Volleyball Signs Four Recruits
5/30/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
February 2, 2000
CONTACT: Mandy B. Sciba
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University volleyball Coach Debbie Humphreys has announced the signing of four student-athletes. Marlo Nordt, Kelly Gorychka, Julie Goodson and Brittany Burton signed national letters of intent today to play for the Ladyjack volleyball team next fall.
Marlo Nordt, a setter from Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, Texas, will join the Ladyjacks with a long list of achievements. During Nordt's career she has been named to the Texas Sports Writers Association 5A All-State Team (1998, 99), Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star selection (1999), the All-District Second Team(1997) and the Who's Who in Sports All-Star Team(1998). Nordt has also been named Most Valuable Player (1999), Team Captain (1997-99), Outstanding Setter in District 4-5A, a Wendy's Heisman nominee and numerous All-Tournament selections. Nordt's team was the District 4-5A Champion and regional qualifer (1998, 99). Nordt has competed with the MVP Excalibur club team. Nordt is a member of the National Honor Society, Who's Who Among American High School Students and an All-American Scholar.
"Marlo Nordt brings us a setter with a little more size. She is used to running an offense with a wide variety of play sets, so her transition to Division I should go pretty smoothly. It will take some time to adjust our offense, as well as the speed of Division I volleyball, but Marlo is a very intelligent player, and she will catch on quickly. She is a natural leader, which is very important at the setting position. Marlo has a very bright future ahead of her at Stephen F. Austin," said Coach Debbie Humphreys.
Kelly Gorychka, a 5'10" outside hitter from West Lake High School in Austin, Texas, will also enter the Ladyjack program in the fall. During her senior year, Gorychka has been named to the All-Centex First Team, numerous All-Tournament selections and the District 14-5A First Team. Gorychka was named Co-MVP of her team and District 14-5A in 1999 and was the co-captain of her team during the 1999 season. Gorychka led her team in aces, passes and digs during the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Gorychka is a member of the National Honor Society and has earned Academic All-District honors (1998, 99). Gorychka has competed with the Austin Juniors club team.
"Kelly Gorychka is an outside hitter with strong ball control skills. She is another one of those players who will give 100% in practice every day. She is strong, which allows her to hit hard, and she has complete back court game as well. Kelly is a very solid all-around player. Many players from her club team, Austin Juniors, have had very successful careers at SFA, and Kelly will certainlyfollow in their footsteps," said Humphreys.
Alvin High School senior Julie Goodson will be expected to play middle blocker for the Ladyjacks. Goodson has been named the Brazoria County Offensive Player of the Year and the District 5A Offensive Player of the Year (1999). Goodson was a member of the Texas Sports Writers Association All-State Team, Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State Team, 5A State All-Tournament Team and All-Greater Houston Area First Team. As captain of her team, Goodson was a three-year varsity starter.
" At 5'10," Julie Goodson is a very deceiving. With her jumping ability, and quick armswing, she plays much bigger than that. She is one of those players who could probably play any position and be successful. We would like to use her in the middle, so we can tak advantage of her quickness as a blocker and hitter. That quickness will also make her a force on defense," said Humphreys.
Brittany Burton, a 5'10" middle blocker from Livingston High School, will join the Ladyjacks in the fall. Burton has been named Outstanding Volleyball Athlete (1998), All-Around Female Athlete (1997, 98), Most Athletic Junior Class and Outstanding Sophomore Athlete. Burton has also been a First Team All-District (1998, 99) and Second Team All-District member (1997). Burton has also lettered in cross country, powerlifting, track and field and basketball.
" Brittany is an incredible athlete who has participated in many sports and activities throughout her high school career. She has the physical tools to be a huge force in the Southland Conference. What she needs now is some time where her year- round focus is volleyball. She is a competitor, and with patience and time she will be an excellent athlete on the court for us," said Humphreys.
"All of these players will catch on very quickly and improve daily. They will certainly add to the strength of this team and will battle for playing time. The outlook for 2000 is very bright," said Humphreys.
