Missouri Southern volleyball coach John Napierhas announced the addition of five newcomers for his 2016 recruiting class.
Joining the Lions for the start of the 2016 season will beWhitney Harrison (Parker, Texas), Christina Perlinger(Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Alicia Pickett (Shawnee, Kan.),Kathryn Paine (Olive Branch, Miss.) and Mikayla Monk (South Lyon, Mich.).
Harrison is a 5-9 setter that played club volleyball the past eight seasons. In 2015, Harrison played for the Texas Image 17 Mizuno Ray, and in 2014 she played for the Blocksport 16 Nike.
Harrison has been a three-time team captain and was her Club team MVP three times in high school. She helped her team this past year to be ranked in the North Texas Region top 5, and led them to the Junior National Championships. Harrison has twice been selected to participate in the USA Volleyball High Performance Camps. The daughter of Jeff and Patricia Harrison, Whitney plans to major in nursing at Southern.
"Whitney is a well-trained setter with a pretty competitive drive," Napier said. "This is one determined young athlete and I've seen her energize her teammates when she's on the court. She was very motivated to attend MSSU and she loves the game so how could we say no to this kid? We are very happy to have Whitney on board."
Perlinger is a 6-0 outside hitter that prepped at Thunder Ridge High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. A three-year starter, Perlinger played for coach Lindsay Selover where she was a two-time All-Conference honoree, as well as earning multiple academic letters and being named to the Academic All-State team. As a sophomore, she was a Rocky Mountain Region All-Star and she has been a three-time team captain
Perlinger helped the Grizzlies to a third place finish in the 2013 and 2015 regional championships, while helping her 2014 team to a runner-up finish. The daughter of Tom and Rhonda Perlinger, Christina plans to major in business/communications at Southern.
"Christina brings a heavy arm to the outside hitter position," Napier said. "She is very deceptive when she attacks the ball because her approach looks effortless. Her potential is limitless and I see great things from her on and off the court. Her attitude and personality will be a great fit for our team culture.
Pickett is a 5-10 middle hitter that prepped at Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kan. A three-year starter for coach Debbie Fae and the Jaguars, Pickett was a team captain as a senior, while earning All-League honors twice and Academic All-State honors all four years.
Pickett helped the Jaguars to two conference championships, while also making an appearance in the State Tournament. The daughter of John and Chris Pickett, Alicia plans to major in kinesiology at Southern.
"We recruited Alicia for a long time and we really liked what we saw when we first watched her play," Napier said. "She's an experienced middle that brings athleticism and a decent block to the table. We were pretty excited when she finally committed and we are looking forward to her contributions to this team. She's also an excellent student and is a welcome addition the Lion's roster."
Paine is a 5-9 setter/right side that prepped at St. Agnes Academy in Memphis. While playing for coach Ryan Wallace and the Stars, Paine was a five-year starter at right side, outside hitter and middle blocker.
A Division II AA All-West Region selection as a junior, she was voted the team's best offensive player in that same year. She has also started since eighth grade, helping St. Agnes to two State Championships in 2012 and 2013. The daughter of Jody and Lisa Paine, Katie plans to major in biology and pre-med at Southern.
"Katie is a true utility player," Napier said. "She sets, hits from both the right and left side, and has been a major passer in serve receive throughout her career. She has a great work ethic and is a great student. I saw great determination when she played and she will fit in nicely with our culture."
Monk is a 6-0 middle blocker/right side that prepped at South Lyon High School in South Lyon, Michigan. A four-year starter for the Lions and coaches Mindy Collins and Tom Teeters, Monk has been a four-time Scholar Athlete. She was an All-Tournament team selection in 2013, while helping South Lyon to a District Championship in 2015.
Monk helped her club team qualify for the Junior Olympics this past year, as well. The daughter of Steve and Tami Monk, Mikayla plans to major in biochemistry at Southern.
"I saw Mikayla block a ball on the right side and said to myself, 'We got to get this kid,'" Napier said. "She plays both right side and middle and her athleticism is going to pay dividends once she gets into our system. I really like her personality and determination and she has the ability to bring a little fire to the court. We welcome Mikalya to the Lion family."
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