University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Volleyball Team Inks Two High School Standouts
4/11/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Southern Miss Volleyball Team Inks Two High School Standouts
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss Women's Volleyball Coach Santiago Restrepo announced the signing of two
high school standouts, Lisa Downey of St. Louis, Mo., and Jazzmien Stephens of Lakewood, Calif., to National Letters
of Intent for the 2001-2002 academic year, Wednesday.
Downey, a 5-9 outside hitter, brings solid credentials to the Southern Miss program. She was a four-year letterwinner
for Coach Steve Burkard of Lafayette High School, where as a senior, she led her team in kills and digs. She was
voted all-district first team, all-region first team, and honorable-mention all-metro. She led the conference in kills per
game (4.36), service reception average (95 percent), and dig average (5.68). She was voted as one of the team's
captains, most valuable player, best defensive player, and best offensive player. She helped lead her team to its
first-ever district championship. She was an all-conference selection and named to the conference all-tournament
team. She owns 10 career school records, including the record for kills, digs, hitting percentage, and games played.
She also lettered in soccer, and was named second-team all-conference.
Downey played for the St. Louis Elite Club Team-181, where she was coached by Restrepo. Her team posted 10
top-five finishes in tournaments, winning three and placing second in two others. Her team finished ninth in the Junior
Nationals in 2000. She is the daughter of Bob and Debbie Downey, and has an older brother, Brian.
"We are very excited about having Lisa come to Southern Miss," Restrepo said. "She will contribute to the team, on
and off the court. She works hard in practice, and is committed to being the best that she can be. She is a great
outside hitter, passer and defender. She will will be a great asset to our program. Her ball control is a benefit our team
will look forward to having."
Stephens, a 6-1, middle blocker, was a four-year letterwinner for Coach Steve Lewis at Lakewood High School. As a
senior, she received the captain's award. She was named to the all-league first team for two years. She was named to
several all-tournament teams, including the Ventura all-tournament team. She recorded a game-high 19 kills and eight
blocks.
Stephens played for the Ichibon Club Team for Coach Kevin Hitt. She is the daughter of Tamara Buckley, and she a
younger sister, Brittney.
"Jazzmien will be a great addition to the Southern Miss volleyball team because of her athletic ability, and
aggressiveness at the net," Restrepo said. "She is a powerful hitter, and we are looking forward to having her on the
team."
The Lady Eagles signed two players during the early signing period in November.
Early Signees
Brynn Olsson, 5-8, Defensive Specialist, Palmdale, Calif./Highland High School
Amy Truong, 5-9, Setter, Palmdale, Calif./Highland High School
Spring Signees
Lisa Downey, 5-9, Outside Hitter, St. Louis, Mo./Lafayette High School
Jazzmien Stepens, 6-1, Middle Blocker, Lakewood, Calif./Lakewood High School
