New York Liberties
Encyclopedia
The New York Liberties were one of six teams in the Major League Volleyball
franchise. The league began in 1987 and ended short of completing a full season in 1989. Players consisted of former collegiate All Americans and Olympians.
who was the setter in 1987 and for most of 1988 except in a few matches in which former Olympian and later beach player/partner Karolyn Kirby
filled in.
(OH) (replaced Chappel in 1987-88); Wendy Stevenson S/Def. Specialist)(87-88); Laura Smith (MB); Ellen Crandal Orner (MB)(1988); Ellen Bugalski (MB)(1987); Nina Mathies (1988); Lira Vance (1988);
Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball was a women's professional volleyball league in the United States. It was established in 1987 and disbanded during its third season on March 20, 1989. The content, records, and player information were obtained from my collection of VCR recordings of the original ESPN...
franchise. The league began in 1987 and ended short of completing a full season in 1989. Players consisted of former collegiate All Americans and Olympians.
Coaching
The Liberties were led by legend and Hall of Fame player/coach Mary Jo PepplerMary Jo Peppler
Mary Jo Peppler is a retired American volleyball player and coach. Peppler was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1990.-Early life:...
who was the setter in 1987 and for most of 1988 except in a few matches in which former Olympian and later beach player/partner Karolyn Kirby
Karolyn Kirby
Karolyn Kirby is a retired female beach volleyball player from the United States, who won the bronze medal at the 1997 World Championships in Los Angeles, California, partnering Nancy Reno.-References:*...
filled in.
Former players
Players for this team were: Jo Ellen Vrazel (RS)(88-89); April Chappel (OH) (1987); Sandy Aughinbaugh (OH) (87-88); Karolyn KirbyKarolyn Kirby
Karolyn Kirby is a retired female beach volleyball player from the United States, who won the bronze medal at the 1997 World Championships in Los Angeles, California, partnering Nancy Reno.-References:*...
(OH) (replaced Chappel in 1987-88); Wendy Stevenson S/Def. Specialist)(87-88); Laura Smith (MB); Ellen Crandal Orner (MB)(1988); Ellen Bugalski (MB)(1987); Nina Mathies (1988); Lira Vance (1988);
About former players
- Ellen Crandal Orner, a native of PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, attended Penn State and has an ice cream flavor after her called the "Crandal Crunch." Orner was traded to the NY Liberties in 1988 from the Chicago Breeze. Ellen started MLV with the Dallas Belles in 1987.
- Laura Smith's father died during her second year with the team and dedicated one of her matches in his memory. Smith was also known for her competitive and feisty spirit was a great asset to the Liberty block.
- April Chapple was a powerful OH for NY but left the team prematurely in 1987 due to a torn cartilage in her knee. At the time of her departure she was ranked third for kills in the league. She was replaced by Carolyn Kirby.
- Sandy Auginbaugh started season two while attending law school and missed some practice with the team. Auginbaugh was Major League Volleyball's best server in 1987, a designation that had she won it in 1988 would have netted her $5,000.00 extra as the league began with pay incentives for performance.