4· Vanessa Gonzalez-Vinas Class: Senior Hometown: Miami, Fla. High School: Miami Sunset Position: Outside Hitter Major: Business Administration

ntelligent player…returns as expected leader despite only one season at FIU…backcourt presence while also important on the outside…working during off-season to perfect her game.

As a Junior transfer (2001): Third overall in the Sun Belt Conference, led the team's defense with 417 digs…13 of those came in the NCAA second round game versus Florida (12/3), a team-high…matched her season-high 25 digs on back-to-back Sun Belt regular season away games…was fourth on the team in kills (200).

While at Cornell University (1998-2001): Played two years with the Big Red where she graduated in spring 2000…finished in the top ten in digs of the Ivy League in 1999…was third on the team in kills per game and digs.

While at Sunset High (1994-1998): A four-sport athlete, helped Miami Sunset to the state championship as a sophomore and state final four her senior year…The Miami Herald's 1998 Scholar-Athlete of the Year…All-State First team in 1998…selected as Outstanding Female Athlete at Sunset…also played soccer, softball and badminton…a Miami Herald Silver Knight Nominee.

Personal: Vanessa Gonzalez-Vinas was born on February 8, 1980 in Miami, FL…earned a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell…enjoys drawing, swimming and bicycling…has one brother, Alex…daughter of Alberto and Gilda Gonzalez-Vinas…academically in graduate school at FIU pursuing a Master's of Business Administration.

Career Highs
Kills: 15 (Florida Atlantic, 11/7/01)
Assists: 4 (New Orleans, 10/13/01)
Service Aces: 5 (Tulsa, 9/7/01)
Block Solos: 1 (College of Charleston, 9/7/01)
Block Assists: 2 (four times, last vs. Western Kentucky, 11/17/01)
Digs: 25 (twice, last vs. Middle Tennessee, 11/10/01)