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FIU Volleyball -- FIU Signs First-Ever Sand Volleyball Class

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FIU Volleyball -- FIU Signs First-Ever Sand Volleyball Class

MIAMI (April 30, 2012) – Head Coach Rita Buck-Crockett has received National Letters of Intent (NLI) from seven student-athletes, as Maryna Samoday, Emily Podschweit, Jekaterina Steponova, Ashley Prince, Elly Citron, Jessica Mendoza and Kathryn Leckinger make up FIU’s first-ever sand volleyball signing class. The Panthers are set to begin competition in the spring of 2013.

 

“We are extremely excited to keep moving forward with the sand volleyball program, and the signing of this inaugural class is the next big step,” said Buck-Crockett. “These players are really looking forward to being here, not only from a volleyball standpoint, but from an educational standpoint as well. This team has a great level of ambition and raw talent, and these young women know that each and every one of them has a unique opportunity to be a part of something great here at FIU. We can’t wait to get started.”

 

With her commitment to FIU, Podschweit becomes the state of Colorado’s first-ever beach volleyball recruit. The Parker, Colo., native led Chaparral High School to back-to-back indoor state championships in 2010 and 2011, and is a two-time all-state 5A selection at the libero position. Podschweit brings extensive sand experience to FIU, having participated in numerous events on the USA Beach Volleyball circuit, most recently competing in the invite-only USA High Performance Holiday Camp in Chula Vista, Calif., for the second-straight year.

 

Samoday will be a double-threat for FIU as she will serve as a member of both the indoor and sand volleyball teams. The Sumy, Ukraine, native played two seasons at Seminole State College, earning 2010 All-Region recognition and MVP All-Region honors. Samoday, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, led the Trojans to their third-straight Region II Championship in 2011 as SSC compiled a record of 35-5.

 

Stepanova is a transfer from Florida State, as the Seminoles finished third at the first-ever AVCA Collegiate Sand Volleyball Championships this past weekend, while Stepanova and teammate Jace Pardon finished third in the pairs competition. A two-year starter on the FSU indoor volleyball team, the Riga, Latvia, native helped lead the Seminoles to the 2011 NCAA Final Four. Stepanova earned All-ACC recognition and was named an AVCA Second Team All-American, making her the second FSU volleyball player to ever earn non-honorable mention All-America honors.

 

Prince was a multi-sport athlete in high school, having led her squads to indoor district, regional and state championships. The Aubrey, Texas, native set an Aubrey High School record for most blocks, digs and aces all in one match and earned second team all-district team accolades in 2010 at Liberty Christian High School. Prince owns significant sand experience, competing in the AAU Junior Olympics and numerous USA Volleyball High Performance invite-only and USAV Beach Tour events.

 

Citron hails from Mountain Grove, Mo., where she was a three-time all-conference and all-district selection at Mountain Grove High School. The 5-foot-11 middle hitter spent two seasons at Drury University, and is coming off a campaign in which she led the Panthers with 51 block assists and was second on the team in total blocks (56).

 

Mendoza comes to FIU from Valencia College, as she previously played one season of indoor competition at Saint Leo University in 2010-11, and the previous year at Broward College. The Winter Park, Fla., native garnered first team all-state and all-conference honors while at

Broward, and led her Winter Park High School squad to a state championship as a sophomore. Additionally, Mendoza played for the Orlando Volleyball Academy club team.

 

Leckinger hails from Tallahassee, Fla., and was a four-year letterwinner at Lawton Chiles High School, where she earned Offensive Player of the Year accolades as a freshman and Offensive MVP honors as a sophomore. Leckinger also has club experience, having spent time with the North Florida Volleyball Academy and Pro Style Volleyball Club.

 

 

 

 

Utah Volleyball Team Announces Roster Addition

Utah Volleyball Team Announces Roster Addition

Eden Frazier to join Utes for 2012 season.

SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah volleyball program has added 6-1 middle blocker Eden Frazier to its incoming recruiting class, head coach Beth Launiere announced. Frazier has signed a National Letter of Intent and will enroll in the fall of 2012.

 

"Eden comes to us from a very competitive Southern California volleyball club. Her high-level experience and athleticism make her an exciting player," Launiere said. "We’re happy to have her as a part of our program and look forward to her having a great impact for years to come."

 

Frazier, a native of Irvine, Calif., attended Woodbridge High School for Allan Hoe. As a three-time letterwinner, Frazier earned the Most Valuable Player and Most Improved Player awards, while also being named to the All-League team during her career.

Frazier plays with the T-Street club team that took first place at the Spokane Qualifier.

Frazier is the daughter of Toque and Jeffrey Frazier. Toque is an alumnus of Southern California, and Jeffrey graduated from the University of California Irvine.

Frazier intends to study Business Advertising at the University of Utah.

Frazier joins Gigi Cresto as signees for the Utah volleyball program entering the 2012 season.

- UU -

 

Smoltz Signs NLI to Compete for Liberty Volleyball

Smoltz Signs NLI to Compete for Liberty Volleyball

 

        LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Liberty volleyball team has announced that Rachel Smoltz has signed a national letter of intent to join the Lady Flames starting in the 2012-13 academic year.

        Smoltz, a 5-11 outside hitter from Alpharetta, Ga., was a four-year varsity starter in both volleyball and soccer at King’s Ridge Christian School. She holds her school’s records with 1,094 career kills and 268 aces, and ranked second in the state with 416 kills in 2011.

        “Rachel is an outside hitter/DS, so she can play multiple positions. She is very athletic, and is a competitive, hard-working person. She is a converted soccer player, and is really hungry to learn more of the game. Rachel buys into our vision here at Liberty. She will provide depth and help us compete day in and day out. We are excited about her coming to Liberty.”

