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Volleyball Adds Three For Fall 2009
April 29, 2009
(San Francisco) - Gilad Doron, head coach the of USF Volleyball team, has announced the sign of three future Dons to National Letters of Intent. The three signees are Jordan Irish (Edmonds, Wash.), Hadley Simmons (Santa Barbara, Calif.), and Alycia Cox (San Antonio, Texas). All three will wear the Green and Gold during the upcoming 2009 season.
"This incoming class, including our two fall signees - Leanna Ludes & Lauren Bergold, is the tallest, strongest and most experienced class we have brought in during my three years on the Hilltop," said Doron. "Despite the vast differences in backgrounds, this eclectic group is all united by the passion and dream to play for San Francisco."
Irish will come to the Hilltop from King's School in Edmonds, Wash. As a member of the 2008 Knights' volleyball team, Irish won a State 1A Championship. During the title game, she recorded 18 kills, eight blocks en route to hitting over .600 during the entire tournament. In addition to playing for King's, Irish is a member of the Washington Volleyball Academy.
"Physically, Jordan is a Division I athlete," commented Doron on the 6-2 middle blocker. "She possesses all the tools to be successful in the West Coast Conference and at the national level. We are excited to get her into the gym and improving her overall game."
Simmons, a 6-1 middle blocker, joins USF from Santa Barbara High in Santa Barbara, Calif. As a key member of the Dons, Simmons led her team to the Channel League Championship Title, while advancing on to the State playoffs, and a state ranking of seventh place. In addition to playing for Santa Barbara High, Simmons is a member of the Santa Barbara Volleyball Club.
"Hadley comes from a school and community, steeped in volleyball tradition," Doron said. "Thanks to her background, she knows what it takes to succeed and is driven to be the next great volleyball player to hail from Santa Barbara."
Cox comes to San Francisco from Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas. As a senior, the 6-1 outside hitter led the Chargers to the Area Championship, the Bi-District 26 - 5 A Championship and a Region IV Quarterfinal appearance. Cox has also garnered multiple individual accolades, including 5A All-State, All-Area 5A First Team and First Team 26-5A Unanimous All-District First Team honors. She was also one of 24 athletes selected to play in the 40th annual Texas Girls Coaches Association East-West Volleyball All-Star Game. In addition to playing for Churchill, Cox is a member of Extec Volleyball Club.
"With her high volleyball IQ, Alyica will likely make an immediate impact to the team," added Doron. "Thanks to her strong ball control, she has the capabilities of competing right away."
