Perfect teammates: Seniors Koeper, Baumstark have good chemistry

The way Jessica Koeper and Jamie Baumstark see things, neither would be nearly as successful without the other.

But Southeast Missouri State's dynamic volleyball duo have formed such a special bond -- both on and off the court -- that they have helped propel each other to lofty heights.

Outside hitter Koeper and setter Baumstark, the only seniors for the 2006 Redhawks, are not only two of the Ohio Valley Conference's top players, they also rank among the best at their positions in school history.

"This is the fourth year me and Jamie have played together and we're so good with chemistry," said Koeper, a Jackson High School graduate. "We're good friends, and we just really seem to click together."

Added Baumstark, from Hermann, Mo.: "I look to Jessie for everything. We feed off each other."

Koeper made the all-OVC first team last year after being a second-team pick as a sophomore. In 2005, she led the OVC in kills with 493, while ranking fifth in the conference in kills per game (4.04) and points per game (4.41). She also had 422 digs to rank second on the team.

Koeper was also a key contributor as a freshman. In Southeast's Division I record book, she ranks 10th in career kills with 1,012 and could move all the way up to second. She also should break into the top 10 in career digs. Her 493 kills last year place her 10th on the program's single-season Division I list.

Baumstark was second-team all-OVC last year, when she ranked fifth in assists in conference matches (736). She finished the year with 1,317 assists and 64 service aces -- both team highs -- while adding 310 digs and 222 kills.

Baumstark climbs Southeast career lists

Baumstark, also a key contributor as a freshman, has made a major imprint on Southeast's Division I record book as well. She is fifth in career assists with 2,471, fifth in service aces with 163, seventh in block assists with 166 and ninth in total blocks with 185. Her 64 aces last year place her fourth on the school's single-season Division I list, and she stands a good chance of finishing as the career aces leader.

"They are phenomenal," said Southeast coach Renata Nowacki, whose squad opens the season today with two matches at the Mississippi tournament. "It saddens me just to think that they'll be gone after this year. They are everything you could ask for on and off the court. They're leaders, great players and excellent students."

Hearing their coach talk about this being their last year playing for the Redhawks makes Koeper and Baumstark -- both Southeast Scholar Athletes -- emotional.

"Sometimes it almost makes me cry," Koeper said. "It's gone by so fast, I can't believe this is our last year."

Added Baumstark: "It makes me sad. It's gone by so quick, but everything has to end. We might as well end it with an OVC championship. No question I think we can do it."

Nowacki also believes the Redhawks have the talent to contend for the conference title and knows that, if it is to happen, Koeper and Baumstark likely will lead the way.

"We're definitely counting on them," said Nowacki, in her second season as the Redhawks' head coach after four years as an assistant.

As the team's lone seniors, Koeper and Baumstark know they are looked to for leadership.

"We knew we'd have to fill some big shows after Jill [Miller] and Lauren [Scannell] graduated last year," Baumstark said, "but we're ready for it."

Added Koeper: "All the experience we have, beginning with our freshman year, we're ready to be the leaders."

While Koeper and Baumstark say they have both thoroughly enjoyed their time at Southeast, playing for the Redhawks has perhaps been extra special for Koeper since she grew up literally just down the road.

"To play so close to home and having my parents around has been great. I couldn't have done it without them," she said. "I wouldn't change anything. I love it."