Simmons Volleyball closed out the 2008 season with a 13-11 overall record, and a 6-6 mark in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. This was a complete turnaround for second-year Head Coach Jason Conetta's Sharks, whose overall record at the close of 2007 was 8-14. Simmons entered the 2008 GNAC tournament as 7th seed, the program's highest ranking and first winning season since 1999.

"I believe we achieved our goal, which was to start a successful program here at Simmons College, and we did so in a matter of a year," said Conetta. "We can now call ourselves one of the tougher teams to compete with in the GNAC. This comes not just from myself, but from numerous coaches, referees and spectators throughout the season who saw the strides these girls took in just one year."

The 2008 Volleyball team consisted of just three juniors, five sophomores, and six freshmen. Junior captains Jessica Hambleton (Methuen, Mass.) and Candyce Arena (Brookline, Mass.) took on the task of leading the young program, and teaching the freshman the mental toughness it takes to compete at the collegiate level. The captains also lead by example on the court this season. Arena took on several positions in 2008 at outside, right side and middle hitter, increasing her versatility as a player, always going where the team needed her. After serving as an outside hitter in 2007, Hambleton became the anchor of the Simmons offense in the Libero position, due to her consistent passing and defensive-minded attitude on the court. Hambleton totaled 252 digs and 21 aces. "Only a few times a game did that ball hit the floor," said Conetta. "Jess will agree with anyone that next year 'The Ball doesn't drop, we touch everything.'"

As a setter, junior transfer Amanda Weaver (Eaton, Ohio) had to quickly adapt to the Simmons style of play. Weaver did so with poise, ending 2008 with 576 assists in 23 games, averaging 6.94 assists per game. "It was truly a pleasure watching Amanda lead the Sharks offense this season. She played as if she has been at Simmons all three years of her college career," said Conetta.

Freshman Meaghan Flynn (Laguna Beach, Calif.) had a standout season with the Sharks in 2008, garnering Rookie of the Year and All-Conference Second Team accolades from the GNAC, and putting up some serious hitting numbers. Flynn led her teammates with 215 kills, with 65 errors on 468 attempts. She was first on the team in hitting percentage (32%), aces per match (1.34), service aces (94) and kills per match (3.07). Not only did Flynn lead the attack, but she also tallied strong defensive numbers, with 228 digs. "This, all this from just a freshmen speaks very loud for Meaghan," said Conetta. "Not only did Flynn's physical ability improve this season, her attitude and determination grew tremendously from starting off as a shy and quiet freshmen to a loud athlete and team leader."

Simmons Volleyball is looking to 2009 with excitement. "Because of the strides we have taken from last season to now, we will set our goals high, and we will not stop until we get there," said Conetta.