Jayhawks Sign Mazour & Williams

Nov. 9, 2005

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

University of Kansas head volleyball coach Ray Bechard announced Wednesday the signing of Paige Mazour (Franklin, Neb.) and Brittany Williams (Atlanta, Ga.) to National Letters of Intent. Mazour, a 6-1 middle blocker/outside hitter out of Franklin High School, and Williams, a 6-1 middle blocker from Marist School, will join the Jayhawks in 2006.

Mazour (pronounced Muh-ZOO-er) is a four-year letterwinner and all-state selection at Franklin. As a junior, Mazour posted 457 kills and 87 blocks for the Flyers and set a school record with 30 kills in a single match.

“Paige is a very versatile player and will fit in to a number of positions here at Kansas,” Bechard said. “She is a dynamic athlete and we are very excited about the impact she can have at the net for us and from a defensive standpoint.”

Williams, who attended high school in New Orleans her first three and a half years, transferred to Marist in Atlanta a week after her family lost their home to Hurricane Katrina. Williams came in halfway through the season and helped Marist to a runner-up finish in the Georgia state championship, contributing 1.56 kills per game.

“Brittany’s personality and work ethic made her transition to our team a smooth one,” Marist head coach Anna Bush said. “She will be a great addition to the Kansas program.”

“Brittany has great lateral quickness and can attack the ball from a variety of spots at the net,” Bechard said. “She will be a big impact for us and will be at the same level as many Big 12-type athletes as a freshman.”

“In this class of signees, we gained good athleticism and size, which is what we will be graduating this year,” Bechard added. “Paige and Brittany will help fill the voids of the departing seniors and we are excited about both of these athletes.”

Kansas will lose three seniors — starters Josi Lima, Andi Rozum and Paula Caten — to graduation this season. The Jayhawks (13-11, 5-10 Big 12) face Oklahoma Wednesday at 7 p.m in Norman.

– KU –