Volleyball 2008 Signees

Courtney Lewis
MB/RS
Lincoln, Nebraska
Coach Downing Says: "We are looking forward to Courtney’s strength as a blocker and attacker. She will make a huge impact to our defense and offense. Offensively she loves a quick tempo ball and sees the opponent well and has the capability of being a dominant force at the net. The height that we lacked in 2007, Courtney will bring plus she is super athletic. She is an extremely quick young lady and carries a high level of determination and intensity throughout every play. With a young cast we will look for Courtney to step in and play for us immediately."

Pauline Yang
OH
Kansas City, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "WOW! Don’t let the petite body full you. Pauline is an amazing volleyball player. This girl can leap out the gym and is one of the smartest players I have seen. She has been raised around volleyball and is truly a gamer. I look for Pauline to be an explosive player. She led her high school team in kills, and already has a strong bond with one of the setters on our team."

Alyx Glover
Libero
Lawrence, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "Watch out hitters because Alyx is a true defensive machine. It is just a blessing to have such a wonderful talent in our back court. We are thrilled to have one of the most talented defenders in the state. At Lawrence Free State, Alyx broke season and career records in digs and serves received."

Allie Abilez
Libero
Caney, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "Allie is a quality individual who will have a dynamic impact on our team chemistry, offense (from her tenacious serve receive) and defense. Our serve receive passing percentage will increase greatly thanks to Ms. Abilez. Allie has a strong passion for volleyball and her grades. She is committed to doing whatever it takes to make a solid contribution to this program."

Alex Bergan
Setter
Baldwin, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "Alex’s strong competitiveness, skills, and ability to read the other team's middles are a tremendous asset to us. Alex, has the skills to step in and run my offense. She runs a great tempo ball that will keep our hitters away from the blocks. We look forward to her talent allowing our offense to gain consistency next season."

Elizabeth Elders
OH
Wathena, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "All the way from the northern part of Kansas, Liz is a true talent. We are very fortunate to have Ms. Elders; she is exciting on the court, determined, passionate for the game, a joy to be around, and extremely strong at the net. I look for Liz to step in and make a sudden impact for us."

Maggie Adams
Setter
St. Joseph, Missouri
Coach Downing Says: "Maggie’s experience as a three year varsity setter and under a strong club program has prepared her fundamentally for the transition to college. She is a quick, smart, athlete and has a love for the game that drives her competitiveness. Maggie, has the softest hands that I have seen; she has great court sense and will be a huge asset to our offense. I look for Maggie to be a great leader for us in 2008."

Kayla Daniels
Setter
Kansas City, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "A mature young lady for her age. Kayla understands the discipline it takes to make her a strong player. Her determination in the classroom and in life has carried over to the volleyball court; she is one dynamic student athlete and I look forward to working with her next year."

Ashley Werbecky
RS/S/DS
British Columbia, Canada
Coach Downing Says: "With a 39” vertical, being named MVP 5 times her senior year and an arm swing like no other, Ashley is looking to come into the KJCCC and be one of the best right sides in 2008. She has a great determination to be successful in volleyball at the college level and is dedicated to making that happen through her efforts in club volleyball, playing with one of the best club teams out of Canada. I know that Ashley will have no problems with adjusting to the college ranks. She is a great person and I can’t wait to get her here in August."

Megan Bailey
MB
Coffeyville, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "I have trained and worked with Megan for a few years now and I am so thrilled to have her as a part of my program. She is one of the hardest working athletes that you will ever find. Megan will also play basketball for Coffeyville. Megan is so quick in the middle that blocking from antennae to antennae comes easy for her. It’s always great to sign local athletes; she will bring in a great crowd for our home matches."

Applelonia Hoard
MB/OH
Caney, Kansas
Coach Downing Says: "Extremely athletic with a powerful arm swing and huge vertical, Apple is ready for the college level. Apple led her high school team in kills and blocks. I am excited to train such a strong, determined athlete. She is also a power lifter where she tied for first in State on squats (squatting 300lbs). Her best years are yet to come for her in volleyball. I look for Apple to train real strong in the middle and be a huge force for us by mid-season."

Raissa Cunha de Oliveira Santos
RS/OH
Socorro, Brazil
Coach Downing Says: "Raissa is playing nonstop volleyball with her club team for 7 months over in Brazil. She is an elite player that will bring excitement, drive and passion to our volleyball family. I am thrilled to have such an amazing 'stud' in my program. I can’t wait to get her here and see her in action. Her fired up attitude and drive for the game will just inspire all of her teammates to never give up. Raissa will surely make a run for some strong recognition in the conference."

Stephanie Oswald
DS
Bartlesville, Okla.
Coach Downing Says: "Steph is one of those players you never have to worry about. She will bring spunk and leadership to the court and in the classroom. She is also a Presidential Scholar. She will add great depth to our roster in the defensive position that we need to be successful as a team."

Stephany Meyers
Manager
Olathe, Kansas

Christian Smith
Manager
Caney, Kansas