Miami Volleyball Lands Three Recruits
Jan. 3, 2007
Coral Gables, Fla. – University of Miami head volleyball coach Nicole Lantagne Welch announced the addition of three new players to the recruiting class of 2007 as Ariell Cooke, Katie Gallagher, and Christine Williamson signed their National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Miami in the fall.
Lantagne Welch said the three players bring high-level club playing experience, great athleticism, and a huge desire to make an impact for the best of the team.
“This class is a great combination of some of the best from the state of Florida along with an incredible player all the way from California. I look for all three of these student-athletes to challenge our current players immediately upon arrival and help take Miami Volleyball to new heights during the course of their careers.”
Cooke, a 6’0 middle blocker and four-year varsity letter winner from Bishop O’Dowd High School, hails to the University of Miami from San Leandro, Calif. A three-time first-team all-league player, Cooke has led her team to four championships in the Hayward Athletic Association League (HAAL). Since she was a freshman, Cooke has been regarded as one of the top recruits in the country, earning such honors as Prepvolleyball.com’s top 50 high school freshman of 2003, and top High School sophomores of 2004. Cooke was named a top 50 recruit for the class of 2007 by Prepvolleyball.com as she appeared on their “senior aces” list this fall at #53.
“Ariell is an exceptional middle blocker who has challenged herself by playing at the highest levels in club and the USA programs over the past several years”, said Lantagne Welch. “She is a smooth middle with great lateral speed allowing her to close the block from antenna to antenna. Not only is she a huge defensive threat with her blocking, she is quick on transition and has the ability to score on every type of quick set.”
On the national stage, Cooke’s experience has been fostered through her involvement with the Golden Bear volleyball club where she has played for the past six years. Cooke was selected to the US A3 High Performance team in 2003 and 2004, and most recently a member of the 2005 Junior National A2 program.
Gallagher, a 5’11” setter from Winter Park, Florida has helped lead Lake Highland Preparatory School to three consecutive State Championships and four straight final four appearances. She has proven to be one of the state’s most consistent and successful setters. In her high school career, Lake Highland posted a cumulative record of 108-16. Gallagher finished her high school career as Lake Highland’s all-time assists leader.
“Katie has a great deal of experience as a setter”, Lantagne Welch commented. “If there is one thing that stands out about Katie it is that her teams always win. She delivers a beautiful outside set and has the knack of knowing when to set who at the right time to get the point. Along with her very good defense, overall she just has a game savy that shows when she’s on the court.”
Gallagher plays club volleyball for the Orlando Volleyball Academy, one of the premier teams in the Southeast. Katie has helped OVA to a number of tournament titles as well as runner-up finishes at the US Junior Olympics and the AAU National Championship. Gallagher was selected to the US National High Performance second team and was named an AAU All-American.
Williamson comes to Miami from Plant High School in Tampa, Fla. The 5’11 outside/middle hitter will be joining the Canes after an outstanding high school career that included three state championships, over 900 kills and all-state selections in 2004, 2005, and 2006. In addition, Williamson was named to first team all state 5A this year, and earned all-conference honors every year since 2003.
“Christine is a spirited and fluid athlete who should help make an impact on the outside hitting position”, Lantagne Welch stated. “She has a great jump that allows her to attack high and in all directions. She already has a solid base for all around skills and makes plays in the back court simply with her athleticism. Her past experiences, playing both outside and middle, makes her extremely versatile. She has the ability to develop into an outstanding outside hitter.”
Prepvolleyball.com ranked Williamson 80th on their “senior aces” list of the Top 100 senior recruits. During the 2005 season she was honored as first-team all-state 5A and in 2004 first-team all-state 1A. She was also named the St. Pete Times All Suncoast Player of the Year and Hillsborough Country player of the year.
On the National level, Williamson was awarded AAU All American in 2005, earned USAV Junior Olympics All Tournament honors, and was a member of the Youth National Training Team in 2004. Williamson is also a member of the Tampa Bay Juniors club team.
This summer, all three players will join the Miami squad to begin summer practice to prepare for the fall season.
Miami Volleyball 2007 Recruiting Class:
Arielle Cooke
6’0, Middle Blocker
San Leandro, Calif.
(Bishop O’Dowd High School)
Club Team: Golden Bear Volleyball Club
Katie Gallagher
5’11, Setter
Winter Park, Fla.
(Lake Highland Preparatory School)
Club Team: Orlando Volleyball Academy
Christine Williamson
5’11, Outside/Middle Hitter
Tampa, Fla.
(Plant High School)
Club Team: Tampa Bay Juniors