        The daughter of John and Dyan Smoltz, she was named to the all-state team as a senior and was a two-time all-area honoree. Smoltz was voted her team’s MVP twice in volleyball, and was an all-region selection in soccer. Her father, John, was an All-Star pitcher in the major leagues, most notably with the Atlanta Braves.

        “Rachel Smoltz is an athlete, scholar and true Christian leader. A great player on the court, she also led as a team captain who helped foster a true sense of family on our volleyball team,” King’s Ridge head coach Chuck Faust said. “It has been both an honor and a privilege to be Rachel’s volleyball coach. This fine young woman will be a wonderful asset for Liberty University.”

        Smoltz is active in her church, teaching a small group and involved in missions work. She plans to major in education and youth ministry at Liberty.

 

- LibertyFlames.com -

Bronco Volleyball Welcomes Five Players in 2012

Bronco Volleyball Welcomes Five Players in 2012

Click here for the 2012 Santa Clara Volleyball Roster

Santa Clara head volleyball coach Jon Wallace is proud to welcome the 2012 class of signees as announced on Thursday.  The class includes three true freshmen from California, a junior transfer from Texas and a sophomore transfer for Marquette with both hailing from California high schools.  Santa Clara reports Aug. 4 and will begin the season at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville on Sat., Aug. 25. Its first home match, the West Coast Conference opener, is vs. Gonzaga on Thurs., Sept. 20 at 6 pm.

"Overall this class will give us some immediate starters. It will give us depth at all our positions.  They are all great students who have great character as people. Santa Clara is awesome fit for all five of these young ladies," said Wallace.

2012 Class of Santa Clara Volleyball Signees
Name                     Position      Height    Year    Hometown/Last School
Haley Cameron     MB               6-3          Jr.        La Jolla, Calif./Texas
Chelsea Heier        S                   5-10        So.       San Clemente, Calif./Marquette
Lacey Maas            MB/OH        6-0          Fr.        Castro Valley, Calif./Bishop O'Dowd
Danielle Rottman  OH                5-10        Fr.        Santa Barbara, Calif./Santa Barbara
Sarah Vaccaro       S/L/DS        5-8          Fr.        Orinda, Calif./Miramonte

Click here for Haley Cameron's bio
Wallace commented on Haley Cameron
"Haley Cameron will be great for us and Santa Clara will be great for her. She is a great player, was fantastic in the Juniors and she is a very mature player. I expect her to step in immediately and make a difference with her physicality and her leadership. I believe that she will blossom here at Santa Clara and have immediate ownership in our program."

Click here for Chelsea Heier's bio
Wallace commented on Chelsea Heier
 "Chelsea Heier has great hands and a great competitive spirit. She has a great understanding of an offense and how to run an offense.  She is another great team player who will put the team first."

Click here for Lacey Maas' bio
Wallace commented on Lacey Maas
 "Lacey Maas is extremely athletic. She has a great bounce to her. She will play multiple positions for us as a middle and a pin player. Our goal is to let her go – giving her opportunities at multiple spots - and see where she can make the biggest difference."  

Click here for Danielle Rottman's bio
Wallace commented on Danielle Rottman
"Danielle Rottman is probably the best volleyball player we have coming in. She can play multiple positions. She really understands the game very well.  She is a great beach player, which I believe will have a good transfer of skills into our program, in terms of ball control, calmness and knowing where to be on the court to make plays."

Click here for Sarah Vaccaro bio
Wallace commented on Sarah Vaccaro
"Sarah is another athlete who will play multiple positions for us. She will play as a setter, a libero and defensive specialist.  Her greatest attributes are her competitive spirit and her work ethic.  She will elevate the play in our gym and make those around her better."

 

 

Dayton Volleyball Team Adds Jenna Jendryk To 2012 Roster

DAYTON ADDS JENNA JENDRYK TO 2012 ROSTER

High School All-American Jenna Jendryk Added To Coach Kelly Sheffield’s Squad

Jenna Jendryk

6-0 | RS/OH

Wheaton, Ill.

Benet Academy

Sports Performance Volleyball Club

 

DAYTON, Ohio – University of Dayton volleyball Head Coach Kelly Sheffield announced the addition of Under Armour High School All-American Jenna Jendryk to the 2012 roster on Thursday.

 

“Jenna is a great addition to our team and I'm excited to have her in our gym,” Sheffield said. “I've watched her play for four years and have seen her grow into quite a player – someone who has improved every year.”

Jendryk, a 6-foot right-side/outside hitter, was a three-year starter for Benet Academy and helped the Redwings capture the 2011 IHSA Class 4A State Championship and reach a No. 8 national ranking (ESPN).

During her senior year she was named Benet’s offensive player of the year, Under Armour Honorable Mention All-America by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), No. 93 on PrepVolleyball’s Top 100 Senior Aces and one of 12 players listed on the Chicago Sun-Times All-Area team.

“Jenna can hit with power on both pins and she can also set – having run a 6-2 on some of her past teams,” Sheffield said. “When you watch her play, you can see that she is as competitive as they come and it is obvious that she absolutely loves playing the game. Jenna is in a group of newcomers that have the potential to be one heck of a class.”

As a member of one of the premier clubs in the nation at Sports Performance, Jendryk helped her age group win an AAU 18-Club National Championship in 2011 and was named an AAU All-American in the 18-Club Division that same year.

