Confessions of a NMSU Volleyball Addict

Stevi Adams joins NMSU Volleyball Coaching Staff

Mike Jordan is looking forward to working with one of his former players.

Jordan announced on Tuesday that Stevi Adams, an outside hitter for the Aggies from 2001-04, will become a member of his coaching staff, replacing the departed Debby Baker, who took over the role of director of operations for the program.

Jordan said that he is excited about bringing in Adams, who is familiar with the coach's system and philosophies on and around the volleyball court.

"It's very exciting to have her back," Jordan said. "She has a real good idea on how things are done around here. She was such a good player for us and that gives her credibility in our players' eyes."

Adams is the Aggies' career leader in kills (1,559), ranks second in total attacks (4,288), third in digs (1,281) and third in service aces (145).

Jordan said that. initially, Adams' role will revolve around working with the team's outside hitters.

"She was a very good all-around outside hitter for us," Jordan said. "She's a very skilled player and she certainly has a very good understanding of strategy and techniques."

Adams said that she is thrilled to be given the opportunity to coach under Jordan and hopes to see the program continue to move in the right direction.

"I feel very honored that Mike asked me to be put on his staff," Adams said. "I feel like I contributed to the growing stages of this program as a player and that I'm a part of the team's history."

It will be a transitional period for Adams as well, as she will now approach the team from a coach's standpoint rather than a player's.

"I can't go out and put a uniform on and play, and I think that will take some time getting used to," she said. "I'll have to be more of a verbal leader now."

One thing that Jordan cited was Adams' ability to relate well with players. She agreed that would be a strong suit of hers coming into the year.

"I think I'll definitely bring a different quality," Adams said. "I can relate to freshmen players because I can relate first-hand to what they're going through. It's good when you can talk to someone first-hand about the different issues they are going through, especially when it's their first year playing."

posted by Melanie Brooks @ 8:16 AM