With what's arguably the most competitive junior college Women's Volleyball schedule in the southeast waiting for them, Georgia Northwestern has released their roster for the 2010 season which kicks-off with a tune-up at Hiwassee College on September 17 in Madisonville, Tennessee.

This year's schedule has the Lady Cats on the road to Knoxville, Tennessee; Athens, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee for tournaments featuring the biggest names in Southeastern Conference volleyball club play. Last year's line-up wrapped up the 2009 campaign with a 20-12 mark.

"We have the keys to be a final four team in those tournaments this year," said Lady Cats Women's Head Volleyball Coach Tricia Goodwin. "In years past, when we'd hit the road for big dates against the Florida State's, the UGA's, the Mississippi State's, and other collegiate club squads, I wouldn't be upset over losses against names like that. They are amazing programs with history. This year, though, I really feel we have the student-athletes who can put us in a position to make a run."

A deep roster with seven big-time hitters, experienced setters, and a true libero who can play that role has Goodwin believing this team is by far and away the best squad to date. "We have an amazing amount of talent. We have players who really want to compete," said Goodwin. "They see our schedule and see the big names and they are really excited. The competition to make this collegiate squad was very intense. They are among the best this region has to offer."

Four-year college transfer, Cassie Cochran made her way from Bryan College and on to the Lady Cats squad during July tryouts. "She's a 5-foot-9 player who can set or be an outside hitter for us, she's very versatile," said Goodwin about the Northwest Whitfield alum who plans on heading into GNTC's Nursing program.

Another player who can dominate at her position is Ridgeland grad and three-time North Georgia Dream Team starter, Brittany Goforth. "She brings power, power, and more power," said Billy Newcom, Lady Cats Assistant Coach. "But with all of the hitters we are brining, it's going to be hard for some of the teams we are playing to just focus in on her." The 5-foot-9 Goforth will be a Technical Communication major this fall at Georgia Northwestern.

LaFayette High School star Sabrina Garcia signed her letter of application with the college earlier this summer and helps bring a certain swagger to the Lady Cats locker room. "When you look at Sabrina and then you look at her stats, it's easy to say at first glance that maybe there's some mistake," said Goodwin. "But I can tell you since watching her in the prep ranks last season that she is the real deal. Our team will be fun to watch." The 5-foot-8 Criminal Justice major will be one of Goodwin's hitters that will find plenty of playing time in 2010.

Ironically enough, the "make-up" of this team could center around a pair of returning student-athletes who study Cosmetology at Georgia Northwestern. Goodwin will turn to Veteran Lady Cats Carrie Hawkins, a 5-foot-10 middle hitter who played at Ridgeland High School and Holly Wood, a 5-foot-5 libero who starred at LaFayette High School on a regular basis. The only other Lady Cat libero on this years' roster is 5-foot-4 GPS grad, Cayce Gerrin. The former Lady Bruiser was among the leaders in serving aces in the tri-state area her final year of prep ball.

Another name from Tennessee prep volleyball is Cambrie Gustafson. The former East Ridge standout was among area leaders in aces and digs. Goodwin hopes the 5-foot-8 outside hitter will be among the players who will help Georgia Northwestern go a little farther than they did last year. "In 2009, we made some decent runs in a couple of events with only one true hitter," said Goodwin. "This year, I easily have seven true hitters in the line-up. Matches that barely got away from us last year could've been solid wins with this roster."

Also earning spots on to this year's squad are Lady Cats Carrie Grier (LFO), Leah Swanson (Ringgold), and Jocelyn Ridley (LaFayette). Grier may be just as well known for her time on the diamonds of North Georgia as a member of the Georgia side of the Georgia-Tennessee All-Star Softball Game designated for the best prep players across the region.

"These women are way ahead of where I thought this year's team might be at this point," said Goodwin. "At tryouts alone, we had players running plays and communicating in a way that some collegiate programs struggle to use successfully well into their seasons."

Big wins against big names over the past three years has earned the Lady Cats some attention across the region. "We're really beginning to earn respect in the tournament circles in the southeast," said Goodwin. "Wins over South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and other volleyball club powers in our first three season of varsity competition have helped us gain momentum for a schedule we dreamt of building back when we got this program off the ground in 2007."

What's the one thing the coach is keeping in mind? "We should have a really great season that will be fun to come watch unless the coach messes it up from the bench," kidded Goodwin.

For more information on Lady Cats Volleyball at Georgia Northwestern, contact the Office of Sports Information at 706-764-3813. You may also e-mail Don Foley in the Office of Sports Information at dfoley@gntc.edu. The Lady Cats schedule will begin during the fall quarter at Georgia Northwestern. For more information on Georgia Northwestern, visit their website at GNTC.edu.