Seattle University head volleyball coach James Finley has announced that two student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent during the recent April signing period to attend the University and join the Redhawk volleyball program starting in the 2014-15 academic year.
Shelby Babcock (Chandler, Ariz.) is a 5’8” defensive specialist from Hamilton High School, where she was a three-year member and two-year starter for the varsity volleyball team. She helped the Huskies reach the state tournament in each of the past three seasons, advancing all the way to the state championship match this past season. An All-District selection in her senior year, Babcock has also helped her club team advance to the national tournament in each of the last three years.
"Shelby brings a high IQ along with her skill as a passer and defender. We will enjoy Shelby competing when she walks in the gym. As a strong student and a solid player, she will provide a challenge to everyone," said Finley.
Francesca Manz (Las Vegas, Nev.) is a 6’1” outside hitter about to graduate from Bishop Gorman High School. A First Team All-Conference selection during her senior season, she led the Gaels to their third straight appearance in the regional championship match, as well as advancing to the state semifinals this past season, where she collected 24 kills against Coronado High School. She also participated on the school’s track and field team in 2012, winning the regional title in the high jump and qualifying for the Junior Olympics.
“Francesca is a dynamic athlete who brings quickness and a great jump to our team. She not only was a standout volleyball player in high school, but quickly established herself as a star in the high jump and triple jump. We are looking forward to her continued development within our program,” Finley said.
Babcock and Manz will join Jelena Vujcin (Becej, Serbia) as newcomers to the Redhawk volleyball program in August. Vujcin, who signed an NLI in November, is a 6’3” opposite/middle hitter currently playing for NIS Spartak in the top volleyball league in Serbia. Last year, she helped her team finish in second place in the league, and the squad was looking to advance to the league finals this season.
The Seattle University volleyball team finished with a 9-7 record within the Western Athletic Conference and advanced to the semifinals of the WAC Tournament during the 2013 season. Among the returners for the 2014 campaign are WAC Freshman of the Year Iris Ivanis, Second Team All-WAC and All-WAC Tournament honoree Martina Samadan, and WAC All-Freshman Team member Kerry Lane.