Gandara Announces @CanesVB Signees
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami head volleyball coach Jose “Keno” Gandara is pleased to announce the Hurricanes’ 2013 signing class.
The Canes add four gifted student-athletes to a talent-rich program: two outside hitters, a setter and a middle blocker. Gandara is looking forward to what the newest Hurricanes will add to the program.
“We are excited to welcome these players to our program,” Gandara said. “They all have the ability to come in and have an immediate impact on the team and we expect them help us in some capacity right away. They are all talented in their respective positions, but one thing they have in common is a deep passion for Miami and we want that in our kids. They know The U is a special place and we can’t wait for them to get on campus and get to work.”
Sylvia Hernandez, Outside Hitter, 5-foot-10 (Miami, Fla./Westminster Christian School)
A star at Westminster Christian, Hernandez has been a team captain for the Warriors since her sophomore season. Hernandez helped the Warriors capture the 2013 Florida Class 3A state championship, defeating five-time defending state champion Orlando First Academy. Named the Miami Herald Player of the Year in both 2011 and 2012, Hernandez has earned first team All-Dade since her freshman season and will likely have a spot among the best in the county when the 2013 team is announced later this year. Hernandez is a two-time winner of “La Copa Dorada,” an award given annually to Miami-Dade County’s top Hispanic athletes. Hernandez has also been a standout for her club team, helping Miami Elite place second at Nationals and second at the Colorado Crossroads tournament. She has also played for Team Florida at the USA Volleyball High Performance Championships, winning a silver medal as a freshman.
“I committed to Miami because I was born and raised here and have wanted to attend the University of Miami since I was little. I grew up going to many of the university’s sporting events and riding my bike around campus. Also, both of my parents graduated from UM. Miami has a lot to offer athletically and academically and I am very excited for the coming years.”
Brooke McDermott, Outside Hitter, 6-foot-1 (Miami, Fla./TERRA Environmental Research Institute)
McDermott has been a model student-athlete in her high school career. A star for TERRA Environmental Research Institute, McDermott has been team captain all four years at TERRA. McDermott earned first team All-Dade honors in 2012 and is likely to be selected to the 2013 when it is released later this year. The standout outside hitter carried TERRA to a district championship in 2013 and earned the distinction of Scholar-Athlete of the Month in Sept. 2013. In 2011, McDermott was selected third team All-Dade for her play at TERRA and helped her club team win a silver medal at the 2011 Junior Nationals in Atlanta, Ga. A star for both Miami Elite and Boomers on the club volleyball circuit, McDermott made the All-Tournament team at Nationals in both 2011 and 2012. She also played for Team Florida in the High Performance Championships in both 2012 and 2013. Beyond her stellar play on the volleyball court, McDermott is also a star in badminton, earning first team All-Dade honors in 2012 and helping TERRA win the GMAC Championship in 2013. In the classroom, McDermott has made the honor roll numerous times and is in the running for a prestigious Silver Knight Award.
“I committed to Miami because I am familiar and comfortable with the environment, as well as the program. After attending my first volleyball camp there at the age of 12, I knew it was a great fit for me. From then on I’ve worked to make this dream a reality and here I am! I want to put myself in a place to succeed not only athletically, but also academically. I believe the University of Miami will put me in a great spot to reach that goal. I look forward to this great opportunity.”
Sakile Simmons, Middle Blocker, 6-foot-1 (Houston, Texas/St. Agnes Academy)
Simmons joins the Hurricanes after excelling on and off the court at St. Agnes Academy in Houston. An honor student at St. Agnes, the star middle blocker helped the Tigers reach the State Final Four in 2012. Simmons has also racked up numerous individual accolades, earning first team All-District in 2011 and 2012. She was named to the TAPPS Class 5A All-State second team in 2011 and earned first team honors in 2012. Simmons also was selected to the TAPPS Class 5A All-Tournament First Team in 2012 for her stellar play in the state playoffs. She has also been a star for her club team, AVA ROX, helping them win the Cross Count Classic.
“I committed to Miami because I love the campus, the coaches and the academic opportunities that I will be provided with. I cannot wait to get on campus! GO CANES!”
Haley Templeton, Setter, 6-foot (Alpharetta, Ga./Chattahoochee HS)
Templeton has been a standout setter for both her high school and club volleyball teams. The Alpharetta, Ga., native was named the Georgia 6A Setter of the Year in both 2012 and 2013 and earned a spot on the Georgia All-State Team each of her four years of high school. The 2013 Georgia Player of the Year, Templeton helped carry the Chattahoochee High volleyball team to the state finals in 2010 and 2013. She also helped the team reach the state semifinals in 2011. A two-time team MVP at Chattahoochee High, Templeton holds the Georgia state record in career assists (4,547) and assists/game (9.1). She also earned a coveted spot on the 2013 Under Armour All-America First Team. Templeton was also a star for A5 Volleyball in Roswell, Ga., earning AAU All-America honors twice and being named one of Prepvolleyball’s Senior Aces in 2013. In the classroom, Templeton was named a Scholastic All-American three times and earned a spot on the honor roll all four years of high school.
“I committed to Miami because I love the location, the team and the quality of the education.”
Hernandez McDermott, Simmons and Templeton will all join the Hurricanes prior to the 2014 season.
For all the latest information on Miami Hurricanes volleyball, follow the official Twitter feed, @CanesVB, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/UMVolleyball.
