University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Volleyball Team Adds Two Signees During Early Signing Period
11/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 19, 2008
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss Head Volleyball Coach Ricci Luyties has announced the signing of Halie Ecker of Moline, Ill., and Mallory Horridge of Mandeville, La., to national letters of intent and grant-in-aids for the 2009-10 academic year.
Ecker, a 5-10 outside hitter, was a four-year letterwinner and starter for Coach Tim Albrecht at Moline High School. She garnered the Quad City Area Sportswriters Player of the Year honors, while earning all-conference accolades for two straight years. She was named to the Metro All-Star Team three times.
"Halie brings a lot of energy and a good attitude to the court," Luyties said. "She has a swing that is high and hard, with a high reach for the ball on her approach. She has potential to be a go-to hitter at the DI level. We like her aggressive hitter mentality. She also has a strong jump serve and adds depth to the outside hitter position."
Ecker, her team captain, received numerous all-tournament team honors over her career. She tallied 856 career kills, including 323 during her senior campaign to go with 84 aces, 143 digs and 47 total blocks. She holds the career records for all-time kills and aces at Moline High School. Teams she played on won two Western Big 6 conference championships and three regional championships.
"Halie is one of the most talented players our area has produced in many years and ranks among the top outside hitters in the state of Illinois," Albrecht said. "She has an extremely high degree of desire and work ethic, a positive attitude and team-oriented mentality that will allow her to continue to improve and contribute throughout her collegiate career."
Ecker plays club volleyball for the Platform Elite 18's and Mike Ducey. She also earned letters in track and field.
Horridge, a 5-10 outside hitter, was two-year letterwinner and starter for Coach Michelle Anderson at Northlake Christian High School. She earned all-state, all-district and all-metro honors as a junior. She helped her team win the 2007 Louisiana State Champion. She also earned all-district accolades in softball.
"Mallory is a great passer and has a high volleyball IQ who will make an immediate contribution with her defense and passing," said Luyties. "She knows the game very well and is a great all-around player who plays with a lot of confidence. "
Horridge has played club volleyball for the past six years, including a four-year stint with the Louisiana Volleyball - VIA and two years with the Krewe VB Club in New Orleans.
Horridge played two seasons at Archbishop Chapelle High School, where she was an all-district selection for two years.
