Volleyball Inks Five More Players
University of Miami head women’s volleyball coach Nicole Lantagne has announced the addition of five more players to the inaugural team set to begin play in the fall of 2001.
The five new signees, consisting of four outside hitters and one middle blocker, are Claudia Marcela Gamarra-Pineda (Medellin, Colombia), Jamie Grass (Manhattan Beach, CA), Christina Hernandez (Oswego, IL), Elizabeth Tyson (Jacksonville, FL) and Kristi Sprinkel (Laguna, CA).
The five signees join Sandra Totten (Thermal, CA), Ashley Youngs (Atlantis, FL) and Mallorey James (Tucson, AZ), who signed letters of intent during the early period.
Gamarra-Pineda, a 6-0 outside/rightside hitter, comes to UM from Miami-Dade Community College. Originally out of Calazanz High School in Medellin, Gamarra-Pineda also played for the Colombian Junior National Team. At Miami-Dade, she was an All-Southern Conference selection in 1999 and 2000, as well as All-Tournament at the Southwest Missouri State Tournament last season. She was named FCCAA All-State Region VIII as a freshman in 1999, as well as achieving academic achievement honors.
“Claudia is an experienced and polished all-around player,” commented Lantagne. “She brings size to the line-up and is expected to make an immediate impact with her attacking and blocking skills. Her experiences playing at the top of the junior college ranks will strongly enhance our young program.”
Grass, a 5-8 outside hitter out of Mira Costa High School, was a standout player for the No. 2-ranked high school in the nation last season. Grass’ high school team won the 2000 Chicago Nike Challenge and Santa Barbara tournaments. She has been a four-year scholar-athlete and member of the honor roll. As part of the Spoilers Volleyball Club, Grass’ team won the Las Vegas Tournament and the New Years Classic. She later earned a Silver Medal at the Junior Olympics in Sydney, Australia this past summer.
“Jamie’s brings incredible ball-control to the Miami Volleyball Program,” added Lantagne. Her strong passing and defensive skills will really set the pace for our offense. She is also a very smart and effective hitter, with great court savvy.”
Hernandez, a 5-10 outside hitter from Oswego High School, was named All-Conference as well as Honorable Mention All-State as a senior. The team captain, she also set a school-record with 72 aces. As a junior, she trained with the Dominican Republic Junior National Team, along with the Chinese High School National Champions. Hernandez also plays club volleyball with Sports Performance.
“Christina is a very strong athlete with a great competitive spirit,” said Lantagne. “She has excellent all-around skills and is a natural leader on the court. She will bring a great deal of intensity and determination to our new program.”
Tyson, a 5-10 outside hitter from Bishop Kenny High School, was twice named All-City and All-State, while also being named the Florida Times-Union Player of the Year. She assisted her high school team to the Class 4A state championship as a junior in 1999. Her high school team was the state runner-up in 1998, while Tyson was named First-Team All-City and Second-Team All-State.
“Elizabeth is a very quick and explosive athlete, added Lantagne. “She is a hard worker who demands perfection. Elizabeth’s strong skills as both an attacker and a defender will help her to develop into a very strong outside hitter.”
Sprinkel, a 6-1 middle blocker from Boston College, sat out the 2000 season with a redshirt and comes to Miami for her final year. Originally out of Bishop Luers High School, Sprinkel played in 106 matches as a junior at BC and led the team with 267 kills. She compiled a total of 13 matches with double-figure kills. Sprinkel also led the team with 45 service aces. She had seen action in all three seasons in Chestnut Hill. Sprinkel started her high school career at Santa Margarita before transferring to Bishop Luers. She amassed 50 blocks and 123 kills in her senior season. For her efforts, she was selected to the 1996 All-SAC Team and assisted her team to the 1996 SAC Regional Championship.
“Kristi will be the veteran on an otherwise fairly young team,” “She comes to Miami with three years of playing experience at the Division I level. She will be called upon to be a go-to hitter and leading blocker.”
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.
