SEBACHER, THOMAS JOIN NEW PRO TEAM

They won't exactly be getting rich, but two members of Southeast Missouri State University's highly successful volleyball program will have the chance to play professionally.

Theresa Sebacher, who completed her eligibility this past season, and assistant coach Eunice Thomas have made the roster of the St. Louis Spirits of the new National Volleyball Association.

The Spirits are one of six teams in the women's indoor professional league that will begin play next month.

Sebacher, a native of St. Charles, was part of four consecutive Ohio Valley Conference championship teams with the Otahkians.

Thomas, who played collegiately at Kentucky, has been a Southeast assistant coach the past two seasons.

"It's good for our program," said Southeast coach Cindy Gannon of having Sebacher and Thomas play in the new league. "It's great to get Southeast's name out there."

While Thomas will receive payment for each match -- although she said it won't be much, just enough to primarily cover travel expenses and the like -- she said Sebacher can't be paid because she is still in school.

"We get paid per match, but it's kind of like a reimbursement," said Thomas. "We're mainly doing it because it should be a lot of fun."

While Sebacher played for the Otahkians in the 1996 season, Thomas has been away from competitive action for three years.

"I've been out of training for three years. I've mainly just played some in practice (with the Otahkians," Thomas said. "Being picked for the team made me feel real good."

The Spirits had two draft picks, in which they selected two-time U.S. Olympian and former collegiate All-American Lori Endicott, along with former collegiate All-American Angelica Jackson-Moore.

The rest of the Spirits' roster is made up primarily of former collegiate players from the St. Louis area.

Other teams in the league are the Nebraska Tornados, Colorado Thunder, Arizona Flames, Iowa Blizzard and Utah Golden Spikers.

St. Louis' home opener is Feb. 15 at Maryville University, where all home games will be played. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 842-7077.