Nov. 18, 1999

by Jessica Raber

Kerri Walsh, leader of Cardinal volleyball, is nearing the end of an impressive collegiate career. Beginning with an NCAA title her freshman year, Kerri continues to raise the bar of success. This year, ranked second in the country, Stanford is readying to make a run for its third title in four years.

Winning the 1996 NCAA championship was "the ultimate everything," according to Walsh. "I’ll never have such another high, it was all-around awe. It was so intense, but that’s why you play." Kerri and her teammates are feeding off that kind of pressure this year, eagerly "expecting to be there" again in 1999. While last season’s early exit in the NCAA’s was disappointing, Walsh is not letting those memories affect her hopes for this year.

During Kerri’s time at Stanford, she has faced the ultimate challenge of any athlete—a chronic injury. Despite "struggling for four years, I am managing better." Walsh’s confidence in overcoming her shoulder problem is evident in the modifications she has made to her game. Adjusting to the injury meant hitting a little softer and losing some of her offensive power, but in these changes she regained the ability to practice everyday. Walsh adds that her new circumstances have "enabled me to better the rest of my game." Since Stanford is 114-10 (.919) during Walsh’s collegiate playing career, with only two of those losses coming this year, her modifications truly have improved her overall game.

Kerri’s talent is providing her with the unique opportunity to try out for the Olympic team. She will be leaving Stanford during the second half of the school year before returning next year to complete her degree in American studies, "I’m looking forward to being a non-athlete and a full-time student because there is so much to do here at Stanford."

She plans to join various clubs and spend her time at the Farm experiencing as much as possible.

Since she will be returning next year, Kerri will be able to observe first hand the post-Walsh era of Stanford volleyball. She expects next year’s team to be "different because I’ve been here for four years," but she also says that the strength in recruiting along with her returning teammates will ensure the stability of the program.

Logan Tom will be an especially important aspect of future teams and Kerri is quick to shower the younger star with praise, "Logan is an absolutely amazing and great athlete and as a person she is so mellow and genuine."

As Senior Night approaches this Friday when the Cardinal hosts Washington (7:30 pm), Walsh think back on her inspirations, mainly her coaches and fellow seniors. "The coaches have put up with me for four years. They’re great people who stuck with me and supported me. Sarah (Clark) and Jaimi (Gregory) have been great friends and teammates. They’ve kept me sane."

All three players will be honored in a pre-match ceremony Friday night.

With Walsh’s Stanford career coming to a close, her enthusiasm and loyalty for her school are without fail, "I never doubted and never regretted coming here. I walk around campus and it’s just a dream come true. I’m twenty minutes from my family—it’s the ideal situation and I’m thankful every day. It’s been so rewarding, stressful at times, but rewarding."

Kerri Walsh and her teammates promise to put on a show for the fans Friday night, and they intend to see their fans at the 1999 NCAA Finals in Honolulu.