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HILLTOPPERATHLETICS

2016–2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTSCheerleading ...................................1

Cross Country ..............................2–3

Men’s Soccer ...............................4–5

Volleyball .....................................6–7

Women’s Soccer ..........................8–9

Men’s Basketball .....................10–11

Women’s Basketball ................12–13

Baseball ...................................14–15

Men’s Golf ................................16–17

Men’s Tennis ............................18–19

Softball .....................................20–21

Women’s Golf ..........................22–23

Women’s Tennis .......................24–25

Athletic Training .......................26–27

Facilities ...................................28–29

Life in Austin ...................Back Cover

ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATIONAthletics Director: Debbie Taylor, 512-448-8744

Associate Athletics Director/Compli-ance: Melinda Terry, 512-233-1637

Associate Athletics Director/Operations: Jameson Adams, 512-233-1495

Assistant Athletics Director/ Health and Wellness: Lisa Lowe, 512-448-8498

Administrative Assistant: Monica Baker, 512-448-8480

Administrative Coordinator: Abby Caswell, 512-448-8448

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Nicole Wilkins, 512-416-5802

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Annie Nalepa, 512-448-8496

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Savannah Burks, 512-448-8496

Assistant Athletic Trainer: Matthew McNamee, 512-448-8496

Media Relations Coordinator: Logan Lawrence, 512-464-8810, (cell) 512-636-2779

Media Relations Assistant: Sam Boender, 512-464-8870, (cell) 402-580-1771

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ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY ATHLETICSSt. Edward’s University competes as a member of NCAA Division II in 13 sports, including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, and volleyball. After enjoying many successful seasons in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), St. Edward’s University Athletics made the move to NCAA Division II in 1999. As a charter member of the Heartland Conference, the Hilltoppers have won 62 conference championships since joining the NCAA. In fact, 53 of those titles have occurred since the beginning of the 2005–2006 academic year. A total of 77 Hilltoppers have earned All-America honors, and 95 have been named Academic All-Americans. St. Edward’s has sent 76 teams to the NCAA National Tournament.

Hilltopper Athletics is coming off another impressive year in 2015–2016. The department finished 55th out of 302 Division II schools in the annual Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. Men’s soccer won its fourth-straight Heartland Conference championship, and women’s soccer appeared in the regional tournament for the seventh-straight year, advancing to the Sweet 16. In cross country’s first season back on the hilltop, both the men and women appeared at the South Central Regional Meet, while women’s basketball made a magical run to the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship game. In the spring, men’s and women’s golf k'pt postseason streaks alive as the men advanced to a 13th-straight regional and the women an 11th. On the tennis court, the St. Edward’s University men’s team won its eighth-consecutive conference tournament title, and the women also earned a berth in the postseason for the second-straight season. Hilltopper baseball rewrote the record book on the way to its most wins in school history, a regular-season conference title, a conference tournament championship and a fifth-straight NCAA South Central Regional berth.

Hilltopper student-athletes enjoyed success in the classroom, too, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the past 28 semesters. This past spring, 194 of 264 student-athletes compiled a 3.0 GPA or higher, and 24 individuals earned a 4.0 GPA. The combined GPA for 2015–2016 was 3.23.

HeArtlAnd ConferenceFounded in 1999, the Heartland Conference is an NCAA Division II conference consisting of 10 schools from Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. These schools include founding members St. Edward’s University and St. Mary’s University as well as expansion members Dallas Baptist University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Texas A&M–International University, Newman University, University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, Oklahoma Christian University, Lubbock Christian University and Rogers State University.

The Heartland Conference is one of the newest NCAA Division II conferences. At the present time, there are 26 conferences in NCAA Division II, totaling just over 300 institutions in full or provisional status across the nation.

CHEERLEADINGCHEERLEADING STAFFHead Coach: Talia Russell Cheer Office Phone: 512-637-5615

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSTeam Awards Since 2011: 2016 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Fight Song-Third) 2016 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Sideline-Fourth) 2016 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Mascot-Superior) 2015 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Fight Song-First) 2015 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Sideline-Third) 2015 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Game Day-Third) 2015 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Mascot-Fifth) 2014 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Fight Song) 2014 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Sideline) 2014 — UCA College Spirit Camp (Game Day) 2012 — Texas Collegiate Cheer Championships (Team Overall) 2011 — Texas Collegiate Cheer Championships (Skills Routine) 2011 — Texas Collegiate Cheer Championships (Cheer Routine) 2011 — Texas State UCA College Camp (Most Improved While at Camp)

Cheer

Talia Russell took over as head coach of the Hilltopper cheer team in January 2015. Russell is also the fan promotions and engagement coordinator.

In the 2015–2016 season, Russell led the cheer team to two competition performance exhibitions at Texas State University, including the UCA High School and Regional competitions. The cheer team also travled to Tulsa, Okla., in March to support the men’s and women’s basketball teams at the Heartland Conference Tournament.

Prior to arriving on the hilltop, Russell spent one season as assistant cheer coach at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. At Kutztown, an NCAA DII institution, Russell was also a compliance intern within the athletic department.

As an undergraduate student at Kutztown, she was a member of the cheerleading squad for four years. While a cheerleader for the Golden Bears, Russell was the team captain her senior season in which her squad finished fourth nationally at the UCA College Cheerleading Championships for the Division I All-Girl Division. She helped lead Kutztown to four top-10 finishes at the UCA Nationals during her time.

Russell was also an assistant varsity and head junior varsity coach for Exeter Township High School in 2014. She has also been a cheer instructor and competition judge for Varsity Brands, Inc., for the last four years.

Russell graduated from Kutztown in 2013 with a BS in Leisure and Sport Studies with an emphasis in Athletic Administration and Coaching; she graduated magna cum laude. She received her Master of Education in Sport Management from Millersville University (Pa.) in 2014.

TALIA RUSSELLHead Coach • Second Season

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SHANNON MADIGANVolunteer Assistant • First SeasonShannon Madigan begins her first season as the

volunteer assistant coach for the Hilltoppers.

Madigan’s résumé includes a four-year running career at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh from 2006 to 2010 where she was team captain and earned many academic accolades. In 2010, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

Since 2011, Madigan has worked for Turnkey Operations as the event manager for the Austin 10/20 and California 10/20 road races. She has also volunteered at multiple NCAA Division III National Championships.

Madigan’s main focus will be assisting the women’s cross country team.

cross countryCROSS COUNTRYCROSS COUNTRY STAFFHead Coach: David Chandler

School Record (Yrs/Pct): M: 19-63 (1/.232)

W: 44-34 (1/.564)

Overall Record (Yrs/Pct): M: same

W: same

CC Office Phone: (512) 428-1344

2015 SEASON IN REVIEW2015 Record: M: 19-63 (1/.232)

W: 44-34 (1/.564)

HC Finish: M: 8th

W: 5th

Final Ranking: None

Postseason Play: None

SEU cross country History

All-Time DII Record: N/A

HC Titles (Last): 1-Men (2006)

NCAA Tournament Appearances (Last): 2-Men (2008)

NCAA Tournament Record: Men: 11-26

Women: N/A

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSIndividual awards since 2003: Men:

1: All-America Selection

3: All-Region Selections

4: All-Conference Selections

3: Conference Runner of the Year Selections

1: Conference Coach of the Year Selection

Women:

1: All-Conference Selection

Academic awards since joining NCAA in 1999:Men:

28: Academic All-Conference Selections

29: Dean’s List Honorees

1: Magna Cum Laude Graduate (3.7–3.89)

Women:

1: Academic All-America Selection

1: Academic All-District Selection


48: Dean's List Honorees

1: Magna Cum Laude Graduate (3.7–3.89)

2: Summa Cum Laude Graduates (3.9–4.0)

DAVID CHANDLERHead Coach • Second SeasonDavid Chandler enters his second year of competition as head coach after coming to the hilltop in December 2014.

The fall of 2015 marked cross country’s return to St. Edward’s after a seven-year hiatus. Chandler’s recruiting and coaching efforts over the previous nine months paid off as the Hilltoppers made a triumphant debut. The men’s team tied for first place, and the women’s team took the top

spot as well at the Texas Lutheran Inviational.

Under Chandler’s guidance, the Hilltoppers raced their way to three more top-two finishes with the men grabbing first place at Southwestern and the women coming in second at Our Lady of the Lake and Southwestern. Along the way, Chandler also brought his team to the NCAA National Preview race in Joplin, Missouri, and led a contingency to Bellingham, Washington, to compete in a field of nearly 200 student-athletes.

The return of cross country to the hilltop culminated with the women finishing fifth at the Heartland Conference Meet and the men finishing eighth. Senior runner Katy Gillis was named honorable mention All-Heartland Conference and also garnered third-team Academic All-America honors. A representation of Hilltoppers also advanced to compete at the NCAA South Central Regional meet in Canyon, Texas.

Prior to arriving on the hilltop, Chandler spent 11 years as the head cross country and assistant track and field coach at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. During his tenure at McMurry, Chandler coached 79 all-conference performers, 11 all-region honorees, 22 school record breakers, two NCAA DIII national qualifiers, 102 academic honorees, three Academic All-Americans and six Academic All-American teams.

Chandler has directed long distance running camps and clinics since 1999 and has presented at several coaches’ clinics, including the Texas High School Girls Coaching School, Corpus Christi Track Coaches Clinic and the Mississippi High School Track Coaches Association.

Chandler is a member of both the USA Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Associations and is a USATF level I coach, and he has been a level II coach in endurance events since 2004.

As a student-athlete, Chandler was a four-year letterman in cross country at McMurry. He won the ASC individual cross country championship in 1998 and 2000, led the men’s team to an ASC championship in 2000, was the ASC 800-meter champion in 1997, and earned all-conference honors twice in track and field.

Chandler graduated from McMurry in 2000 with a BS in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Secondary History and Physical Education. He received his master’s degree in Sports Recreation Management from Hardin-Simmons in 2002.

Chandler married the former Janet Bohling in May 2002, and the couple has a son, Michael.

DAN O’DWYERVolunteer Assistant • Second SeasonDan O’Dwyer begins his second season as the

volunteer assistant coach for the Hilltoppers.

The former Hilltopper cross country team member was a runner for St. Edward’s during the 2006 through 2008 seasons. O’Dwyer was named to the Heartland Conference President’s Honor Roll three times and the St. Edward’s University Dean’s List eight times.

O’Dwyer also works in the St. Edward’s University Office of the Registrar. He has held the position of office specialist VI since February 2011.

O’Dwyer graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Edward’s in 2009.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Lady Bird Lake Jogging Trail

St. Edward’s University

KATY GILLIS ’16Athletic Honors and Achievements

Honorable mention All-Heartland Conference in 2015

NCAA South Central Regional competitor in first season, broke program records in 5K and 6K

Listed five times in St. Edward’s record book

Records Held: 5K-18:49, 6K-23:21

Academic Awards

Program’s first CoSIDA Academic All-American

CoSIDA Academic All-District

USTFCCCA All-Academic

Graduated with 4.0 GPA

CROSS COUNTRY HISTORY After sponsoring cross country from 2003 to 2008, the university brought the sport back to the hilltop for both men and women in 2015. “We are fully committed to creating an NCAA DII cross country program that is nationally recognized year in and year out, just as our other programs are,” said Director of Athletics Debbie Taylor. “We should be vying for the Heartland Conference title and running in the NCAA regional meet each year.” The fall competitive season will consist of five to six meets plus the conference championship.The team will also compete in middle and long-distance events, ranging from 400 meter to 10,000 meter races, in track meets during the spring.