Sports Performance has also produced recent Flyers including sophomore Brigid Campbell, senior Paige Vargas and 2010 AVCA All-American Jessica Yanz. Like Jendryk, Vargas is a graduate of Benet Academy (2009).

Jendryk is the fourth member of coach Sheffield’s 2012 recruiting class which also includes defensive specialist Janna Krafka, middle hitter Jill Loiars and outside hitter Alaina Turner.

The Flyers open the 2012 season on Aug. 24 against Illinois during the Flyer Classic.  

Dayton VB Recruiting Class of 2012

Jenna Jendryk 6-0 | OH | Wheaton, Ill.

Janna Krafka 5-5 | L/DS | Centerville, Ohio

Jill Loiars 6-3 | MH | Winter Springs, Fla.

Alaina Turner 5-10 | OH | Canton, Mich.

Stats: http://daytonflyers.com/womens/volleyball/stats/

Virtual Guide: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/dd3eaf6e#/dd3eaf6e

Volleyball Home: http://daytonflyers.com/womens/volleyball/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/daytonvb 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/udaytonvb 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/udaytonvb

Baylor Volleyball Class Ranked 16th in Nation

Baylor Volleyball Class Ranked 16^th in Nation

The ranking is tied for the third-highest ever at Baylor

 

WACO, Texas – Baylor volleyball’s incoming freshman class was ranked 16^th in the nation according to Prepvolleyball.com, the website announced recently.

 

The ranking ties for the third-highest in program history, and highest since the 2009 class earned a No. 14 ranking. According to this year’s list, Baylor has the second-highest ranked class in the state of Texas and third-highest in the Big 12 behind only No. 2 Texas and No. 6 Iowa State.

 

Last season, Baylor finished 18-14 for its fourth consecutive winning season and earned a berth to its second NCAA Tournament in the last three seasons. However, the addition of seven talented freshmen across a variety of positions, help make up head coach Jim Barnes’ third-career top-20 recruiting class.

 

Barnes’ incoming class includes:  Krissi Fitzpatrick, 5-11 OH, St. Francis Borgia (Washington, Missouri); Samantha Hill, 6-3 MB, North Central (Spokane, Washington); Laura Jones, 6-1 OH, Plano West (Plano, Texas); Mackenzie Mayo, 5-5 Libero, Lake Travis (Austin, Texas); Thea Munch-Soegaard, 6-2 OH, Tascosa (Amarillo, Texas); Adrien Richburg, 6-2 MB, Sachse (Texas), Amy Rosenbaum, 6-1 S, Copperas Cove (Texas).

 

Headlining the group is Munch-Soegaard, who was ranked No. 57 on the Prepvolleyball.com’s Senior Aces list and will come in as a six-rotation outside hitter. The group also features libero Mackenzie Mayo, who’s Lake Travis (Texas) High School team was ranked No. 1 in the nation by Prepvolleyball.com and won the state title.

Texas A&M Islanders Volleyball Sets Challenging 2012 Schedule

June 21, 2012

Texas A&M Islanders Volleyball Sets Challenging 2012 Schedule

The Texas A&M – Corpus Christi volleyball team will not have to travel far for tough competition, with just six matches on the 2012 schedule coming outside the Texas borders this year. The Islanders will play seven contests against teams that finished last year in the Top 100 of the RPI.

After traveling extensively last season before the start of Southland Conference play, the Islanders will stay close to home, getting not just strong teams to play against, but friendly faces each time they compete.

"I think the biggest advantage of playing three tournaments in Texas to start the year is to be able to have more of our fans and parents come see us than if we took long road trips," said head coach Tony Graystone. "Even though we will be playing in somebody else's gym, there will definitely be a following for us and that'll be good for our kids.

"The season is a grind, so if we can shorten our travel a little bit by staying in Texas, I think that will help us down the road."

The Islanders kick the season off in Waco, traveling to the Baylor Classic starting on Aug. 24. In addition to the host Bears, Tulane and Nevada will also play against Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. The first midweek match comes the following Tuesday, when the Islanders travel to Texas – Pan American on Aug. 28 for a single match against the Lady Broncs.

After that match, the Islanders are back north, traveling to Fort Worth to take part in the TCU Tournament. The first match pits the team against Army on Aug. 31, while playing TCU and SMU on Sept. 1. While in the Fort Worth area, the Islanders will also get a midweek contest in against a former Southland Conference foe, with a Sept. 3 match against UT Arlington.

The final pre-conference tournament starts on Sept. 7, with Texas A&M – Corpus Christi once again traveling to The Metroplex to take part in the Mean Green Invitational, hosted by North Texas. The Islanders play Hofstra and Eastern Michigan the first day, with the final match coming against UNT on Sept. 8. The difficult schedule before the start of Southland Conference play was designed to prepare the team for what will be another tough season in league play.

"It's really tough," said Graystone. "It was tough when we started putting it together, and then at some of these tournament some teams dropped out and new teams came in. It just kept getting harder and harder, and it will be a test every time out.

"Bottom line is we are doing this trying to get ready for conference play. If this schedule doesn't get us ready for conference, nothing will."

The first home match of the year will also be the Southland Conference opener, as the Islanders host Central Arkansas on Sept. 13 to open league action. Two days later, they welcome the Southland's newest member, Oral Roberts, into the Dugan Wellness Center for another league contest.

After a road trip to Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La. on Sept. 18, the Islanders return for a home contest against Sam Houston State on the 22nd. Following the single home match, the Islanders return to Louisiana for match number two and three outside of Texas, when they play Nicholls and Southeastern La. on Sept. 27 and 29, respectively.

