Ohio volleyball outside hitter Lindsay Judice probably is starting to wonder if she can make it through a season without an injury.
After battling through a back injury in 2001, Judice severely sprained her ankle against Northern Illinois Nov. 2 last year, ending her junior season 11 games earlier than planned.
"When I got hurt, it was devastation," Judice said. "But I was fortunate because an injury like that, it tests dedication and inner strength. I consider myself fortunate because it was a wake-up call."
The wake-up call is also fueled by the fact Judice's teammates went on to the Mid-American Conference Tournament semi-finals without her.
Former Ohio volleyball player Shawn Denham said Judice still keeps up her intensity while doing physical therapy despite the fact that she officially has been done with rehabilitation for several weeks.
"She looks like she's 100 percent back," Denham said. "She's done with rehab now, but still keeps it (the ankle) strong so it doesn't reoccur."
Ohio coach Geoff Carlston has been working with Judice to regain her vertical jump and agility, in addition to refining technique such as the arm swing and jump serve. He said he has put a challenge out to Judice to become the team's utility player — someone who could play at any position if needed.
And by all accounts, Judice has responded. Judice finished the 2002 season second on the team with 3.16 kills and 2.48 digs per game, but she wants to put up bigger numbers next season.
"When he (Carlston) needs someone to fill any position on the court, I want him to think of my face first," she said.
After seeing Judice play for three months, Carlston can see marked improvement in areas where she did not necessarily excel last season. He said her defense has improved dramatically and so has her verbal leadership. As seniors, Judice and teammate Laura Hageman are expected to lead younger players, including five freshmen and a transfer, both verbally and by example.
"I see myself as a leader on the court," Judice said. "And I consider myself a pretty versatile player, but I want to sharpen the edges."
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Laurie Duffy
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Lindsay Judice
