The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Four Commit To Play Volleyball At UAB
1/22/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Jan. 22, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB head volleyball coach Kerry Messersmith announced Tuesday the addition of four new players for the 2008 season. Outside hitter Jordan McDonald, middle blocker Patty Paniagua, libero Heather Thomas and setter Mackenzie Wilson have all committed to come play volleyball at UAB.
"We're very excited about this incoming group," Messersmith said. "What's most exciting about these girls is that they will all have the ability to contribute the day they step on campus. This is a really talented bunch and I'm looking forward to seeing their careers unfold here at UAB."
McDonald will transfer to UAB from West Georgia where she had a stellar freshman campaign in 2007, earning Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year honors after leading the team in blocks and hitting percentage. Her play helped guide the Wolves to their first-ever Gulf South Conference championship and first trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament.
A local product, McDonald played her scholastic volleyball at Vestavia Hills High School for head coach Mandy Burgess where she collected 514 kills, 191 blocks, 56 service aces and 424 digs as a senior. She was the Birmingham News All-Metro Player of the Year in 2006 and was named to the Super All-State Team.
"We are just thrilled Jordan has decided to return to Birmingham and attend UAB," Messersmith said. "In high school, she was forced to play out of position and slipped through the cracks of most Division I recruiters. Her jumping ability, versatility and speed will be vital to our success. We look for Jordan to impact our program and Conference USA right away."
McDonald will be a sophomore at UAB.
Paniagua, a transfer from Arizona Western College, was a second-team NJCAA Division I All-American in 2007. The Stockton, Calif. native was an All-ACCAC and All-Region I selection at Arizona Western and topped the league in blocks and hitting percentage as a freshman.
As a sophomore, Paniagua was a three-time ACCAC Player of the Week selection and finished the season with the top hitting percentage in the conference.
Paniagua will be a junior at UAB.
"Patty is a highly decorated athlete from the junior college ranks," Messersmith said. "She has competed against some of the best volleyball players in the country over the last two years and should be ready to step into action right away and be a key to our success in the next two years."
Thomas will come to UAB from Bob Jones High School where she completed a stellar scholastic career this past fall. The Huntsville, Ala. native was a Birmingham News Super All-State Team selection in addition to being named to the publication's all-metro squad. In addition, Thomas was a 2007 Alabama Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) First Team pick.
Thomas garnered all-tournament honors en route to leading her team to a second place finish in the 2007 Alabama State Tournament
A varsity starter since her freshman season, Thomas was a 2005 all-state honorable mention and was named one of Prepvolleyball.com's Defensive Dandies in 2006.
"Heather is possibly the best defensive player in the southeast," Messersmith said. "She played on one of the best high school and club teams in the state, which has definitely helped prepare her for collegiate play. Her leadership, quickness and ability to read the hitters will be a tremendous asset to our program. She is also a fantastic student, so we are so proud she has picked UAB."
Wilson brings her talents to UAB from Grissom High School where she earned 2007 Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year recognition. The Huntsville, Ala. native was a two-time AVCA first-team All-State selection, while also garnering Huntsville Times All-Metro and Birmingham News Super All-State honors in both 2006 and 2007.
Wilson played on four successful teams at Grissom, playing in two state championship matches (2004 & 2005) in addition to a quarterfinal showing in 2006 and a semifinal effort in 2007.
"Mackenzie is one of the most decorated high school athletes we have ever signed," Messersmith said. "Her championship experience at the club and high school levels, as well as her dedication in the classroom, could help her become one of the better volleyball players to ever wear the Green & Gold. Words just can't describe how happy we are to have her in our program."
