April 21, 2011
Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University head coach Deborah Matejka-DesLauriers announced on Thursday the addition of five student-athletes to the Seawolves volleyball program for the upcoming 2011 season.
Taylor Gillie (Fort Wayne, Ind.), Hannah Dolan (Rochester, N.Y.) and Kathryn Anderson (Anchorage, Alaska) have each signed National Letters of Intent to play for Stony Brook beginning in the fall of 2011. In addition, Nicole Parkas (Dix Hills, N.Y.) and Katrina Doherty (Irvine, Calif.) will join the Seawolves as walk-ons.
"I am really happy with this recruiting class," Matejka-DesLauriers said. "They bring important qualities to our program including character, academic excellence and a passion to play volleyball. This is a genuine group with solid backgrounds and a great set of family core values."
A 6-0 middle blocker, Gillie was a two-time first team all-conference selection at Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, Ind. Named the conference player of the year as a senior, Gille played for the club team Performance Plus. She also ranked in the top five percent of her class academically and has been a member of the National Honors Society since her sophomore year.
"Taylor is a bright young woman with a huge upside," Matejka-DesLauriers said. "She is a great competitor with a drive for success and I believe she will develop into a dynamic all-round player in the America East."
Dolan comes to Stony Brook from the Aquinas Institute of Rochester where she was a three-time all-league performer. The 5-10 setter played for the club team VolleyFX Magic and is a member of the National Honors society.
"Hannah adds athleticism and depth to the setting position," Matejka-DesLauriers said. "Offensively she sets a great tempo and has good court awareness.
A 6-3 middle blocker, Anderson led A.J. Dimond High School in Anchorage, Alaska to three straight class 4A state championships. Anderson was a first-team all-state selection in volleyball and a McDonald's All-American nominee in basketball.
"Katie has the potential to be a dominant middle blocker in our conference," Matejka-DesLauriers said. "We are looking forward to adding her height to the middle position. She will change the stereotype that big people can't pass. A standout high school basketball player, Katie decided volleyball was her true passion. "
Doherty comes to Stony Brook from Northwood High School in Irvine, Calif., where she earned second team All-Pacific Coast league honors. A 6-2 swing hitter, she had 181 kills as a senior and also played for the Saddleback club team.
"Katrina brings height to our swing position as well as west coast court experience," Matejka-DesLauriers said. "She will bring a competitive edge to the swing position and challenge for playing time.
Parkas led St. Anthony's High School to a 27-1 record as a senior. A 5-6 libero/defensive stopper, Parkas played for the club team Academy 18 elite.
"Nicole brings depth to our defense and a spark to our program," Matejka-DesLauriers said. "We look forward to seeing her development at Stony Brook."
