Texas Tech University Athletics
VOLLEYBALL SIGNS FOUR RECRUITS FOR THE FALL
May 06, 2009 | Women's Volleyball
May 6, 2009
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech head women's volleyball coach Trish Knight has announced the signing of Miara Cave, Aleah Hayes, Michelle Kuester and Alexxa Roberts to national letters of intent for the fall of 2009.
Cave is a 6'-1" opposite hitter from San Antonio, Texas (Roosevelt). She has been a three-year starter and was twice named to the all-district team. She not only excels in volleyball but is a standout on the track as well. Cave was crowned the district champion in the 300M hurdles, high jump and was a member of the mile relay. She has qualified for the regional meet every year. Cave also plays club volleyball for the Alamo Volleyball Association.
"Miara is a great athlete and has tremendous potential. She is an incredibly strong blocker and a lefty, which makes her the perfect fit to play opposite for us next season," said Knight. "We are very excited about her. As she gains experience and maturity, she will really be a fun player to watch."
Hayes is a 5'-8 libero from Ozark, Mo. She was named second team all-state, first team all-district and first team all-conference this last season. The multi-sport athlete is also a state-qualifier in swimming and diving as well and track and field. Hayes is valedictorian of her class and will graduate with a 4.0 grade-point average. She plays club team with the Springfield Juniors Volleyball.
"Aleah is a versatile player and a really good athlete," said Knight about Hayes, who she plans to place at libero. "She has very good knowledge of the game and will be a good leader."
Kuester is a 6'-2" middle blocker form Norfolk, Neb. (Norfolk Catholic High School). She spent one season at Iowa Western Community College, where she led the team to a fourth place finish at the NJCAA National tournament. Kuester hit .404 during the season and collected 217 blocks, which ranks her fifth in school history in a single season. She will pursue a degree in psychology at Tech. Kuester has a familiarity with the coaching staff as she played under current Tech assistant Terry Gamble and Becky Versepej at IWCC.
"With her athletic ability and work ethic, she will certainly be an asset to this team and give us some much needed flexibility," said coach Knight. "I expect her to help set the tone for how hard we work as a team."
Roberts is a 6'-1" middle blocker and outside hitter from Carrolton, Texas (Newman Smith High School) and comes to Tech from Frank Phillips College. She was a first team All-American and AVCA All-American during the 2008 season. During her sophomore campaign, she scored 302 kills with a .417 hitting percentage. Roberts average almost three kills per set (2.8). She will pursue a degree in psychology at Tech.
"Alexxa is another gifted athlete that we think could play multiple positions," said Knight. "Alexxa brings much needed blocking ability and is a dynamic attacker."
Add the athleticism of these four young ladies, last year's standout and recently-named member of the 2009 USA Women's Junior National Team Amanda Dowdy, and the presence at the net this fall should be an asset for the 2009 Red Raider Volleyball team.
Overall, coach Knight is very impressed with the recruiting class and believes these players will have a tremendous impact on the program. Cave, Kuester, Roberts and Dowdy can each touch 10' and will be a presence at the net.
"We are very excited about this recruiting class. They are all athletic, strong academically, hard workers, and they all exhibit great attitudes," said Knight. "They will help us bring this program to where we want it to be."
