Six Players Commit to SFA Volleyball for 2016
11/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – A total of six student-athletes – two middle blockers, two outside hitters, a setter and a defensive specialist – have comprised the 2016 recruiting class for the Stephen F. Austin volleyball team.
Head coach Debbie Humphreys, who is in the midst of her 28th season at the helm of the Ladyjacks, selected all six incoming freshmen from within the state of Texas.
“We are extremely excited about the 2016 recruiting class,” said Humphreys. “We have a great mix of volleyball talent and ridiculous athleticism. We have added players who have the ability to play six rotations and have addressed specific needs that we have by adding ball control, depth at the middle blocker, outside hitter and setter positions. We expect this group to accomplish some great things throughout their careers.”
Danae Daron • 6-0 • MB • Summer Creek High School • Club Team: Renegades
Already familiar with the Ladyjacks’ volleyball program by way of her sister, Arielle (played at SFA from 2007-10), Daron comes to Nacogdoches following a prep career that yielded First Team All-Area, First Team All-District, First Team All-Academic and team MVP honors. Earlier in 2015, Daron earned a spot on the USA Volleyball Women’s International Junior A1 Team and helped that squad capture a gold medal in overseas play.
Humphreys on Daron: “Danae‘s ceiling is extremely high. Once she is surrounded by high-level talent on a daily basis, she will progress at a rapid pace. Her experience on the A1 team this past summer will help with that transition process. Her physical presence as a blocker and a hitter will frustrate opponents. Danae also has a fun personality that will allow her to keep things relaxed on the court.”
Shayla Eagleton • 5-10 • MB • Fort Bend Bush High School • Club Team: Houston Skyline
Serving as the other half of SFA’s collection of 2016 middle blocker commits, Eagleton penned a new chapter in the volleyball history books at George Bush High School by leading her team to a berth in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The All-District honoree led her squad in kills, was named one of Houston’s Top Volleyballers by Vype and was pegged as a player to watch by Lone Star Volleyball.
Humphreys on Eagleton: “Shayla is definitely going to frustrate opponents with her quickness. Don’t let her size fool you, because she is extremely capable of being a successful NCAA Division I middle blocker. Shayla is one of the quickest players to wear purple & white and that is saying something. We expect her to adjust very quickly to the SFA way of doing things.”
Ann Hollas • 5-11 • S • Spring Hill High School • Club Team: East Texas Juniors
A highly talented three-sport prep star (volleyball, basketball track), Hollas laid claim to any number of impressive individual achievements in the volleyball circuit including All-East Texas First Team, All-East Texas Best Preps Volleyball MVP and All-East Texas Newcomer of the Year. Named an All-State performer by a pair of agencies (TSWA and TGCA), Hollas set up her team’s offense in its run to the region finals. Ranked as the number-three student in her graduating class, Hollas is a member of the National Honor Society and occupies a seat on SHHS’s student council.
Humphreys on Hollas: “Ann is an amazing athlete who has played numerous sports and a variety of positions. Once her focus is only on volleyball, she is going to improve at a ridiculous rate. The speed of the game will be an adjustment for her, but I expect her to adjust quickly and thrive in this environment.”
Kirsten (KK) Payne • 5-11 • OH • New Braunfels Canyon High School • Club Team: Alamo
Through the course of her prep career, Payne made a name for herself as one of the most talented outside hitters in the state of Texas. A 2015 Under Armour All-America Honorable Mention, Payne was the driving force behind a team that captured three district championships, a trio of bi-district crowns and two area titles. For two seasons, the All-District and Academic All-District choice led the district in kills and holds a place in the National Honors Society.
Humphreys on Payne: “KK is someone that everybody wants as their teammate. She has a tremendous work ethic that is contagious and she has an extremely fun personality. She also has a solid all-around game to go with her cannon of an arm. I expect KK to improve very quickly when she arrives on campus.”
Julia Whitehead • 5-2 • DS • Stephen F. Austin High School • Club Team: Catalyst
Making the transition from one SFA to another, Whitehead was installed as the starting libero for three seasons at Stephen F. Austin High School and anchored the back line during the institutions run to a district title. PrepVolleyball.com lauded the All-District and Academic All-District honored as a Gym Dandie and the LonestarVolleyball.com Player to Watch also made the cut for junior nationals.
Humphreys on Whitehead: “Julia has the personality that I look for in a DS. She is little, but feisty and has an on-court toughness that I absolutely love. She will challenge herself and her teammates to get better every day."
Xariah Williams • 5-10 • OH • Mansfield Summit HS • Club Team: Ace Volleyball
No player on the Mansfield Summit High School volleyball team succeeded in matching the kill total of Williams, who earned First Team All-District along with Academic All-District plaudits. The track & field squad at MSHS also benefitted from the athletic abilities of Williams, as she raced to a sixth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles at the state meet.
Humphreys on Williams: “Xariah is a quick jumper with a strong arm. She is a player that will improve a ton from the start of the season to the end. Xariah has the potential to develop into an amazing six-rotation player for us.”
Having recently ensured themselves no worse than the number-three seed for the upcoming Southland Conference Tournament, the Ladyjacks will engage in their last two matches of the 2015 regular season in Shelton Gym this week. First up is a Thursday evening visit from Abilene Christian with first serve slated for 6:30 p.m.
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