Volleyball Program Adds Two Recruits

1-26-06

With the 2005 season long gone, the Warrior volleyball program has remained busy practicing and, especially, recruiting for the 2006 season. First there was Dana Christiansen, a 5-11 right side hitter from Idaho Falls, Idaho, recruited in early December, next came Moscow High School’s Kelly Scott, another 5-11 outside hitter/middle blocker, the third recruit, transferring from Treasure Valley Community College in early January, was 5-8 (OH/MB) Liz Paridis. Now, head coach Erin Mellinger is announcing the acquisition of two more high school stars.

The first new recruitment is Cassie Dobson from Spokane’s Mead High School. From the looks of her impressive volleyball resume, Dobson, a 5-9 outside hitter, will add even more energy and athleticism to the team. To start, Dobson has spent her high school years playing for the most successful team in the Greater Spokane League. For three years straight (from 2003-2005) Mead High School has won the Greater Spokane League District Championship, the Regional Championship, and the Washington State Championship. Her 2005 team was listed by PrepVolleyball.com as the 9th best in the Nation, and was nominated as the 2005 Spokane Region Sports Commission and Inland Northwest Sports Writers and Broadcasters Junior Female Team of the Year (to be announce in February). Dobson was one of Mead High School’s core reasons for success, and hopefully she’ll continue her winning ways and rub-off on the Warriors in 2006.  Coach Mellinger had this to say about Dobson, “Cassie’s ability to convert both offensively and defensively, along with her competitive spirit and winning attitude, makes her a great addition to the 2006 Warrior squad.”

Brittany Hall, the most recent signer, is coming all the way from Anchorage, Alaska, to join Warriors. Hall, like Dobson, had some very impressive high school accomplishments. The 6-0 outside hitter, during the 2005 season, was an All-State selection, and was the MVP of the state’s final and semi-final championship game. Under Hall’s leadership, South Anchorage High School won Alaska’s 4A State Championship in 2005. Besides Volleyball, this newest Warrior recruit was captain of her school’s track team (with a personal best of 5’4” in the high jump), and was named 2005’s Miss Fitness Alaska Runner-up.

Both Dobson and Hall characterize Lewis-Clark State College’s 2006 roster, one which will be young, energetic, and highly talented. With an entirely new coaching staff and many changes and additions to the roster, the success of the 2006 season will probably revolve a lot around how well the team meshes early on. The program definitely has the talent and leadership, but can they put it all together.