Stack, Cobras Following Own Blueprint to Success in Program's Second Year

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Two years ago, there was no such thing as men's collegiate volleyball in Hartsville, S.C. That changed last year as the 2013 Coker Cobras men's volleyball team competed in its first season. Now, entering the program's second year, the Cobras will be under the tutelage of new head coach Allison Stack. Stack's winning pedigree and Coker's visible talent have the program poised for a successful sophomore campaign.

"I love to win and I want that attitude to rub off on my guys," said Stack, who enters her first season at Coker after coaching at Baruch College in New York City the last seven seasons. "I told the guys we are the foundation for which the program will be known, and we want that to be a winning record."

The Cobras endured a rough inaugural season that saw them go 6-15 overall, missing out on postseason play. However, Coker lost no players due to graduation and returns eight letterwinners from 2013.

The returners on the 2014 roster are led by senior setter Ricardo Ferrer and sophomore right-side and outside hitters Luke Hansen and Jared Geizer. The roster also features seven new faces that are headlined by junior middle Leshon Alexander and freshman right-side hitter Artur Cabral, who will provide the Cobras with athleticism, length and a high volleyball IQ.

"This team will be different this year because of our setting and athleticism," said Stack. "The skills Ricardo possesses are second-to-none, and combining that with the skill sets of Luke, Jared, Artur and Leshon, we'll be explosive. We are going to be a fun team to watch this season."

The preseason is drawing to a close for the Cobras, and they are looking forward to laying the second brick to the foundation of the Coker men's volleyball program.

"We play a tough schedule this season against some regional powers," said Stack. "We're going to take some bumps and bruises here and there, but I have no doubt the finished product of our season will be a winning record."

Coker opens its season Friday, Jan. 17 at the King University Invitational, hosted by King University. The Cobras will play three matches over two days, beginning with host King at 8 p.m. Friday.

Story written by sports information graduate assistant Sharod Williams '13.