Nov. 16, 2001

By Bob Gosman
Boca Raton News

Senior Marja Valkeavuori will only get to play one year of volleyball at FAU, but she's certainly making the most of her brief time with the Owls.

Her all-around skills, competitiveness and experience have helped her make an immediate, and season-long impact. Valkeavuori and the Owls will play host to Jacksonville at 10 a.m. today in the first round of the Atlantic Sun Tournament at FAU Gym.

"She will not back down," Owls coach Jody Brown said. "We have a lot of young kids on our team, and it's been great for them to see her competitiveness."

Valkeavuori tops FAU with 36 service aces, and she's among the Owls' leaders in kills (162), digs (225) and blocks (54).

"She has been by far our best passer and server," Brown said. "She brings so much to the court."

Valkeavuori's twin sister, Kirsi, was supposed to play for FAU last season. Kirsi ended up getting injured and could not play. She is a graduate assistant this season, and she encouraged her sister to join her in Boca Raton and play for FAU.

Marja came for a visit to see her sister, and she had enough fun to give college volleyball a try. Valkeavuori had played volleyball for most of her life on Finnish club teams, one of which won a national championship.

Valkeavuori, a 6-footer, relies mostly on her strength when she is hitting. "I can't jump high, so I play with my power," she said. "I've (just tried) to help the team play better."

Added fellow senior Ashley Bodily: "She came in and learned our system. She's been solid and steady."

Away from the court, Valkeavuori is an excellent chef whose family is always asking her to cook for them. Her volleyball family at FAU has made the same request. So it's a safe bet that before the end of the semester, the volleyball team will have the privilege of chowing down on a Finnish meal at Valkeavori's apartment.

"I can make all kinds of food, but it will be a surprise," she said about the anticipated menue. "We'll (have it) after the season.

As much as the players on FAU will look forward to that meal, they hope that meal does not take place until after they play in the NCAA Tournament.