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April 15, 2008

BEAUMONT - Cynthia McCollum, Ali Meyer, Bailey Smith and Courtney Trevino have signed national letters-of-intent to continue their education and play volleyball at Lamar University, announced head Coach Justin Gibert.

McCollum, a 6-0 outside hitter from Northwest High School in Ft. Worth, Texas, comes to Lamar with three years of varsity volleyball experience under her belt. She spent the 2007 as the captain of her high school team that posted a 9-4 record.

"Cynthia is a terrific athlete that is coming into her own as a volleyball player," Gibert said. "She has been a multi-sport athlete at the high school level and will rapidly improve as she takes her solid fundamental base and raises that to the collegiate level. We look for her to make an impact this season at the left side and know that she will continue to improve all year and be at her best come playoff time."

Smith, a 5-4 libero from Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Ariz., will join the Lady Cardinals with four years of varsity volleyball experience. Last year she led her team in service aces and digs and was second on the team is assists. She earned first team all region honors three times, was named all-state honorable mention one time and was named the varsity MVP two times.

She also has seven years of club volleyball experience, playing three years with the AZ Thunder and four years with the Arizona Volleyball Academy.

"Bailey is a phenomenal back court player," Gibert said. She is a rare talent that is vocal and understands how to assert a leadership role as a libero. She can play aggressive defense as well as be a leader in our serve receive pattern. We look for her to be able to make a quick transition to the collegiate level and make a significant impact on the defensive side of the ball this next season."

Trevino, a 6-0 outside hitter from Bowie High School in Austin, Texas, comes to Lamar after averaging 4.5 kills, four digs, two blocks, one service ace and one assist per game last year. She played three years of varsity volleyball, earning first team all district honors all three years and as a junior she was named the best offensive player of district 25-5A. She also played club volleyball for the Austin Juniors.

"Courtney is one of the best all-around volleyball players that we have recruited in my tenure here at Lamar. She has a high volleyball IQ, and that combined with a strong lefty hand and solid ball control will allow her to make an impact in all areas of the game. We look for her to be able to solidify our serve receive, intensify our team defense, as well as give us that left handed dimension at the net."

Meyer, a 5-11 outside hitter from Cy Falls High School in Houston, Texas, joins LU after earning first team all district honors her sophomore and junior years in school. She also played club volleyball for five years and attended the junior Olympics for three years.

"Ali made the transition a couple years ago from being a middle blocker to being a left side hitter and that is a testament to her athleticism," Gibert said. "She is a fantastic offensive player and will give us needed experience and power on the left side early in her career. We look for her to make an immediate impact with her front row play as she continues to transition and develop her all-around game."

McCollum, Meyer, Smith and Trevino join Ashley Fey who signed to play for the Lady Cards in the fall.