Volleyball Inks First Signees
Nov. 10, 2000
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – University of Miami head women’s volleyball coach Nicole Lantagne has announced the signing of three players to the inaugural team set to begin play in the fall of 2001.
Lantagne’s first three signees to the Miami women’s volleyball team are Sandra Totten (Thermal, CA), Ashley Youngs (Atlantis, FL) and Mallorey James (Tucson, AZ).
Totten, a 6-0 middle blocker out of LaQuinta High School, was a two-time First-Team All-Desert Valley League player (1998-99), as well as earning honorable mention in her first varsity season in 1997. Additionally, Totten earned her high school’s top athlete award three straight seasons (1997-99), while being chosen her team’s MVP for two seasons in 1998-99. Totten, who also played with the Top Gun Volleyball Club, was an honor roll student in her final two years, as well.
“Sandra is a great athlete who is picking up the sport very quickly,” said Lantagne. “She moves effortlessly on the court and is becoming a very effective and strong middle blocker. Sandra is a very good passer and with her excellent all-around skills, will come in and make an impact immediately.”
Youngs, a 5-10 outside/rightside hitter from Lake Worth Christian School, was a four-year letterwinner for high school team, as well as playing four seasons with the girl’s basketball squad one with the softball team. In volleyball, Youngs served as team captain and was chosen team MVP. She was named to the All-Area first team as a senior, while earning second team All-State. Youngs averaged 14.6 kills and 6.1 blocks in her final season with Lake Worth Christian.
“Ashley brings incredible quickness and speed to our program,” added Lantagne. “She is a very determined and excellent athlete. She has experience playing all positions that will give us many options in our line-up. Ashley’s superior foot speed will enable her to become both a primary passer and excellent attacker for the Miami volleyball program.”
James, a 5-8 setter/outside hitter from Salpointe High School, was a four-year letterwinner as well as senior team captain. She was named Women’s Volleyball 5A Player of the Year as voted on by the coaches in her division this past season. Additionally, James, who also played for the Zona Volleyball Club, was the Southern Arizona Player of the Year by the Arizona Daily Star and was named to the All-Regional First Team. Among her team’s highlights during her tenure is a current 52-match win streak against teams in her region.
“Mallorey brings experience and versatility to the Miami volleyball program,” added Lantagne. “She has played almost every position on the court that has helped in her outstanding ball control and court sense. Her leadership and understanding of the game will help in her development as a top setter.
The University of Miami women’s volleyball program will begin play in the fall of 2001. Home matches will take place at the Knight Sports Complex, located adjacent to the Hecht Athletic Center. For further information and upcoming news on Hurricane women’s volleyball check out www.hurricanesports.com.
