Hurricanes Add Ream to Incoming Recruiting Class

May 3, 2006

CORAL GABLES, <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Fla.– University of Miami head volleyball coach Nicole Lantagne Welch has announced that Kelsey Ream will join the Hurricanes’ three other incoming freshman next fall. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Ream, a native of Centre Hall, Penn., joins libero Casilia Loessberg (Rancho Cordova, Calif.), outside hitter Genevieve Mayhew (Clovis, Calif.) and middle blocker Elescia McGee (Warr Acres, Okla.).

The 6-2 middle blocker out of State CollegeHigh School began her playing career as a high school freshman. Ream earned both JV and Varsity letters as well as Most Improved Player honors as a freshman and the Player’s Choice Award as a sophomore. She was named First Team All-State as a junior and First Team All-District and MAC First Team the past three years. Ream likewise earned JV and Varsity letters as a member of the State College basketball team.

This year, Ream joined the Renaissance Volleyball Club which operates out of Pittsburgh. The team qualified to play at the Junior Olympics in Atlanta this summer.

“Kelsey is an excellent addition to our program,” said Lantagne Welch. “She will immediately bring depth to our middle blocker position.  She has the size to be a force at the net and is a strong one-foot attacker.”

“Kelsey has a great work ethic and is committed to becoming the best player she can be.  She has shown that dedication this year by switching to play for a stronger club, even though it means commuting all the way to Pittsburgh.  Her improvements in just one year have been tremendous and it is certainly exciting knowing she will be a key player for us for years to come.”

“The 2006 class is a great recruiting class,” Lantagne Welch added. “We look forward to joining them with our experienced returners for an outstanding 2006 season.”

The Hurricanes open the 2006 season at the Alabama Tournament which will be held August 25-26 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.