HAMMOND – The Southeastern Louisiana volleyball program has added three student-athletes for the 2010 season, Lady Lion head volleyball coach
Julie Langford announced on Monday.
The newest Lady Lions are outside hitter Stephanie Mueller (Columbia, Ill.), setter Lindsey Young (Pelham, Ala.) and middle blocker Kinsey Williams (Cummings, Ga.). The incoming freshman will join a team that returns a solid corps, including All-Southland Conference libero
Alex Greer, along with
Allison Jones,
Arianne Cruckshank,
Courtney Donald,
Taylor Buckner and
Alexis Braghini.
A multi-time All-Cahokia Conference and All-Area at Columbia High School, Mueller will be looked on to fill the void left by 2009 seniors
Lauren Mayer and
Jessica Srajer. As a senior, she led her conference with 301 kllls (4.12 kills per set). She has spent the past two seasons gaining valuable club experience with the Southwest Illinois Juniors.
A well-rounded student-athlete, Mueller is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council along with several extra-curricular activities. A Who’s Who’s Among American High School Students member, Mueller is in the top 10 percent of her class with a 3.897 grade point average.
“Stephanie will add size to an already large front row,” Langford commented. “Her long arms and lateral quickness make her a strong blocker and effective attacker at the net. She has a steady passing and defensive platform, so I am looking forward to seeing her develop into a primary back row player over time. Her personality is a great fit for our team and I am looking forward to coaching her here at Southeastern. Stephanie excels in the classroom and will continue the tradition of academic excellence our team remains so consistently focused on.”
Young has been part of one of Alabama’s top programs, as Pelham High School has won two regional titles, three area championships and two top three state finishes. A two-time All-State selection, Young earned the Best Setter award at the University of Purdue Camp in 2008. Young, who lettered four years in basketball at Pelham, will combine with Cruckshank to give Southeastern a solid setting duo.
“Lindsey is a court savvy setter with a flawless release and consistent ball placement,” Langford said. “She run a quick tempo offense which will fit in well with the improvements we were able to make this year to our offense. Lindsey brings a solid blocking presence at the net and is an aggressive defender from the back court. She’s already blended well with her future teammates here and I am looking forward to working with her over the next four years.”
Rounding out the class is Williams, who has earned All-Region honors at South Forsyth High School in each of the past two seasons. She has also earned All-County honors in each of her four seasons and the team’s Most Valuable Player in each of the past three years. As a freshman, she earned team Freshman of the Year honors. She was also a member of the A5 Volleyball Club team.
"Kinsey is no stranger to success at a high level on the court," Langford said. "She has the benefit of having played more than one positiion over the years so her versatility is a plus. Primarily a middle blocker, she has good lateral movement and puts up a solid block consistently across the net. Her lean frame and long arms combine to make her an aggressive attacker as well. Kinsey has all the tools to have an immediate impact."
With Mueller, Young and Williams, Southeastern expects to continue their steady improvement. The 2009 Lady Lions made a return to the Southland Conference Tournament for the first time since 2002.
2010 Southeastern Louisiana Volleyball Signing Class
Stephanie Mueller, 6-0, RS, Columbia, Ill. (Coulmbia HS)
Kinsey Williams, 6-1, MB, Cumming, Ga. (South Forsyth HS)
Lindsey Young, 5-10, S, Pelham, Ala. (Pelham HS)