.5) was here and met with the current team to exchange stories about MIDD VB. Karen has two kids and is very active in the local community. Also included in that group to come back were recent grads Olivia Minkhorst, and Josie Keller (both '09). Josie has moved to DC and is working with a group called SmartBrief, and despite what Reisa thought, NO, Josie is not selling underwear. She's doing market research analysis for their health care ad sales. She's still hoping to do something involving China or Chinese, so we'll keep posted on that front. We also had appearances by Lexie Fisher ('08.5), and Kate Heath ('09) who were both here in time for our matches on Saturday. Kate was claiming sore knees before the alumnae "game" due to the fact that she'd just finished the Chicago Marathon the week before! I guess that's a legitimate excuse for sore knees! Lexie is doing Teach for American in the NYC area. Amy Heath ('07), who has been working in DC for a couple of years, and Josie were trying to convince Kate to move to DC, and I think she now has, but may still be searching for what's next.

Here is the news that I have from alums who couldn't make it back, but wrote in to let us know what they're up to:

Julie Moriarty McDonough ('95) moved back to the Boston area and is now pregnant with child #3. She's hoping to catch some MIDD VB when we play down that way, and remembers, "it seems like yesterday that MIDD volleyball finally became a varsity sport. In fact, [she] still has her "In the Beginning" sweatshirt from our very first season in 1994."

Erin McManus O'Donovan ('99) is living in San Francisco working in private equity. She has two little boys and says, "We are busy, but life is really great!!"

Carolyn Stewart Birbiglia ('97) now lives in Providence, RI, and has two sons.

Luz Brito Pena ('04) is married, and living in NYC, and has been teaching at her HS Alma mater for 6 years now! Her husband (now in his first full year in the US--from her home country of DR) is taking intensive English lessons and hopes to become a Math teacher. Luz said, "I must say I got teary-eyed after looking at all the pictures and reading the team's updates. I miss being on the team."

Amy Lowell ('01), Rachael Faraone ('02), and Leslie Edwards ('01) were all "supposedly" coming back for the reunion, but it didn't quite work out. Rachael is in her second year of Law School, and had something going on with that, Leslie was in the process of moving to NYC, and Amy is happy in the Boston area, but ended up having to work that weekend. Rachael is also helping try to recruit good volleyball talent from her HS to come to MIDD. Thanks Rachael!

Danielle Boniello Genett ('04) has gone back to school full time after years in the corporate world to get her MBA. She's still an avid volleyball fan and hopes to catch us when we're down closer to her in NY.

Jamie Wong ('06) was sorry she couldn't make it out there, but says that she stays in touch with other MIDD VB alums in the San Fran area. Those include Katy Hicks ('05), Blair Sly ('01), Amy McCowan ('08) and Evan Kanaly Herberts ('03). Katy Hicks and Jamie are now roommates, and have started a co-ed grass volleyball team! Amy is going to Law School now after returning from China a year ago, and is happy to be back and surrounded by MIDD VB alums, "teammates for life," as she put it! Blair, who was our student coach extraordinaire (you too, Tanner!) is now the CEO of his own company called ION Translations, LLC. He is coaching both JV girls, and Varsity boys volleyball. The JV girls team is quite a different experience than the varsity boys team, to say the least. You're a good man, Blair!

Katie Kenney Enslin ('03) got married this past summer, and is very happy living in Edina, MN. I couldn't make it to the wedding, but I got to see pictures of the beautiful bride from her parents, who came to see us play at Tufts for the NESCAC Tournament. So fun to see her parents, and to see the pictures.

Katherine Veach Moyer ('98) is living back in Kansas, in her hometown, actually, and just to stick to the small-town living story, she married her high school sweetheart. She never really thought she'd be back in Ulyses, KS, but is very happy and has a good job which allows her to travel and get out, which is, as she put it, "a good cure for a small town!"

Georgia Jolink ('06) has done her time in Americorps, and has now decided to go to Law School, where she's finishing her first year at University of Texas.

Lacee Patterson ('06.5) just got married last weekend in her hometown of Aspen, CO to her MIDD boyfriend--the one she didn't chase away. I heard from her sister, Lindsay Patterson ('08.5) that Lacee actually skied down the mountain after the reception in her wedding gown. Truly classic!! Congratulations Lacee and Peter. Lindsay is working in Aspen with the Buddy Program on special projects, and is contemplating several things, but PA school, and moving to San Fran are a couple of things on her mind.

