Press Releases

2004-05

Graceland women’s volleyball coach Stew McDole was presented the Dr. Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, USA Volleyball’s highest honor, at the 60th annual Dorothy C. Boyce Annual Awards and Recognitions Banquet at the Adams Mark Hotel in Denver, Colo.

McDole is currently the treasurer of USA Volleyball, where he has been a long-time member of the USA Volleyball Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

According to USA Volleyball, the “Frier” Award is named in honor of Dr. Harold T. Friermood, the second president of the USVBA and one of the principal individuals responsible for volleyball being a part of the Olympic Games.

McDole has been at the helm of the Graceland women’s volleyball program for the last 23 seasons. He has amassed a 696-335 win-loss record during that time and, before finishing with a record of 13-16 in 2004, McDole posted 21 consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins.

During 17 of those years, he has led the squad to a Heart of America Athletic Conference regular or post season title and has been named the HAAC Coach of the Year 12 times. A post season qualifier in each of his 23 seasons, McDole’s Yellowjacket programs have produced 19 All-America selections and 24 All-America Scholar-Athletes.

Through McDole’s leadership Graceland University has been one of the summer homes for USA Volleyball National Development Camps since 1972. Literally dozens of “name” coaches nation- and world-wide have served as staff for the camps, touching the volleyball lives of thousands of high school and adult players over this 30-year span.

Stew, as he is addressed by players and colleagues alike, is a 1965 Graceland graduate; he later completed both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in leisure studies at Indiana University-Bloomington.

Part of his current assignment includes teaching physical education and leisure services administration at Graceland where he served a seven year stint as the academic division chair.

McDole is an elected officer of USA Volleyball, where he served as a board member for 10 years; as corporate treasurer for a total of nine years; and executive vice president for four years. USA Volleyball also recognized him with the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award in 1978.

Graceland is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). McDole has functioned as an NAIA national volleyball rater for 15 years serving twice as the national rating chair. He is presently the volleyball chair for NAIA Region V. Stew is also just completing a 14-year stint as an officer of the NAIA Volleyball Coaches Association where he has twice served as president. During that period he has been a member of the VCA recognition committee annually sharing in All-America, Player and Coach of the Year selections.

He has functioned on 15 tournament committees for the NAIA National Volleyball Championships and has served as tournament chair seven times. In 1986 he was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. In 2003 McDole was one of 23 members of the inaugural Hall of Fame class inducted by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

McDole served 18 years on the AVCA Board of Directors as the NAIA Representative and was a member of the AVCA Executive Committee. In February 1990 McDole was the cover feature for the AVCA Journal “Coaching Volleyball”. He received the AVCA Founders Award in 1997.

Stew and his wife Patty are parents to three children: Chad, Mica and Corey. The McDoles are also the owners and operators of "Country Plus," a gift and Hallmark store in Lamoni.

Amy Phelps, a former NAIA All-American for Graceland, and who has coached at both her alma mater and in the NCAA Division II ranks, is the new assistant volleyball coach at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

“I’m really excited about the prospect of working with Amy,” exclaims Phil Shoemaker, head volleyball coach at UAF. “Over the course of our entire search process she consistently proved that she is truly one of the top young coaches out there. We had some really strong candidates, especially among our finalists, but several times through the process I heard people say they were ‘blown away’ by Amy’s knowledge of the game, professionalism, coaching techniques and expertise, and her ability to help us move forward as a team.”

Amy Phelps, who played and coached at Graceland University and was a graduate assistant coach for the last two years at Northwest Missouri State, will join the Nanooks at the end of June.

“Amy has been unique among the graduates from our program,” says Stew McDole, women’s volleyball coach at Graceland. “She had a strong aspiration to coach at the college level from the start of her career. Her goal translated into a number of choices that prepared her for that future. Thanks to her work here and subsequently as a graduate assistant at Northwest Missouri State, she has the equivalent of four seasons of college coaching in her background.”

A setter at Graceland, Phelps earned first team all-conference and first team all-region honors and was named an honorable mention NAIA All-American, as well as an NAIA All-American Scholar-Athlete. Her team won both the regular season and post-season titles in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, and she served as a co-captain.

After her playing career ended, Phelps began her coaching career at Graceland, assisting with both the men’s and women’s teams. The GU women were Region V finalists and qualified for the NAIA National Championships.

At NWMSU, Phelps assisted Head Coach Lori Slight in Slight’s first two years with the Bearcats. Northwest Missouri finished with a 15-18 mark in 2004, a vast improvement over their performance in 2003.

