Navy volleyball coach Mike Schwob envisioned Kristen Dickmann making the starting lineup this fall and serving her country as a naval officer, flying planes with the same confidence and fearlessness she displayed on the court.
But Schwob?s thoughts are no longer on what appeared to be a bright future for the confident and tenacious 19-year-old plebe who died on Monday after being found unconscious in her dorm room at Bancroft Hall. Foul play has been ruled out, but the exact cause of death remains a mystery and the results of the autopsy are pending, authorities said.
Dealing with Dickmann?s death has been his most heart-wrenching experience in his 12 seasons at the academy, Schwob said.
It won?t get any easier, either: Schwob will accompany his team to her funeral at the school?s chapel on May 14 before discussing how to honor their beloved teammate next season.
“She was the right fit for the Naval Academy and would have made a great naval officer,” Schwob said. “Last season, she helped us so much on the court just with her positive attitude even though she rarely played. That would have changed this year.”
Dickmann, an outside hitter and defensive specialist, was one of two freshmen to play for Navy last season, when she recorded eight aces and eight digs in 10matches.
“From the first day, Kristen never seemed nervous about being a plebe at Navy or on the team,” junior Jessie Sims said. “She never complained about anything and was a really important part of the team.”
But off the court, Dickmann, a 5-foot-7 plebe, held her own. The native of Kennett Square, Pa., worked hard to thrive at the academy, her teammates said.
“Kristen was such a confident person,” said Aubrey Manes, who hosted Dickmann on her recruiting visit in 2006. “I remember walking into her room this spring and she had the match against Juniata [College] circled. She had to win that match. At the same time, she was so proud to be able to introduce us to her sister [who played for Juniata] and family.”
Carolyn Peirce contributed to this report.
