Kansas University volleyball coach Ray Bechard is reaping the benefits of having the right connections this season.

Her name is Josiane Lima, a 6-foot middle blocker from Sao Paulo, Brazil. She just may be the most highly touted recruit Bechard has had during his five seasons at KU.

But if it wasn’t for knowing a few people back during his coaching days at Barton County Community College, Lima might still be at the University of Sant’ Anna in Brazil, a school without intercollegiate athletics.

“We had Brazilian players at Barton County,” he said. “It was kind of a contact that way. Somebody knew somebody, and then my assistant coach Jill (Stucky) went down there a couple times and did some evaluations.”

It is Lima’s first year of collegiate volleyball, making her a true freshman. But don’t be fooled she brings a lot of experience to a squad returning five starters from a 16-15 team a year ago.

“She started playing at a very young age,” Bechard said. “From that part of the world, they are very enthusiastic about their volleyball. She brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm.”

It hasn’t been the smoothest of adjustments for Lima. Her English isn’t quite fluent yet, but it’s remarkable compared to what it was upon her arrival in the spring.

“I knew maybe a couple of words,” said Lima, who was being assisted by Stucky.

“She knew about three verbs and three nouns,” Stucky added with a laugh. “It’s gotten better.”

Lima admitted that she’s suffered bouts of homesickness, but is keeping her chin up with the help of her teammates.

“It’s hard to be far away from family and friends,” she said. “But I think it’s a great opportunity for the future.”

Lima does bring quite a rmith her to Lawrence. She led her 19-under team to a second place national finish in 2001, and her much-anticipated arrival in the spring was anything but a letdown.

“She had a very solid spring,” Bechard said. “She’s very skilled in a lot of areas. She can play front row or back row. She’s a good blocker, hitter and digger, so she combines a lot of different well-rounded skills that are going to help us.”

KU will open tonight at Creighton. The Jayhawks’ first five matches are on the road before returning home Sept. 13 for the Hampton Inn/Jayhawk Classic.

“Creighton’s a road match, so we’ve got to get acclimated to a new environment,” Bechard said. “I think it will be a pretty good test for us.”