Head Coach Ed Allen signed four players to the 2008 roster, two of which have already enrolled at TU. |
 |
Volleyball Adds Four Players to 2008 Roster
Jan. 30, 2008
Tulsa, Okla. - The University of Tulsa volleyball program used the momentum of its first-ever NCAA appearance to sign four recruits to the 2008 roster. Freshmen Kelsey Hancock and Rachel Vukson, in addition to juniors Julia Kenealy and Jennifer Eichler are the newest additions to the Golden Hurricane program.
Hancock posted 458 kills to go along with 174 service aces for the Bulldogs of Edmond Memorial High School. She earned All-State honors while also being named the Class 6A state tournament Most Valuable Player and the Gatorade State Player of the Year. In addition to being named to a pair of all-tournament teams, Hancock also earned all-city and all-city Player of the Year honors. She also helped EMHS to a pair of state championships.
"Kelsey is a dynamic, aggressive, and competitive player that hits a heavy ball," said Allen. "She will challenge for time immediately on the outside, in large part due to her high school and club training helping her to step into that role."
Transferring to TU from Iowa Western Community College, Kenealy set school records in hitting percentage for a season (.488) and career blocks (412) while helping lead the Reivers to a national title and a seventh place finish. She posted 524 kills and 187 blocks as a sophomore at IWCC, while earning Second Team All-America honors. Kenealy was also a member of the National Academic Team and Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2006, in addition to being an academic All-American.
"Julia brings a big time frame and physical presence at the net which anchor our defense over the next two years," Allen said. "She is a kid who is quite familiar with what is required to win championships."
A native of Oakville, Ontario, Vukson becomes the first Canadian to be a member of the Golden Hurricane volleyball program. She was a member of the Ontario provincial team as well as being a two-time national team member. Her teams have won five straight medals at both the provincial and national championships. Vukson is in her final year at St. Ignatius of Loyla High School in Oakville.
|
|
 |
"Rachel is a gifted athlete that brings great size to the setting position," added Allen. "She is an extremely versatile player who has the ability to bang the ball as well. Considered by many to be one of the top setters in Canada, Rachel is expected to immediately impact the program."
Joining Kenealy at TU for the spring semester is Eichler, a transfer from Western Nebraska Community College. Eichler helped lead the Cougars to a 54-2 record in 2007 and an NJCAA national title. She was a second-team All-American, leading the team in kills (489) while also earning all-conference and all-region honors as well. Her 135 total blocks also ranked second on the squad.
"Julia is a hard hitting right side player that will also make a formidable blocker on defense," said Allen. "She has come from a competitive junior college experience which will enable her to make the transition to this level easily. She will provide championship experience and leadership for a young team."
