Shepherd University Athletics

SHEPHERD ANNOUNCES VOLLEYBALL RECRUITING CLASS

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Shepherd University head volleyball coach Sarah Smith recently announced the recruiting class for the 2006 season. A total of seven new student-athletes will play volleyball for the Rams this fall.

Emma Bullock (Ellicott City, MD/Glenelg HS), Rebecca Russell (Derwood, MD/Magruder HS), Erin King (Middletown, MD/Middletown HS), Jane Thompson (Cincinnati, OH/ Walnut Hills HS), and Maggie Hayden (Virginia Beach HS/Kellam HS) will play for the Rams in 2006.

Bullock joined the Rams in January as a transfer from East Carolina University.

"We were happy to have Emma on the team this spring," said Smith. "I recruited her last year and I'm glad she has found her way to Shepherd. Emma's defense and passing ability will allow us to be successful next year. Her hard work this spring has paid off as Emma has become one of our strongest athletes in the weight room."

Russell lettered in both volleyball and basketball at Magruder. She was a member of a State runner-up team for the Colonels.

"Rebecca has improved so much in the past year that I am excited for the fall," added Smith. "While she has played middle in the past, we are hoping to utilize her height and blocking ability on the right side."

King was a member of a conference championship team at Middletown. She was named Team MVP and also garnered First Team All-Area honors.

"Erin is a great, versatile player," said Smith. "Her ability to attack, block, and pass is going to allow her to compete for every position. Her best features are her attitude, great work ethic, and team-first mentality."

Thompson and Hayden are expected to see action at setter. Thompson was a three-time First Team All-Conference choice and the all-time assist leader at Walnut Hills. Hayden was a two-time Team MVP and a Second Team All-State selection.

"Since we are going to utilize the 6-2 offense next year, both Maggie and Jane are going to have to rely on their setting ability, quickness, and leadership skills in order for us to be successful," added Smith. "They have played at top level programs and competed nationally."

This group is joined by early signees Ashlee Allen and Emily McCoy as the 2006 recruiting class.

2006 Shepherd Volleyball Recruits

Name Ht. Pos. High School Hometown

Ashlee Allen 5-11 OH Severna Park Severna Park, MD

Emma Bullock 5-6 OH/DS Glenelg Ellicott City, MD

Maggie Hayden 5-4 S Kellam Virginia Beach, VA

Erin King 5-10 OH Middletown Middletown, MD

Emily McCoy 6-0 MH Berkeley Springs Berkeley Springs, WV

Rebecca Russell 6-1 RS/MH Magruder Derwood, MD

Jane Thompson 5-6 S Walnut Hills Cincinnati, OH