by Lisa Miller
Daily Illini sports reporter

Even though playing time is limited on the court, Illinois seniors Paula Prentice and Laura Haselhorst contribute to the volleyball team immensely.

Beginning their Big Ten career in 1995, both Prentice and Haselhorst experienced the transition period Illinois volleyball had to endure as former head coach Mike Hebert left and current head coach Don Hardin arrived.

"We’re building a program," Hardin said. "Not just a successful season. The team bonded together when the coaching staff left and everyone else was saying that this was a sinking ship. We will have come full circle with the program in three years."

"It was a big change when Mike (Hebert) left and Don (Hardin) came in because we didn’t know what was going to happen. I think it was an easy transition because of the type of people that we have and the personalities that were willing to come together. The most important thing was the willingness to cooperate," Haselhorst, an outside hitter, said.

During her four seasons as an Illini, Prentice’s role on the team varied. Her on-court role has become less while her off-court skills have increased tremendously.

"Even though my playing time isn’t as much as my last three years, my contribution to the team is more of an off-the-court role. And I am fine with that," Prentice, an outside hitter, said. "Whatever is good for the team I am willing to do. Sometimes people say that’s so selfless. I feel that is my contribution to the team. My leadership off the court and outside of volleyball is what keeps our core unit going and in the right direction."

Hardin could not agree more.

"Paula saw a lot more playing time early because of her experience. Unfortunately on our squad we haven’t had the depth at the passing position, and Paula’s not a primary passer. We’ve had to keep people out there who get the first ball up to the setter, and as a result limits her time," he said. "She’s such an unselfish player. If I think of Paula, I think of team unity."

Haselhorst’s role on the team since her freshman year has remained consistent. She has accepted her role and realized that although not in the starting lineup, she is able to add spark to the matches in which she plays.

"I try to see the benefits of it. The pressure of being in there all the time isn’t on me. I think it is an honor to start, but there is also a lot of responsibility that comes with it. I am fine with my role coming in and out. It’s essential to be able to come in and make a difference," Haselhorst said.

Laura has been a front-court ball player since her freshman, year according to Hardin. The importance of putting her in a match always depends on factors such as the left side attack from the opponent and Illinois’ right side block.

In practice, her contributions are numerous as well.

"Tracey Marshall and Mary Coleman have had to hit against Laura every single day for three hours a day in practice. Every time they spike a ball, they’ve had to get it past Laura. She’s really done a lot to help elevate their playing," Hardin said.

Coming to play volleyball in the United States was always a goal for Prentice, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

"I knew that going into high school there were some girls from my club team that had gone to the States; I knew that would be one of my goals too. In Canada, they don’t give athletic scholarships, so I knew that coming to the States would give me an avenue to get a good education and get it paid for. I knew Illinois was a great school with a good program," she said.

Prentice’s personality shines wherever she is according to Hardin.

"Even though she isn’t starting on the floor, when the kids come out on the court for autographs, they flock to Paula. I’ve seen it year after year. I get notes and e-mails from parents and other people saying that Paula Prentice is their favorite player. She just has a personality that is magnetic to children," Hardin said.

As the season winds down, both these Illini seniors realize the impact that playing volleyball has made on them.

"I’ve improved on my skills a lot because I came from a Class A school, and we just didn’t compete on the same level as everyone else. But probably more important, I’ve learned a lot about different kinds of people and how different kinds of people interact and react," Haselhorst said.

"When I think about it, I didn’t think volleyball was going to impact me that much. Just thinking about it, Illinois has offered me so much. The opportunity to come and play here is above and beyond what I thought it would be," Prentice said. "The friendships apart from volleyball have been the most important. I know I’ve formed friendships I’ll have the rest of my life."

Hardin said he considers volleyball to be the ultimate team sport.

"Two or three people can’t take over a match. Everyone has to be there and be on. They all have to look out for each other. That’s why Paula and Laura have made it work for us in that way. Their attitudes and giving are great.

"Both will be extremely successful in whatever they do. I’ve been through this (coaching) for many years, and when you lose people like Laura and Paula, the team always underestimates the void it leaves."

Haselhorst and Prentice are just two of five graduating seniors this season. Prentice said playing on this Illinois team is something she will never forget.

"I love it here. It has just been such a great experience," she said. "Illinois will always have a definite place in my heart."