AUSTIN RUNNING SCENEAustin, Texas, is a great place for runners with many perfect running locations and an enthusiastic running culture. The most popular is the 10-mile Lady Bird Lake Trail only a couple miles away from St. Edward’s University. At any given time, this gravel trail is packed with runners. Come enjoy the top-notch atmosphere and camaraderie of the running community in Austin, and make your mark at St. Edward’s.

The 2015 men’s and women’s cross country teams marked the return of running to the hilltop while collecting three combined first-place finishes and two second-place finishes.

JOHN DANIELS ’19Ran as the Hilltoppers’ top finisher in five out of the team’s eight races

Competed at the NCAA South Central Regional meet

Posted a 1500-meter time of 4:05 at Rice in Spring 2016

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LORNE CAMERONVolunteer Assistant • Third SeasonCoaching Duties: Defensive units and central defenders Playing Experience: Wisconsin–Parkside (2007); Houston Baptist (2008–2010) Honors: Graduated cum laude with a BS in Kinesiology

JAMIE SCOPEVolunteer Assistant • Second SeasonCoaching Duties: Defenders, central midfielders and team fitness Playing Experience: Incarnate Word (2006–2009) Honors: NSCAA All-America, Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Year Professional Experience: Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro)

ZACH HARTWERTHVolunteer Assistant • Second SeasonCoaching Duties: Backline and goalkeepers Playing Experience: Houston Baptist (NCAA DI) (2011–2013); Wisconsin–Superior (2014) Liscenses: NSCAA America Goalkeeper Level I and II

men’s SOCCERMEN’S SOCCERMEN’S SOCCER STAFFHead Coach: Brian Young

School Record (Yrs/Pct): 118-80-25 (12/.585)

Overall Record (Yrs/Pct): Same

Assistant Coach (Year): Matt O’Sullivan (Seventh Season)

MSOC Office Phone: 512-448-8507

2015 SEASON IN REVIEW2015 Record: 15-3-2

Home: 11-1-1 Away: 4-2-1

Neutral: 0-0

HC Record (Finish): 8-0 (First)

Home: 5-0 Away: 3-0

Final Ranking: 15th

Postseason Play: NCAA Round of 32

SEU MEN’S SOCCER HISTORYFirst Year of Men’s Soccer: 1985

All-Time Record (Years): 306-226-52 (31)

All-Time DII Record: 164-124-31

HC Titles: Seven

NCAA Appearances (Last): Three (2015)

NCAA Record: 0-2-1

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSIndividual awards since 1985: 17: All-Americans


2: Regional Coach of the Year Selections


10: Conference Most Valuable Player Selections

4: Conference Freshman of the Year Selections

3: Conference Offensive Player of the Year Selections

5: Conference Defensive Player of the Year Selections

8: Conference Coach of the Year Selections

Academic awards since joining NCAA in 1999:15: Academic All-America Selections

10: Academic All-District Selections

10: NSCAA Team Academic Awards


226: Dean's List Honorees

12: Cum Laude Graduates (3.5–3.69)

10: Magna Cum Laude Graduates (3.7–3.89)


BRIAN YOUNGHead Coach • 13th SeasonBrian Young begins his 13th season as the head men’s soccer coach at St. Edward’s University.

In 2015, for the first time ever in the history of the program and the Heartland Conference, his team won its fourth-consecutive Heartland Conference Championship and returned to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. Over the last four years, the team has held an impressive record of 55-12-7 (.791) and is currently on a 20-game Heartland Conference winning

steak. In 2015, six program records were broken: goals against/fewest goals allowed (10), shutouts (14), shutout percentage (0.48), most assists (49), and Kevin Leib earned the record for career shutouts (18) and goalkeeping victories (31). The team finished as the nation’s #1 NCAA Statistical Champion in shutout percentage with 0.70 with 14 shutouts in 20 matches, and goalkeeper Kevin Leib also broke the Goals-Against Average with eight goals allowed in 20 games for a 0.43. These records were broken with the #1 NCAA South Central Region regular season strength of schedule. The Hilltoppers were also nationally ranked the entire season and ended with a #15 NSCAA Final Postseason Ranking in 2015. Another highlight this year was former Hilltopper Andy Fox ’15 scoring in the FA Cup while playing for Peterborough United in England’s League One side against West Bromwich Albion F.C. of the English Premier League. Andy Fox is joined by fellow St. Edward’s players Danny Riley ’15 (Enebybergs IF, Sweden) and Sean Arters ’11 (Scorpions FC, NASL) who have signed professional contracts under Young’s head coaching career.

In his 12 seasons, Young has coached 69 All-Heartland Conference players, 51 all-region performers and seven All-Americans. He has led the team to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/Adidas Team Academic Award in 10 of the last 12 seasons. In the spring of 2013, the team tallied a GPA of 3.04, and six of his student-athletes earned higher than a 3.5 GPA. For the past five seasons, Young has served as the chair of the NSCAA Division II Men’s Soccer National Ranking Committee, and he has been the chair for the Heartland Men’s Soccer Coaches since 2004.

Young came to St. Edward’s University after six years as the assistant men’s soccer coach at Brown University in Providence, R.I. He helped the team win four Ivy League Championships (1997, 1998, 2000 and 2001) and make four NCAA Division I Tournament appearances (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000). The 1999 squad advanced to the Sweet 16, while the 2000 squad made the Elite Eight. Young coordinated national and international recruitment of high school student-athletes. He assisted in coaching five All-Americans and 11 players who have been drafted in the annual Major League Soccer Superdraft or have signed Major League Soccer (MLS) contracts (FC Dallas, LA Galaxy, Kansas City Wizards, Columbus Crew and New England Revolution). While he was at Brown, the Bears posted an overall record of 61-35-10 (.576) and an Ivy League record of 28-8-5 (.683).

Prior to Brown University, Young spent a year as an assistant coach at Bates College, where he helped the team to the East College Athletic Conference Tournament and BBC title. He was the co-founder, technical director and head coach of Bruno United Futbol Club from 2002 to 2003. Young was also the head coach and director of player development for the Lake Travis Soccer Club in Austin, where he led his team (U14) to the 2003 state finals.

Young coached the “90 Boys” Olympic Development Program for South Texas Youth Soccer and is currently a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) academy scout for the United States Youth Soccer National Teams.

Young played collegiate soccer at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, N.H. He helped his 1994 team to the first NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament appearance in UNH history. He earned All-North Atlantic Conference Tournament honors in 1993 and 1994. After graduating from UNH, Young played professionally with the Cape Cod Crusaders Soccer Club in the United States Interregional Soccer League from 1995 to 1997.

Young holds an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and the USSF “A” license.

He resides in Austin with his wife, Lillian.

MATT O’SULLIVANAssistant Coach • Seventh SeasonMatt O’Sullivan is beginning his seventh year as the assistant men’s soccer coach for the Hilltoppers.

O’Sullivan came to the hilltop after three seasons as a member of the University of the Incarnate Word coaching staff — two years as the graduate assistant coach and his last season as an assistant coach. While at Incarnate Word, he helped lead the Cardinals to back-to-back Heartland Conference

Championships in 2007 and 2008 as well as an NCAA Tournament appearance.

As a player, O’Sullivan lettered three seasons at California State–Bakersfield, where he appeared in 57 matches, scoring 14 goals. He helped lead the team to the second round of the NCAA Playoffs his junior season and was a first-team selection in the California Collegiate Conference. He played semi-professionally for the Bakersfield Brigade in the USL Premier Development League from 2004 to 2008.

O’Sullivan earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science at California State–Bakersfield in 2007 and his Master of Arts and Administration in Business at the University of the Incarnate Word in 2009.

O’Sullivan resides in San Marcos with his wife, Taylar, and daughter Georgie.

The St. Edward’s University men’s soccer team won its fourth- straight Heartland Conference Championship, going undefeated in conference play and advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the second-consecutive season.

The St. Edward’s University men’s soccer team has been awarded the NSCAA

Team Academic Award 10 of the 12 years during Coach Young’s tenure. In

2015–2016, the team’s GPA was 3.02.

Ryan DendingerAcademic All-American (CoSIDA)

Owain HoskinsAll-American (D2CCA)

Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Year

Kevin LeibNational Goalkeeper of the Year (Hero Sports)

All-American (D2CCA)

Academic All-American (CoSIDA)

Josh TaylorAll-American (NSCAA)

Heartland Conference Most Valuable Player

St. Edward’s has had five former players sign with professional clubs: Andrew Fox

(Stevenage FC-England), Danny Riley (Enebybergs IF-Sweden), Sean Arters (San

Antonio-NASL), Fabio Eidelwein (San Jose-MLS), Gabe Jones (Dallas-MLS).

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STEFANIE HOLLERAssistant Coach • Second SeasonStefanie Holler begins her second season as assistant volleyball coach at St. Edward’s University after coming to the hilltop in 2015.

In her first season as a collegiate assistant coach, Holler trained and ran a defense that featured record-tying freshman Morgan Beckham. Under Holler's guidance, Beckham tied the program record for digs in a four-set match.

Holler joins the Hilltopper Athletics staff with over 10 years of coaching experience at various levels of compeition. She started her coaching career as a senior in high school, where she volunteered as a second assistant for one of the younger teams at her volleyball club.

Throughout college, Holler stayed in the coaching world by serving as head coach for a number of club teams in the Charlotte, N.C., area. Following graduation, she went back to Triangle Volleyball Club where she was the assistant coach for two seasons and head coach for one season. All three of the teams she worked with at Triangle were national level teams. Many alumni signed with top NCAA Division I programs around the country.

In 2014, Holler was named head women’s volleyball coach at Rolesville High School, where she led the team to their winningest season in school history. Before moving to Austin, Holler started and directed a youth volleyball league in her home town of Wake Forest, N.C. That club has now tripled in size with more than 300 athletes.

As a student-athlete at Belmont Abbey, Holler was a four-year academic and athletic scholarship winner from 2008 to 2012. She qualified for the dean’s list and was honored as a member of Conference Carolina’s All-Academic Team. The 2011 team captain, Holler graduated in May 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and minors in both Education and Sociology.

VolleyBallMARY DEJUTEHead Coach • Second SeasonMary DeJute is entering her second as head coach at St. Edward’s University after joining the Hilltoppers in 2015.

DeJute began and ended her first year on the hilltop with wins over Southwestern Oklahoma State and Dallas Baptist. She helped lead the Hilltoppers to a top-six finish in the Heartland Conference and put together a season that included a record-tying performance

from freshman libero Morgan Beckham.

A veteran coach with 16 years of head coaching experience with men’s and women’s teams, she has more than 175 wins at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels, with a total of more than 20 years of experience as a player, camp director and coach. DeJute comes to St. Edward’s after a successful run at NCAA Division II Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C.

