Aug. 14, 2012

BERKELEY - As the California volleyball 2012 season approaches, CalBears.com will be looking back at some of the former talented Golden Bears who have helped build the perennial powerhouse and the jerseys they wore.

Student-Athlete Spotlight - Deb [Dimino] Kristensen (1983-85)
Kristensen played on the 1983 team that finished third in the NorPac, went 1-1 in the NCAA Tournament and closed out the year with a No. 17 AVCA ranking. In each of Kristensen's three seasons in Berkeley, the Bears finished third in the conference. Kristensen led the bears in block with 121 in 1984, averaging a team-high 0.891 per set. Those 121 blocks kept her on the top-10 single-season list for many years.

CalBears.com: What made you choose your number?

Deb Kristensen: I was No. 23 when I was in high school - Michael Jordan was my hero. When I came to Cal, 23 was not available. I was offered a variety of lower numbers, but 11 seemed right. Plus, it was like being No. 1 twice!

CalBears.com: What does it mean to be one of the Bears to have worn your number?

DK: I am honored to be someone lucky enough to have worn a Golden Bear jersey, regardless of number.

CalBears.com: What was your favorite Golden Bear memory?

DK: The single most memorable event in my volleyball career at Cal occurred in my freshman year. We were playing Stanford and, to be honest, I was more than a little excited and intimidated. I played middle behind All American Sylvie Monet and did not expect to play much, if at all, in the game. All that changed when Sylvie had to leave the game with a twisted ankle. Coach Chris Stanley looked down the bench and called my number. I substituted in and was immediately across the net from another All-American, Kim Oden. Needless to say, I was a bit star struck, and Kim must have sensed it, easily hitting around me. Then, somehow, I gathered my composure and decided to just play. The very next play, the ball was set to Kim on a quick-set, and I was there, perfectly timed, to block the ball straight down. Cheers of "roof" went through the Cal fans as I landed in amazement of what just occurred. I'll never forget the look on Kim's face, through the net, as she smiled and said "nice block." That year we went on to compete in the NCAA Tournament - which is another fond memory of my time at Cal - but it doesn't beat that feeling of blocking a Stanford All-American as a freshman!

DK: It's been 25 years since I graduated from Cal (yikes, time flies) and as I reflect on my time there, playing volleyball is one of my fondest memories. As a freshman, it gave me an immediate group of amazing women to call friends - many of whom I had idolized while growing up in the Bay Area. As the years passed, I took on more of leadership role with these women serving as team captain, where I picked up traits that have served me well in my career. I cannot understate how grateful I am for the opportunity to have played at Cal. To this day, people learn of my professional achievements and think "that's nice." But, when they learn that I played volleyball at Cal, they are really impressed!

CalBears.com: What are you up to these days?

DK: After graduating from Cal, I went on to law school at Santa Clara. After law school, I got married and practiced law in Seattle for six years before moving to Boise in 1996. I am currently a partner in the Boise law firm of Givens Pursley, LLP. I have been very involved with the Idaho bar, including serving as President of the Idaho State Bar in 2005, making me only the third woman in the bar's history to serve in that position. I've also served on numerous community and civic boards. I have two beautiful boys, Drew (age 15) and Trent (age 13) - who take pride in the fact that their mom played at Cal. Drew is starting his junior year in high school, so college visits are on our horizon - I'm hoping the next generation in my family will continue at Cal.

Student-Athlete Spotlight - Camille [Leffall] Rogers
Right out of the gate, Leffall made her mark with placement on the 2011 Pac-10 All-Freshman Team, making her the first Bear since 1996 to earn such an honor. The next year, she led the Bears in hitting again, this time at a .347 mark. The Upland, Calif., native paced Cal, hitting .345, meriting an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. She capped off her Cal career as an AVCA second-team All-American and as an All-Pac-10 first team member.

Camille Leffall

CalBears.com: What made you choose your number?

Camille Rogers: In high school I was No. 10, but when I signed with Cal that number was already taken. Then I thought, "Who wouldn't want to be number 1... twice?"

CalBears.com: What was your favorite Golden Bear memory?

CR: There are so many good memories I can't pick one. But I have to say I miss the competition and always having my teammates to work out with. Now, I have to do it on my own and I get bored.

CalBears.com: What does it mean to you to have played for Cal volleyball?

CR: I have a tremendous amount of pride to have been a part of a team that helped build Cal volleyball's program into what it is today. I'm very proud to have been an All-American rocking the blue and gold. Go Bears!

CalBears.com: What are you up to these days - where do you live, what do you do, etc.?

CR: I'm married with a mortage. I'm the business development director for a law firm by day. In the evening and on weekends, I'm run my own business as an interior and event designer.

All-Time Jersey No. 11 Wearers:
Kat Brown (2009-present)
Ellen Orchard (2005-07)
Camille Leffall (2001-04)
Casey Warren (2000)
Emily Clowes (1999)
Elena Berman (1995-97)
Lindsay Powers (1994)
Melissa Pelz (1993)
Jen Erickson (1992)
Nancy Romweber (1991)
Lisa Rumsey (1990)
Nina Ristani (1986)
Debbie Dimino (1983-85)
Shelly Sutherland (1982)
Anne Rudy (1979)

By the Numbers:(click to read)
44
25
21
20
14
12
11

Are you a former California volleyball student-athlete and interested in participating in our countdown? Please email calsid_volleyball at Berkeley.edu.