DePaul University Athletics
Volleyball Lands Three Local Products
11/14/2000 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
"I'm very excited and extremely pleased with the caliber of players we'll be bringing in next year," said Dockstader. "I'm convinced that each of these players will help us get to the next level."
The trio will be expected to continue the success Dockstader has built in her brief tenure as the Blue Demons' coach. In her four years, she has taken a program that won three matches the year before she arrived, to its first back-to-back 20-win seasons since 1990-91.
Continuing a trend that has become a staple in her recruiting, Dockstader has brought in players who are not only highly athletic, but posses dedicated work habits and an appetite for success.
Goreham is a 6-0 middle hitter who had a decorated career at Hersey High School. During this past year, the Chicago Sun-Times and Daily Herald named her All-Area and the Chicago Tribune selected her second team All-State. Her teams have been conference champions for the past three years and regional champs for the last four. In addition, Janet set the school record for career kills (875) and was named Mid Suburban League Co-Player of the Year.
"Besides her outstanding stats, Janet's intangibles are what drew me to her. When she came on her unofficial visit, I was sold in 15 minutes," said Dockstader. "Her enthusiasm and excitement towards our program combined with her strength and power instantly told me we had to have her."
Dockstader had a similar epiphany with Holmes. Holmes is a 5-9 setter/right side from Providence High School. She was named All-Area by the Daily Southtown, All-State by the Herald News and honorable mention All-State by the Tribune and All-Metro Catholic Conference. She helped the Celtics reach the quarterfinals of the IHSA AA state tournament this past season and posted a season high 20 kills against state champion Mother McAuley at the Glenbard Tournament.
"Playing in a 6-2 offense has allowed Amy to develop all areas of her game. Apart from being able to set an offense and run the floor, she is a dangerous attacker/blocker, she's capable of passing the whole court and plays exceptional defense," said Dockstader.
She was first exposed to Holmes was at the Blue Demons' camp last spring. It was there she realized the boost Holmes could provide to the program. "Amy is one of the most athletic players that we've recruited at DePaul--her presence will immediately impact the Blue Demons.
Amie West, from St. Francis High School, completes the triumvirate. A 5-10 setter she helped her team earn a trip to the Class A state finals before falling to Normal-U. High. Amie was named to the DuPage Valley All-Area team and All-Area by the Naperville Sun. She also earned a spot on the All-Suburban Catholic Conference squad.
"Amie was a very highly recruited setter; four teams in our conference were interested in her," said Dockstader. "I kept a close eye on her throughout the club season and was very impressed with her leadership and emotional stability on the court. Those attributes combined with her technical training made her one of the top setters in Illinois."
The groups' charge when they arrive will be helping the Blue Demons become a consistent member of Conference USA's upper crust and developing into a traditional NCAA tournament team--a task Dockstader feels they are more than capable of accomplishing.
