Cowgirl Volleyball
player profiles

Head Coach Venese Hiapo
In her third season leading NMHU, Hiapo has high hopes she can lead the Cowgirls to a winning season, as she did for programs at the junior college level in Arizona.

Assistant Coach Brian Hiapo
The Hiapos' success coaching on the club and junior college level is in part due to the hard work of Brian Hiapo, who handles many of the logisitcal aspects of the team.

Assistant Coach Roberta Downey
As a member of the Cowgirl team for two seasons, Downey was an emotional leader who often gave the team a boost with both her words and actions.

1  Nicole Abeyta
6-0  So.  Outside hitter  Albuquerque, N.M.
Saw some time as a freshman in '99. May become a key offensive reserve.

2  Stephanie Beck
6-0  So.  Middle blocker  Shelton, Wash.
Played some as a frosh in '99. Adds height and power to middle rotation.

3  Kadee Kindstrom
5-11  Jr.  Setter/hitter  Las Vegas, Nev.
Capable backup either as a setter or at the net. Experience should begin to pay off in '00.

4  Nicole Durand
5-9  Jr.  Middle blocker  Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Injured in '99.  Projectd to help bolster high-octane offensive unit.

5  Rochelle Esparza
5-8  Sr.  Outside hitter  Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Hard hitting from both sides of the court.  Good defensive player. Should dominate.

6  Sina Gallahar
5-11  Sr.  Middle blocker  Honolulu, Hawaii
All-American as a juco star. Smart and strong hitter with nice blocking skills. Excellent addition; will be tough.

8  Kehaulani Mataele
6-1  Jr.  Hitter/blocker  West Valley, Utah
Possesses cannon arm with big-attack potential.  Fine defender as well. All-RMAC as frosh and soph

9  Kacy Cochran
5-8  So.  Setter/hitter  Regina, N.M.
Intelligent player who'll serve as backup setter in '00. Returns after being sidelined by injury in '99.

10  Lauren Ely
5-8  Fr.  Outside hitter  El Prado, N.M.
A valuable future presence as part of a strong hitting and defensive lineup.  Solid New Mexico recruit.

11  Peggy Hongthong
5-8  So.  Setter  Arleta, Calif.
With complete recovery from leg injury, should contend for starter role as setter.  Plays nice defense too.

12  Morrysha Luis
5-8  Jr.  Middle blocker  Pearl City, Hawaii
Underrated defensive player.  Makes few mistakes on either end of floor.

13  Kara Gryskiewicz
5-9  Jr.  Setter  Bloomington, Minn.
NMHU's starting setter for two seasons.  Has improved gradually.  Late injury may hurt.

14  Deidra Munoz
5-10  Jr.  Blocker/hitter  Dexter, N.M.
Should contend in future for time in middle and right side rotations.

16  Cari Brinkerhoff
5-9  Jr.  Outside hitter/defensive specialist  Mesa, Ariz.
Junior college All-American transfer.  Solid defender.  Played for Hiapo in Arizona.

17  Jessica Flannery
5-11  Fr.  Outside hitter  Colorado Springs, Colo.
Willbe a factor in the future for NMHU. Brings finesse, quickness to outside.