During her six seasons leading the Crusaders, DeJute compiled a 110-71 record and led the team to Conference Carolinas Championships in 2012 and 2013. She was named Conference Coach of the Year in both seasons after leading her team to the NCAA Tournament for the first and second time in school history. In each of her first four seasons at the helm, she either tied or broke the school record for wins in a season.

The 2012 championship team captured the program’s first Conference Carolinas Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. The team posted school records in overall wins (26), conference wins (14), winning streak (9), all-conference honorees (5) and all-region honorees (1).

DeJute’s 2014 squad won the conference’s Messick Sportsmanship Award. She was also the men’s volleyball head coach at Belmont Abbey from 2012 to 2014.

Prior to joining Belmont Abbey, DeJute spent nine years as the founder/director of the Columbus (Ohio) Volleyball Experience club team where she instructed local youth in the game of volleyball through camps, clinics and Junior Olympic competitions.

DeJute began her head coaching career at Mercer University from 1992 to 1996, where she posted back-to-back winning seasons, including the first 20-win season in school history. Her teams maintained the top GPA of all varsity sports and had 24 players earn Academic All-Conference.

After directing Mercer’s efforts, DeJute moved to Northwestern State University, where she was the head coach from 1996 to 1999. While there, her teams were in the top-two academically, while producing 15 Academic All-Conference performers. On the court, the squad set 11 new school records and had five all-conference players.

In the summer of 1999, DeJute returned to her native Ohio where she led Heidelberg College for one season while teaching in the department of Health and Physical Education.

A native of Swanton, Ohio, DeJute is a 1986 graduate of Bluffton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Art. On the court, she is among the school’s all-time leaders in blocks per game. She obtained her master’s degree in Education from Northwestern State.

VOLLEYBALLVOLLEYBALL STAFFHead Coach: Mary DeJute

School Record (Yrs/Pct): 8-20 (1/.286)

Overall Record (Yrs/Pct): 180-201 (12/.472)

Assistant Coach (Year): Stefanie Holler (Second Season)

VB Office Phone: 512-428-1386

2015 SEASON IN REVIEW2015 Record: 8-20

Home: 6-9 Away: 2-9

Neutral: 0-2

HC Record (Finish): 6-10 (Sixth)

Home: 4-4 Away: 2-6

Final Ranking: None


SEU VOLLEYBALL HISTORYFirst Year of Volleyball: 1974


All-Time DII Record: 317-248

HC Titles: Seven

NCAA Appearances (Last): Four (2011)

NCAA Record: 2-4

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSIndividual awards since 1974: 17: All-America Selections







13: Conference All-Tournament Team Selections

Academic awards since joining NCAA in 1999:5: Academic All-District Selections

10: AVCA Team Academic Awards






1: Valedictorian

HeArtlAnd Conference ChAmpionships=

In 2015 St. Edward’s University freshman Morgan Beckham recorded 39 digs at St. Mary's on October 22. The libero’s performance matched the all-time St. Edward’s record for digs in a four-set match. Beckham also finished the season ranked seventh in the record book for single-season digs per set.

The 2014 Hilltoppers finished third in the nation in digs per set, recording 20.68 per set — the most by a Hilltopper team since the NCAA switched to the 25-point rally scoring method.

Former Hilltopper volleyball player Angela Vorpahl was named St. Edward’s University valedictorian for the Class of 2008. Over the past eight seasons, the squad has had an average team GPA of 3.46. The squad has also won the AVCA Team Academic Award in each of the last nine seasons.

Hilltopper libero Michelle Hundt was named AVCA honorable mention All-America her final two seasons on the hilltop. These were the first All-America honors for St. Edward’s since 2002. Hundt amassed 2,718 digs in her four years on the hilltop, which is a school record, and she was also second in the nation in digs per set in 2012 with a 6.91 average.

The St. EdwArd’s volleybAll teAm hAs won four of the lAst eight HeArtlAnd Conference titles.During those eight years, the Hilltoppers have produced a 75-28 record in conference play. Below is a look at their titles dating back to 1990, when current athletic director Debbie Taylor took over, followed by Sean Donahue in 2001 and Mary DeJute in 2015.

postseAson AppeArAnces=

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19911990 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

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NICK COWELLHead Coach • 11th SeasonNick Cowell is entering his 11th year as head coach of the women’s soccer program. After finishing second in the Heartland Conference in 2015, the Hilltoppers appeared in their seventh-straight NCAA Tournament and their ninth in 10 years. The squad advanced to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time. In 2013, the Hilltoppers’ only loss came in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. This was their second trip to the Elite Eight. Their 18 wins tied the school record set in 2012 when they hosted the NCAA Regional round for

the third time in school history and were ranked as high as #3 in the nation. In 2010, Cowell led the team to a 17-2-2 record, a #6 national ranking and the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The 2009 season saw Cowell guide the squad to a 16-3-3 record, and a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance for the first time in school history. For his efforts, Cowell was named South Central Region Coach of the Year.

For the past three years, Cowell has served as the chair of the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer National Committee, after serving two years on the NCAA Regional Selection Committee. He has served as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America National Rankings Committee chair, NSCAA All-American Committee regional chair and NCAA Selection Committee regional chair. He is involved in NSCAA national and regional clinics, and in United States Soccer Federation regional and state clinics. He coaches in the Olympic Development Program at the national, regional and state levels.

Cowell received his bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish at the University of Birmingham, England, in 1983 and earned his master’s degree in Sports Psychology, and in Curriculum and Instruction, at Cleveland State University in 1988. He holds a USSF “A” license, a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma and an English F.A. Preliminary Coaching Badge.

WOMEN’S SOCCERWOMEN’S SOCCER STAFFHead Coach: Nick Cowell

School Record (Yrs/Pct): 160-33-13 (10/.808)

Overall Record (Yrs/Pct): 376-120-34 (27/.742)

Assistant Coach (Year): Kelsey Baird (First Season)

WSOC Office Phone: 512-428-1052

2015 SEASON IN REVIEW2015 Record: 14-6-1

Home: 7-3 Away: 6-2

Neutral: 1-1-1

HC Record (Finish): 6-2 (Second)

Home: 3-2 Away: 3-0

Final Ranking: 14-Nation

Postseason Play: NCAA Sweet 16

SEU WOMEN’S SOCCER HISTORYFirst Year of Women’s Soccer: 1990All-Time Record (Years): 291-169-30 (26)


HC Titles: Seven

NCAA Appearances (Last): Nine (2015)

NCAA Record: 7-9-5







1: Conference Offensive Player of the Year Selection

2: Conference Defensive Player of the Year Selections

2: Conference Goalkeeper of the Year Selections





3: Academic All-Region Selections

10: NSCAA Team Academic Awards






WOmen’s SOCCERHILLTOPPER WOMEN'S SOCCER

REPORT CARD (SINCE 2006)

Heartland ConferenceChampionships

NCAA TournamentAppearances

2006 2006

2007 2007

2010 2009

2012 2010

2013 2011

2014 2012

2013

2014

2015

GPA: 3.37 *Overall GPA during head coach Nick Cowell's tenure

ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY SENIORS

Jennifer Boudreau

Lorrie Santoy

Julia Harrison

Jessica Williamson

Shown left: Former Hilltopper Rachel Murray was named Heartland Conference Woman of the Year and a finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year. She was the fifth women’s soccer player to earn Heartland Conference Woman of the Year since Nick Cowell took over as head coach in 2006: Kristen Gascoyne (Robbins) (2008), Kelsey Yeatts (Baird) (2009), Kim Abbott (2010), Olivia Collado (2012) and Rachel Murray (2014). Shown right: The 2014 Heartland Conference Tournament Champions.

Libby Fish

While at St. Edward’s (2006–Present)

Overall record: 160-33-13

Heartland Conference record: 81-9-2

Conference championships: 6

NCAA Tournament appearances: 9

All-Americans: 18

All-region honorees: 62

Heartland Conference Players of the Year: 9

All-conference honorees: 74

Team grade-point average: 3.37

Career (1989–Present)

Overall record: 376-120-34 (Third All-Time in NCAA Division II)

Overall winning percentage: .742 (Ninth All-Time in NCAA Division II)

Conference championships: 13

NCAA Tournament appearances: 16

All-Americans: 26

Conference players of the year: 18

Conference coach of the year: 11

KELSEY BAIRDAssistant Coach • First SeasonKelsey Baird begins her first season as assistant coach for the Hilltopper women’s soccer program.

Baird, who was a volunteer assistant coach for the Hilltoppers the past three seasons, moves up to the assistant coach spot. While a volunteer coach at St. Edward's, Baird was also the head coach for the Veritas Academy varsity girl's soccer team in Austin. At Veritas, Baird helped start the program and

led the team to four playoff appearances, three district titles and one state championship. She was also the assistant Student Life director and taught Anatomy and Physiology at Veritas.

Baird also founded and is director of Kibera Penda Project, a nonprofit organization in Kenya. The organization has helped impoverished students with scholarships and placement in high schools and college in the United States since 2009.

Collegiately, Baird was a four-year letterwinner for the Hilltoppers; she was named honorable mention All-America (2008), first-team all-region (2006, 2007, 2008) and first-team All-Heartland Conference (2006, 2007, 2008). She was also named Heartland Conference Woman of the Year (2009) and a semifinalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year (2009). She was honored as a member of the NCAA DII 40th Anniversary Tribute Team (2014) and made the SEU Dean’s List every semester while in attendance.

Baird graduated in 2009 from St. Edward’s with a BS in Kinesiology.

10 11

TAYLOR LANDAssistant Coach • First SeasonTaylor Land enters his first season as assistant coach of St. Edward’s University men’s basketball after his hiring in Summer 2016.

The Hilltoppers’ new assistant has been a player/coach for the Rockingham Flames in Australia’s State Basketball League since 2014. As a coach, Land served as an assistant since arriving in Rockingham, while also holding the position of head development officer. As a player, he is currently averaging 13.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest as the team’s starting

point guard. Land has also played two seasons for the Mandurah Magic (Australia-SBL) and two more seasons for Jonstrup Basket (Denmark-1st League).

Land’s other coaching experience includes an assistant coaching stint at the University of St. Francis (Ill.) from 2013–2014, volunteer assistant at St. Edward’s from 2012–2013 and graduate assistant coach at The University of Texas–Pan American from 2009–2010.

During his collegiate career, the Flower Mound, Texas, native lettered four years for the Hilltoppers from 2005–2009. During that span, St. Edward’s compiled a 85-33 record, won three conference championships and appeared in three NCAA Regional Tournaments. He was also a relief pitcher on the St. Edward’s baseball team his freshman through junior seasons. In 2009, Land was named the SEU Men’s Senior Student-Athlete of the Year.

Land received his bachelor's degree in Finance from St. Edward’s University in 2009, graduating summa cum laude. He also holds a master's degree in communication from UT–Pan American, which he gained in 2010.

