IRVINE, Calif. --- Looking to add athleticism and speed to the UC Irvine women's volleyball program, head coach Paula Weishoff has signed Shelley Anderson, Dani Geiger and Cassidy Pickrell to national letters of intent.
"We are extremely excited with our 2013 class," said Weishoff. In addition to our three signees, we have a great class of talent coming in that will raise the level of play in our gym."
Anderson, a 5-11 setter out of Chino Hills, Calif., was recently named a second-team Under Armour All-American. A member of the High Performance Women's Junior National Training Team, Anderson also garnered first-team All-Sierra League honors from 2010-12.
"Shelley is one of the best setters in the 2013 class," said Weishoff. "She is a fun and dynamic setter to watch and her quick tempo and precision will help us to run our fast offense. She also brings great leadership and passion which are vital to the setter position."
Geiger, a quick and versatile middle blocker will also join the Anteaters in the fall of 2013. The 6-0 prep out of Santa Margarita High School was a co-MVP of the Tesoro Tournament as a freshman and earned second-team All-Trinity League honors last year. She has helped the team to a No. 12 ranking in state and No. 47 ranking nationally as well as two league titles. Geiger plays club volleyball for Saddleback Valley VC, finishing in the top 10 with the 17's last year and 13th at the Junior Olympics National Division.
"Dani is athletic, explosive and dynamic," commented Weishoff. "Her athleticism allows us to play her at any position and upgrades both our offense and blocking."
Pickrell rounds out UCI's list of early signees. Pickrell hails from Coppell, Texas and captained the 2012 Texas 5A State championship team. The 6-1 outside hitter led Coppell High School to the 2011 state title and was voted first-team all-district. She is a member of the national honor society and is an All-Academic Team member. Pickrell also lettered in track and field and is a three-time district champion in the high jump. She owns the school record at 5-7 and was named the Female Athlete of the Year in 2011-12.
"Cassidy is a six-rotation outside hitter that brings speed, power and ball control and her competitive drive will push our team to a new level and set the tone for 2013," said Weishoff.
2013 Signees
Shelley Anderson......... S.......... 5-11..... Chino Hills/Chino Hills HS
Dani Geiger.................. MB...... 6-0....... Santa Margarita HS
Cassidy Pickrell............. OH....... 6-1....... Coppell, Texas/Coppell HS
_____________________________________________________________
For UC Irvine Athletics ticket information, please call (949) 824-5000 or e-mail athletics.tickets@uci.edu. For more information click here.
For information on how you can help support UC Irvine Athletics, please call (949) 824-6933 or e-mail aaf@uci.edu. For additional information, click here.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
