The Seawolves’ Women’s Volleyball team has added four more to their line up, making them a stacked team this year, with only Claire Lindner, their starting 2nd team all conference libero for three years, graduating. Lindner’s shoes are big ones to fill but it won’t be difficult for the volleyball program, bringing in four skilled players for the 2007 fall season.
Ashley Headen, a 5’11’ middle blocker signed with the Seawolves this year. Headen is from St. Agnes, Virginia where she was named Virginia State Volleyball player of the year.’ She is a dynamic athlete with great jumping ability, touching 10’1′,’ said head coach Deborah Matejka-DesLauriers. ‘Ashley is a great competitor and will be competing for a starting spot.’ Headen currently plays for the Virginia Elite Club team and goes to St. Stephen High school. She plans to major in Psychology here at SBU.
Another player who signed with the Seawolves is Alicia Nelson. She is a 6’0′ swing hitter from Eastview, Minnesota. She was named Outstanding Female Athlete as a home-schooled student athlete. Nelson was ranked 13th in kills per game and was selected 3rd team all-state. She played on the number one team in the country, Northern Lights, as a junior. ‘She has a great arm swing and raw athletic talent,’ said Matejka-DesLauriers. ‘Alicia is very hard working and I see her developing into a great all around collegiate player.’
Another swing hitter will also be joining the Seawolves in the fall. Jeanette Gibbs is 5’10’ and also plays libero for her club team, Academy Elite. Gibbs helped her team win the State Championships in her freshman and junior year at Ward Melville High school. Gibbs was also named all-state in her sophomore and junior years. ‘She has a great court sense and will bring intensity and passion to our team,’ said Matejka-DesLauriers.
Linda Weber, will be another addition to the Seawolves family. She is a 5’10’ swing hitter from Dachau, Germany. Weber is a transfer student from the Technical University of Munich-School of Sports Sciences and is interested in studying physical therapy here at SB. She is currently playing club for TSV Sonthofen. ‘Linda will bring experience and a complete all around game,’ said Matejka-DesLauriers. ‘She is a dynamic shot maker from anywhere on the court and will compete for a starting position right away.’
The girls come back from the summer break on Aug. 7. They kick off their pre-season competition at the Buffalo Invitational on Aug. 24. Coach Matejka-DesLauriers said, ‘Our team this year is going to be extremely competitive, with a solid all around game, especially offensively.’ The Seawolves are very excited for their new additions and hope to return to the America East tournament this year.