MEN’S BASKETBALLMEN’S BASKETBALL STAFFHead Coach: Andre Cook

Overall Record (Yrs/Pct): 82-85 (6/.491)


Assistant Coach (Year): Taylor Land (First Season)

MBKB Office Phone: 512-448-8591

2014–2015 SEASON IN REVIEW2014–2015 Record: 22-8

Home: 16-2 Away: 5-6

Neutral: 1-0

HC Record (Finish): 13-7 (Second)

Home: 8-2 Away: 5-5

Final Ranking: None


SEU MEN’S BASKETBALL HISTORYFirst Year of Men’s Basketball: 1921–1922

All-Time Record (Years): 926-969 (86)


HC Titles: Three

NCAA Appearances (Last): Three (2007–2008)

NCAA Record: 0-3





2: Conference Newcomer of the Year Selections


1: Conference Defensive Player of the Year Selection









ANDRE COOKHead Coach • Eighth SeasonAndre Cook enters his eighth season as head coach of the St. Edward’s University men’s basketball program. In the 2015–2016 season, Cook led the 18-12 Hilltoppers to another Heartland Conference Tournament berth, and a national ranking for the second-straight season.

The 2014–2015 team was the first team to be nationally ranked since 2008. From his arrival in 2009, Cook has led the Hilltoppers to a 100-97 record.

He has produced two first-team All-Heartland Conference players, four second-team All-Heartland Conference players, six honorable mention All-Heartland Conference players and one all-region performer. In 12 years as collegiate head coach, Cook holds an overall record of 219-137 (.615).

Cook came to St. Edward’s from Hudson Valley Community College, where he compiled an overall record of 119-40 (.748) in five seasons. In each of his last two seasons, he led the Vikings to school records for victories in a season. In 2007–2008, Hudson Valley compiled an amazing 30-1 record and a perfect 16-0 in-conference record, winning the Mountain Valley Conference title for the first time in eight years. As a result of his team’s efforts, Cook was named Region III Coach of the Year and BCANY (Basketball Coaches Association of New York) Junior College Coach of the Year. In 2008–2009, the Vikings again had a perfect conference record and advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III national tournament, winning their way to the semifinals before falling to eventual national champion Richland College.

Cook received his bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Skidmore College in 1994, and he completed a master’s degree in teaching social studies from Union College in 1996. While at Union, he served as an assistant men’s basketball coach from 1994 to 1996.

As a high school player, Cook played four years of varsity basketball at Watervliet High School for New York State and Hudson Valley Hall of Fame coach George Mardigan. Cook was inducted into the Watervliet Hall of Fame in 2009. Cook played four years at Skidmore College and is in the top 10 in scoring at Watervliet and Skidmore, amassing over 1,000 points at both places. In 2012, Cook was inducted into the Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame in Albany, New York.

Cook resides in Austin, with his wife, Stacey, and children, Emily (13) and Colin (7).

Former Hilltopper Shawn Weinstein was selected to the Heartland Conference first-team in 2006–2007 and 2007–2008, and he was the Conference Most Valuable Player in 2006–2007, helping lead the Hilltoppers to three-straight Heartland Conference Championships.

Newcomer of the YearDavid Lunn, 2005–2006

Defensive Player of the YearCornelius Gilleylen, 2006–2007

First-TeamBradley Burdick, 1999–2000, 2000–2001

Rhonney Greene, 1999–2000

Ben Lyman, 1999–2000, 2000–2001

Lachlan Teasdale, 1999–2000, 2000–2001

David Lunn, 2005–2006

Taylor Mullenax, 2006–2007, 2008–2009

Shawn Weinstein, 2006–2007, 2007–2008

Daniel Pierre, 2007–2008

Jeff Miner, 2009–2010

Reggie Shanks, 2009–2010

men’s Basketball

Former Hilltopper David Lunn helped lead the team to its first-ever Heartland Conference title in 2005–2006. Lunn was named Heartland Conference Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year.

Coach of the YearRyan Marks, 2005–2006, 2006–2007, 2007–2008

Second-TeamBradley Burdick, 2001–2002

Lawrence Ramsey, 2002–2003

Chris Smith, 2004–2005

Daniel Pierre, 2005–2006

Remy Boswell, 2010–2011

Shimeek Johnson, 2011–2012 2012–2013

Frankie Mgbolu, 2014–2015

From the Hilltop to the ProsChris Smith 2004–2005: Merry Monk Ballina (Ireland), 2006–2007; Sangalhos (Portugal), 2006–2007; Forssan Koripojat (Finland), 2007–2008; Indios de San Francisco (Dominican Republic), 2007–2008; Fjolnir (Iceland), 2009–2010; Njardvik (Iceland), 2009–2010; Svi (Slovakia), 2010–2011; Haukar (Iceland), 2011–2013; Fjolnir (Iceland), 2013

David Lunn 2005–2006: Jonstrup (Denmark), 2006–2007

Daniel Pierre 2005–2008: Jonstrup (Denmark), 2008–2010; Bodfeld (Germany), 2010–2011

Shawn Weinstein 2005–2008: Elitzur Maccabi Netanya (Israel), 2008–2009; Meralco Bolts (Philippines), 2009–2010; Talk N Tex (Philippines), 2010–2011; Barako Bull (Philippines), 2011–present

Taylor Mullenax 2005–2009: Ulriken Elite (Norway), 2009–2010; Kalamuda E.S. (Australia), 2010–2011; Mandura (Australia) 2011–present

Taylor Land 2005–2009: Jonstrup (Denmark), 2010–2011; Mandura (Australia), 2011–present

Remy Boswell 2010–2012: Tokyo Cinq Reves (Japan), 2013–2014

Shawn Weinstein, 2006–2007 David Lunn, 2005–2006Taylor MullenaxTaylor Land

WHERE ARE THEY NOW (Recent Graduates Under Coach Cook)Cory Griffin (2010) 8th Grade Teacher/Coach, Northeast ISD (San Antonio, Texas)

Reggie Shanks (2010) Property Accountant, Greystar Management Assistant Coach, Regents School (Austin, Texas)

Bobby Watkins (2010) Office Manager, Keith E. Starr State Farm (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Jannick Zimmer (2010) International Sales Manager, K1X (Munich, Germany)

Patrick Barnes (2011) Ocular Sales Representative, Alcon (Irvine, Calif.)

Tylor Carr (2011) Utility Coordinator, ONEprop, Inc. (Dallas, Texas)

Jeff Miner (2011) Account Manager for Luxury Fashion, Google Inc. (New York, N.Y.)

Mark Watson (2011) Senior Financial Analyst, Nalco Champion (Houston, Texas)

Remy Boswell (2012) Professional Basketball Player, Tokyo Cinq Reves (Tokyo, Japan)

Cameron Couball (2012) Weathercaster, United States Air Force (Tucson, Ariz.)

Zac Graham (2013) Assistant Coach, Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas)

Tyler Foster (2014) Leadership Account Manager, ACG (Austin, Texas)

Matt Miner (2014) Women’s Assistant Coach, St. Edward’s University (Austin, Texas)

Chris Wacker (2014) Financial Auditor, Holtzman Partners (Austin, Texas)

James Stukes (2015) Guest Services, Omni Hotel (Austin, Texas)

Harley Nussman (2015) Child Support Officer, Attorney General’s Office (Austin, Texas)

Jae Ricketts (2015) Police Office, Denison Police Department (Denison, Texas)

Zach Ghormley (2015) Capital Markets Associate, Greysteel (Dallas, Texas)

John Rutherford (2015) Security Agent, The W Hotel (Austin, Texas)

Quinton Lilley (2016) Sport Reporting Intern, Inland Valley Newspaper (San Bernardino, Calif.)

Corey Guderyahn (2016) Master's Student, University of Texas (Austin, Texas)

Frank Mgbolu (2016) Research Analyst, Myriad Development (Austin, Texas)

Trey Lindsey (2016) Graduate Assistant, St. Edward’s University Men’s Basketball (Austin, Texas)

ALL-HEARTLAND CONFERENCE

12 13

RHINA PALAZUELOS ’03, Varsity head women’s basketball coach, Round Rock“ I was fortunate enough to have Coach Riehl as a teammate, a coach and mentor during my years as a player and graduate assistant. The amount of pride and passion that Coach Riehl displays not only for the game, but also for her program and the university is infinite. She has a way of making you want to work harder and be greater than you ever imagined was possible. There is no doubt in my mind that the student-athletes that attend St. Edward’s University will be prepared for whatever obstacles come their way, and they will have the time of their lives doing it.”

LEAH FOSTER ’06,Assistant women’s basketball coach, Tulsa University“St. Edward’s is a remarkable campus in one of the most desired cities in the entire country, and on top of that you receive an amazing education with individualized attention from a great faculty. Even more, several student-athletes that graduate from St. Edward’s go on to play at the next level, but when they complete their professional career they have a great degree to fall back on, as well as a lot of nationwide connections. There are a lot of universities in the country that you have to give up something you desire to go to that university; with St. Edward’s, that just isn’t the case.”

KELLI PAYTON ’10, Former Mackay Meteorettes (Australia)“My coaches and teammates all taught me the value of teamwork, communication and leadership. Through my four years at St. Edward’s, the team overcame a tremendous amount of adversity and with the guidance of the coaching staff, it enabled all of us to grow up and step into positions that we otherwise may not have been ready for. Those experiences gave me the confidence to travel to the other side of the world and step into a role on a team that six years ago I would not have had the guts to do.”

TRICIA JOHNSON ’02,Varsity head girls’ basketball coach, Austin High School“St. Edward’s helped prepare me for my career in coaching and teaching. I brought many drills and ideas that I learned as a Hilltopper to my high school program. The teaching program was excellent and I felt completely prepared to get out there in the real world.”

MADDIE WHEELER ’14, Assistant girls’ basketball, cross country and track coach, Anderson High School (Austin, Texas)“Through my experience at St. Edward’s, I became a better basketball player as well as a better person. Coach Riehl taught us how to push our bodies past the limit of exhaustion, create beneficial relationships with our professors and express our feelings in order to create better friendships with our teammates.”

MATT MINERAssistant Coach • Second SeasonMatt Miner concluded his first season as assistant coach for the Hilltoppers this past March. In his new role, the Hilltoppers finished runner-up in this past year’s nationally broadcasted Heartland Conference Tournament. Miner assisted Riehl in producing the Hilltoppers’ first Heartland Conference Newcomer of the Year recipient (Shakera Barnes) and Riehl’s eight and ninth All-Heartland Conference players (Barnes, Khiani Clark). Miner spent the 2014–2015 season as the graduate assistant coach for the team. He helped lead the team to a

15-12 record and a third place finish in the Heartland Conference.

He also helped found the annual Cowan Elementary Mentoring Program, where student-athletes tutor, mentor and assist elementary students in classroom activities, and facilitate recreational events. In 2016, the Austin Independent School District named St. Edward's University women's basketball as the Cowan Elementary Campus Community Partner of the Year.

Miner came to the Hilltopper coaching staff after lettering four seasons for the St. Edward's University men's basketball team. During his time, Miner appeared in 77 games, tallied 281 points (3.6 ppg), and knocked down 43 career three-pointers. He was named to the Heartland Conference President’s Honor Roll twice (2011–2012, 2013–2014), and to the Dean’s List five times.

The Clifton Park, N.Y., native played his prep basketball at Shenendehowa High School where he was fourth on the all-time scoring list (971 points) averaging 21.0 points per contest. He was named New York Section II Player of the Year his senior season and helped lead his team to the Suburban Council Championship all four seasons.

