April 11, 2008
WACO, Texas -
The Baylor volleyball team has signed five players during the spring signing period it was announced by head coach Jim Barnes on Friday. Along with one signee in the fall period and one transfer announced last week, the Bears will welcome seven new players to the team for the 2008 season.
"This is a class that will have a big impact on our team," said Barnes. "It is a very talented class and they have a great mind for the game. The greatest impact will be that we will have competition at every position for the first time and the talent to compete at the top of the Big 12. I really would like to thank Bryan Bunn for his tireless recruiting and Candice O'Brien for all her work to help bring in what may be the best recruiting class in Baylor volleyball history."
Evin Cotton is a 5-8 libero and defensive specialist from Salinas, Calif. At Salinas High School she was named to the San Jose Mercury News All-League Team and was a Tri-County Athletic League honorable mention selection. She led her team to a 16-10 record, including a 9-3 mark in league play.
"Evin is a quick defender and an outstanding passer," said Barnes. "She will come in and compete for our libero position right away. She has all the tools to be a top libero in the Big 12. She also brings a great energy to the team and is very vocal and mature."
Allison King is a 6-0 outside hitter from Carrollton, Texas. At Hebron High School she led her team to a Bi-District Championship as a junior and senior. She was an all-district first team selection and was chosen as a Dallas Morning News honorable mention selection.
"Allison is an outstanding all-around player who plays with a lot of toughness and poise," said Barnes. "She will compete at the left side position and because of her great ball control will compete at defensive positions as well. She is good every day and that is what makes her game special."
Zhang Qian is a 6-1 outside hitter from Beijing, China. In 2007, she was selected as the most valuable player of her league, and earned the top attacker award in 2006 and 2007.
"Zhang is a very experienced player for being just 18 years old," said Barnes. "She will bring a new and interesting culture to our team. She attacks the ball very hard and makes few errors. She also has good passing and defending skills. She will enroll at Baylor this summer which will help her adjust better to our team."
Jordan Rice is a 6-0 outside hitter and defensive specialist from Hewitt, Texas. At Midway High School, she led the Pantherettes to a 47-1 record and a state title as a senior. In the championship match she collected 13 kills and 11 digs to earn most valuable player honors.
"Jordan is a terrific all-around player with a lot of volleyball savvy," said Barnes. "She is a tremendous team player and will compete on the left side as well as along the back row. After leading Midway to a state championship and garnering the MVP award, we look forward to having such a great local talent on our team."
Brittany Ridenour is a 5-11 setter from Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was named the Iowa Player of the Year and the Gatorade Player of the Year in Iowa for 2007. She was also named a 2007 PrepVolleyball.com All-American. Ridenour was the Class 4A Player of the Year in 2007, and is a three-time All-Western Iowa selection.
"The first thing that comes to mind when I think about Brittany is that she is competitive and passionate," said Barnes. "She plays extremely hard and is a great floor general. She is a top-notch setter, quick defender and knows how to win. She will instantly make our team better."
During the fall signing period the Bears inked Briana Tolbert to a national letter of intent. The 6-3 middle blocker from Houston, Texas was ranked as No. 62 recruit in 2008 as well as the No. 19 middle blocker in the nation.
At the beginning of April, Baylor gained Krista Brenner, a transfer from Tennessee, to the roster. The 6-4 right-side hitter was rated as the No. 52 player in the nation in 2007. She saw action in one match and one game before suffering a season-ending injury. She transfers to Baylor as a redshirt freshman.
Baylor returns to action this weekend as the Bears travel to Houston, Texas to compete in the Texas Tornadoes Club Spring Volleyball Tournament.
2008 Volleyball Signees
Krista Brenner* 6-4 MB/RS Valley Springs, Texas
Evin Cotton 5-8 L/DS Salinas, Calif.
Allison King 6-0 OH Carrollton, Texas
Zhang Qian 6-1 OH Beijing, China
Jordan Rice 6-0 OH Hewitt, Texas
Brittany Ridenour 5-11 S Council Bluffs, Iowa
Briana Tolbert^ 6-3 MB Houston, Texas
* - transfer from Tennessee
^ - fall signee
