Volleyball Signs Two For 2008-09
Nov. 16, 2007
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Kansas volleyball head coach Ray Bechard announced Friday that Allison Mayfield and Nicole Tate have signed national letters of intent to play at Kansas starting in the 2008-09 academic year.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
A Kansas native, Mayfield comes from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park where she was a four year letterwinner in volleyball and track and field for the Saints. The 6-1 hitter helped lead St. Thomas Aquinas to back-to-back state titles in 2006 and 2007 where she was selected to the all-state tournament first team both years. Mayfield is also an all-state first team selection and recipient of the 2007 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. This past year, Mayfield was a finalist for the Evelyn Gates award, an award granted to the top volleyball player in the Kansas City area. In addition to her volleyball talents, Mayfield is also a standout track and field athlete who is a three-time state champion in the high jump.
“We are extremely excited to have Allison join our team,” said Bechard. “She is a six-rotation player who blocks well and has great back row skills. She is the type of player that is difficult to find in today’s volleyball field where there is so much position specialization. She will add immediately to the team.”
A 5-10 setter out of St. Louis, Mo., Tate was ranked the 36th top player in the class of 2008 by Prepvolleyball.com. While at Lindbergh High School, Tate was a three-time all-region selection and became the first player in Lindbergh volleyball history to be named all-state her senior year. Tate played club ball for St. Louis CYC where she was named to the Junior Olympics all-tournament team three years in a row from 2005-07.
“Nicole has good size and good quickness as well as great leadership skills,” said Bechard. “She is very comfortable with a 5-1 system and is capable of running a complex offense. She is a great addition to the program and has a great opportunity to contribute to the team from the setter position.”
“Allison and Nicole are both quality student-athletes that will represent Kansas well over the next four years,” Bechard added. “They are great kids on and off the court.”
