Dec. 1, 2009

The Army volleyball team made history this weekend, entering the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Championship for the first time and becoming the only service academy to ever appear in the tournament field. For former players serving in Iraq, the team's postseason run is happy news from the banks of the Hudson during a holiday season far from home.

"We've had so much support from Army officers and former players serving overseas," said head coach Alma Kovaci. "So many people have been a part of the success of this program. We just remember that this is for all of them, too. Bringing a smile to their faces, that's important to us. It's reminded us that this is a great thing for our team, and for the Army in general."

Senior captain Rachel Dunn agreed that sharing the experience with the military family has made the accomplishments more meaningful to the team. When the Black Knights of West Point knocked off eight-time defending Patriot League champion American University on November 22, shutting out the Eagles 3-0 at home in dramatic fashion, servicemen and women overseas were able to follow the action via an online webcast.

For the complete article by Jennifer Gunnels of NCAA.com click here