Mass Digging Into Offseason Opportunities

AMES, Iowa - For Ashley Mass, spending 10 days in the desert could be seen as a daunting ordeal. The Iowa State senior volleyball player braved the heat to take part in USA Volleyball's National A2 program in Phoenix, Ariz. Mass returned to Ames with some fresh ideas for the court, as well as a USA Open National Championship.

As libero on the A2 Blue team, Mass secured the defensive end of the court to help sweep Exterminators 25-19, 25-13, 28-26 in the championship match. Mass felt the training period prior to the tournament, with coaches on hand from around the country, was very helpful.

"The first week we were in Arizona State's facilities, practicing there," said Mass, the 2008 and 2009 Big 12 Libero of the Year. "It was two-a-days with three-hour practices at a time."

ISU head volleyball coach Christy Johnson-Lynch has often credited Mass as one of the more reliable defensive players she's ever coached. Mass, a native of Muskego, Wis., was thankful for the chance to learn more about the game she has excelled at playing.

"There were 24 players and six coaches from different colleges," Mass said. "Just having an opportunity to be around top players from around the nation is awesome and having the chance to play was great."

Mass took special notice with a selection of her teammates. A third of her A2 Blue team members will return to the Texas Longhorns for the 2010 season.

"(Juliann Faucette, Sr., Texas) was MVP of the tournament," Mass said. "She is a powerful player and hits so hard. Knowing the tendencies of some these players is really helpful, I learned a lot about them."

Honored at the 2009 season's end with AVCA first-team All-America accolades, Mass has separated herself from the rest of the collegiate pack. Mass has an optimistic eye on the future of her volleyball career beyond Iowa State.

"I'll look into it," Mass said. "Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to play. As long as I can, I will try."

Mass doesn't waste too much time pondering the future, as her expectations for the 2010 ISU volleyball season are at the front of her mind.

"The team has an awesome opportunity next season," Mass said. "With who we have coming back and our freshman coming in, we have a chance to go really far in the tournament. Maybe even win it."