Berry announces volleyball commitments

The Latest Local News from the Rome News

Berry College head volleyball coach Mika Robinson has announced that eight student-athletes have committed to enroll at the institution and continue their academic and athletic careers beginning in the fall of 2015.

“This class is arguably one of the most decorated and talented classes we have ever recruited,” said Robinson. “Their work ethic, selflessness, and character are what really make them such a great addition to the Viking volleyball family. Each one of them will be able to challenge our returning players and help us continue to pursue excellence on and off the court.”

Following is a look at each of the eight incoming student-athletes.

MICAYLA BEDOIAN

5-11 – RS/OH – Saluda, N.C. – Hendersonville HS – Club: Axis Elite

Prior to Berry: Four-year starter on Hendersonville Varsity team…helped lead Hendersonville to three consecutive state championships (1A, 2A, 3A)…co-captain as a senior…two time Western Highland All-Conference Team…ranked in top 4 for blocks in state of North Carolina for her classification each of the last three years…as a senior ranked #3 in class 2A for kill percentage…placed in high jump, 4X2 and 4X4 at Indoor and Outdoor NCHSAA State Championships…three-time Western Highland All-Conference Track.

Personal: Daughter of Michael and Shanda Ford…plans to major in biology at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Micayla Bedoian: “Micayla brings a blocking presence that can help us immediately both in the practice gym and in matches. However, her ability to play high above the net is equally matched by her ball control. She is an extremely versatile player, and her smile and competitive spirit will make her a crowd favorite immediately.”

HANNAH BILLIARD

5-10 – Middle Blocker – Matthews, N.C. – Covenant Day School – Club: Carolina Union Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Four year member of Covenant Day School Varsity team…helped lead her team to two NCISAA state championship matches…two-year co-captain…two time MAC All-Conference Team…team MVP as a senior…two-year co-captain for basketball team.

Personal: Daughter of Jody and Jennifer Billiard…plans to major in biology at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Hannah Billiard: “Hannah brings a wealth of experience playing on high level club and high school teams. She brings composure to a position that can often feel frantic, and she performs well under pressure. In addition, her competitiveness and high volleyball IQ help her find ways to score when opponents least expect it.”

CASSI CULHAN

5-9 – RS/OH – Boca Raton, Fla. – Boca Raton Community HS – Club: Tribe Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Helped lead her high school team to a District Championship in 2013…District Runners Up in 2014…named Second Team All-County in 2014.

Personal: Daughter of Bill and Terri Culhan…plans to major in exercise science or nursing at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Cassi Culhan: “Growing up in south Florida, Cassi has had the advantage of playing both indoor and sand year-round. As a result, her skill set is incredibly well rounded and will allow her to compete for playing time in a number of different positions. Throughout her club seasons, she has consistently shown a team first attitude, often playing a variety of positions in order to fill the needs of the team.”

CHRISTINA GOFORTH

5-10 – Outside Hitter – Matthews, N.C. – Covenant Day School – Club: Carolina Union Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Helped lead her Covenant Day School Varsity team to two NCISAA state championship matches…two year co-captain…two time MAC All-Conference Team…two-time All-State Team…Matthews Mint Hill Weekly Volleyball Player of the Year as a senior.

Personal: Daughter of Doug and Lisa Goforth…plans to major in exercise science at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Christina Goforth: “Christina is a talented hitter who has consistently led her teams to success. Her competitive fire is surprising when contrasted with her incredibly sweet off the court personality. She has the size and physicality to terminate balls against a big block and will be able to challenge for playing time right away.”

JESSICA GUM

6-1 – Middle Hitter – Woodstock, Ga. – Etowah HS – Club: Cobb Atlanta – Previous School: University of West Georgia

Prior to Berry: Red-shirted her freshman year at West Georgia due to an injury sustained during her senior year of high school…named All-Area as a junior and led her team in blocking and hitting percentage.

Personal: Daughter of Cliff and Beth Gum…plans to major in business management at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Jessica Gum: “Jessica gives us the opportunity to add depth and experience at the middle blocker and right side positions. Her maturity and college experience will help her make an impact on and off the floor. We are excited to watch her flourish in our system.”

ALLI JOHNSON

5-11 – Middle Hitter – Bethlehem, Ga. – Hebron Christian Academy – Club: Atlanta Extreme Volleyball Club

Prior to Berry: Varsity starter in 2012, 2013, and 2014…helped lead her Hebron Christian Academy team to two Regional Championships…three state Final Fours…one State Championship (2014)…named All State, All Area, All County, and Area Tournament MVP as a senior…two time Hebron Christian “Lion” Award winner…captain as a senior.

Personal: Daughter of Wallace and Paula Johnson…plans to major in exercise science at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Alli Johnson: “Alli is a highly decorated player who knows how to win. However, her leadership qualities are what stood out the most to us in the recruiting process. She is a giver who inspires her teammates to play their best, and she will have a big impact on the Berry campus on and off the court.”

SARAH SPRAGUE

5-9 – Outside Hitter – Lutz, Fla. – Sunlake HS – Club: Tampa Elite

Prior to Berry: Member of AAU national championship club team in 2013…AAU All-American…AAU Championships MVP…helped lead high school team to Class 5A Final Four…FACA Player of the Year…North Suncoast Player of the Year…Brighthouse Sports Network Player of the Week…All-Area Team…Sunlake MVP.

Personal: Daughter of Thomas and Dorene Sprague…plans to major in biochemistry at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Sarah Sprague: “Sarah exemplifies the attitude we strive to exhibit in our program. She is very self-motivated and fiercely competitive, but she is also a giver who builds up her teammates. Our fans will love her athleticism and energy, and her teammates will be able to depend on her to perform under pressure.”

MADI YOUNG

5-7 – Libero – DeLand, Fla. – Father Lopez HS – Club: Tampa Bay Volleyball Academy

Prior to Berry: Four year varsity starter…helped lead her team to two district championships…named to All District Team all 4 years…two time District MVP and Team MVP…Top 10 in Florida in kills, aces, and digs as a sophomore and a junior (kill leader as a sophomore)…broke school record for kills in a season and in a career…AAU Academic All American…team captain…two year starting goalie on high school soccer team.

Personal: Daughter of Ron and Anita Young…plans to major in animal science at Berry.

Coach Robinson on Madi Young: “Madi is a gifted athlete who plays much bigger than her size suggests. As a libero, she is a strong passer and defender, but because she has been an offensive player throughout her career she brings a huge presence from the service line and has the ability to create offense out of the back row. In addition, she brings a relentlessness that will raise the level of our play every day.”

Source: Rome News

The post Berry announces volleyball commitments appeared first on My Web Pal.

from My Web Pal http://ift.tt/1HXw2Vi
via http://ift.tt/16tBHl4