Saturday, May 17, 2014

Hampton Volleyball Announces Signing of Four New Players

HAMPTON, Virginia –  Hampton University head volleyball coach Karen Weatherington has announced her 2014 signing class, a quartet of players brought into the program with the hopes of continuing and building upon recent success.

"We are extremely excited to announce our 2014 recruiting class," Weatherington said. "This group is the first under our staff and we work diligently to make certain that it fits the standards of being a Hampton woman."

The 2014 signees are:



Mallory Beard (5-6, S/DS, Chino Hills, Calif./Chino Hills HS): Was named MaxPreps AVCA National Player of the Week back in October, on top of earning First Team honors in the Sierra League. She was also an All-Academic honoree and the Sierra League's Outstanding Senior. The three-year letterwinner also has seven years of club experience, and she serves as captain of the Mizuno Long Beach club team.

What Weatherington says: "Mallory has had great success with her teams as a setter and libero. She's projected as more of libero here, but she can serve in a number of roles. I think she has a good volleyball IQ, and she's accustomed to being a strong leader. She also has an incredible outgoing personality that really has a positive impact on everyone around her."



Raya O'Neal (5-10, S/OH/RS, East Hampton, N.Y./East Hampton HS): After moving up to varsity in eighth grade and helping East Hampton reach the state tournament, she was named Rookie of the Year as a ninth grader. After being named All-County as a sophomore, junior, and senior, she was named League VI Player of the Year as a senior, ranking first on the team in kills (764), aces (201), and assists (1,975).

What Weatherington says: "Raya led her high school team to their one of their best records in history and she was the MVP of her team as a setter. I think that she'll bring a well-rounded skill set with her and she'll be able to be develop as a high-level setter at Hampton."



Erin Napoleon (5-9, MB/OH, Fontana, Calif./Etiwanda HS): Played on the varsity squad all four years, and she was the Team MVP as a senior this past season. She also earned MVP honors in the Desert Classic, and she was a Second Team All-League selection. The three-time Scholar Athlete also excelled in track & field, medaling in the Junior Olympic qualifier in 2012.

What Weatherington says: "Erin is projected as middle and I think her skills indicate that she is a really nice, natural blocker. She is quick off the ground and can attack at a number of positions. She will bring depth to the roster and make a great contributions to the team."



Tatyana Thomas (6-3, MB, Suffolk, Va./Nansemond River HS): Was named First Team All-Ironclad Conference this past season, on top of earning Player of the Year honors. As a sophomore and junior, she earned Second Team All-District honors, before being named District Player of the Year, Second Team All-Region and Second Team All-State as a senior.

"What Weatherington says: "Tatyana can touch over to 10 feet and she has a wide array of attacks skills. I see her really dominating in the middle blocker position. She was an all-around player for her high school and club team, but her net skills are very strong. She has great size and presence at the net and I think she can impact the program right away."

"They are incredible athletes with great work ethic and the hunger to compete and have a high commitment to academics, all of which are integral components of being part of the Hampton volleyball program," Weatherington added.

"We are thrilled to have them and their families as a part of our Pirate volleyball family."

For more information on Hampton University volleyball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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