“I’m really excited to have Amy join our staff,” said UAF Head Coach Phil Shoemaker. “She’ll bring a lot of good, new ideas and a lot of energy to our program. She’s had great teachers, she’s learned well, and she already has coaching experience far beyond her years. The fact that has been an assistant coach for a men’s team is a strength, and I liked the fact that after she left Graceland, she went to a program that was a challenge and helped turn it around.”

Shoemaker said that Phelps will be involved in all aspects of the program, especially recruiting. “Amy will have her hands in a lot of things, and one of her major responsibilities will be spearheading our recruiting efforts. That’s something we’re both excited about.”

“Coach Shoemaker has been a personal colleague for 20 plus years,” says Coach McDole. “He has a bit of a Graceland tie and a long time relationship to the USA Volleyball Camps that we run on this campus. His program is a great place of Amy to start her career. I think she will be a real asset to the UAF program. We are pleased that she has been given this opportunity to contribute to an established program and wish her luck.”

As for the common links throughout this hire, McDole was Shoemaker’s college coach at Western Illinois, and McDole ministered at Shoemaker’s wedding. Shoemaker was the high school coach of Stu Sherman, the past men’s volleyball coach at Graceland. Phelps’ high school coach, Julie Carver, is a Graceland graduate who is in the Yellowjacket Hall of Fame.

“Because of our connections, I know to an unusually high degree what Amy has been taught, and by who,” says Shoemaker. “With this being said she was in no way a ‘shoe-in’ for the position. We had some outstanding candidates, but Amy just flat outperformed them when she got the chance.”

Phelps will begin her new duties June 26th.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference has recognized 32 Graceland University athletes as All-Conference Scholar-Athletes for 2004-05.

The Yellowjacket softball, women’s track and football teams led the way with four scholars each, followed by the women’s volleyball, men’s track, men’s cross country and men’s soccer teams with three scholar-athletes apiece.

The following is a list of Graceland’s 2004-05 HAAC Scholar-Athletes:

Athlete -- GPA -- Sport -- Major
Anna Bair -- 3.59 -- Volleyball -- Business Management
Jamie Dwyer -- 3.94 -- Volleyball -- English-Cinema Studies
Brianna Leone -- 3.43 -- Volleyball -- Elementary Education

Graceland University volleyball landed four players on the 2004 Heart of America All-Conference teams.

Senior libero Rosacarla Ribeiro and sophomore outside hitter Sarah Young received second team honors while junior middle hitter Jodi Butler joined freshman middle hitter Maranda Miller on the honorable mention squad.

All four Jackets proved to be steady day to day performers for head coach Stew McDole who will return three of the four players in 2005.

The Jackets went 13-14 in the regular season and lost in the first round of the play-offs to the number one seed Central Methodist University.

Rosacarla Ribeiro, a defensive specialist for Graceland University, is the Region V and Heart of America Athletic Conference Libero of the Week for Oct. 31-Nov. 6. In seven games, the Brazil resident notched 34 digs, averaging 4.9 a set. In 72 passing attempts, she committed only one reception error, posting an efficiency of 99 percent. In addition, Ribeiro recorded two service aces.

Ribeiro played in 114 games for the Yellowjackets, who were 13-16 overall and 4-6 in the conference this season.

The Graceland women’s volleyball ended their season with a 1-3 first-round loss in the conference tournament to Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. on Saturday.

The Jackets won the first game 31-29, but never got back in the swing of things, losing the last three 15-30, 26-30 and 29-31.

Graceland ended the season 13-16 overall and 4-6 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team ended the 2004 regular season with a 0-3 (27-30, 25-30, 23-30) loss to Baker University Tuesday night in Lamoni.

Prior to the game, Coach Stew McDole gave four seniors their final farewell from the Graceland women’s volleyball program. McDole saluted Shauna Brooks, an outside hitter from Blue Springs, Mo., Tracy Foster, a setter from Leavenworth, Kan., Brianna Leone, a varsity captain and opposite hitter from Independence, Mo. and Rosacarla Ribeiro, the other varsity captain who is a libero from Curitiba, Brazil.

“Together they have modeled great execution, perseverance, hustle, athleticism and leadership,” said McDole. “The collage of the capabilities and contributions makes a fitting picture that drives right to the heart of Graceland athletics. We have marveled at their exploits, we have shared in their triumphs, we have shed tears of happiness and regret, and we will miss them. The part they leave behind we will cherish. To the part they take away, we wish the best.”

Graceland’s women’s volleyball team beat the William Jewell Cardinals in four Tuesday night in Liberty, Mo. to improve to 4-5 in the conference and 13-14 overall.

Graceland began the night with a 30-26, but faltered in the second, losing 25-30. The Jackets turned on the energy and won the next two 30-24 and 31-29.

