McMurry University Athletics

The 1997 McMurry volleyball program was flat out a juggernaut.  The team accomplished what was – at the time – a school record for victories in a season by amassing a record of 23-6 overall.
 
But it was how they handled the American Southwest Conference that drew attention. The ladies rolled through the ASC like Sherman through Atlanta!  McMurry was not just 12-0 versus the ASC competition, they did not even lose a game along the way. They defeated each foe 3-0 and claiming the title in just the second season as a member of the league!
 
Cammie Petree was in just the second year of her second stint as McMurry’s head coach back then, as well.
 
Two of her players – Mandy Findley and Tracee Nielsen – earned first team all-conference honors.  Three others – Sony Papion, Amy Jo Williams and Sabrina Griffin – were honorable mention.
 
Findley still owns the McMurry record for best Kills Percentage in a match, with an .818 versus the University of Dallas that year. She also ranks 5th on the all-time kills list and Griffin, who was a sophomore in 1997, ranks 3rd.
 
Tracee Nielsen remains the career leader with 199 service aces and is #2 in assists- 3,032, 990 of which came during the 1997 season.
 
Amy Jo Williams – a senior in 1997 - is third in career digs per game at 3.64.
 
But numbers and honors to not do justice to what this team accomplished in the hearts and minds of McMurry followers. Perhaps this exert from the 1998 “Totem” best describes the entire impact this team had on McMurry University athletics and the campus:
 
“They stand as leaders today!  …..this Lady Indian Volleyball team Captured the Spirit for students, alumni, and all else to cherish. When all is said and done and we look back on all the memories, the memories we are most proud of will include those of a conference championship, those of Maroon Pride, and those of a volleyball sweep! The future has yet to be written, but expectations run high…”