Miner graduated from St. Edward’s in 2014 with a degree in Finance with cum laude distinction. He is currently enrolled in the MBA Program at St. Edward’s.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STAFFHead Coach: J.J. Riehl



Assistant Coach (Year): Matt Miner (Second Season)

WBKB Office Phone: 512-448-8590


Home: 7-8 Away: 3-8

Neutral: 2-1

HC Record (Finish): 8-10 (Seventh)

Home: 5-4 Away: 3-6

Final Ranking: None


SEU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HISTORYFirst Year of Women’s Basketball: 1974–1975

All-Time Record (Years): 524-452 (42)


HC Titles: One

NCAA Appearances (Last): One (2013–2014)

NCAA Record: 0-1


1: National Player of the Year Selection


2: Regional Player of the Year Selections




1: Conference Newcomer of the Year Selections


1: Conference Defensive Player of the Year Selection



Academic awards since joining NCAA in 1999:114: Academic All-Conference Selections





J.J. RIEHLHead Coach • Fifth SeasonJ.J. Riehl enters her fifth season as head coach of the St. Edward’s University women’s basketball team. Under Riehl’s direction, the Hilltoppers won more games in the first three seasons than any other staff in program history. During the 2015–2016 season, the Hilltoppers qualified for their fourth-straight Heartland Conference Tournament. As the sixth-seed, St. Edward’s upset two-straight opponents in a magical run to finish as runner-up in the championship. St. Edward’s also saw its first trip to the NCAA Tournament in

2013–2014, following its Heartland Conference Tournament Championship and a 19-9 record.

Riehl’s roots tie deep into the hilltop, as she served as an assistant coach for 10 seasons. While assisting, she played an instrumental role in the program’s sole conference championship (2005–2006), six consecutive conference tournament appearances stretching from 2006 to 2011, 24 all-conference players, one conference Player of the Year, one Defensive Player of the Year and two professional players.

Riehl also played collegiate basketball at St. Edward’s, arriving on the hilltop in 1998. She was a three-year starter, two-year captain and two-time all-conference honoree, and she led her team to an NAIA Championship appearance. Riehl is listed in the record books 11 times, most notably for scoring over 1,000 points and for placing herself No. 1 all-time in career three-point field goal percentage. Riehl was recognized as a member of the St. Edward’s University Women’s Athletics All-Era Team in 2010.

Riehl received her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in 2002 and earned her Master of Human Services with a Sports Management concentration in 2004, both from St. Edward’s.

Minnesota Lynx forward Taj McWilliams-Franklin was a two-time All-America selection and NAIA National Player of the Year during her time at St. Edward’s. She holds the school scoring record with 1,837 points in just three years of action. She is shown above with teammate Lindsay Whalen holding the 2011 WNBA Championship trophy. This was the second WNBA title for the six-time All-Star.

Hilltopper point guard Shakera Barnes made quite the splash in her first season on the hilltop. Barnes led the Hilltoppers in scoring (13.8 ppg) and assists (4.9 apg) on her way to being named Heartland Conference Newcomer of the Year. Barnes teamed up with fellow Hilltopper Khiani Clark (12.8 ppg, 9.1 rpg) to lead St. Edward’s on a magical run to the Heartland Conference Tournament Championship game.

2012–2016 St. Edward’s University Women’s Basketball by the Numbers

Overall record: 59-52 Conference record: 35-32 Heartland Conference: Four-consecutive tournament appearances, one tournament championship7: All-Heartland Conference honorees1: Heartland Conference Newcomer of the

Year honorees5: Heartland Conference All-Tournament

Team honorees5: Player of the Week award winners90: New record book top-10 rankings25: Conference honor roll honorees1,403: Community service hours served

WOmen’s basketball

WhAt they Are sAying About CoAch Riehl And St. EdwArd’s University women’s bAsketbAll

13

2013–2014 Heartland Conference Tournament Champions

14 15

2016 was the fifth-straight season the Hilltopper baseball team qualified for the NCAA South Central Regional.

BASEBALLBASEBALL STAFFHead Coach: Rob Penders



Assistant Coach (Year): Dave Wood (Sixth Season)

Assistant Coach (Year): Jonathan Burns (Third Season)

BB Office Phone: 512-448-8497


Home: 22-5 Away: 17-4

Neutral: 7-3

HC Record (Finish): 23-4 (First)

Home: 10-2 Away: 13-2

Final Ranking: 5-Nation, 2-Region

Postseason Play: NCAA Regional

SEU BASEBALL HISTORYFirst Year of Baseball: 1902



HC Titles: Five

NCAA Appearances (Last): Six (2016)

NCAA Record: 11-13

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSIndividual awards since 1902: 14: MLB First-Year Player Draft Picks

28: All-America Selections


8: Regional Player of the Year Selections

10: Regional All-Tournament Team Selections


7: Conference Player of the Year Selections

3: Conference Pitcher of the Year Selections











ROB PENDERSHead Coach • 11th SeasonRob Penders begins his 11th season as the head coach of the St. Edward’s University baseball team. Last season, he led the Hilltoppers to their sixth NCAA regional appearance while winning their fourth-straight Heartland Conference Tournament Championship and fifth regular season title. Penders has accounted for all nine of the St. Edward’s University Heartland Conference titles, and he led the team to a 46-12 record in 2016, marking the most wins in program history.

During his tenure on the hilltop, Penders has continued to rewrite the St. Edward’s record book. The team’s 46 wins in 2016 resets the mark of 44 victories that was accomplished in 2013 on the way to the NCAA DII World Series, and a trip to the 2016 regional tournament championship game helped Penders earn two separate Regional Coach of the Year awards. His 2016 Hilltoppers proceeded to tie or break 20 single-game, season and career records. As the St. Edward’s head coach, Penders has reached career win milestones of 100, 200 and 300 faster than anyone in school history. His career head coaching record of 385-174 advances him to first place in wins and first in winning percentage in the 112-year history of baseball on the hilltop.

Since his arrival at St. Edward’s, his players have received numerous accolades as well, and 2016 was no different. In addition to a pair of All-Americans, 20 all-region nods and 10 more named All-Heartland Conference, Romeo Cortina earned Heartland Conference Newcomer of the Year and Tournament MVP. Additionally, Nick Lerick gave Penders his first CoSIDA Academic All-American. To cap it all off, Cameron Stanton became the sixth Hilltopper to be drafted under Penders’ watch, as he was selected in the 30th round by the Atlanta Braves. J.D. Arrowood and Joseph Olson also signed free-agent contracts with the Tampa Bay Rays. This adds to a history that includes Hilltopper starting pitcher Brannon Easterling earning College Baseball Lineup’s DII Josh Willingham Most Valuable Player award in 2013. In 2012, Stephen Johnson was named by Baseball America as the best prospect in NCAA Division II as well as Preseason Pitcher of the Year. Collin Sherrod and Dexter Moreno both won a Rawlings Gold Gloves as well, in 2015 and 2010, respectively.

Overall, Penders has had 22 All-Americans, 50 all-region players, 77 individuals named to all-conference teams, four Conference Players of the Year, two Conference Pitchers of the Year, two Conference Freshmen of the Year and two Conference Newcomers of the Year. His teams have tied or broken 120 individual and team school records.

The success of the Hilltopper baseball program has not been limited to the field of play. In 10 years, 244 student-athletes have been nominated to the Heartland Conference Honor Roll. During that same timeframe, 161 student-athletes have been named to the Dean’s List. The baseball program has also had five team members named the St. Edward’s Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete of the Year. This award encompasses not only athletic achievement but also academic excellence and community service.

In his prep days, Penders was a two-time all-state shortstop at East Catholic High School in Manchester, Conn. He played there for his father, Jim Penders, who won four state championships during his career and was named the National High School Coach of the Year in 1996. Rob’s brother, Jim, currently serves as the head baseball coach for the University of Connecticut, where both his father and his uncle, Tom Penders (long-time Division I men’s basketball coach), were members of the 1965 Huskies College World Series team.

Penders was a four-year letterman for Wake Forest and a team captain his senior year. Primarily a third baseman, he was voted to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Academic Team three times from 1994 to 1996. In Summer 1995, he played for the Hyannis Mets in the Cape Cod League. After Wake Forest, he played professionally for the Richmond Roosters in the Frontier League in Indiana. He has a daughter named Emmy and a son, Jack. They live in Austin.

DAVE WOODAssistant Coach • Sixth SeasonDave Wood begins his sixth season as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the St. Edward’s University baseball team. He leads the Hilltoppers’ recruiting efforts after previously overseeing the pitching staff. He has signed transfers, such as J.D. Arrowood and Joseph Olson, and four-year players including Cameron Stanton and Dylan Watts.

In 2014, under Wood’s guidance, the pitching staff produced a 2.57 ERA, which broke the school record set in 2013 and advanced the Hilltoppers to sixth in the nation. In the four years Wood led the Hilltopper staff, they have produced four of the lowest five ERAs in school history.

Wood came to the hilltop after spending three years in the Kansas City Royals minor league organization. In 2007, he was a member of the Royals in the Arizona Fall League, where he won Player of the Year. During the 2008 season, he split time between the Wilmington Royals and the Burlington (N.C.) Royals, where he was a team captain. His final season, he played for the Class A Burlington (Iowa) Royals, whom he helped lead to the championship series of the Midwest League.

A native of Long Island, N.Y., Wood began his collegiate career at Stony Brook University, where he was named to the Freshman All-America East Team. After transferring to Temple (Texas) College, he was named second-team all-region as both a pitcher and first baseman. His final two seasons, Wood played at Texas State University, where he was second-team all-conference on the 2007 Southland Conference Champion Bobcats.

Wood holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts and Sciences with a coaching emphasis from Texas State. He is married to the former Randi Warren; the couple and their son live in Kyle, Texas.

baseball

The St. Edward’s University baseball team opened its brand-new hitting/pitching facility during the 2012 season. In 2016, a generous donation brought the addition of a lighted sign on the front of the building. The facility is 80x36 feet and 20 feet in height. It has room for two full-length batting cages and three regulation-pitching mounds.

In 2016, Hilltopper head coach Rob Penders made St. Edward’s the only team in Texas to make five-straight NCAA Division II Regional Tournaments. He also holds the program record for career head coaching wins and winning percentage.

Cameron Stanton was taken by the Atlanta Braves in the 30th round of the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft. He is the 14th player in St. Edward’s University history to be drafted.

JONATHAN BURNSAssistant Coach • Third SeasonBurns begins his third season as a member of the Hilltopper baseball coaching staff, serving as the pitching coach. His 2016 staff posted the second-best ERA in school history and also broke the program record for strikeouts in a single season.

He previously coached the Victoria Generals of the Texas Collegiate League and was an assistant coach with Texas A&M–Kingsville from August 2012 until June

2014, also working with the pitching staff.

Burns pitched in 47 games over his two-year career on the hilltop, compiling 10 saves, throwing 98.1 innings, producing a 3.75 ERA and striking out 97 batters. He primarily served as the closer for St. Edward’s and was ultimately drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 26th round of the 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft.

