Volleyball Inks Three For 2012
11/9/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 9, 2011
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Head coach Debbie Humphreys announced the signing Wednesday of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, including two middle blockers and an outside hitter.
Tori Bates (OH, Allen HS), Keeley Kainer (MB/OH, Katy HS), and Cara Leslie (MB, Livingston HS) all signed Wednesday to further their volleyball career as SFA Ladyjacks.
"The 2012 class continues to build on the 2011 freshman class," Humphreys said. "This group brings tremendous athleticism along with size and a high volleyball IQ. They all know how to win and they will make our gym even more competitive. We are excited to have these three join us and are looking forward to an exciting future for SFA Volleyball."
Bates joins current Ladyjack Taylor Gross as the second Allen High School (TX) product to join SFA's squad in the past two seasons. A 6-1 outside hitter, Bates has taken part in the junior Olympics and was on the Dallas Skyline club team that finished second and fifth at the USA Volleyball Club National Tournament. She will conclude her club career as part of Instinct VB.
She was also named an honorable mention Senior Ace by Prep Volleyball, along with being an all-district selection for her high school squad.
"Tori understands the game of volleyball. She is an extremely skilled player who can do a variety of things," Humphreys said. "She can play on either pin and is a solid six-rotation player. Blocking may be her best skill and this is the area where most freshmen struggle. I expect her transition to division one to happen very quickly, and she should be capable of challenging for playing time right away."
Kainer comes to SFA as a three-year varsity letter winner where she was the area player of the week on eight separate occasions. The 6-0 middle blocker was first team all-district and the Spring Branch all-tournament Selection.
Her Katy High School (TX) team advanced to the regional quarterfinals of the Class 5A state playoffs before falling Tuesday night to Cy-Falls HS.
Kainer has played her club volleyball for Wave, but will join Houston Skyline Juniors for her final club season on December 9.
"Keeley is a phenomenal athlete. She has the athleticism to play any of the front row positions," Humphreys said. "Most of her experience has been on the outside, but we plan to utilize her in the middle as well. She certainly has the physical tools to be a huge force at that position and she is a player who will improve quickly. I expect her to have a great collegiate career."
The final member of the class, Leslie, a 6-1 middle blocker from Livingston High School (TX), has her team still alive in the state playoffs as well. The Lions also won their first two matches of before falling in Tuesday's Class 4A regional quarterfinals.
A first-team all-district selection at LHS, Leslie was a Lone Star High Performance participant and has had success away from the court as well as an academic all-district choice and a member of LHS' National Honor Society.
In addition to her high school exploits, she also is a member of the EXCEL Volleyball club.
Leslie is the first SFA signee from Livingston since Humphreys inked Brittany Burton before the 2000 season. Burton went on to become the Southland Conference player of the year in 2004.
"Cara is a solid blocker with a big arm swing," Humphreys said. "Her biggest adjustment will be to the speed of the game coming in from a 3A high school with limited club experience. She has the physical tools and the work ethic necessary to be successful at the division-one level. I have no doubt that she will catch on quickly and will become one of the top middle blockers in the Southland."
-SFA-
