University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Lady Eagle Volleyball Inks Four
4/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Lady Eagle Volleyball Inks Four
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss Head Volleyball Coach Santiago Restrepo announced the signing of four volleyball standouts during the signing period Wednesday.
The list includes Cassie Conley of Savage, Minn., Leslie Robertson of Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, Melissa Votruba of Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, and Sarah Votruba of Ancaster, Ontario, Canada.
Conley, a 6-0, middle, played at Burnsville High School, where she was a three-year letterwinner for Coach Dan Kuklock. She was an all-conference selection for two years. She was named her team's most valuable player and team captain. She set a new school record in block solos during her senior season. She finished her career with 418 kills, 85 block solos and 97 block assists. She recorded 274 kills during her senior season with 61 block assists and 57 block solos. She also earned letters in basketball and track. She is the daughter of Steve and Nancy Conley.
"Cassie brings solid credentials to the Southern Miss program," Restrepo said. "She will be a great middle with her jumping and leaping ability. She hits very high and blocks well."
Robertson, a 6-0 outside hitter, played club volleyball for the Hamilton Seekers and Coach Frank Lilliman. She attended Ancaster High School, where she was an honor roll student throughout her career. She helped her club team win the 1999 National and Provincial championship. She received the Physical Education Award as a junior. She also played club basketball for the ABC Magic for five years and helped her team place second in the provincial championship.
"Leslie brings an aggressive style of play from the outside to our program," Restrepo said. "She will provide us with a heavy hand and hard hitting. She has good jumping ability."
Melissa Votruba, a 6-0, middle blocker, played club volleyball for the Hamilton Seekers and Coach Frank Lilliman. She attended St. Mary's Secondary School. She helped her club team win the 1999 National Midget Gold Medal and the Provincial Gold Medal. Her team won the 2000 National Juveniles silver medal and the 2001 Provincial Juniors Silver Medal. She was an honor roll student throughout her high school career. She received the City of Hamilton Civic Award. She is the daughter of Wes and Sandy Votruba and has a twin sister, Sarah.
"Melissa gives us a true middle," Restrepo said. "She is a good hitter from the middle. She has very good blocking technique. She will be a great addition."
Sarah Votruba, a 6-0, middle/right-side hitter, played club volleyball for the Hamilton Seekers and Coach Frank Lilliman. She helped her team win the 1999 National Midget Gold Medal and the Provincial Gold Medal. Her team also won the 2000 National Juveniles silver medal and the 2001 Provincial Juniors Silver Medal. She was an honor roll student, receiving the St. Mary's Scholarship Award and the City of Hamilton Civic Award. She is the daughter of Wes and Sandy Votruba and has a twin sister, Melissa.
"Sarah is a good rightside player," Restrepo said. "She is a very good jumper, has excellent blocking technique and can play all three front positions."
"This group of athletes bring height, athleticism and power-hitting to our program," Restrepo said. "They work hard and have a good work ethnic. With our returning players and the addition of these players, we have a good nucleus to build a winning team. Another plus is that Melissa, Sarah and Leslie have played on the same club team for the past four years."
