Dec. 12, 2001

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford University Head volleyball coach Vickie Nichols has announced the signing of three players who will join the Bulldog squad in 2002.

Alyssa Whitehead, a 5-11 outside hitter from Northwest-Shoals Community College, will enroll at Samford in January to participate in spring practices with the Bulldogs. Whitehead was a first-team Junior College All-American after being named to the All-National Tournament Team and the All-Region XXII team. She posted 1,100 kills in two seasons at Northwest Shoals shattering the school's career record. This past season she posted a .343 hitting percentage and a 3.8 kills-per-game mark. She also had 465 digs last season. "Alyssa will be a great fit for this team," says Nichols. "She has the determination and ability to win at any level."

Shannon Cay Smith, a 6-0 outside hitter from Orlando, Fla., led her Orlando Volleyball Academy team in kills, solo blocks, digs, and aces as a junior. She earned First-Team All-County and All-Metro honors as a junior at West Orange High School. Smith could also play middle blocker for the Bulldogs. Nichols likes her versatility. "Shannon has a strong arm and has spent time in the middle and on the outside, says Nichols. "That flexibility will be very useful during a long season."

Courtney Keen, a 6-1 right-side player from Nashville, Tenn., rounds out the 2002 class. Keen has earned All-District honors from 1998-2000 at Christ Presbyterian Academy. She is a solid blocker and is left-handed, which will give her an advantage on the right side. "Courtney has great potential and learns quickly," says Nichols.

"The incoming class is exciting for us," said Nichols. "All three athletes bring with them a desire to take this program to the next level."