After a disappointing 1-17 Pacific-10 Conference record a year ago, one thing was unmistakably clear for Oregon volleyball heading into the 2005 season – changes needed to be made.
Enter Jim Moore, a 16-year coaching veteran with a history of reviving struggling programs. In addition to a new and innovative 6-2 offensive scheme, Moore breathes new life into a squad that has won only 18 Pac-10 games in the last 12 years.
“Everyone is excited he’s here and fired up to play,” senior Kelly Russell said. “He’s very supportive, and pushes us hard to compete.”
Russell has emerged as a strong leader and will be relied upon to anchor a young but talented Oregon lineup. The 6-foot-1 Vancouver, Wash., native is a four-year starter as an outside hitter and was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player after her sophomore season.
“I think she’s very excited, and is going to have a good year,” Moore said of Russell. “She is a force to be reckoned with.”
Even though Russell and outside hitter Jaclyn Jones are the only seniors, the team’s younger experienced players may prove to be a strength for the Ducks this season.
Junior Heather Madison returns for her second year as a starter and joins a crop of other talented juniors. Oregon will also benefit from many new additions in the latest recruiting class, which includes: libero Katie Swoboda, middle blocker and Serbian native Mira Djuric, setter Erika Bartruff, defensive specialist Tasha Demkiw and outside hitter Rachel Yurkovich, who will also participate in track for Oregon in the spring.
“I am excited about the players that are here,” Moore said. “This is a program that has struggled, but these players are the kind I want to demonstrate the way it needs to be done.”
In addition to many new faces, Moore is implementing a modified 6-2 offensive system. The Ducks will run with two setters and position the majority of their size on the outside portions of the net.
Despite requiring early adjustments, Moore and company believe the new offensive scheme will accommodate the team’s strengths.
“Our team fits it perfectly,” Russell said. “It’s a smart offense, and it sets up good defense.”
Despite the swirl of changes within the program, the Ducks know their work is cut out for them in the deep and talented Pacific-10 Conference. The Pac-10 sent three teams – Washington, Stanford and Southern California – to the NCAA’s final four.
Though Washington won the Pac-10 Championship last year, it was Stanford who defeated the Huskies in the tournament before eventually claiming its second National Championship in four years. Both should factor into a tight race in 2005.
So while the Ducks are optimistic about the road ahead, improving each day remains the ultimate goal.
“I’m not worried about the top teams,” Moore said. “We need to climb the stairs, one step at a time, and knock off the teams that are in front of us.”
Madison is looking forward to improvement from last season.
“Every time you lose, it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth,” Madison said. “We have to take this season one day at a time and see what happens.”

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