Due to changes in the lineup of the league, the Islanders will see each team twice this season. In previous years, they played each team in their division twice, and each team from the other division once. With three teams leaving, and just one being added, the Southland moved to a double round robin format for scheduling this season.

"The format is different with everybody doing a home-and-home," said Graystone. "If anybody didn't like division play, we don't have to worry about that anymore, we just slug it out twice and see where we stand. Personally, I'm looking forward to this schedule. There are fewer teams in the conference, but it is going to be really competitive. I think it is pretty wide open."

The first return match of the season will be on Oct. 4, when the Islanders host Northwestern State and follow with a match against Stephen F. Austin on the 6th. Following the two-match home stand, Texas A&M – Corpus Christi will play seven of its final 12 matches on the road, with contests against Lamar, McNeese State, Sam Houston, Central Arkansas, Oral Roberts, Prairie View A&M and Stephen F. Austin rounding out the road portion of the schedule.

The Islanders host five home matches in that span, including Lamar on Nov. 8 and McNeese on Nov. 10 to close out the regular season. The team will also play UTPA, Nicholls and Southeastern La. at the Dugan over the last half of the season.

Following the regular season, the 2012 Southland Conference Tournament will be hosted by the Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark. on Nov. 16-18, with the top eight teams advancing to the postseason.

 

Duke Volleyball Team Announces 2012 Recruiting Class

Duke Volleyball Team Announces 2012 Recruiting Class

 

DURHAM, N.C. – The 10-time ACC Champion Duke volleyball team has signed five high school seniors to National Letters of Intent to join the program for the 2012 season as announced by head coach Jolene Nagel Tuesday, May 22.

 

The Class of 2016 includes 5-11 outside hitter Breanna Atkinson (Ashburn, Va.), 6-2 middle blocker Elizabeth Campbell (Parker, Colo.), 6-3 outside hitter Emily Sklar (San Jose, Calif.),  6-4 rightside hitter and setter Christina Vucich (Morrisville, N.C.) and  5-10 outside hitter and defensive specialist Laura Williams (Western Springs, Ill.).

 

“It is with great excitement that we anticipate the arrival of our 2012 recruiting class in Durham,” said Nagel. “This group brings both size as well as athleticism to our team. All five incoming freshmen represent the balance between dedicated student and talented volleyball player; they are all highly motivated with a great passion for the game and for Duke. We look forward to a fun and successful four years with our new Blue Devils.”

 

The five incoming freshmen will join nine returning  letterwinners, including All-ACC selection Christiana Gray and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Ali McCurdy,  from last year’s 20-9 team, which advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 17^th time in program history and for the ACC-record seventh consecutive year.

 

Atkinson is a four-year letterwinner and Prep Volleyball Senior Ace out of The Madeira School in McLean, Va. The VISAA Division I Player of the Year, she also earned first team AVCA Under Armour All-America honors after leading Madeira to the program’s first state title. She averaged 5.1 kills per game while posting a hitting percentage of .520 on the way to her third straight all-conference recognition. Atkinson also competed nationally with the USA Women’s National Junior A2 Team and on the club level with the Virginia Elite Volleyball Club.

 

“Breanna has demonstrated her commitment and dedication through years of hard work developing her game,” said Nagel. “She has had the opportunity to compete with and against the best players in the country in her age group through her continued experience with the U.S. High Performance programs. She is a fun player to watch with great athleticism and she has a strong desire to be great. ”

 

After earning three letters at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C., Campbell led Chaparral High School (Parker, Colo.) to the Colorado Girls’ Volleyball 5A State Championship her senior season. A second team AVCA Under Armour All-American, she totaled 335 kills 242 digs, 104 blocks and 89 aces in 2011. Campbell, a member of the 2011 USA Girls Youth National A1 Training Team, also competed with the NC Elite Volleyball Club and the Front Range Volleyball Club.

 

“Elizabeth is an extremely versatile player with nice size,” said Nagel. “She displays a great passion for the sport and has trained at an elite level through a highly demanding club program. Her ability to play left, middle or right side will prove to be a wonderful addition to our team. She’s a dedicated student and loves to train.”

 

A three-year letterwinner at Presentation High School, Sklar picked up 2011 California Gatorade Player of the Year honors after leading the Panthers to the Division II state championship. She totaled 584 kills, an average of 4.6 per game, and amassed 487 digs, 61 blocks and 33 aces as a senior en route to AVCA Under Armour, Max Preps, ESPN Rise and Volleyball Magazine All-America honors her senior season. A Prep Volleyball Senior Ace, she also played for the Vision Volleyball Club, leading the squad to numerous tournament titles.

 

“Emily brings athleticism and size as well as skill and experience sharpened through her time competing at the highest level of club volleyball,” Nagel added. “She is a great team player with extraordinary talent. Emily is capable of becoming a dominant outside hitter for us as we continue to strive for a national championship.”

 

Vucich is a four-year letterwinner and three-time all-conference selection out of Green Hope High School in Morrisville, N.C. A 2011 honorable mention All-America selection and two-time team captain, she totaled 413 kills, 173 assists, 161 digs, 96 blocks and 63 aces as a senior, setting school records in both blocks and aces. A Prep Volleyball Senior Ace, Vucich competed national with the Women’s Junior National A2 Team in addition to playing with the Triangle Volleyball Club.

 

“Christina is a special athlete, a 6-4 left-handed player who is capable of both setting and hitting,” said Nagel. “It’s been much too long since we’ve had a lefty in Durham and we welcome this new dimension Christina brings to our team. It’s wonderful to welcome a nationally recognized player who is also from the Triangle area.”

