Lady Suns Volleyball Announces Newest Signees
CVC Lady Suns Volleyball Head Coach Isabel Almendarez has continued to stock pile talented student-athletes this off-season, as she gets the Lady Suns ready for the upcoming 2016-2017 season.
"This 2016 incoming class of student-athletes are going to be a fun, dynamic and a competitive group of players to watch" says Coach Almendarez. "We had to bring in players at every position who can compete for a starting role. The recruiting class wants to come here to build a program, make it nationally competitive, and to believe in a vision, it's an inspiring thing to see. A challenge for us will be for them to come in and quickly learn. They all wanted to come and we are beyond excited that they have chosen to join the Suns family. I look forward to working with this class and super excited to getting started."
Coach Almendarez's newest recruits include Makayla Brisco (Borger, TX), Brenda Duran (Del Rio, TX), Brittanee Johnson (Paris, TX), Jazlyn Pipkins (Paris, TX), Jordan Robinson (Huntington, TX), Halee Turner (Italy, TX), Logan Weaver (Bastrop,TX), and Kara Yanez (Donna, TX)
Makayla Brisco, excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track & field while being named a 1-4A All-District selection at Borger High School. As a three year letterman at middle blocker with the Lady Bulldogs, Brisco was part of a team that finished the 2015-2016 season in the Region 1-4A playoffs, under Head Coach Terry White.
Coach Almendarez on Makayla: "You are looking at student-athlete that draws me to her. The desire she plays with shows off her leadership and work ethic she gives. She'll be a great addition to our group of middle blockers as she will add size to the program and can fill a need for us this upcoming season."
Brenda Duran, claimed multiple accolades while at Del Rio High School, including two 29-6A All-District selections, two Academic All-District selections, and an Honorable mention. While playing for Head Coach Rudy Elizondo, Duran was a three time team captain, along with being voted Most Valuable Players for the Queens en route to a Region IV-6A Bi-District playoff appearance in 2015-2016.
Coach Almendarez on Brenda: "She's an engaging, hard-working athlete with great international experience as she has had opportunities to train and play in Mexico on several national teams. Her community will really enjoy seeing her raise her game even higher at the college level. We love her aggressive attitude on the court and look to her to make an immediate impact next year."
Brittanee Johnson, was a three year letterman while at Paris High School under Head Coach Donya Mooney. Johnson helped the Lady Cats to a Region II-4A Bi-District playoff appearance in the 2015-2016 season at outside hitter, while also earning 15-4A All District First Team and Academic honors.
Coach Almendarez on Brittanee: "She's a big jumper with a lively arm, can get up and compete. She has a strong desire to improve and we're excited to see her develop and improve her all-around game for us the next two years."
Jazlyn Pipkins,a dual sport star in both volleyball and basketball, while at Paris High School, will come in as a transfer and will bring her experience to CVC. Pipkins has garnered accolades such as 15-4A All-District First Team, Blocker MVP, and Red River Valley Blocker of the Year..
Coach Almendarez on Jazlyn: "Jazlyn is a tremendous athlete and a player we're very excited about transferring in. She puts up a big block. She has a team-first mentality and is willing to do whatever is needed for us to be successful."
Jordan Richardson, played for Head Coach Ben Belshaw, while at Huntington High School. Richardson helped the Red Devils to multiple playoff appearances, including this year's Region III-4A appearance, while collecting 20-4A All-District First Team, Academic First Team, Defensive Most Valuable Player, and a East Texas Volleyball Super Team First Team nomination during her tenure.
Coach Almendarez on Jordan: "Jordan came to us late in recruiting but I'm excited that she decided to join us after her teammate Carsyn Ivy signed. She's a wonderful student-athlete from an amazing family, and she brings a strong work ethic, academically and athletically, she's a joy to add to our group."
Halee Turner, was instrumental in helping Italy High School reach the Region II-2A Bi-District round of the playoffs in 2015-2016, along with shouldering the responsibility of team captain. With Head Coach Laquita Walker, Turner was named 12-2A Defensive Most Valuable Player, along with All-District First Team and Academic First Team selections.
Coach Almendarez on Halee: "We're excited to add Halee to our Suns family. She's an outstanding student-athlete. She works extremely hard, great personality, and always gives 100%. Those are qualities, as a coach, you want in your gym. She'll be a great fit for our program."
Logan Weaver, played her prep volleyball with Top Flight Volleyball Club out of Buda, TX. TFV features some of the best and brightest volleyball players, with aims of advancing volleyball education for its coaches, players, and parents
Coach Almendarez on Logan: "Logan is a very skilled student-athlete. I am excited to work with her the next two seasons and watch her develop. She brings such a positive and competitive light to the program."
Kara Yanez, was a four year letter winner at Donna High School for Head Coach Cynthia Viesca. For DHS, Yanez ranked fifth in digs in the state, selected to the Rio Grande Valley All-Star Team, and collected 32-5A All-District First Team nominations and Libero Most Valuable Player.
Coach Almendarez on Kara: "She's a self-driven athlete with a contagious positive attitude who loves to compete. She has some great skills and will provide some depth on defense for us and competing right away for a starting spot."
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