Early Arrivals
10/1/2003 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 1, 2003
By Amy Mulligan
Maryland Media Relations
When sophomore Rachel Wagener pulls into Comcast Center's parking lot for volleyball practice, it's hard not to notice her. One reason is her car: a Ford Bronco with huge tires she describes as a "monster truck," complete with a vanity plate that reads "6-4 Chic". Another reason is the player herself, a 6-4 middle blocker with a smile as big as the person it belongs to.
The Terps' other sophomore middle blocker, Stephanie Smith, rolls up to Comcast Center less noticeably. Her green Jeep Cherokee bears a Maryland Volleyball sticker, but has little else to distinguish it from any other car in the lot. When she walks toward the building, Smith's 6-2 stature is striking, but the person is mild-mannered - even quiet.
Though they may arrive in different styles, their play can be described the same way: Nothing short of spectacular. In just two seasons at Maryland (Wagener is a true sophomore, Smith is a redshirt), the duo has become a formidable blocking presence while adding versatility to the Terps' attack.
To hear these two young players describe each other further exposes their differences. "Rachel is very outgoing off the court, she's fun and makes things interesting," Smith says of her teammate.
"When I first met Steph, she was definitely on the shy side," Wagener says.
The tandem is listed as the only two middle blockers on head coach Janice Kruger's roster, and they are the two tallest players on the squad. Wagener, a 2002 ACC All-Freshman team selection, leads the team in blocks and provides a powerful attack at the net. Kruger praises her performance so far this year, but hints the best is yet to come.
"Rachel's still learning how to really dominate a volleyball game," Kruger says. "She has a ton of potential to become a great all-around player."
Those who compete against Wagener may know for her intimidating court presence, but people who know her best appreciate her ever-present smile and comical qualities. Her coach echoes this sentiment. "Rachel's personality is very fun-loving and she has a great sense of humor," Kruger says.
The Chesapeake, Va., native has posted a personal best this season in blocks and has shown improvement with each game. Her height has proven to be an advantage for the team, because at nearly 6-5 she is one of the tallest players in the ACC. According to Wagener, she has been tall all of her life.
"My dad is 6'7, and I've always been tall," she says. "Growing up, all you hear is people whispering, 'She's so tall.' I always wanted to tell them, 'I'm tall, I'm not deaf.' Now, I'm proud of it. My height has worked to my advantage."
Junior outside hitter Maria DiLivio has a different take on Wagener's height. "She's big, but young. Kind of like a jumbo shrimp, because she's big on the court but still young in her experience," DiLivio jokes.
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| Stephanie Smith is averaging over two kills a game with an attack percentage of .393 |
Smith, known as "Peacock" to her teammates, has also become a key component of both the offense and defense for the Terps in 2003. She has posted career bests in kills and attack percentage and, along with Wagener, has been a huge part of the reason the Terps are outblocking their opponents this season.
But while her statistics are among the ACC's best, Smith is a reluctant star on a roster of hard-hitting standouts. Instead, she's known by both her teammates and coach for providing the Terps with a "sneak attack."
"She's a silent killer, because she's quiet and you don't necessarily notice her, but she's one of the biggest threats on the court," DiLivio says.
Still, what Smith lacks in vocal leadership she makes up for by leading through example. "Stephanie goes out and does her very best all the time," Kruger says. "She may be quiet in the way she gets it done, but she supports the team in a way that is natural for her and it's very powerful," Kruger adds.
Smith, a Bethesda, Md., native, admits to being soft-spoken, but doesn't apologize for who she is. "I'm not one to talk just to be talking," she explains. "I only say what I think needs to be said, especially on the court."
The duo's distinct qualities have translated into success for the team, and according to those involved, it's just the beginning.
"As fast as they can grow, our team will improve," Kruger says.
Smith and Wagener may come to practice with different styles, but there is no doubt they have both arrived at the top of the Maryland volleyball program.
