Nov. 29, 2007
GREENVILLE, S.C. -
Head coach Michelle Young announced today the signing of three student-athlete to join the Paladin volleyball program in 2008.
"We are excited about our class this year, we have a group of young ladies that will do a great job filling positions that have become available due to graduations," commented Young on the class of 2012. "Together they have won a lot of matches and we are happy that they will be bringing their winning ways to Furman."
Carolyn Nicoletti, a setter/defensive specialist, hails from Chesterfield, Mo. and played her prep volleyball at Parkway West High School. She earned all-conference and all-district honors for three straight years, and earned all-region and all-state awards as a senior.
"Carolyn is a great addition to our program," commented Young. "She is a great athlete with a lot of volleyball experience and we look forward to her competing at several positions."
Kelly Kirby, a 6'1" setter, is a local product from Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, S.C. She led her Hillcrest team to back to back state championships, and was named to her all-region first team and all-state team. She also earned MVP honors for the North/South All-Star game.
"Kelly is only our second local player in the last eight years, and we are very happy to have her," said Young. "She is an exceptional athlete that has played just about every position for her team, both in club and high school. She comes from volleyball powerhouse Hillcrest, coached by Lynn Avant, and we look for her to continue her winning ways here at Furman."
Alexis Shaffer, a 6'2" middle blocker from Fayetteville, Ga., completed her high school career at Starr's Mill. Shaffer earned all-area and all-state honors, and led her team to a state championship in 2006 as well as a state runner-up finish in 2007.
"We are really happy that Alexis has chosen Furman," said Young. "She is a great player with lots of potential to develop at the next level."
The 2008 Furman volleyball team will return four starters and five letter-winners from a team that went 20-9 overall and finished 3rd in the Southern Conference in 2007.
