May 24, 2006 - Broncs Sign Eight

May 24, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rider Volleyball Signs 8

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rider University volleyball team has added eight recruits to the 2006 roster, Rider head coach Emily Ahlquist announced.

Holly Ahern of Cranford, Shannon Bures of Shelton, CT, Alex Chapla of Aliquippa, PA, Tara Hansen of Beachwood, Brittany Hayes of Mitchelleville, MD, Amy Jeary of Depew, NY, Jenna Landis of Brinklow, MD and JoAnna Winter of Hamburg, MN, have committed to further their educations and athletic careers at Rider.

“I am very excited about this incoming class,” said Ahlquist, the 2004 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. “They are all smart, athletic student-athletes who will make instant contributions to this year’s team.”

Winter, a senior at Mayer Lutheran High School, earned All-State and State Playoff All-Tournament team honors, while being named the MVP of the Minnesota River Conference and the Conference Scholar Athlete.  “JoAnna is a natural setter,” said Ahlquist.  “She makes great court decisions.” Winter compiled over 900 assists at Mayer Lutheran, and also played for the Heartland Volleyball Club volleyball team.

Bures, a senior at Shelton High School, was a Connecticut Senior All-Star, earning first team All-SCC and second team All-State honors as a setter, while maintaining membership in the National Honor Society.  “Shannon is a great court leader and will contribute to the team from the start.” said Ahlquist.

Chapla, a senior at Center Area High School, was a first team All-Section and third team All-W.P.I.A.L. varsity starter while being on Student Council, National Honor Society and Teen Leadership groups.  Chapla also is a standout track athlete.  “Alex is a skilled middle and a tenacious blocker,” said Ahlquist.

Hayes, a senior at Elizabeth Seton High School, earned first team All-WCAC, first team All-County and second team All-MET honors as a middle and outside hitter.  “Brittany has great athletic ability and she can play anywhere, allowing us to be diverse in our offense,” said Ahlquist.

Ahern is a senior at Cranford High School, where she served as team captain and libero as a senior.

Hansen, a senior at Toms River High School South, was twice named to the Shore Conference Volleyball Tournament Team and was a member of the Star Ledger All Shore Volleyball Team her senior year as an outside hitter. Hansen was captain and team MVP for both volleyball and basketball, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Jeary, a senior at St. Mary’s High School, twice earned first team All-Catholic League honors, leading her squad to the NYSCHS State Championship, and was named to the All-Western New York first team for small schools. Jeary played on nationals teams for WNY Storm Volleyball and Niagara Frontier Volleyball

Landis, a senior at Chapelgate High School, earned All-Metro honors as well as academic honor roll.

-RU-