The women take a week-long break from games, then play Baker University in Closson Center on Tuesday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The Graceland University Yellowjackets lost in three (30-18, 30-11, 30-14) to the NCAA Division II 22nd ranked team, the Rockhurst University Hawks from Kansas City, Mo.

The Yellowjackets are now 10-13 this season.

Graceland travels to Davenport, Iowa this weekend to play Trinity Christian College at 1:00 p.m. and St. Ambrose University 3:00 p.m.

With three events in two days, the Graceland women’s volleyball team came away with two wins and one loss.

On Friday evening, the women beat Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in five, dropping the first game, won games two and three 30-26 and 30-19, came up short in the fourth, then dominated the fifth 15-4 to win the set.

Saturday morning Graceland ran past Mt. Mary from Milwaukee 30-13, 30-8 and 30-7 at the Mt. Mercy College tournament.

Then Saturday evening the women headed to Canton, Mo. to play a conference match-up with Culver-Stockton College. Graceland lost in three 23-30, 19-30 and 21-30.

Graceland is now 10-12 overall this season.

The women host Rockhurst University Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Closson Gymnasium.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team fought five hard games, but lost 2-3 to Benedictine College Tuesday night in Lamoni, Iowa.

The Yellowjackets started with a slow 21-30 loss, but found their swing, winning the next two 31-30 and 30-23. The Ravens from Atchison, Kan. struck back with two wins of 30-21 and 15-9 to win the event in the Closson Center.

The women play at Mt. Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa this weekend and will return to action in the Closson Center on Tuesday, October 12 to play Rockhurst at 7:00 p.m.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team lost in four to Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. Thursday night.

After a grueling 30-32 loss, the women came back to win the second match 30-28. The Yellowjackets lost some steam and were outscored 30-22 and 30-24 in the final two games.

The Yellowjackets now look forward to a busy Homecoming Saturday that includes a JV exhibition game at 9:00 a.m. followed by the alumni game at 10:00 a.m. in the Closson Center.

The Graceland women’s volleyball team beat Avila University in five in Kansas City, Mo. on Tuesday night.

The women started with a slow 23-30 loss, but won the second set 30-26. The women then lost the third, but came back with a big two wins to finish with 31-29 and 15-13.

The ladies are now 2-2 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and 8-9 overall.

The women then play Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. on Thursday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m.

The Graceland University women’s volleyball team beat Missouri Valley College 3-1 Tuesday night in Lamoni, Iowa.

The ladies played a tough first game, losing on a service error 28-30. The Jackets then managed to sweep the next three, all by scores of 30-20.

The Yellowjackets’ next game is Friday, September 24 at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo.

Graceland women's volleyball lost in three (28-30, 24-30, 25-30) to Lindenwood University Tuesday, September 14, 2004 in St. Charles, Mo.

The ladies next host Missouri Valley College at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21 in the Closson Gymnasium.

The Yellowjackets placed second in the silver bracket of the 33rd Graceland Pizza Shack Volleyball Invitational held at the Closson Gymnasium in Lamoni, Iowa.

The ladies were placed in the silver bracket after a one-win and one-loss first day of the tournament. On day two, the ladies beat Culver-Stockton College 3-1 (34-32, 30-26, 28-30, 30-22) in the first round of the tournament. Houston Baptist beat the Jackets 3-1 in the silver championship by scores of 30-26, 25-30, 30-26, 30-25.

Other champions include: Gold -- Columbia College, Bronze -- Central Methodist, Platinum -- Missouri Baptist.

Gold Bracket
Columbia def. Doane 3-1 (31-29; 30-27; 24-30; 30-25)
University of Mary def. National American 3-0 (30-18; 30-21; 30-21)
Doane def National American 3-1 (22-30; 30-24; 30-27; 30-21)
Columbia def. University of Mary 3-0 (30-21; 30-28; 30-15)
Gold Champion: Columbia
2nd: University of Mary; 3rd: Doane; 4th: National American

Silver Bracket
Graceland def. Culver-Stockton 3-1 (34-32; 30-26; 28-30; 30-22)
Houston Baptist def. Lindenwood 3-0 (30-14; 30-25; 30-27
Lindenwood def. Culver-Stockton 3-1 (30-22; 24-30; 30-27; 30-27)
Houston Baptist def. Graceland 3-1 (30-26; 25-30; 30-26; 30-25)
Silver Champion: Houston Baptist
2nd: Graceland; 3rd: Lindenwood; 4th: Culver-Stockton

Bronze Bracket
Dickinson def. University of St. Francis 3-2 (22-30;20-30; 30-25;30-27;15-8)
Central Methodist def. Benedictine 3-0 (30-27; 30-15; 30-15)
University of St. Francis def. Benedictine 3-0 (30-28; 30-21; 30-25)
Central Methodist Def. Dickinson 3-2 (30-22;25-30;30-20;28-30;17-15)
Bronze Champion: Central Methodist
2nd: Dickinson; 3rd: University of St. Francis; 4th: Benedictine