After pitching professionally for two years, Burns returned as a volunteer assistant in August of 2011 and helped the Hilltoppers during the 2012 season. Burns received a BS in Kinesiology from St. Edward’s in 2011, and a MS in Kinesiology from Texas A&M–Kingsville in 2015.

Hilltopper outfielder Romeo Cortina was named the 2016 Heartland Conference Newcomer of the Year and the Heartland Conference Tournament MVP. During the regular season he went 4-for-4 with four home runs against Oklahoma Christian, the best single-game performance in NCAA Division II in 2016.

16 17

MEN’S GOLFMEN’S GOLF STAFFHead Coach: Todd Ohlmeyer



MG Office Phone: 512-448-8604


HC Finish: Fourth

Final Ranking: 8-Region

Postseason Play: NCAA Regional Tournament (T-14th)

SEU MEN’S GOLF HISTORYAll-Time DII Record: 1702-922

HC Titles: Five

NCAA Tournament Appearances (Last): 13 (2015-2016)

NCAA Tournament Record: 152-104








Academic awards since joining NCAA in 1999:19: Academic All-American Selections







TODD OHLMEYERHead Coach • Ninth SeasonTodd Ohlmeyer enters his ninth season as head coach of the St. Edward’s University men’s golf program. Last year, Ohlmeyer led the Hilltoppers to the NCAA Regionals for the 13th-straight season. Since Ohlmeyer joined the Hilltoppers in November 2008, the golf team has finished first 14 times — including at the 2014 NCAA DII South Central/West Super Regional, the 2010 and the 2014 Heartland Conference Championships — second 10 times

and in the top five in 50 tournaments. The program has amassed a 875-465 record over the course of his tenure. He has coached 13 members of the Srixon Golf All-America Scholar team, five All-America selections, 12 all-region members, 21 all-conference players, the 2012 and 2014 Heartland Conference Freshmen of the Year, and the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Heartland Conference Players of the Year. Ohlmeyer was also named the Heartland Conference Coach of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

Ohlmeyer got his start in coaching as a volunteer assistant to both the men’s and women’s golf teams at Belmont Abbey College outside of Charlotte, N.C. He assisted with the instruction of both teams and traveled with them to tournaments.

He then became the associate head coach of men’s and women’s golf at DI Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, S.C. While at Coastal, he was in charge of all recruiting efforts, coached the women’s program at tournaments and served as tournament director for the General Jim Hackler Championship.

Ohlmeyer has wide-ranging golf experience. He worked for the American Cancer Society, overseeing all the golf events in the Carolinas from 2005 to 2008. From 2000 to 2003, Ohlmeyer played golf professionally on the Golden Bear Tour, the Developmental Players Tour, Pro Tour Hawaii and the Tight Lies Tour. Additionally, he caddied for Debbie Koyama on the LPGA Tour and Michael Walton on the Nationwide Tour.

In 1997, he joined the staff of ESPN Regional Television as production assistant and then as operations coordinator in 1999. Ohlmeyer prepared the operational budget of each golf telecast, negotiated weekly and yearly contracts with equipment vendors, and researched and wrote video features on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions TOUR players.

Ohlmeyer, a two-time Connecticut High School All-State Golf selection from New Canaan, attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. He graduated in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with an emphasis on Sport Management/Administration. While at Pepperdine, Ohlmeyer was a member of the Pepperdine men’s golf team that captured the NCAA Division I National Team Championship in 1997. In November 2007, along with his teammates, he was inducted into the Pepperdine University Hall of Fame.

Ohlmeyer is an avid runner and triathlete who competed in the 2014 Ironman Lake Placid. He and his wife, Kati, have two children: Ian and Lauren.

Local golf courses with St. Edward’s University playing privileges:

Course Website

Onion Creek Country Club (Home Course) onioncreekclub.com

Austin Country Club austincountryclub.com

Barton Creek Resort bartoncreek.com

Flintrock Falls Golf Club flintrockfalls.com

Grey Rock Golf Club greyrockgolfclub.com

Lakecliff Country Club lakecliffcc.com

Lost Creek Country Club clubcorp.com/Clubs/Lost-Creek-Country-Club

The Hills Country Club clubcorp.com/Clubs/The-Hills-of-Lakeway

UT Golf Club utgolfclub.com

Wolfdancer Golf Club wolfdancergolfclub.com

Men’s golf

Lost Creek Country Club

Onion Creek Country Club

Barton Creek Fazio Foothills

Wolfdancer Golf Club

UT Golf Club

Eliott AzoulayGCAA Academic All-America

The 2015–2016 team qualified for the NCAA Regional Tournament for the 13th-straight season.

Thomas HoltzmanGCAA Academic All-America

Joey HearnGCAA Academic All-America

Jay HoganSecond-team All-Heartland Conference

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MEN’S TENNISMEN’S TENNIS STAFFHead Coach: Estevam Strecker



MT Office Phone: 512-448-8743


Home: 3-6 Away: 2-6

Neutral: 6-2

HC Finish: Second



SEU MEN’S TENNIS HISTORYAll-Time DII Record: 204-164

HC Titles: 10

NCAA Tournament Appearances (Last): 15 (2016)


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSIndividual awards since 1999: 1: All-American


2: Regional Rookie of the Year Selections



6: Conference Senior of the Year Selections









ESTEVAM STRECKERHead Coach • Third SeasonEstevam Strecker begins his third season as head men’s tennis coach at St. Edward’s. He is coming off of his second-straight Heartland Conference Coach of the Year award and two-consecutive trips to the NCAA Regional Tournament.

After leading the Hilltoppers to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2015, Strecker guided the Hilltoppers to yet another Heartland Conference Tournament

Championship in 2016, giving St. Edward’s its eighth-straight bid to the NCAA Regional Tournament. The team closed 2016 ranked 24th in the nation with five individuals earning All-Heartland Conference Honors.

Prior to his arrival on the hilltop, Strecker coached at the Austin Tennis Academy from 2007 to 2014. While at the ATA, Strecker was an Academy coach, and he was the fitness director from 2008 to 2014. He has also been a College Prep teacher in Anatomy and Physiology since 2010.

Strecker’s coaching experience extends into the collegiate ranks; he was an assistant coach for his alma mater Auburn from 2004 to 2007. He coached the men for one season and the women for three seasons.

A native of Novo Hamburgo, Brazil, Strecker played collegiate tennis at Auburn from 1999 to 2002. While a Tiger, Strecker claimed 86 singles victories, which ranks eighth on the all-time list. He led Auburn to three NCAA Tournament appearances. His senior season, he was team captain and led his team to a best-ever NCAA DI #11 ranking and an Elite Eight tournament finish. Strecker was named Academic All-American his senior season and named Academic All-SEC three times while at Auburn.

Strecker graduated cum laude from Auburn in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and in 2007 with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. He is married to Lia Almeida. The couple and their two sons, Rafael Almeida Strecker and Luca Almeida Strecker, live in Austin.

Men’s tennisAnother Successful RunThe St. Edward’s University men’s tennis team has proven to be one of the top teams in the nation, with trips to the NCAA Tournament in 15 of its 17 years since joining the NCAA in 1999. The Hilltoppers have appeared in the Sweet 16 seven times and the National Quarterfinals three times.

Team results since joining NCAA in 2000:

Year Conference NCAA PostseasonFinal Regional Ranking

Final National Ranking

2000 Runner-up Sweet 16 2 25

2001 Runner-up Round of 32 5 26

2002 Third None 5 NR

2003 Runner-up Round of 64 5 NR



2006 Champions Elite Eight 3 10

2007 Champions Sweet 16 3 16

2008 Runner-up None 6 23

2009 Champions Sweet 16 3 15



2012 Champions Round of 32 3 16





Hilltopper men’s tennis GPA:

YearTeam GPA

Academic All-Conference

2015–2016 3.29 9

2014–2015 3.27 8

2013–2014 3.30 6

2012–2013 3.50 8

2011–2012 3.51 10

2016#3 Texas A&M (DI) #3 Tyler JC (JUCO) #4 Trinity (DIII) #11 Midwestern State #12 Cameron #14 Laredo CC (JUCO) #19 Nebraska–Kearney #24 SE Oklahoma State #24 St. Mary’s #27 UT–Tyler (DIII) #28 Western New Mexico #34 Holy Names #65 TAMU–Corpus Christi (DI) UT–Rio Grande Valley (DI)

2015#2 Hawaii Pacific #2 Tyler JC (JUCO) #3 Armstrong State #8 Trinity (DIII) #11 Azuza Pacific #14 Midwestern State #19 Cameron #27 Western New Mexico #34 Newman #35 St. Mary’s UT–Pan American (DI)

2014#3 Trinity (DIII) #16 Cameron #17 Midwestern State #27 St. Mary’s #40 Ouachita Baptist #41 McMurry #45 Colorado Mesa Abilene Christian (DI) Incarnate Word (DI) UT–San Antonio (DI)

2013#1 Barry #5 Hawaii Pacific #8 Trinity (DIII) #15 Grand Canyon #16 Cameron #17 Midwestern State #19 Abilene Christian #23 Incarnate Word UT–San Antonio (DI)

HILLTOPPER STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE

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In 2016, Charlie Shin tied the St. Edward’s University single-season record for doubles victories with 24 wins. He finished the year ranked 25th in the nation in doubles with partner Ricardo Pineda.

Maximo Agoglia closed his career in 2016 ranked third in all-time singles wins and was named the Heartland Conference Outstanding Senior of the Year.

Ricardo Pineda finished 2016 ranked 37th nationally in singles. He was also named the region’s Player to Watch by the ITA.

2016 Heartland Conference Tournament Champions

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KAYCEE TAYLORAssistant Coach • First SeasonKaycee Taylor begins her first season as assistant coach for St. Edward's University softball.

Taylor comes to the hilltop after spending the 2016 season at Southeastern Oklahoma State. As assistant coach in charge of pitchers and catchers, she helped lead the Savage Storm to a 29-23 record.

Before that, Taylor was an assistant coach at Howard College in Big Spring, Texas. The team compiled an impressive 95-27 record including a fourth place finish at the 2015 NJCAA DI National Tournament. The coaching staff was selected as the NJCAA DI West Region Coaching Staff of the Year. The 2014 team advanced to the Regional Championship game.

Prior to Howard, Taylor spent two years as a graduate assistant coach at Midwestern State. She helped lead the Mustangs to post season appearances both years, including a berth to the NCAA DII South Central Regional Tournament in 2013.

Taylor was a highly decorated player at Angelo State from 2007 to 2011 where she was named to the NFCA All-South Central Region first team four times. In 2007 and 2010, she earned NFCA first-team All-American honors and was a Daktronics third-team All-American selection in 2011. She helped lead the team to two NCAA DII National Championship finals and was selected to the All-Tournament team in 2010.

A native of Carrollton, Texas, Taylor earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Angelo State in 2011 and her Master's of Education in 2013 from Midwestern State.