 

Williams is a four-year letter winner and three-time all-state selection from Lyons Township High School in Western Springs, Ill. In addition to earning three all-conference nods, Williams also garnered all-area accolades all four seasons. Selected to Prep Volleyball’s Dandy Lions list all four years, she amassed 648 digs, 118 aces and 141 blocks her final two seasons. Williams played club volleyball with 1^st Alliance Silver, helping the team to a No. 8 national ranking. 

 

“Laura is a wonderful player with a high volleyball IQ and an excellent set of skills,” said Nagel. “She has proven her love for the game and has played at the highest level for many years. Laura brings a complete game to our program.”

 

Breanna Atkinson

5-11, Outside Hitter

Ashburn, Va. (The Madeira School)

 

High School: Four-year letterwinner at The Madeira School … led team to a 29-2 record and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I state title as a senior, collecting tournament MVP honors … garnered both AVCA Under Armour First Team All-America and VISAA Division I Player of the Year recognition in 2011 … named Prep Volleyball Senior Ace … three-time all-conference pick, securing conference MVP honors her senior season … 2011 team captain … twice earned DC All-Metro accolades with a second team selection in 2010 and first team nod in 2011 … as a senior, recorded 458 kills, 257 digs, 86 service aces and 36 blocks, while posting a hitting percentage of .520 … also broke her own school record in kills set the previous season … as a junior, totaled 361 kills, 112 digs and 74 aces … member of the 2011 Girls’ Youth National Team … played on the 2011 USA Youth National A2 Team … led Chesapeake High Performance Team to the Girls’ Youth Division title at the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships in 2010 … helped VA Elite qualify for nationals with Chesapeake regional crowns as a freshman, sophomore and junior … invited to USA Youth Holiday Camp in 2010 … volunteered with Special Olympics D.C. … member of the Student Council, Community Service Committee, Madeira Snails Athletics Committee and Spanish Club … completed an internship with Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.) in 2010 … earned High Honors all four years.

 

Personal: Born Breanna Erin Atkinson on October 2, 1994 in Fairfax City, Va. … daughter of Ken and Bridget Atkinson … has a younger brother, Conner … father was a member of the track and field team at Brigham Young University (1980-85) … mother played both basketball and softball at Hope College.

 

Elizabeth Campbell

6-2, Middle Blocker

Parker, Colo. (Chaparral High School)

 

High School: Lettered one season at Chaparral High School in Parker, Colo., and three seasons at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, N.C. … collected first team Continental League and second team AVCA Under Armour All-America honors as a senior … 2011 All-Colorado Team selection … led Chaparral to the Colorado Girls’ Volleyball 5A State Championship senior year … four-time academic all-conference choice … picked up Cap 8 All-Conference and Wakefield team MVP honors as a junior … named to the Cap 7 all-conference team as both a sophomore and a freshman … totaled 335 kills, 242 digs, 104 blocks and 89 aces as a senior … her junior season, averaged 4.3 kills per game, amassing 393 kills, 121 digs, 117 blocks and 98 aces on the year … played with the Front Range Volleyball Club (Black) … led club team to first place finish at the 2011 Colorado Crossroads 18 Open and top-three finishes at both the Northern Lights 18 Open and AAU’s Women’s Volleyball 18 Open … helped Front Range qualify for nationals with a third place showing at Far Western National Qualifier Tournament … member of the 2011 USA Girls Youth National A1 Training Team and an alternate for the 2011 USA Girls Youth National Team … Helped USA Girls Youth National Team to first place at the 2011 High Performance Championships.

 

Personal: Born Daniela Elizabeth Campbell on April 26, 1994 in Valencia, Venezuela … daughter of John and Carla Campbell … has two brothers, Joshua and Frederick, and one sister, Carla.

 

Emily Sklar

6-3, Outside Hitter

San Jose, Calif. (Presentation)

 

High School: Three-year letterwinner at Presentation … named the 2011 California Gatorade Player of the Year … garnered AVCA Under Armour, Max Preps, ESPN Rise and Volleyball Magazine All-America honors her senior year … two-time West Catholic Athletic League MVP and team MVP … Cal-Hi Sports Player of the Year … Prep Volleyball Senior Ace … led Presentation to a 34-1 record and Division II state championship as a senior, picking up tournament MVP honors ... named Mercury News Player of the year her junior and senior seasons … In her final season, averaged 4.6 kills per game for a total of 584 kills … also accumulated 487 digs, 61 blocks and 33 aces … named Division II Player of the Year in 2010 … earned Santa Barbara Tournament of Champions MVP accolades junior year … posted 370 kills and 244 digs as a junior … played for Vision Volleyball Club … led team to SoCal qualifier title in 17s, placing fifth at Junior National Championships … In 18s, guided squad to titles at the Las Vegas invitational, Colorado Crossroads, SoCal qualifier and Reno Qualifier … traveled to Ecuador in 2009 on service learning trip … coached junior high volleyball … volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank.

 

Personal: Born Emily Morgan Sklar on November 15, 1994 in San Diego, Calif. … daughter of Dale and Michelle Sklar … has one younger sister, Sophia … father played baseball at the University of Michigan … grandfather, Stephen Sklar, was a member of the basketball team at the University of Buffalo … uncle, Paul Griffiths, played football at California State University, Chico.