Platinum Bracket (round robin format)
Missouri Baptist Def. Sterling 3-2 (23-30;30-22;21-30;30-18;15-13)
Missouri Baptist Def. Mt. Mercy 3-0 (30-14; 30-21; 30-22)
Sterling def. Mt. Mercy 3-2 (30-19; 27-30; 16-30; 30-24; 15-12)
Platinum Champion: Missouri Baptist
2nd: Sterling; 3rd: Mount Mercy

The Graceland University women's volleyball began the Pizza Shack Invitational with a loss to Doane, Neb., but quickly rebounded to beat Sterling in three in the pool play bracket on Friday afternoon in Lamoni, Iowa.

The ladies begin early with the first round playoff game against Culver-Stockton College at 9:30 a.m. in the Closson Gymnasium.

Results from Friday, September 10, 2004 Pool Play

Culver-Stockton def. University of St. Francis 3-0 (30-28; 30-19; 30-26)
Columbia def. University of St. Francis 3-1 (30-20; 30-24; 27-30; 30-25)
Columbia def. Culver-Stockton 3-1 (24-30; 30-12; 30-26; 30-28)

Houston Baptist def. Central Methodist 3-0 (30-21; 32-30; 30-18)
University of Mary def. Missouri Baptist 3-0 (30-27; 30-20; 30-27)
Central Methodist Def. Missouri Baptist 3-1 (30-23; 27-30; 30-24; 30-22)

University of Mary def. Houston Baptist 3-1 (30-28; 30-28; 27-30; 30-11)
Dickinson State def. Sterling 3-0 (30-22; 30-20; 30-23)
Doane def. Graceland 3-0 (30-27; 30-21; 30-27)
Graceland def. Sterling 3-0 (30-14; 30-24; 33-31)
Doane def. Dickinson 3-0 (30-18; 30-17; 30-24)

Lindenwood def. Mt. Mercy 3-0 (30-13; 30-23; 30-19)
National American def. Benedictine 3-1 (30-24; 25-30; 30-17; 30-17)
Benedictine def. Mt. Mercy 3-0 (30-14; 30-26; 30-17)
National American Def. Lindenwood 3-2 (24-30; 30-23; 31-29; 31-33; 15-13)

Graceland’s women’s volleyball team lost 0-3 to Evangel University on Tuesday night in Lamoni, Iowa.

The Yellowjackets put up a strong fight in the first game, but couldn’t pull it out in the end, losing 28-30. In the second game, the Jackets never found their groove, dropping the round 13-30. The third game was another good match, but Evangel was too strong, winning 23-30.

Graceland is now 2-4, with wins over Baker University and Avila University in the Missouri Valley HAAC Invitational in late August.

The ladies are hosting the Graceland Pizza Shack Invitational this weekend, with games on Friday and Saturday. Please watch the Yellowjacket website at www.gojackets.graceland.edu for more information about the tournament.

The Graceland University women’s volleyball team battled Park University for four games, but lost 3-1 (24-30, 28-30, 30-23, 25-30) in Parkville, Mo. Thursday night.

The Yellowjackets started the season with a 2-2 split at the Missouri Valley Tournament, so the ladies are now 2-3 this season.

The women host Evangel University Tuesday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m., preceded by JV games at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Next weekend the Yellowjackets host the Graceland University Pizza Shack Invitational, with games on Friday and Saturday. Check the website at www.gojackets.graceland.edu for updates on the schedule.

The Graceland women’s volleyball split 2-2 at the Missouri Valley Tournament held in Marshall, Mo. on August 27-28.

The Yellowjackets beat Baker in three (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) and lost to Culver-Stockton in five (30-25, 18-30, 17-30, 30-20, 12-15) on the first day. On Saturday the ladies started with a win over Avila (24-30, 32-30, 30-25, 26-30, 15-11) but fell to Evangel in three (21-30, 15-30, 29-31) later in the day.

The ladies play at 7:00 p.m. on September 2 at Park University in Parkville, Mo. The home opener is September 7 against conference rival Evangel University at 7:30 p.m.

Last weekend the Graceland University women’s volleyball team picked up trash along their adopted US 69 Highway. The Yellowjackets’ have a two-mile piece of US 69 including the two miles going north from the Lamoni city limits past the interstate toward Davis City. Nearly 40 players helped with the clean up event.
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After two full days of orientation this weekend, Graceland University’s 2004 fall student-athletes began work on the playing fields on Monday, August 16.
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