Volleyball Welcomes Aboard Three Signees For Upcoming 2005-06 Season
EUGENE ? University of Oregon women’s volleyball head coach Jim Moore announced the addition of three student-athletes for the upcoming 2005-06 season Tuesday. Katie Swoboda, a 5-foot-5 libero from Portland, Ore., and Mira Duric, a 6-2 middle blocker from Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, signed National Letters of Intent. Erika Bartruff, a 5-11 setter from Beaver Dam, Wis., accepted an athletic scholarship.
"This class will help us fill key role positions," Moore said. "We were not only able to fill specific needs, but bring in quality student-athletes to the program. I expect each of our signees to give us a huge lift in attaining our programs’ goals."
Swoboda, a two-time all-state honoree at Reynolds High School, also participated on the 16-under and 18-under Nike NW Juniors squads. The Portland native was a member of the National Honor Society and owns a 3.89 GPA.
"Katie will provide our team with needed ball control." said Moore. "She has an outstanding presence on the floor and has been called by her coaches as one of the top defensive players they have coached."
Duric was a member of the Serbian Junior National Team.
"Mira will provide the team with explosive scoring from the middle and the service line," Moore said. "Her athletic ability will greatly increase our team’s scoring output."
The left-handed Bartruff was named first-team all-state as a senior, and carries an impressive 3.6 GPA.
"Erika has the talent to become an excellent all-around player for us," Moore said. "We feel her attitude and prep experience will allow her to contribute a great deal to our program."
All three signees will join middle blocker/outside hitter Alix Gambos of West Linn High School, who signed a National Letter of Intent this past fall.
Moore will take over a squad that graduated only two seniors. Prior to Oregon, the first-year coach had stops at Northern Michigan, Kansas State, Texas and Chico State, while reaching the postseason on eight occasions. In 1993, Moore led NMU to an NCAA Division II National Title ? the institution’s first women’s national championship. Moore has compilied a 355-154 overall record as a head coach in 16 years of experience.
The Ducks open the 2005-06 season at home when they host the Oregon Kickoff Classic, Sat.-Sun., Aug. 27-28.
