SEATTLE, Wash. - Shannon Ellis, head women's volleyball coach at Seattle University, has announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent as well as a third player to an athletic aid agreement to come to the university and join the volleyball program beginning in the fall of 2007.
Janet Beckerman is a 6'4" right side hitter from Bellevue, Wash., who was a First Team All-State performer at Bellevue Christian High School. She played for Seattle University assistant coach Hue Ong on the Sudden Impact club squad.
"Janet brings not only size but also strength to our team," Ellis said. "As our team keeps improving, she will elevate our play immediately with her presence on the court."
Jamie Mellies, a native of Henderson, Nev., was a three-time All-Conference selection while playing at Silverado High School under Rachel Blair. She led the Skyhawks to undefeated regular seasons three consecutive years and helped the team earn an 18-1 record and reach the state finals in 2006. The 5'10" setter was also an All-Conference honoree in soccer and earned the team's best defensive player award in basketball.
"Jamie has the mental toughness to help the program advance to the next level. She is a gifted athlete who, once she learns our systems and techniques, should become our leader on the court," said Ellis.
Coming to Seattle University after signing an athletic aid agreement, Heather Gerke will look to continue the tradition of top-notch defensive specialists at Seattle University. As the libero for Clackamas Community College, she led her team to the finals of the NWAACC Tournament and was named to the All-Tournament Team. A native of Prineville, Ore., Gerke was also a member of the NWAACC All-Academic Team and two-time South Region Defensive Player of the Week.
"Heather is not only a great volleyball player, but she is also a wonderful person," Ellis said. "She has big shoes to fill, coming after Maggie Safranski and Melissa Mulick, but she is capable of taking on a leadership role with this squad immediately."
These three incoming student-athletes will join 11 players coming back from the 2006 squad that finished 18-9 overall. The Redhawk volleyball team was ranked in the top ten of the Pacific Region for most of the 2006 season and nearly qualified for the NCAA Tournament.