Aug. 12, 2009
With both Bronco volleyball players making a valiant effort to comeback from off-season surgery in January, senior Lauryn Dowd and junior Alex Scoffone have decided to forego their remaining college eligibility at Santa Clara as the recovery process has proven to be too much. Both San Jose natives will remain very involved with the program behind-the-scenes with Dowd assisting in the marketing efforts and Scoffone acting as a student-coach (manager) on the sidelines.
"In my mind I was determined to come back even though the doctors told me to quit playing volleyball and maybe play something else," said Scoffone, who will help keep stats and be involved with the coaching staff. "Maybe in a year I'll try again, but right now I just want to get as strong as I can. It's been hard to watch practice, because as anyone who has to give up their sport due to injury knows - you miss it."
"There isn't a sense of relief with this decision yet because it's tough to go in the gym and watch practice right now. However, I know the experiences I will have behind the scenes in marketing with help me with my career later,' said Dowd. "I am specifically going to be involved in helping promote the program and getting new fans at the games. I am especially interested in building the following of the Ruff Riders!"
"Both Lauryn and Alex will be missed this season on the court. They have both been starters and we will have to find ways to fill their roles that are vacated," said Bronco head coach Jon Wallace. "Both played significant roles in 2007 when we last won the conference and we will miss their competitive experience."
Last season Scoffone saw action in six matches after playing in 17 matches in 2007, starting 13. In 2007 she had a .252 hitting percentage with 33 total blocks. She is a 2007 graduate of Lincoln High School in San Jose, Calif. She is a double major in sociology and psychology. "I want to thank the coaches for allowing me to stay and help the team. Last year was a tough year for me personally; and they really helped me a lot," said Scoffone. "I also want to thank my family for pushing me. And of course to my Bronco teammates, I want to remind them of a quote a former coach once told me: `Never leave space today for regret tomorrow'. I wish them the best of luck, including the new players. I will be around supporting the team."
In 2008 Dowd saw action in 16 matches for the Broncos after starting in 29 of the Broncos 31 matches in 2007. She compiled an impressive sophomore season with 149 kills, .256 hitting percentage, 37 service aces and 71 total blocks, leading the team in aces and total. Her freshman year she played in 26 matches, starting 11. She is a 2006 graduate of Leigh High School in San Jose, Calif., who is majoring is marketing.
"First, I want to thank the coaches for the three years they have given me. It changed my life. I also want to thank them for the opportunity to stay involved with the program," said Dowd. "I wish my teammates all the luck and hope they succeed this year. I also want to give a big thank you to my family for all their love and support."