SOFTBALL STAFFHead Coach: Meghan Mullin

School Record (Yrs/Pct): First Season


Assistant Coach (Year): Kaycee Taylor (First Season)

SB Office Phone: 512-448-8494


Home: 13-7 Away: 9-10

Neutral: 4-7

HC Record (Finish): 16-8 (T-Third)

Home: 8-4 Away: 8-4

Final Ranking: None


SEU SOFTBALL HISTORYFirst Year of Softball: 1989

All-Time Record (Yrs): 826-628-1 (28)

All-Time DII Record (Yrs): 508-415 (17)

HC Titles: Four

NCAA Tournament Appearances (Last): Seven (2014)


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSIndividual awards since 1989: 1: All-American


4: Regional All-Tournament Team Selections

1: Regional Tournament Most Valuable Player Selection



3: Conference Pitcher of the Year Selections




2: Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player Selections








SOFTBALL MEGHAN MULLINHead Coach • First SeasonMeghan Mullin begins her first season as head softball coach on the hilltop. Mullin is no stranger to the Hilltoppers. She has been the assistant coach at St. Edward’s for the past two seasons, helping the Hilltoppers compile a 53-46 record. She was also the graduate assistant coach in 2011 and 2012. Mullin’s responsibilities involved working primarily with the outfielders and slap hitters. She was also responsible for all travel operations and logistics.

In between her stints on the hilltop, Mullin spent two years as assistant coach at her alma mater, Seton Catholic Preparatory High School in Chandler, Arizona. She also taught Theology and worked as an assistant in the Counseling Center and in Campus Ministry.

As a player, Mullin lettered four seasons for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Her final three seasons, she was a starter and hit over .300 in each season. She finished seventh all-time at Nebraska with 54 stolen bases. Her junior year, she was named second-team all-Big 12. In her senior campaign, Mullin was named the team’s most valuable player and academic all-district. She was named to the All-Big 12 Academic Team all four seasons, and she was a team captain her sophomore through senior years.

Mullin earned her bachelor’s degree in History from Nebraska in 2010, with a minor in Religious Studies and Philosophy. She earned a master’s degree in Liberal Arts from St. Edward’s in 2013.

Mullin resides in Austin.

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Softball

21

Meghan MullinLauren Slatten

Alex Mayfield

Breah Whitten Melina Sanchez

Megan Hoffman Ashley Rex

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WOMEN’S GOLFWOMEN’S GOLF STAFFHead Coach: Jennifer McNeil

School Record (Yrs/Pct): 1,368-361 (13/.791)


WG Office Phone: 512-233-1654


HC Finish: Second


Postseason Play: NCAA West Regional Tournament (12th)

SEU WOMEN’S GOLF HISTORYAll-Time DII Record: 1,368-361

HC Titles: Seven

NCAA Tournament Appearances (Last): 11 (2015–2016)



1: National Coach of the Year Selection











1: Cum Laude Graduate (3.5–3.69)



JENNIFER MCNEILHead Coach • 13th SeasonJennifer McNeil enters her 13th season as head coach of the St. Edward’s University women’s golf team.

In the span of 13 seasons, McNeil has led the Hilltoppers from a last-place finish at the Heartland Conference Championship in 2003–2004 to a fifth-place finish at the DII National Tournament in 2011, a fourth-place finish at the NCAA National Championship in 2013, an eighth-place finish at the NCAA

National Championship in 2014 and a sixth-place finish at the 2015 NCAA National Championships. She led the team to six-straight Heartland Conference Championships from 2006–2007 to 2011–2012, a Heartland Conference Championship in 2013–2014, as well as 11-straight appearances in the NCAA West Regional. She has coached 42 all-conference players, six conference Freshman of the Year players, nine conference Players of the Year, nine All-Americans and15 NGCA Academic All-Scholars in her 13-year stint. In the 2007–2008 season, the Hilltoppers were ranked as high as 12th in the nation and they finished in fourth place at the NCAA West Regional, just missing a trip to the National Tournament. She followed that up in 2008–2009 by taking the Hilltoppers to number 10 in the nation. She led the squad to four victories and produced the school’s first-ever All-American. In the 2009–2010 season, St. Edward’s again reached number 10 in the nation and narrowly missed out on the team’s first appearance in the NCAA National Tournament. The 2010–2011 team qualified for nationals for the first time in school history. The 2011–2012 squad garnered the highest ranking in program history, reaching third on the list. The 2012–2013 edition of Hilltopper women’s golf took it a step further. In the fall season, they won all four tournaments and finished the year with a school record seven victories. The team won the NCAA Regional for the first time in school history and reached as high as second in the national rankings. McNeil has been named Heartland Conference Coach of the Year nine times. She has been named NCAA West Region Coach of the Year in 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. In 2011, McNeil was named NGCA DII National Coach of the Year — the first such honor for any coach at St. Edward’s University.

As a player, McNeil earned four NAIA All-America honors at Mary Hardin-Baylor. She was named four-time most valuable player, was selected Senior Athlete of the Year and was a member of the 2000 NAIA National Championship Team.

McNeil grew up in Austin and attended Anderson High School. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Mary Hardin-Baylor, she attended Baylor University and earned a master’s degree in Sports Management. She came to St. Edward’s University from Mill Creek Inn and Golf Club, where she worked as an assistant golf professional.

WOmen’s GOLF

2015–2016 was another banner year for the St. Edward’s University women’s golf team. The team finished as runner-up at the Heartland Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA West Super Regional for the 11th-straight season.

A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH Hilltopper women’s golf finishes since 2006:

Year Heartland Conference Finish

Regional Rank

National Rank

2006–2007 1st 2nd 11th

2007–2008 1st 3rd 13th

2008–2009 1st 2nd 9th

2009–2010 1st 3rd 11th

2010–2011 1st 3rd 7th

2011–2012 1st 1st 3rd

2012–2013 2nd 1st 2nd

2013–2014 1st 2nd 11th

2014–2015 2nd 1st 8th

2015–2016 2nd 10th 32nd

Ana Sofia BenavidesRogers State Invitational Medalist Heartland Conference All-Tournament Team

Jessica TamenNGCA All-America Scholar (2015–2016) Second-team All-Heartland Conference Heartland Conference All-Tournament Team

Isabel Morales NGCA All-America Scholar (2013–2014, 2014–2015, 2015–2016)

Head Coach Jennifer McNeil and Johany Rivera

2015–2016 Heartland Conference Tournament Runner-Up

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WOMEN’S TENNISWOMEN’S TENNIS STAFFHead Coach: Kendall Brooks



WT Office Phone: 512-637-5617


Home: 5-4 Away: 5-2

Neutral: 5-3



SEU WOMEN’S TENNIS HISTORYAll-Time DII Record: 198-145-1

HC Titles: Five

NCAA Tournament Appearances (Last): 11 (2016)


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSIndividual awards since 1999: 2: All-Region Selection

2: Regional Rookie of the Year Selection

1: Regional Coach of the Year Selection



5: Conference Senior of the Year Selections









KENDALL BROOKSHead Coach • Fourth SeasonKendall Brooks begins her fourth season as head coach for the St. Edward’s University women’s tennis team. In 2016, Brooks brought the Hilltoppers back to the NCAA Regional Tournament for a second-straight year. They would finish as Heartland Conference runner-up, earning the No. 4 seed in the NCAA Regional, and close the year ranked 41st in the country.

The 2016 squad featured four All-Heartland Conference players and the South Central Region Rookie of the Year. This improves on a 2015 season that saw the Hilltoppers head back to the NCAA Regional Tournament for the first time since the 2012 season. They would finish as Heartland Conference runner-up and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Regional. In 2014, Brooks led the Hilltoppers to a spot in the Heartland Conference Tournament Semifinals, featuring a doubles team ranked 19th in the nation.

Brooks came to St. Edward’s after serving as the director of Junior Development and academy coach at the Austin Tennis Academy for seven years. While at the Austin Tennis Academy, Brooks was the coordinator for the junior tennis team and the director of all women’s programs. As the junior coach, she led the 18-and-under team to national titles in 2009, 2011 and 2012. She led the 14-and-under team to a national championship in 2012. During this time, Brooks was named the Capitol Area Tennis Association Pro of the Year in 2010, as well as the United States Tennis Professional Association’s Texas Section Touring and National Touring Coach of the Year in 2011. Brooks was the Team Texas coach for the United States Tennis Association Boys’ and Girls’ 14 Zone Team Championships in 2012 and 2013.

Before the Austin Tennis Academy, Brooks served as assistant coach for Texas Tech during the 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 seasons. The Red Raiders were nationally ranked in both seasons and finished with a combined 24-21 record.

Brooks was a four-year letterwinner for Texas Tech, where she compiled a career singles record of 61-58 and a doubles mark of 41-17, playing primarily at the number two and one positions, respectively, for the Red Raiders. Brooks still holds the school’s career record for winning percentage in doubles play. Her sophomore season, she was the Big XII Conference winner at her positions in both singles and doubles. She was named preseason All-Big XII before her junior season and was team captain her junior and senior seasons. Brooks graduated from Texas Tech in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science, with a minor in English and Spanish. She is a Corpus Christi native.

As a freshman, Laura Galvan teamed up with Ivana Zecevic to break the single-season record for doubles victories. Galvan’s efforts also led to her being named the ITA South Central Region Rookie of the Year.

WOmen’s tennisHilltopper women’s tennis GPA since 2011:

*Fall Academic All-Conference started in 2015–2016

Year Team GPA Academic All-Conference

Fall 2011 3.74

Spring 2012 3.58 10

Fall 2012 3.49

Spring 2013 3.58 8

Fall 2013 3.64

Spring 2014 3.31 6

Fall 2014 3.57

Spring 2015 3.53 7

Fall 2015 3.29 6

Spring 2016 3.25 6

TOTALS 3.49 43

THIS IS HILLTOPPER TENNIS

The 2015–2016 St. Edward’s University Hilltoppers Women’s Tennis TeamThe 2016 team at the 2015–2016 Celebration of Champions

The 2016 team on a spring break road trip to Oklahoma City, Okla. Preparation for the 2016 Heartland Conference Tournament Finals

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DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHYThe Sports Medicine Department at St. Edward’s University is dedicated to providing the highest standards of sports medicine care for all 13 Hilltopper intercollegiate sports.

The department strives to provide the most efficent and effective treatment available to help prevent and manage athletic related injuries and illnesses.

The underlying philosophy for the St. Edward’s University athletic training staff is that the healthcare needs of the student-athlete shall be the first consideration. Services to be delivered are divided into five domains established by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association including (1) injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, (2) clinical evaluation and diagnosis, (3) immediate and emergency care, (4) treatment and rehabilitation, and (5) organizational and professional well-being.

The staff is committed to using the most recent advances in technology and continuing education services needed for delivery of these services, and to addressing problems and concerns in a timely manner so the needs of the student-athlete are met. The team is also committed to ongoing evaluations of athletic health care and educational services in order to assure the student-athlete receives the highest quality in athletic health care. The staff will integrate education about athletic injuries and physical fitness to the student-athletes of St. Edward’s University so that they may be empowered to lead healthier, injury-free lifestyles.

athletic trainingATHLETIC TRAINING

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LISA LOWEAssistant Athletic Director for Health and Wellness Ninth SeasonLisa Lowe begins her ninth season in Athletic Training at St. Edward’s. She started as an assistant athletic trainer in 2008, became the head athletic trainer in 2009 and has been assistant

athletic director for Health and Wellness since February 2015. Her primary sports include men’s and women’s golf.

