NEW LOCKER ROOM, OFFICES GIVE UTPA VOLLEYBALL AN EDGE
For Immediate Release: Monday, December 22, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's volleyball team has something else to be proud of.

The Lady Broncs, who tied their all-time record for wins during the recently-completed 2003 season, have a new locker room, an adjoining team meeting room, and new office suites.

"The new facilities are great," said UTPA Head Coach Dave Thorn. "They look sharp, and based on my travels around the country, they're just about on par with anyone. I haven't seen a better locker room."

The locker rooms have spacious individual stalls and a team meeting area. "It's a great size," said Thorn.
"It sends a message to the players that the administration backs them, and that we have the support of the
university. It's a great recruiting tool, and it presents our program in a very professional way."

The office suite has individual offices for the coaches, as well as a reception area. "Just like the new locker room shows the players that the administration really backs them, the new offices show the coaches the same thing," said Thorn. "They're top quality, they're centrally located, and we have our own area, which gives us a nice sense of pride and ownership. We're excited that everything is finalized, and that we have all the new facilities."

Senior outside hitter Jaclyn Muszynski (Walnut, CA/Walnut HS), who recently completed her collegiate volleyball career, was very
impressed with the new facilities.

"The locker room is awesome," said Muszynski. "It gives us all the room we need. The team room allows us to have a separate area to sit and watch game footage, work on plays, and talk about the tactical part of volleyball. The coach's office suite is very nice, and it's much more convenient. Now we don't have to walk outside the gym to go to the office. It's great that we have our own volleyball area. It makes all of us feel that we have the support of the entire athletic department."

"At The University of Texas-Pan American, our athletic department remains committed in regards to our efforts in establishing a nationally respected and competitive NCAA Division I athletic program," said UTPA Director of Athletics William J. Weidner. "These new facilities that will benefit our women's volleyball program are indicative of that commitment. We look forward to the continued success of our women's volleyball team as our entire athletic program continues to move forward."

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