Heather Langlois ('00) is living in MA and is teaching art to elementary school kids. She's a talented artist who is sharing her passion and talent with our youth--good for you, Hav! She was recently back in MIDD for a basketball alumnae weekend and was sporting her skills on the court again!

Dawn Trowbridge Marsh ('00) is living in CO with her MIDD husband Jon, and their two adorable kids. I was fortunate to catch up with Dawn a few years ago at the CO Crossroads Club Volleyball Qualifier. She helped me evaluate talent there between our conversations catching up on each others lives, and brought young Tanner along too, who was a trooper while we watched and chatted!

OK, that's what I have from people. I'd love to hear from anyone else out there!! Drop me a note or an email and I'll add new information for alums when I get it.

Oh, and I came across the picture below when I cleaned out my desk recently! I believe that it was taken in 1998 during Homecoming that year?! From left to right it's: Kathy Veach Moyer ('98), Angie Goldman ('97), Carolyn Stewart Birbiglia ('97), Tracy Nolan ('97), and Jordan Lungstrum Blackburn ('98). FUN times! Keep 'em coming!

Alumnae News!

It's always fun to hear from Alums, and pictures are always welcome as well! Not too long ago, senior Kate Heath was visiting her sister, Amy Heath in Washington, DC, where they had dinner with Lexie Fisher. Sushi, I was told, was on the menu. We've discovered that sushi is a favorite among many members of the team, so if there's an alum out there who wants to come back to MIDD, but you're not sure what to do, come back and start a sushi restaurant in town!! We need that here in MIDD, maybe even a Sushi/Thai restaurant?!

Recently, I've also heard from Georgia Jolink, who ran in the Boston Marathon recently. She was fundraising for an excellent cause, the Children's Hospital of Boston. She said that being a part of the Miles for Miracles marathon team was "really inspiring" for her. Here is a brief part of her account of the race:

"I was wearing a singlet that said Children's Hospital on the front, and before the race, I had written my name on my singlet and down my leg, so between yelling for Children's and yelling my name, the fans really helped. I never thought that people I had never met before could encourage me so much, but the barrage of cheering was almost constant for the last several miles.When I hit the "One Mile To Go" sign somewhere on Commonwealth Ave, I picked up the pace a little bit and just went for it. My legs were hurting, I was dodging people right and left, people were racing past me, the crowd was almost deafening, and once I turned onto Bolyston and saw the Finish Line, I thought about all of you and how the race was about something greater than just running."

Georgia ran into Lacee Patterson and her mom, who were both running in the Marathon as well, and they were able to share a pre-race dinner Sunday night, which sounded very nice! Apparently, Georgia and Lacee were very near each other in the final mile of the race, but I won't say who came in first...I will say that it was reported to me that despite a pulled muscle, Susie Patterson was still out there to finish the race--amazing, but par for the Patterson course, I think! :) Way to go all of you!!

Lindsay Patterson has been in touch, and is very happy working for the Buddy Program right in Aspen, and she is very active in all parts of the organization, which has been rewarding and exciting for her. She's also been coaching youth volleyball, and this is what she had to say about that recently: "I just started coaching my first volleyball team! I'm trying to remember how I learned to pass/set/hit etc. as I teach these 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. It has been really fun (and challenging!) as we are only in the 2nd week of practice. I have about 14 kids, which can seem overwhelming when I'm trying to teach how to serve and balls are flying right and left! I forgot that we learn the under hand serve before the over hand serve for a reason! Anyways, it has been fun to keep my foot in the volleyball world now that my "career" is over, and I do love working with the kids. So, Tuesday I'll be back in the gym!"

Karen Engler Bartlett is living here in town, so I run into her quite a bit. She lives in Cornwall with her husband and two children, Khalen (2) and Julia (5). Believe it or not, she and I both have children in the same pre-school! How fun is that?! Karen has agreed to co-write our letter to alums this fall encouraging attendance at our Alumnae Game on Homecoming this year, so stay tuned!!

Thanks for the updates, all of you. Anyone out there who wants to catch us up on your life, please let me know. I think I have other news from Holiday cards that I'll go through again and get some other alumnae news out there. It's time to reunite alums--so please think now about coming back for Homecoming next year, and stay tuned for our letter in the mail!!