Lowe is a Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C.), a Licensed Athletic Trainer (L.A.T.), and a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

She came to St. Edward’s after experience as an assistant athletic trainer at the University of Georgia, graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Texas at Austin, and as a strength and conditioning coach at the University of Texas at Austin. She also was co-owner of Peak Performance Resources, LLC, in Austin.

Lowe earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado and Master of Education in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Women’s Athletic Administrators.

ANNIE NALEPAAssistant Athletic Trainer Second SeasonAnnie Nalepa begins her second season as

assistant athletic trainer. Her primary sports include baseball and men’s and women’s cross country.

Nalepa is a Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C.) and a Licensed Athletic Trainer (L.A.T.). She is an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Nalepa is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Before joining St. Edward’s, Nalepa was an assistant athletic trainer at Midwestern State. She was also a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Tarleton State. She also had athletic training experience at Vanguard University (Calif.) and Santiago Canyon College (Calif.).

She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Chapman University (Calif.) and her Master of Science in Kinesiology from Tarleton State.

SAVANNAH BURKSAssistant Athletic Trainer First SeasonSavannah Burks begins her first season

as assistant athletic trainer. Her primary sports include men’s and women’s basketball, along with men’s and women’s tennis.

Burks is a Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C.) and a Licensed Athletic Trainer (L.A.T.). She is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA).

Before joining St. Edward’s, Burks was a graduate assistant athletic trainer at the University of Kansas where she worked with the cross country and track and field teams. She also spent time at Sports Center Physcial Therapy as a Physcial Therarpy Tech. She worked as a contract athletic trainer at the University of Texas and St. Edward’s.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from the University of Texas and her Master of Science in Education (Sports Management) from the University of Kansas.

MATTHEW MCNAMEEAssistant Athletic Trainer First SeasonMatthew McNamee begins his first

season as assistant athletic trainer. His primary sports include softball and women’s soccer.

McNamee is a Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C.) and a Licensed Athletic Trainer (L.A.T.). He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and Southwest Athletic Trainers Association (SWATA).

Before joining St. Edward’s, McNamee was an graduate assistant athletic trainer at Texas State where he worked with the cross country and track and field teams.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Castleton University in Vermont and his Master of Science in Athletic Training from Texas State.

NICOLE WILKINSAssistant Athletic Trainer Ninth SeasonNicole Wilkins begins her ninth season as assistant athletic trainer. Her primary sports include cheerleading, men’s soccer, and volleyball.

Wilkins is a Certified Athletic Trainer (A.T.C.) and a Licensed Athletic Trainer (L.A.T.). She is also a certified

instructor for ESCI and CPR. Wilkins is a member of National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and Southwest Athletic Trainers Association (SWATA).

Prior to St. Edward’s, Wilkins was an assistant athletic trainer at Central Arkansas. She was also a student athletic trainer at both Arkansas and UT–San Antonio.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from UT–San Antonio and her Master of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas. She is currently studying for her doctorate in Education at the University of St. Augustine.

DEPARTMENT SERVICESEquipmentElectrical Simulation

Ultrasound

Hot and Cold Whirlpools (Extremity Tank/Body Tank)

Hydrocollator

Game-Ready Cold Units

HIVAMAT

Recovery Modalities

Active Recovery Compression Units

Compex Units

Rehabilitation EquipmentAgility Training Equipment

Slideboard

Balance Training Equipment

Tubing and Free Weights

Physioballs

Medicine Balls

Biodex Balance System

Spin Bikes

DEPARTMENT EDUCATIONSt. Edward’s University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training through the School of Education. The 55-hour major includes a wide range of challenging courses, such as Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics, Evaluation of Athletic Injuries, and Rehabilitation Therapeutic Modalities. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be able to sit for the licensure test administered by the Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers through the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The program is internship-based, which means you will recieve hands-on experience working with NCAA Division II student-athletes at St. Edward’s. Over five semesters, you will complete 1,800 hours of field experience under the supervision of a state licensed athletic trainer.

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FACILITIES

RECREATION AND CONVOCATION CENTERThe Recreation and Convocation Center (RCC), built in 1987, is the main hub for Hilltopper Athletics. The RCC contains all athletic staff offices for the 13 varsity programs, one co-ed team and administration. The main gym seats up to 1,300 spectators for volleyball and basketball competitions. Other uses for this space include informal recreation, intramural leagues, dance shows and volleyball tournaments. It has two regulation volleyball and basketball courts.

The RCC has two meeting spaces available. The smaller meeting space, known as the Ed Norris Room or Trophy Room, is used for meetings and comfortably holds 20–25 people. Additionally, on the second floor of the RCC is a large multi-purpose classroom that is used for classes, film sessions, team meetings and study hall sessions.

The RCC contains a modern fitness center with cardio, free weights and Cybex machines, which is available to all students, faculty and staff, as well as a weight training facility for athletic teams. The RCC has four racquetball courts used for kinesiology classes, informal recreation and intramural leagues, in addition to a 25-meter competition pool with six lanes.

The Athletic Training Room is home to the Sports Medicine Department which is dedicated to providing the highest standards of sports medicine care for the 13 Hilltopper intercollegiate athletic teams. Hilltopper student-athletes receive care in the newly renovated athletic training room, located on the lower level of the Recreation and Convocation Center. The 750 sq. ft. facility has been upgraded with new rubber composite flooring, taping stations and cabinetry, along with the latest therapeutic treatment, rehabilitation and recovery equipment to ensure that student-athletes receive the best care possible.

LEWIS-CHEN FAMILY FIELDWith some of the best views of Austin, the Lewis-Chen Family Field sits on the north side of campus overlooking downtown and is used as the competition and practice field for the men’s and women’s soccer teams. The field was relocated from its original location, where the current residence halls of Dujarié and Moreau sit, in 2004. Renamed Lewis-Chen Family Field in Fall 2011 for the Lewis-Chen families, who generously donated to the university, the facility hosted the 2007 NCAA South Central Regional as well as the 2010 first round through Elite Eight round of the NCAA National Tournament. The field is a natural bermuda grass surface with an extra 50x70 yard practice area on the back end. A quarter-mile walking/jogging crushed granite path surrounds the field.

DIANE DANIELS FIELDBuilt in 1988, the Diane Daniels Field is the home of Hilltopper softball. Dedicated in April of 1990 in honor of Diane Daniels, a physical education instructor and the first female coach at St. Edward’s, the field is 190 feet down the lines and 220 feet to center. Just outside the left field fence is a 2,800 sq. ft. covered batting/pitching facility built in 2008. Also added in Winter 2011 was a net backstop, which replaced the outdated chain link. The field contains two enclosed dugouts, as well as a storage and changing area for the home team. The home and visitors bullpens were renovated in Spring 2010 to add pitching lanes to each.

Recreation and Convocation Center (Basketball)

facilities

Diane Daniels Field Recreation and Convocation Center (Volleyball)

Lewis-Chen Family Field

Lucian-Hamilton Field

Onion Creek Country ClubAthletic Weight Room

Brother Emmett Strohmeyer Varsity Tennis Courts

LUCIAN-HAMILTON FIELDLocated on the northernmost point of campus, Lucian-Hamilton Field was built in 1968, and was named for longtime athletic director Brother Lucian Blersch, CSC, and former baseball coach Tom Hamilton.

The facility has received recent updates, such as new dugouts in 2007, new infield turf in 2008, a new net backstop to replace the outdated chain link in 2010, and, most notable, a new enclosed hitting and pitching facility in 2011. This facility houses two full-length batting cages and three regulation pitching mounds. Another unique addition is a four-camera video system added in Spring 2012. The system provides unique game and practice film to the baseball team from four different angles and is also used for live streaming of home games.

BROTHER EMMETT STROHMEYER VARSITY TENNIS COURTSBuilt in the late 1960s, the tennis facility is named for Brother Emmett Strohmeyer, CSC, legendary tennis coach at St. Edward’s, who amassed 25 consecutive conference championships. The facility is the home of the men’s and women’s tennis programs. The facility was most recently repaired and resurfaced in Spring 2012. New top-of-the-line windscreens adorned with the famous Hilltopper logo were added in 2011. The courts have video streaming capabilities, and the Hilltoppers had several matches streamed this past season.

At times, the tennis programs compete at the South Austin Tennis Center (SATC), located just one mile from campus. The SATC has 10 courts, including one championship court and a pro shop. For more information, visit rippnertennis.com.

ONION CREEK COUNTRY CLUBOriginally opened in 1974, the Onion Creek Country Club is the home of the St. Edward’s University men’s and women’s golf teams, both nationally ranked. Located just 15 minutes from campus, the 27-hole course designed by Jimmy Demaret and Ben Crenshaw is known as the “Birthplace of the Senior PGA Tour.” It hosted the first-ever Senior PGA event in 1978. The course has been a regular host of Senior PGA and LPGA Tour events. For more information, visit onioncreekclub.com.

ADDITIONAL PRACTICE AND RECREATION FIELDSTwo additional fields are available on the St. Edward’s campus. The practice field is located just north of the Brother Strohmeyer Tennis Courts. This field is natural turf and has dimensions of 130x75 yards. It is used by all club sports programs and also as a secondary practice field for the varsity men’s and women’s soccer programs.

The Recreation Field was built in 2010. Located just in front of Teresa Hall, the field is 70x40 yards and is used for informal recreation as well as several club sport practices.

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About St. EdwArd’s University

GoHilltoppers.com

St. Edward’s offers a challenging and inspiring academic environment that empowers students to make a difference in their world. From its founders, the Congregation of Holy Cross, the university acquires certain values: to think critically, act ethically, appreciate diversity, strive for social justice and serve the community.

A nationally recognized university, with partner universities in 19 countries, St. Edward’s prepares students for the opportunities and challenges of an interconnected world. Our students gain an internationally focused education that broadens their worldview and builds a foundation for lifelong learning, achievement and personal satisfaction in career and community life.

Economic growth and endless opportunity. Diverse and eclectic cultures. A laid-back lifestyle and hip music scene. It all comes together in Austin, the heart of Central Texas, to create one of America’s most vibrant cities. Austinites enjoy great year-round weather — with an average of 300 days of sunshine. You can hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt, take in an outdoor concert on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, relax in 351-acre Zilker Park or explore the nearly 200 other parks around town.

With more than 200 live music venues, Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World” and home to the South by Southwest and Austin City Limits music festivals.

3,697 UNDERGRADUATE

STUDENTS

49% MINORITY

ENROLLMENT

11% INTERNATIONAL

ENROLLMENT

58 COUNTRIES

REPRESENTED

46 STATES

REPRESENTED

130+ STUDENT

ORGANIZATIONS

18 AVERAGE

CLASS SIZE

#13BEST COLLEGE IN THE WEST

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AUSTINRANKED ONE OF THE .. .

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32 NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES OVER THE LAST FIVE SEASONS

$42,550 TUITION 2017–2018

80%

STUDENT-ATHLETE GRADUATION RATE AS REPORTED BY THE NCAA

13:1 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

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