@CanesVB Adds Samantha Purnell
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami volleyball program announced the addition of Samantha Purnell to the Hurricane volleyball family.
A middle blocker from Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, Va., Purnell earned All-Loudoun County,All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors in 2015. Purnell intends to major in business at Miami.
“My ultimate dream was to play volleyball for Miami,” Purnell said. “It’s the reason I chose to play volleyball and I am excited for the opportunity to be a Hurricane.”
The addition of Purnell means the Hurricanes have six newcomers joining the team in 2015 with Purnell joining fall signees Lucia Pampana and Kolby Bird, as well as spring signees Olga Strantzali, Codi Lee and Anna Haak.
The Hurricanes bring back 10 players from a 2014 squad that finished 22-9 and reached the second round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, falling to No. 8 Florida in a hard-fought four-set battle.
Miami brings back five of seven starters from the 2014 team. Seniors Taylor Scott and Kalysta White will be joined by junior Kelsie Groot and sophomores Sakile Simmons and Haley Templeton, whom was named the 2014 ACC Freshman of the year, as key returners heading into 2015.
Senior Caitilin Donahoe and sophomores Sylvia Hernandez, Michele Marenus and Brooke McDermott also made contributions for the Hurricanes in 2014, while 2013 All-ACC selection Alexis Mourning is back on the court for her final season after redshirting in the 2014 season.
Miami opens the 2015 season on August 28 against Illinois State. The match, which begins at 7 p.m., is the first of three the Hurricanes will play in the season-opening Hurricane Invitational at the James L. Knight Sports Complex on the University of Miami campus.
For all the latest information on Miami Hurricanes volleyball, follow the official Twitter feed, @CanesVB, or “Like Us” on Facebook at facebook.com/UMVolleyball. The program is also on Instagram.
