1   Tara Birkinbine Class: Freshman Hometown: Geneva, Ill. High School: Rosary Height: 5-7 Position: Libero Birthdate: 05/28/1984

Joins OU as incoming starter at new libero position ... defensive specialist ... excellent passer, with soft touch ... ability to adjust to college game will be a major factor in team's success ...

HIGH SCHOOL: Rosary High School captain and MVP in 2001 (senior) ... 2001 all-conference ... primarily played in back row on left side as team's defensive specialist ... 2000 team MVP ... 2000 and 1998 all conference ... member of varsity squad four years .. claimed regional championship and second in conference during her career ... played club ball for Sports Performance, under Coach Rick Butler for seven years ... was Sports Performance Team Captain six years ... team won gold in 2001 Northern Lights Qualifier ... Sports Performance won 2001 AAU bronze ... won 2000 AAU gold ... also won gold in 2000 NJC Champtionships ... member of high school Honor Roll all four years.

PERSONAL: Born March 28, 1984 ... daughter of Bill and Dawn ... has four sisters Nellie (23), Janelle, Sheila (14) and Maizi (12) ... sister Nellie played volleyball from 1998-2001 for St. Ambrose University ... plans to major in sports marketing.