The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Volleyball Inks Six
4/14/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB volleyball head coach Kerry Messersmith announced the signing of six standout high school volleyball players to the Blazers' volleyball team on Friday. The signing class consists of Anna D'Cruz, Alex Kells, Haley Fuller, Jordan Brown, Shelby Holderfield and Abby Carlile.
"We are proud of the incoming 2017 volleyball class at UAB. These six athletes will add depth and skill to our already talented group of returnees," head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "With such a large freshman class, we are hoping to infuse some new energy and enthusiasm into our volleyball program and continue our upward path to success on and off the court."
ANNA D'CRUZ | 6'3 | MIDDLE BLOCKER
D'Cruz is a four-year letterwinner at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, Ga. During her first three years at Woodward Academy, her team reached the semi-finals in the state volleyball tournament and reached the finals her senior season.
In 2015, D'Cruz received All-Area honors and Honorable Mention All-State. The middle blocker was selected to the All-State team and received All-Area honors in 2016.
D'Cruz also plays for the A5 Volleyball Club in Atlanta, Ga.
She is the daughter of Jason and Carol D'Cruz and plans to major in business.
"Anna will provide size in the middle of the court and her length will bother opposing hitters," Messersmith said. "She comes from Atlanta, GA and played for top high school and club programs in Woodward Academy and A5 Volleyball Club. She is prepared for high level competition and we are looking forward to seeing her impact in our practices and matches."
ALEX KELLS | 6'0 | OUTSIDE HITTER
Kells is a four-year starter and captain at Dr. Frank J. Hayden in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. She led her team to the bronze medal in the 2017 OFSAA Provincial Championships and earned an All-Star Team nomination.
She's the team captain of the 18u Halton Hurricanes and led the team to three Volleyball Canada National Championships as well as receiving Gold All-Star all three years.
The outside hitter is a two-time Volleyball Canada National Beach bronze medalist and was named one of the 2015 AVCA Phenoms, ranked fifth overall in Nebraska. She was also nominated to the 2017 JVA Ultra Ankle watch list.
She is the daughter of Mark and Annette Kells and is undecided on a major.
"Alex brings experience and competitiveness to our team. She has won championships at every level and we hope she brings that winning attitude to our practices and team environment," Messersmith said. "Alex can play all positions efficiently, although she is most effective as an outside hitter. She makes great shots and can use the block to her advantage. Alex is a complete player and we are excited about her arrival into the United States."
HALEY FULLER | 6'0 | OUTSIDE HITTER
Fuller began playing volleyball in fifth grade and has played ever since. Her favorite volleyball moment was when her team went into the state tournament unranked and finished second her sophomore year.
The outside hitter was named Second Team All-Conference her junior year and was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-State her senior season.
Fuller is the daughter of Michael and Rachel Fuller who were both student-athletes at Truman State University and will major in communications.
Haley Fuller is an energetic positive force on and off the court and we are hoping this Colorado native will be a spark plug for the team," Messersmith said. "Haley is a good leaper and defender and can play six rotations. We are expecting Haley to have an immediate impact on our practices and team dynamic."
JORDAN BROWN | 5'5 | LIBERO
Brown is a four-year varsity starter at Glenda Dawson High School in Pearland, Texas, and has received many accolades in her career.
In 2013, she was named District Newcomer of the Year finished the season as district champions. In 2014, she was one of the VYPE Fab 50 Players to Watch.
Brown is a three-time First Team All-District and a two-time Varsity Co-MVP. She was named the 2016 6A District 23 Defensive Player of the Year for her high school team and holds the records at Glenda Dawson High School with 2,445 digs and 176 aces. The libero also holds the record for season-high digs with 704.
She has played with three different club teams: Texas Alliance 17 Rox (2013-14) where she helped her team win the Volleyball Festival 18u Division as well as being named MVP of the championship match, Houston Skyline 16 RR (2014-15) and AVA 18 Rox (2016-17).
Brown is the daughter of Eric and Ana Brown and plans to major in exercise science.
"Jordan has performed very well at the high school and club levels," Messersmith said. "Her athleticism and speed allow her to run down balls that give most defensive players trouble. She is rarely in the wrong position and reads hitters very well. Jordan will help shore up our serve receive passing and will give us depth at the Libero position."
SHELBY HOLDERFIELD | 5'8 | SETTER
Holderfield is a five-year varsity letterwinner at Grissom High School in Huntsville, Ala., where she was captain four of the five years.
She was named to the 5A NCHVC All-Tournament team and was the Grissom High School Volleyball MVP in 2016.
The setter from Huntsville, Ala., was on the JVA Watch List 2014-2017, was named to the AHSAAA All-Area Team, All-Regional Team and All-State Team in 2016.
Holderfield is the daughter of Wendy Holderfield and plans on majoring in nutrition and exercise science.
"Shelby is a born leader that is ready to come to UAB and make a difference," Messersmith said. "She has been setting for her 18's club team since she was 14 years old and that experience has prepared her for her transition to the DI level. She commands the court and makes great offensive decisions. We are very excited to bring a player of Shelby's skill and experience level to UAB, especially since she is an Alabama native."
ABBY CARLILE | 6'0 | OUTSIDE HITTER
Carlile is the second player to sign from Texas. She played varsity throughout her high school career at Southlake Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas.
She was named Second Team All-District and Academic All-District 2015-17. She led her team to the Class 6A Regionals and were Co-District Champions.
The 6'0 outside hitter has played three years with the Tejas Volleyball Club team and they have qualified for nationals in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Carlile is the daughter of Patrick Carlile, Greg Smith and Jacki Carlile-Smith and plans to major in nursing.
"Abby Carlile is a powerful left-handed hitter on the right side but she can play on the left side as well," Messersmith said. "She is another player whose versatility allows her to be effective all over the court and she can play six rotations. She played for high level high school and club teams in Texas, so she is battle tested and ready to come to UAB and compete."
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