 

 

Christina Vucich

6-4, Rightside Hitter/Setter

Morrisville, N.C. (Green Hope High School)

 

High School: Four-year letterwinner at Green Hope High School … picked up AVCA Under Armour All-America Honorable Mention in 2011 … listed as one of ESPNHS’ top-25 volleyball players in the Class of 2012 …  selected Prep Volleyball Senior Ace … named to Class of 2012’s top-50 recruits, presented by Nfinity  … earned first team all-conference honors as a freshman, junior and senior … served as team captain her junior and senior seasons, garnering team MVP accolades … three-time Green Hope Player of the Week senior year … totaled 413 kills, 173 assists, 161 digs, 96 blocks and 63 aces as a senior, setting school records in blocks and aces … set the school standards in both kills (771) and kill percentage (.536) … garnered both Prep Volleyball FROSH 59 and SOPH 79 Highest Honorable Mention accolades … named a USA Youth Olympic Team alternate, competing at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore … competed with the Women’s Junior National A2 Team in 2010 … member of the Triangle 18 Black club team, leading the squad to the Junior Nationals 18U Open Division … helped team to first place at the 2011 Carolina Regional Junior Beach National Qualifier … placed third at the 2011 USAV National Beach Tour Championships in Chicago … “A” Honor Roll student all four years … member of the Spanish Honor Society … Junior Marshall and National Merit Scholar.

 

Personal: Born Christina Lynn Vucich on September 8, 1993 in Rockville, Md. … daughter of Joseph and Lois Vucich … has two brothers, Derek and Bryant, and a sister, Victoria … mother played golf both at the University of Alabama (1982-87) and professionally (1987-90).

 

 

Laura Williams

5-10, Outside Hitter/Defense Specialist

Western Springs, Ill. (Lyons Township High School)

 

High School: Four-year letterwinner and starter at Lyons Township … earned both all-state and all-conference honors as a sophomore, junior and senior … also garnered all-area accolades all four seasons … named to Chicago Sun-Times’ list of  area’s top-50 volleyball players … amassed 272 digs, 78 blocks and 53 aces as a senior … junior season, totaled 376 digs, 65 aces and 63 blocks to go along with a .424 kill percentage … named to USA Volleyball 17 Open All-Tournament Team … selected to Prep Volleyball’s Dandy Lions list as a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior … helped club team to a No. 8 national ranking … member of the Spanish Honor Society as a junior and senior … National Merit Commended Student … member of the Astronomy Club … Honor Roll student all four years.

 

Personal: Born Laura Kelsey Williams on November 28, 1993 in Chicago, Ill. … daughter of Robert and Kimberly Williams … mother played basketball at Adrian College (1983-84).

 

-d-u-k-e-

UAB Volleyball Program Adds Ally Peters, Emma Schroer

UAB Volleyball Program Adds Ally Peters, Emma Schroer

Blazers add outside hitter, setter for upcoming season

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB
volleyball program has added two players for the upcoming 2012 season --
outside hitter Ally Peters of Medina, Ohio, and setter Emma Schroer of
Ogallala, Neb.

Both players will be freshmen for the
Blazers this coming fall and will also be eligible to compete for the
UAB sand volleyball team, which begins its second season of competition
next spring.

Peters wrapped up her career at Medina
High School last fall as an honorable mention All-Ohio selection after
averaging 4.9 kills and 2.2 digs per set. She led Medina to its first
Sweet 16 appearance in
the state tournament in 27 years to go along with a district
championship.

A four-year letterwinner, the 6-foot
outside hitter was a three-time All-Medina County selection, a
three-time all-district choice by the Ohio High School Volleyball
Coaches Association and a two-time All-Northeast
Ohio Conference honoree. 

She finished her career as Medina's
all-time leader in kills (1,046) and aces (130) and owns the seven
highest single-match kill totals in school history.

Named MVP of the area by the Medina
Gazette in 2011, Peters also has an extensive background in Junior
Olympic volleyball, playing out of the Cleveland Volleyball Company.

"Ally has great ball control and is a very
hard hitter," UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "She should
compete for playing time right away. Her dad is a high school basketball
coach, and she comes
from an athletic family. She has also played high-level club
volleyball, which will serve her well as she makes the transition to the
college game."

Schroer was a four-year letterwinner for
Ogallala High School, helping her team to an appearance in the final
eight of the Nebraska state tournament every year.

At 5-foot-10, she was both an outside
hitter and setter for Ogallala, where she was a three-time All-Southwest
Conference and all-area selection, including a first-team choice as
both a junior and senior.
She was also an honorable mention all-state pick by the Associated
Press last fall after logging more than 200 kills and more than 450
assists in her final season.

Named her volleyball team's most
outstanding senior player and offensive player, Schroer was selected for
the West Nebraska All-Star Volleyball Game.

Schroer also played three years of
basketball at Ogallala, earning all-conference and all-area recognition
twice, and competed four years in tennis.

The niece of UAB coaches Kerry and Hal
Messersmith, Schroer will join a fellow Ogallala product on the Blazer
roster. Senior middle blocker Kate Morrell graduated from the same high
school in 2009.

"Emma is a very skilled player,"
Messersmith said. "She doesn't have a whole lot of club volleyball
experience, but she played at a high level for a successful high school
program at Ogallala. She's a well-rounded
athlete, and we're excited to have her coming to Birmingham."

Peters and Schroer join a Blazer program
looking to build on a strong 2011 season. UAB went 23-9 last year and
tied for second place in the Conference USA race at 13-7 in league play.

-- CALL US UAB --

UCF Volleyball Adds Two More to 2012 Recruiting Class

VOLLEYBALL ADDS TWO MORE TO 2012 RECRUITING CLASS

Dani Jenkins and Kaci Thompson are Knights.

 

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) – UCF volleyball head coach Todd Dagenais recently announced that he has added two more talented student-athletes to the 2012 squad. Incoming freshmen Dani Jenkins from Valrico and Kaci Thompson from Round Rock, Texas, will arrive on campus this summer.

