Final Fall Signing

We have one last announcement this year before we move on to 2012. We are pleased to announce that Chelby Stanford will be playing for the Lady Rebels next season!

Chelby is a 3 year starting setter from Leon Jewett High School, where during those 3 years her teams had a record of 125-10, making two state tournament appearances.  That would be impressive if those were the only accomplishments she has earned, but there are many more.  Chelby has also made three TGCA All-State teams, two Texas Sportswriters teams, received a first team All Brazos Valley honor, a district MVP award and made two all-state tournament teams.  This summer she will be playing in the Texas Coach’s All-Star game in the 1A-3A match.  There are a lot more of these awards but that's all I have the space to list!

We first saw Chelby on film playing a local high school and were immediately drawn to how well she works with her team.  Her teams have always been successful (that record is really good!) and seeing her in person only confirmed that.  Speaking with her over the phone and in person has been a great experience as it has allowed our staff and team to see the wonderful individual that she is.  

Chelby comes from a great family and will no doubt contribute to our program next season.  We are tremendously excited that she chose to play for us and believe that she will help take our team to that next level!

This will be the final update for 2011!  It has been a good year, but one that we as a group will work to improve on in the upcoming year. As we move into 2012 the Lady Rebels volleyball program wishes you a wonderful holiday break and hope that 2012 will be a better year than 2011!

Signings

So besides the official release (which will come out soon), we're going to recap our early signing class right here.  We've got three signed already, with one more soon to come.  We'll announce her after she signs, but today is all about Jill, Tammy, and Kaitlin.

Jill Griffin is a 5'9" outside hitter from Centerville, TX.  She was a 4 year starter for Centerville High School, during which time her teams went 52-0 in district play and made one state tournament appearance!  This past season her team went 40-3 and lost in the regional semi-finals.  She's also a two time TGCA all-state selection and has won numerous other all-district and tournament MVP awards.

I'm very excited to have her on the team.  Jill will be competing for an outside hitter position and maybe even a defensive specialist position as well.  She knows how to win and will help our team take the next step in our quest to win our conference.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tammy Leranth is a 6'1" RSH from Lewisville, TX.  At 5A Lewisville High School, playing in what I think was the toughest district in the state (8-5A) she led her team in kills and was named first team all-district.  Additionally, she also led her team in kills as a junior and was named her teams best offensive player.

Tammy will be the first lefty we have had on campus in the past few seasons, so she will allow us to diversify our offense.  Her height and athleticism will also allow us to compete with the top teams in the state in that area.  I've enjoyed communicating with Tammy for the past few months and can't wait to see her play with this team.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally, Kaitlin Poe is a 5'8" setter from Gatesville, TX. A three year starter, she was named best setter in her district this year as her team went 37-5 and lost in the regional semi-finals.  Kaitlin is also beginning her second year as the starting setter for the Waco Juniors 18's club team, playing against the best competition the state of Texas has to offer, so she will be ready to compete in the fall.

Kaitlin will bring a calming influence on our team.  She knows how to lead and her previous successes are an example of that.  She will definitely compete for the starting setter job, and her athleticism will give us a lot of versatility as well.
Overall I am very happy with this group.  All three of these know how to compete and win, and will not assume anything will be given to them.  They will work and make not only themselves better, but the people around them.

We're winding down our semester here at Hill.  Most of the team finished their finals exams today so there won't be much more news from here for the next few weeks.  Look for one more commitment and then we'll take a break for the holiday season.