Cacciamani, Bremner eyeing national teams

By GEOFF DODD
Collegian Staff Writer

After seeing the members of the Penn State women's volleyball team dominate the 1998 season, it's no wonder the coach of the upcoming Olympic Games is looking at two of the Lady Lions' stars.

During the season, in which Penn State went 35-1 and finished second in the NCAA Championships, Mick Haley, second-year coach of the U.S. National Team, talked with the team about sending several players to participate in the upcoming World University Games. The tournament, which will be held from July 2-13 in Spain, combines the top collegiate talent from around the world.

Haley, who coached at Texas from 1980-1997, approached junior middle blocker Lauren Cacciamani in particular. He also sent an invitation to junior setter Bonnie Bremner, but did not speak directly with her.

Haley said the main attributes a player at the national level must have are athleticism first, then attitude, commitment and desire. Once determining these qualities in a player, he tries to arrange a schedule and place her in a program where consistent ball striking is a top priority.

"I think (Lauren) is a wonderful talent," Haley said. "She's a smart kid, very aggressive. She's mature beyond her years. She's a wonderful candidate and can take care of herself. We haven't seen Bonnie at tryouts but she has good experience. But until she tries out and gets in there we won't know how she stacks up."

Haley, who controls but will not coach the women's program at the World University Games, was trying to put Cacciamani in a program where she would travel to Colorado Springs one week out of each month this semester to practice with the National Team. Following that, she would practice with the team for six to eight weeks prior to the start of the World University Games.

Cacciamani, an art education major who was an All-Big Ten first-team selection and first-team All-American last season, will travel to Colorado Springs next week to speak with the team. Haley has emphasized Cacciamani would not miss the NCAA volleyball season next fall. Because of a scheduling conflict with an art studio class however, she is unable to find time to participate in the spring program. She said she would have more time during the summer, and the World University Games, and potentially the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, are not out of the question.

"I think I made the decision early on as to what would be more beneficial," Cacciamani said. "(Penn State coach Russ Rose) supports my decision either way. He wants the decision to be up to me. Who knows how long I'll be playing? My career could end tomorrow, God help me."

She will continue to play full time for Penn State until at least the end of next season, but might postpone an internship to participate with the National Team next spring.

Bremner, who played for the U.S. Junior National Team her sophomore and junior years at St. Francis High School in Wheaton, Ill., also elected to forego the opportunity until a later date. Bremner is a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year and a two-time first-team All-American. She received numerous other accolades this season, including GTE Academic All-America first-team honors.

In making her decision, Bremner consulted former teammate and current member of the National Team, Terri Zemaitis. Zemaitis shared first-team All-America honors with Bremner last year.

"Right now, (Penn State's) program looks strong," Bremner said. "I think it's important I work with the younger players. (Zemaitis) said she likes (playing with the National Team), but to wait. There's no rush right now. I'd like to play with her again, though."

Rose expressed neither favor nor disapproval to the national program, but said he wants his players to make their own decisions based on what they know and what is best for their collegiate experience. Bremner and Cacciamani have taken his advice to heart, as they are putting their education first.

"I work for Penn State," Rose said. "I want to help Penn State, and especially the players at Penn State. These people came to Penn State, and I want them to have the best experience they can. I've had five or six kids go out there, but they all have degrees. To me, it's more important that they have degrees rather than sweat suits that say 'USA'. Both (Bremner and Cacciamani) make a very big impact for our team, but they need to do what they feel in their hearts."

Right now, the only thing on their minds is having fun with the rest of their college lives. Both Bremner and Cacciamani are excited at the possibility of playing beyond Penn State, but their top priorities are to make the most of their college experiences. Rose knows of the increased moneymaking opportunities in women's volleyball, but also wants his players to fall back on an academic discipline once their playing days are over.

"The great thing about our program is we're allowed to have fun," Bremner said.

And that's exactly what the two teammates plan on doing.