 

Jenkins, a senior at Bloomingdale High School just outside of Tampa, plays her club ball for the Tampa United 18-1’s and is currently coached by former UCF standout Stephanie Serna. The defensive specialist brings a lot of versatility to campus as she can play all three back court positions.

 

“Dani is already capable to playing a back court role for us next fall, especially with her defensive tenacity,” Dagenais said. “She is a very intense and high energy player. Our current team members will really enjoy playing with her.  She is an excellent team chemistry player as well.  We are really looking forward to watching how she progresses over the summer and into preseason.”

 

Thompson will arrive on campus as the fourth Texas native on the squad. She and incoming freshman server Dana Faught currently attend Stony Point High School and play for the Austin Juniors Volleyball club, the same as Meredith Murphy and former Knight Brittanie Wallace. She will challenge Murphy at the libero position this fall and could see extensive time as a defensive specialist.

 

“I love the fact that Kaci is the starting libero on a team loaded with elite high level DI signees,” Dagenais said. “Right now the Austin Juniors have the goal of winning the USA Volleyball 18 Open National Championship this summer in Columbus, and they have a legitimate chance at doing so.  That kind of training and competition will go a long way in preparing her to immediately help our program be successful this fall.”

 

The duo becomes part of a squad that returns six-of-seven starters from 2011 and put up 20 wins for the first time since 2003. The Knights also won the most Conference USA matches (12) in program history a year ago.

 

-UCF Athletics-

 

UMKC’s 2012 Volleyball Signing Class Honored by PrepVolleyball.com

UMKC’s 2012 Volleyball Signing Class Honored by PrepVolleyball.com

 

(Kansas City, Mo.) – The UMKC volleyball program earned national recognition for its 2012 signing class, the first under head coach Christi Posey, as PrepVolleyball.com gave the ‘Roos a ‘High Honorable Mention’ rating.

 

The ‘Roos signed six high school student-athletes, added a transfer, and welcomed a former women’s basketball player this offseason. PrepVolleyball.com polled more than 120 college coaches to come up with the class rankings, and UMKC was listed in a group of 30 schools that would rank anywhere from 48^th to 78^th in all of NCAA Division I.

 

“We are thrilled that our 2012 recruiting class has been recognized nationally by PrepVolleyball.com.” Posey said. “It speaks to the quality of each incoming player as well as the high expectations our staff has for our program. With this group and our returning ‘Roos, we are all eager for an exciting fall.”

 

UMKC was the only Summit League member listed in the nation’s top 78. The 2012 class includes Emma Hagedorn, Jessica Hendin, Taryn Miller, Skyler Muff, Nicole Wemhoff, and Lindsay Zych. Morgan Voorhes transferred to UMKC from Pittsburg State, while Sydney Crimmins came over from the UMKC women’s basketball team.

 

Click here for bios and a quote from Posey on each member.

 

- 2012-13 UMKC Volleyball -

 

 

Emily Oliver To Join Holy Cross Volleyball Program

Emily Oliver To Join Holy Cross Volleyball Program

WORCESTER, Mass.­ - Holy Cross head volleyball coach Erin Walker has announced that Emily Oliver (Carlsbad, Calif.) will join the Holy Cross program in the 2012-2013 academic year.

"We are excited to add Emily to our HCVB family, she will be a great fit for our program!" said Walker. "Her playing experience in both indoor and beach makes her a great all around player."

Oliver was a three-year member and senior captain of the varsity volleyball team at Carlsbad High School for coach Emily Andrassy. She earned 2011 first team All-League honors, while she received 2009 and 2010 honorable mention accolades. Oliver, who was a three-time member of the San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic team, was named the team's MVP as a senior and won the Best Attacker Award as a junior. She was also a member of the 2011 Wahine Beach Volleyball Elite Training team and placed first at the 2011 18 & under USAV Junior Beach National Championship. As a member of the San Diego Volleyball Club 18-1 for coach Ricci Luyties, she led the team in kills in 2012. Oliver also played seven years for the Solana Beach Volleyball Club as the team placed first in the Silver Division in the 2011 AAU 17-open, while she led the team in kills in 2010. The team also placed first in the 2009 Silver Division Festival 15-open. Oliver was a four-time Scholar-Athlete at Carlsbad High School.

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Hometown / High School
Emily Oliver	OH/RS	6-1	Carlsbad, Calif. / Carlsbad

VCU Volleyball Adds Four To 2012 Squad

VCU VOLLEYBALL ADDS FOUR TO 2012 SQUAD

RICHMOND, Va. –Virginia Commonwealth University bolstered its 2012 volleyball team Thursday with the addition of four recruits, Head Coach James Finley announced.

Finley and his staff practically traveled to all four corners of the globe to sign freshmen Martina Samadan (Split, Croatia), Samantha “Sami” Blaze (Fort Myers, Fla.), Megan Stumpf (Federal Way, Washington) and Romana Kriskova (Bratislava, Slovakia), who will join early signee Saige Gallop (San Diego, Calif.) in Richmond this fall.

Martina Samadan (Mar-TEE-na Sha-MA-dahn) has signed with the Rams after a successful year in which she led her club team to a runner-up finish at the Croatian Championships. A 6-foot-4 middle blocker, Samadan will immediately provide an imposing presence up front for VCU. In addition to club play, Samadan also participates on the Croatian Junior National Team and the Junior National Beach squad.

“She’s an impressive athlete,” Finley said. “For being a tall kid, she’s a really good all-around volleyball player. She’s a very powerful offensive player and a great defensive player.”

