ATH: Hall of Fame Inductee Spotlight - 1995 Volleyball Team

Hempstead, NY - Each week, leading up to the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner on April 12, GoHofstra.com will feature members of the Class of 2015. Today's spotlight is on the 1995 Volleyball Team.

"Our players and staff at Hofstra were talented and motivated, and their enthusiasm and dedication made our work enjoyable and rewarding. We practiced and played together with intention, drive and great attitude. This pride was derived from the work of all the teams before them and was carried on by every team after them. I am thankful for the opportunity to have coached them and to share this honor with them." - Fran Kalafer, Hofstra Volleyball Coach (1981-2005)

The 1995 volleyball squad posted a 22-13 record and was the first volleyball team in school history to earn a bid in the NCAA Championship. Coached by Hall of Fame Coach Fran Kalafer (Class of 2007), the Pride won the North Atlantic Conference Championship and then defeated Rider in an NCAA Play-In match to earn the first of eight NCAA Tournament appearances for the program.

Hofstra would host South Carolina in its inaugural NCAA appearance. The Pride, which was led by NAC Player of the Year and AVCA All-Region selection Heleen Hilhorst and NAC Rookie of the Year Albertine de Haan, was also the first conference school to make an NCAA Tournament appearance. In addition to Hilhorst and de Haan, setter Beth Parr earned all-conference honors as well, while Regan Bullers was the NAC Championship Most Outstanding Player.

Team members included: Regan Bullers, Albertine de Haan, Heleen Hilhorst, Lena Malinowski (Hall of Fame Class of 2013), Andrea Natale, Laura Nissen, Laura Oostrom, Beth Parr (Hall of Fame Class of 2008), Michelle Stark, Pam Zens, Graduate Assistant Coach Nikki Holt, Assistant Coach Greg Smith and Head Coach Fran Kalafer.

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