Southern Miss Volleyball Inks Five During Early Period
11/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 20, 2007
HATTIESBURG, Miss.-- - Southern Miss Head Volleyball Coach Ricci Luyties has announced the signing of five players, Sarah Jane Bowden of Sioux City, Iowa, Caitlin Clarke of New Orleans, La., Amelia Hendrickson of Belle Chasse, La., Kelsea Seymour of Long Beach, Calif., and Lauren Sears of Ashburn, Va., to national letters of intent for the 2008-09 academic year.
"I'm really excited about all these student-athletes," Luyties said. "Not only are they good players but excellent students as well."
Bowden, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker, was a three-year letterwinner for Coach Emily Mogenson at North High School, where she led the team in kills (325) and blocks (255) as a senior. She was named to the Des Moines Register Iowa All-State second team, first-team all-conference, and all-district. She received Iowa Coaches Association All-State third team honors and was named the Sioux City Journal Metro Athlete of the Week. She holds school records in career blocks (504), season blocks (255) and single-match (17).
"Sarah Jane is a good all-around athlete that hasn't played much organized volleyball," said Luyties. "She has good quickness and will be able to hit many different types of sets in the front row. She improves every time I see her play and I'm interested to see how good she can become."
Bowden also led the team in kills and blocks as a junior, receiving the All-Conference Scholarship Award. She also lettered in basketball, helping the team win a state championship last season. She earned letters in soccer as well, helping that team advance to the state tournament in 2005 and 2007. She plays club volleyball for the Nebraska Elite.
Clarke, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, was a three-year letterwinner at Mt. Carmel Academy for Coach Matt Althage, where she helped lead her team to the 2007 DI district championship as well as the state's runner up. She was tabbed the preseason all-Metro Player of the Year. She is a candidate for the 2007 PrepVolleyball.com Louisiana Player of the Year, a member of the all-district and all-state teams, as well as earning the Kathy Trosclair Volleyball Award.
"Caitlin is a powerful hitter with a fast and compact arm swing," said Luyties. "She can add a new speed in our offense to the outside. Caitlin has the ability to be the kill leader any time she steps onto the court. As she continues to develop her back court play she should make a big impact as a Lady Eagle."
Clarke played one season at McGill-Toolen High School, in Mobile, Ala., because of Hurricane Katrina, helping the team win a 2005 state championship.
Hendrickson, a 6-0 middle blocker, was a four-year letterwinner for Coach Billi Grishaum at Archbishop Blenk High School in Gretna, La. She received all-district, all-Westbank and all-Metro honors for two straight years. She helped her team to the volleyball state championship match in 2006. She was named the Times Picayune's Westbank Athlete of the Week three times and the Westbank Quarterback Club Athlete of the Week four times, while receiving the Times Picayune's Westbank Volleyball Player of the Year. A preseason all-Metro selection, Hendrickson also earned letters in soccer. She plays club volleyball for Cajunland Volleyball Club.
"Amelia is a good all-around player that has the potential to play many positions," said Luyties. "Besides her strong play at the net, Amelia can serve receive, has nice hands setting, and can play defense. Because of her all-around ability, she could compete for the middle, outside, or right side positions next season."
Seymour, a 5-9 setter, was a four-year letterwinner at Millikan High School for Coach Greg Kautz. She was a three-year starter and team captain. She received first team all-league honors for two straight seasons. She was named the Press Telegram Athlete of the Week, Best of the Underclassmen and Queens of the Court during the season. She played club volleyball for Mizuno.
"Kelsea is a good defensive player and quick athlete," Luyties said. "She played at one of the top volleyball clubs in the country and is determined to make an impact at the division I level. Kelsey works hard at everything she does and it will be nice to have another player with that attitude in practice every day."
Sears, a 6-2 middle blocker, was a four-year letterwinner for Coach Susan Dezzntli at Broad Run High School. She finished the 2007 season with 289 kills with an attack percentage of .477 and recorded 105 service aces and 88 blocks. She was named to the 2008 Senior Aces "The 150" by PrepVolleyball.com. She received first team all-district and second team all-region honors. She was named her team's MVP and co-captain. She was tabbed Velocity Sports Performance Athlete of the Month.
"Lauren is a hard-working athlete and fantastic student," Luyties said. "Laruen hits a fast tempo ball, which is what you want to run an effective offense, and gives us some height in the middle blocking position. Her potential is very high and with her work ethic, I see her as having a great college career."