The Greensboro College Pride volleyball team finished the 2003 season with a 25-13 overall record, and went 14-2 in the USA South Conference matches. For Head Coach Jean Lojko, it was her 11th season with 20 or more victories. 

“I am very proud of this team,” Lojko said. “We played the number one and number two teams in the nation along with four other top 25 teams. We faced five out of the eight regionally ranked teams and still had 25 wins. We fielded a very young team, which did make a difference in some matches.”

The Pride had four student-athletes earn USA South awards. Katie Smith (318 kills) and Sarah Davis (665 assists) won first team all conference recognition. Lauren Smith and Ruthanne Clark were named to the conference second team. Freshman Lauren Smith also won the USA South rookie-of-the-year honor. Katie Smith, Clark and Davis are sophomores.

In the USA South Conference tournament, second seeded GC faced Ferrum in the first round and swept the Panthers, 3-0. The Pride met CNU in the semifinals, but came up short. ”We faced a very hot CNU team that served and passed very well all match,” said Lojko. 
“Being young, we got nervous and did not have our best match. But we’ve already learned from our mistakes and will make adjustments for the future.

"We only lose one player next year, but that senior was instrumental in our success over the last four years,” Lojko said. “Stephanie Hartman is one of the finest people I know and I hope that one day I will get to coach another player with her character.” Hartman was named to the CoSIDA regional academic first team for the second straight year following the season.

As for the future, the sophomore-led team of 2003 is poised for at least two strong seasons. “We had high expectations this season, but next year we’ll expect to not only make the NCAA Tournament but also compete for the title. I also hope to recruit several new players who will add to the mix of talent and depth we already possess,” said Lojko.