By Connor Witt '13

Rising sophomore Katy Schatzman (KS) had an immediate impact for the Broncos in her freshman year. The defensive specialist played in 42 sets and collected 70 digs during her first season at SCU. With two new additions to the coaching staff, Schatzman spoke with www.SantaClaraBroncos.com (SCB) about what the Broncos are doing to improve in the off-season and their goals for the upcoming year.

SCB: How would you categorize the 2011 season for the volleyball team?

KS: The season was not what we had all hoped for but we learned a lot from the season. We learned about each other and really bonded as a team.

SCB: What do you feel the new additions to the coaching staff can bring to the program this year?

KS: This season everyone is really excited about all the new changes. We all love coming in the gym and working hard for each other and our coaches. With Matt Lyles and Brad Keller we are learning so much and really having a great time every day in practice. Matt is improving our passing and serving as well as our defense. He brings experience and knowledge to our team. Brad just loves the game of volleyball and has so much to say. He's working really hard with our setters and a faster offense that's really effective for our team.

KS: We are all very excited for our beach tournament. It's a new experience for most of us on the team and we are having a great time learning the game and competing on the beach. Playing beach has helped our team's ball control so much already.

SCB: What have you been doing to improve and prepare in the offseason?

KS: This off-season we have been working really hard with our athletic performance coach Ryan Leake. In just the few months we have been with him our quickness and vertical have all improved. The off-season was also a good time for us to get back to working on our technique and our individual skills with one-on-one sessions with our coaches.

SCB: What are your personal and team goals for the upcoming season?

KS: This season we are all looking forward to getting back into the NCAA tournament and winning the West Coast Conference.