University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Volleyball Team Gets Two Additions
5/25/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
May 25, 2006
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- - Southern Miss Head Volleyball Coach Ricci Luyties has announced the signing of two standout players, Maia Ivanova of Sofia, Bulgaria, and Amanda Huntoon of Encinitas, Calif., to a national letter of intent for the 2006-07 academic year.
Ivanova, a 5-10 libero, played volleyball for Coach Nadia Veleva at 51 SOU Elisaveta Bargriana. She was tabbed the best libero for two straight seasons. She played club volleyball for the Levski Siconco. She is the daughter of Ivan and Rositza Ivanova.
"Maia will make an immediate impact with our passing game," Luyties said. "We've struggled at times in the past two seasons in that area, and she should be a huge asset. She also is a good defensive player, who is quick, reads hitters and defensive situations well, and she has good ball control."
Huntoon, a 6-0 outside hitter/middle blocker, played two seasons at Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif., where she started every match for Coach Karl Seiler. She was a two-time first team all-conference player. She received the Coaches Award and Iron Man Award. She led the Pacific Coast Conference in blocks, averaging 1.14 blocks per game. She ranked in the top five in kills and hitting percentage.
She attended San Dieguito Academy, where she was a four-year letterwinner for Coach Dexter Harvey. She was named the team's most valuable player and received the Coaches' Award. She was a first team all-conference selection. She played in the 2004 San Diego All-Star Game and received The Union Times first team all-academic honors.
"Amanda can play any position well, except setter", Luyties said. "She has incredible work ethic, and I'm hopeful that she will bring that desire to be better to the team. She has a quick arm, jump-touches 10 feet, and wants to prove herself at this level."