Samantha “Sami” Blaze is a 5-foot-5 libero and setter who starred at Canterbury School in Fort Myers, as well as for the Fort Myers Fusion club team.  Blaze helped Canterbury to a pair of district championships, as well as two regional semifinal appearances, and set a school record for assists. As a junior she was named District 2A-12 Player of the Year.

“Sami is a real competitor. She’s got really good ball control and is a quick player with good technique,” said Finley. “She has a real desire to win and has filled a number of roles to help her team be successful.”

In addition to strengthening VCU’s setting corps, Blaze will add to an experienced back row.

Megan Stumpf joins the Rams after a standout career at Beamer High School and with KJ Volleyball Club. A 6-foot-4 middle blocker and right side hitter, Stumpf was named the top blocker in the South Puget Sound League’s 4A South division.

“She’s a really strong kid that is also very versatile,” commented Finley. “She’s got a block and good shot selection. She hits really well around the block. She’s also a very mature kid.”

Stumpf has racked up numerous academic awards and citations and says she plans to become a research oncologist focusing on alternative treatment methods for Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Romana Kriskova (Krish-Ko-VA) is a 6-foot-3 outside and right side hitter who has played for both the Slovakian Junior National Team, as well as the Senior National squad. In 2011, she led her club team to the Slovakian Championship match.

“Romana caught our eye because she’s a very efficient player and is skilled at her position,” Finley said. “She plays all six rotations and can attack the ball from the front or back row. She’s good at setting the block and plays with a lot of intensity.”

Samadan, Gallop, Blaze, Stumpf and Kriskova join seven returning letterwinners for the Rams in 2012, including All-CAA Second Team pick Kristen Boyd (Wilmington, N.C.) and CAA All-Rookie Team selection Cecilia Aragao (Recife, Brazil).

VCU finished 17-17 last year and reached the CAA Championship Match for the fourth time in seven seasons under Finley. The Rams will be looking to make an immediate impression in their first season in the Atlantic 10 Conference in 2012.

Kansas Jayhawks Volleyball Team Adds Multi-Sport Star Sylvia Bullock to Roster

Kansas Jayhawks Volleyball Team Adds Multi-Sport Star Sylvia Bullock to Roster

 

LAWRENCE, Kan. –A vital member of the top-10 Miami women’s basketball team over the last four years, graduate school transfer Sylvia Bullock will switch up her skill set to join the Kansas volleyball team for the 2012 season.

 

 

 

Bullock led the Canes to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, starting all
55 games in the last two years. During her career at Miami, shestarted 91 games, racked up 465 career points matched by 484 career rebounds. Bullock spent all four years under the direction of head coach Katie Meier, who was named the 2011 Associated Press co-National Coach
of the Year and, most recently, has been selected to serve as head coach for the 2012 USA Basketball Women’s U18 National Team.

 

Most impressively for her volleyball peers were Bullock’s 120 career blocks, including a team-best 41 rejections in her senior campaign. In 2011-12,Bullock checked in at fifth in the ACC with 1.4 blocks per game.

 

“She has some catching up to do as far as experience goes, but Syl’s a great athlete with a great work ethic,” head coach Ray Bechard said. “She will fill a need we have for depth at the outside hitter position.
There’s a trend that people are completing their degree and then have the ability to transfer and be eligible right away, but many of them are still competing in the same sport. It’s rare that
you see someone complete eligibility in one sport and then move to another – even though our own Allison Mayfield (volleyball/track) did that here. Now we’ve got a basketball-to-volleyball athlete coming in.”

 

With Bullock serving as a team captain, Miami spent the entire 2012 season
ranked in the nation’s top-25, and climbed to No. 8 in the AP poll by season’s end, the highest ranking in the program’s history. Miami earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament before Bullock and the Canes ended the season with a loss to second-round host Georgetown.

 

Bullock, who was named the team’s Most Improved Player at the conclusion of her
senior year at Miami, now refers to basketball as her first language.
The transition from her primary sport to volleyball presents a challenge that she’s ready to get to work on. Bullock is already putting in work doing individual drills on her own, taking advantage of open gym hours.

 

“Switching over to volleyball is tough right now only because I feel behind,”
Bullock said. “With basketball I can take direction and say ‘Oh, I’m supposed to do this? Ok!’ With volleyball, I know my athleticism is there but there are some technical skills that I still need to work on still. I’ll be fine; it’ll just take a little patience.”

 

Not only will Bullock be adjusting to a new sport, her transfer also marks her first trip to Kansas. An Anchorage, Alaska native, Bullock admitted to more changes ahead.

 

“Kansas is a mixture of where I’m from in Alaska and where I came from in
Miami,” Bullock said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been here so it’s a little different, outside it’s already hot and I hear you guys have  winters, too. I don’t really have winter clothes anymore so I’ll have to go get some.”

 

Now in graduate school, Bullock laughed and explained that the transfer gives her glimpses of feeling like a freshman again. It’s hardly the case, however, as Bullock earned her undergraduate degree in English and came to Kansas to pursue her Masters in the same subject. When her playing
days are over, Bullock is readying herself for her career goal of becoming a teacher and a coach – a task made easier for a student-athlete with a multitude of skills.

 

“I played basketball, softball, cheerleading, track and cross country while I was in high school,” Bullock explained. “Plus, I was a dance minor, so I just love to do everything. Volleyball is really fun and I saw an opportunity to play again so I took it.”

 

Kansas, who finished the 2011 season at 15-14 for KU's third-straight winning season, will kick off the 2012 campaign Aug. 24-25 at the Arkansas Tournament.