Jennifer Stout, who came in to replace the injured Amy Smith five minutes before the start of the first game, embraces senior Ryan Winn after defeating the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, in five games. The two Leopards were later joined by friends and family members who had travelled to Wisconsin to show their love and support for the Leopards. Several of these student received money from the Associated Students Federation to travel to Wisconsin and cheer the Leopards on. The Leopards left ULV chasing a dream and returned as champions. / photo by Tom Galaraga
story and photography by Tom Galaraga
Dedication, perseverance and heart made up the winning formula for the University of La Verne women’s volleyball team as it defeated both Juniata University and the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater to become the Division III National Champions.
Having traveled approximately 2000 miles, La Verne players were out to earn the respect that had been denied them all season.
Head Coach Don Flora was out to prove that his team, ranked No. 8 in the nation, was better than that, and would settle only for No. 1.
The cold Wisconsin weather did little to slow the Leopards. And the capacity crowd of 1800 Whitewater fans cheering the Warhawks on, proved only to fuel the Leopards’ drive towards the championship.
The crowd’s primal screams and taunts did little to distract the Leopards as they continued to focus on their goal: the championship.
A long way from home, the Leopards were reminded of their hometown as they were joined by parents and fellow ULV students.
They ultimately became the few proud fans of the Leopards as the Lady Leopards were crowned the Division III Champions.
As for Flora, he had earned his respect, and his title.
In front of a full-capacity crowd of 1,800 people, the 2001 University of La Verne Leopards line up at the baseline for the last time this season. For seniors Adriana Contreras and Ryan Winn, it was the last time that they would line up and the last time that they would hear their names announced. The Warhawks home crowd, however, pretended not to be interested in La Verne as their lineup was announced. Instead, they held copies of the school paper and pretended to read. / photo by Tom GalaragaAdriana Contreras and Amy Kratochvil double team the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater’s offense during game two of the finals. Senior setter Kristin Dettman looks on, anticipating the block. / photo by Tom GalaragaSenior setter Ryan Winn chases down the ball, setting up the Leopards transition offense during the fourth game against the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. / photo by Tom Galaraga
The Leopards’ women’s volleyball team secured an opening day victory Friday with a 3-0 sweep of the Southwestern Pirates, who are led by legendary former La Verne coach Don Flora.
Marlon Sano, a former United States Olympic volleyball team assistant coach who most recently coached at Cal State Los Angeles, has taken over the reins of the women’s volleyball team.
Don Flora, the beloved head coach who has led the University of La Verne women’s volleyball team to numerous regional and national awards, has resigned after 11 years.
