Ladyjacks Ink Three For 2013
11/14/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 14, 2012
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Head coach Debbie Humphreys announced the signing Wednesday of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent, all from the high school ranks.
Shannon Connell (S, Lovejoy HS), Jamie Crowder (MB, Floresville HS) and Kaitlyn Ganger (OH, Arlington HS) all signed Wednesday to further their volleyball career as SFA Ladyjacks.
"If I had to use one word to describe the 2013 freshmen class, it would be athletic," Humphreys said. "This group brings athleticism at three different positions, setter, middle blocker and outside hitter. In addition to their athleticism, they have all been a big part of winning programs, both at the high school and club levels. We are looking forward to these three joining the Ladyjack volleyball family."
Connell, a 5-8 setter out of Lovejoy High School, was a three-year letter winner for the Lady Leopards. The Lucas, Texas native will join the Ladyjacks after a stellar prep campaign in which she led Lovejoy to Class 3A state titles in 2010 and 2011. This year LHS jumped up to the Class 4A ranks and has not missed a beat, holding a 46-4 record on the season and have not lost a set in four playoff matches to date. LHS is scheduled to take on Cedar Park on Thursday in the Class 4A state semifinals in San Marcos.
During her prep campaign, Connell was named a second-team all-state selection in 2011, honorable mention all-state in 2010, an all-district selection in 2011 (first team) and 2010 (second team), as well as being tabbed the 2012 Duncanville Tournament Outstanding Setter and varsity team captain as a senior.
She was also a standout on the club circuit, qualifying for nationals five consecutive years, most recently for the Dallas Premier Club in 2010 and 2011. Connell also traveled to Italy in the summer of 2010 to train with Italian Professional Team (Excel International Team).
Also a standout in the classroom, Connell was named to the academic all-district team each of the past three years.
"Shannon has played the game at an extremely high level," Humphreys said. "She has been instrumental in the success of both her high school and club teams. Shannon has great hands and is a true competitor who knows how to lead from the setting position."
Crowder will enter SFA after recently leading Floresville High School to the District 29-4A title as a senior. The 6-1 middle blocker also led the Tigers three rounds deep into the state playoffs as a senior this year after guiding them to the regional quarterfinals as a junior, tabbed MVP of district 30-4A in 2011 and played club ball for the Alamo Volleyball Club.
"Jamie is a very dynamic athlete," Humphreys said. "She gets off the floor quickly and has a fast arm swing. Those qualities will make her a high level Division I middle blocker who is capable of putting up a big block and handling the offensive side of the position."
Granger comes to SFA following a four-year varsity career at Arlington High School in which she was tabbed first-team all-District 4-5A each of her first three seasons. A 5-11 outside hitter, Granger led the Colts to the state playoffs all four years, winning district championships from 2010-12. This year she helped lead AHS as far as the Class 5A regional semifinals.
She was also named to the Dallas Morning News' 2012 Players to Watch prior to her senior season as well as a 2012-13 TGCA All-Star team nominee. Also during her prep campaign, Granger was named district 4-5A's Newcomer of the Year (2009), Utility Player if the Year (2010), Outstanding Hitter of the Year (2011) and to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram 2011 first-team super team.
In addition to her high school exploits, Granger is also a product for the Dallas Skyline volleyball club.
"Kaitlyn is a very physical volleyball player," Humphreys said. "She is strong, with a great jump which makes her a big threat as a hitter and blocker. She also has a solid foundation to work from in developing her back row game as well. She will certainly be a hitter that our opponents have to worry about."
-SFA-
