Ladyjack Volleyball Inks Three
11/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 9, 2005
NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack volleyball team has signed Briana Taylor, Kelsie Heppler, and Lauren Michael to National Letters of Intent, head coach Debbie Humphreys announced Wednesday morning.
"We are very excited about this recruiting class," said Humphreys. "They help fill some gaps and add quality depth by providing additional power and athleticism."
Taylor, a senior at George West High School in George West, Texas, is a 6-0 middle blocker who has earned first-team all-district honors as well as numerous all-tournament awards. In the classroom, Taylor has been given academic all-district accolades and is a member of the National Honor Society. A multi-sport athlete, Taylor was also active in basketball, track and softball.
"Briana is a small town kid with huge potential," said Humphreys about the incoming freshman. "She comes in as one of the top two leapers on our team. Her athleticism and work ethic will allow her to improve at a rapid rate. Other coaches are going to wonder where this kid came from."
Heppler, a 5-10 senior at Kingwood High School, was listed as one of the "Players to Watch" in the greater Houston region. She earned first-team all-district honors while leading her squad to the class 5A state tournament in 2004. She was also a member of a 2005 club team that won the Tour of Texas Championship that finished 8th at the national level.
Humphreys said the Kingwood, Texas native has the potential to play at either the outside hitter or middle blocker positions. "The jury is still out on where she will eventually end up," she said.
"Kelsie comes in with a solid volleyball background and we expect her transition to be pretty smooth. We know she has a tremendous work ethic and a great personality. She is one of those kids that you want on your team."
A teammate of Heppler's on the Tour of Texas Championship club team, Michael comes to SFA from Magnolia High School in Magnolia, Texas. Named to The Houston Chronicle's "Players to Watch," Michael was a 2004 all-state nominee named first-team all-district while earning offensive player of the year honors. Off the court, Michael was named to the district all-academic team.
"Lauren is a very strong athlete with great power," said Humphreys about the 5-10 outside hitter. "She is also a solid leaper and hitter, utilizing a lot of shots. She is a tremendous athlete who has yet to reach her full potential. She is only going to get better.
"We have added three wonderful individuals who will be great teammates. They will all help our program to continue moving forward," she said.
-SFA-
