Utah Ute spikers picked on top of MWC

Entering her 20th season at Utah, head volleyball coach Beth Launiere spent most of the summer helping coach the USA National Team.

While there, she rubbed shoulders with the likes of Karch Kiraly, who was also on the staff, and the country's best volleyball players, who were competing for a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team in London.

"Just being around great coaches and great players was an amazing experience," said Launiere.

Now she is preparing her own Utah squad that lost three outstanding players to graduation.

"You don't lose that much talent and leadership and not have a void," Launiere said, speaking of Emillie Toone, Lori Baird and Kathryn Haynie.

However, the Utes' cupboard will not be bare this season, as Karolina Bartkowiak returns as a Mountain West All-Conference performer and is picked to repeat on the All-Conference Team this year.

The Utes, in fact, were selected to repeat as Mountain West Conference champions by the league's coaches and media. Volleyball Magazine ranked the Utes 19th overall in its preseason poll.

"Everybody will be in new roles on this team," said Launiere, who described a kind of mantra for her team:

"Each individual will have to say, 'It's my time.'

"Everybody will have new goals on this team," she added. "With what we lost, if they were a role player last year, they will probably be a go-to player this year."

Six players will return who were key contributors last year and will be expected to step up this season. In addition to Bartkowiak, Chelsea Sandberg returns as a senior with experience at about every position.

Named as a co-captain with Bartkowiak, Sandberg said, "I will play wherever they need me."

"I think she is so versatile she can play anywhere," Bartkowiak said of her senior co-captain.

Launiere returned on Aug. 10 from working with Team USA and said there is still much to be determined.

The Utes' libero, Keisha Fisher, returns with experience and Cinthia Silva, who came on strong the latter part of the season last year, also returns as an outside hitter.

The setter position will have the most experience. Stephanie Neely started 29 matches last season, and Abby Simmons saw considerable time last year as a freshman. McKenzie Odale, a freshman from Boise, is also expected to contribute this year.

Sarah Hibbert saw some action last year as a freshman at the outside hitter position.