During the early signing period in November, four student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent to attend and join the volleyball program beginning in the 2008-09 academic year, announced recently by head volleyball coach Shannon Ellis.
“Once again, we welcome an outstanding group of women to the volleyball program. All four of these women represent the very best in athletics. They are strong students who put academics first, and they have shown to be of strong character in their communities. They have chosen to come to and I believe it is a perfect match,” Ellis said.
Megan Augustavo, from Shoreline, , continues a family tradition both in collegiate athletics and at . The 5’5” setter and defensive specialist is a three-time team MVP and all-league performer and led to the 2006 3A state championship, when she was named first team all-state. Her father Dave was a soccer player at , her sister Stephanie plays volleyball at , and her cousin Tori Ross has been a member of the SU volleyball team for the past three years.
“I believe that Megan can do everything on the court,” said Ellis. “She has a great understanding of the game and wonderful intensity. She will make a big impact.”
A 6’0” outside hitter and middle blocker, Kaytlyn Dill is a three-sport athlete at , participating in basketball and track as well as volleyball. Dill, a native of Bothell, Wash., has served as captain for two years and earned both the team MVP and most inspirational awards as well as first team all-WesCo honors. This spring she will play club volleyball with the .
“Kaytlyn has a fast arm and will bring some firepower to our attack. She is a dynamic athlete and a wonderful teammate,” Ellis said.
Another three-sport athlete, Jordan Keller helped win back-to-back district championships, leading the team to a fourth-place finish in the state in 2007. The 6’2” middle blocker from , also comes from an athletic background, as her mother Michelle played volleyball at Pacific Lutheran. A member of the USA Volleyball Regional High Performance Team in 2006 and 2007, Keller will play for the Island Thunder volleyball club this spring.
“ has outstanding court presence; her size, athleticism, and fire will add greatly to our team. I expect her to be a major contributor early in her career,” Ellis said.
Cristin Richards, a 6’0” outside hitter and middle blocker, played four years on the varsity squad at , and the team never lost a league game during that time, compiling a 49-0 league record. Richards is a three-time all-state honoree and was named 2A state MVP as well as league MVP after helping her team finish second in the 2007 2A state tournament. A native of , Richards will play for the South Sound Ohana volleyball club this spring.
“Cristin is an outstanding athlete with a tremendous competitive spirit. I am so excited to bring her into our gym and see all that she can do,” Ellis said.
These four newcomers will join nine players from the 2007 roster expected to return next year. The squad will play mostly Division I schools in 2008 as the department begins the transition to NCAA Division I.