McKendree University Athletics

Earning four letters as the Lady Bearcats’ middle hitter, Linda helped build the McKendree volleyball program into a nationally-ranked competitor. Named Most Valuable Player in 1984 and team captain her senior year, she led her team to htree state titles, two hi-state championships and two trips to the NAIA National Tournament where the team finished 12th in the nation in 1982 and fifth in 1985. The 5’7’’ power-hitter relied on her wits to overshadow her towering opponents, exploiting their weaknesses and varying her attacks to keep them off balance. Her quickness, allowing her to play the middle against three opposing blockers, and her dual play with the outside-hitter to set up a defensive wall helped the team achieve winning seasons all four years. She started every game but two, which she missed because of an injury. Linda was team motivator, known for her encouraging banter during the games. She was selected for the All-American Team in the 1985 season and named to All District and All-State First Team for three consecutive years. She received the team Sportsmanship Award in 1985.