The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Iannone’s Reputation Leads CCSA Watch List Member Devon May to UAB
2/22/2018 1:37:00 PM | Women's Beach Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Devon May was convinced.
Her playing days over as an indoor volleyball player at Division II Simon Fraser, Canada's only NCAA member institution, May knew being a competitive athlete was something she would not easily relinquish.
Enter the graduate transfer rule, which sparked May's interest and provided an opportunity for immediate eligibility upon enrolling at a new university.
It also gave May the chance to recapture a passion from her youth: playing beach volleyball.
While entertaining interest from multiple elite beach programs, one trait stood above the rest when considering UAB – head coach Kyra Iannone.
"She is very well respected in Canada and everyone encouraged me to play for her if I was going to continue playing. She is going to make you the best athlete possible and cares for you not only as an athlete but also on a personal level," May said.
Though she is only eligible to compete as a Blazer for one year, her experience as a high school junior watching Iannone guide the men's team at her beach club also eased the decision as she weighed her options following completion of her undergraduate degree.
So did the support system that she quickly found in Birmingham.
"The support system that the school provides and the family culture of the team has made the adjustment easier," she added. "The girls here have been so welcoming and are always willing to help and answer my questions."
May, who was tabbed to the CCSA preseason watch list on Thursday, is one of three Blazers from Canada (Annie Pringle, Alex Kells) as Iannone looks to build the roster by recruiting all over North America.
She has a close playing relationship with Pringle, who also proved to be instrumental in bringing May to UAB, as the two trained together extensively over the summer.
Meanwhile, while coaching at the Canadian U18 Provincial Championships last year, she was drawn to Kells' ability and was eager to join the athletic freshman when she learned of her presence on the roster.
May supplements her tangible skills with an array of intangibles that are a byproduct of her four years of experience in the competitive landscape of indoor college volleyball in addition to an intense playing style that she hopes will lead her teammates.
"I am very passionate as a player and I am 110% invested in the game. I like to lead by example – by being professional and competitive and emulating what the coaches' expectations are," May said.
While others have found success through supreme athletic ability, May has combined hers with a work ethic and determination that have paved the way for the success that she has achieved to this point.
"I have high high expectations for myself, but I am always aiming high," May said.
The season is only eight days away, as the Blazers are set to compete in the New Orleans Invitational, Mar. 2-3.
For the latest on UAB Beach Volleyball, follow @UAB_BVB on Instagram and Twitter.
CCSA Preseason All-Conference:
Vanessa Freire - Florida State
Francesca Goncalves - Florida State
Brooke Kuhlman - Florida State
Victoria Paranagua - Florida State
Claire Coppola - LSU
Kristen Nuss - LSU
Kaylie McHugh - Tulane
Madeline Mertz - Tulane
Katie Smith - South Carolina
Jessalyn Kinlaw - Florida Atlantic
CCSA Preseason Watch List:
Krissey Mummey - College of Charleston
Brittany Pellitteri - Florida Atlantic
Dorina Klinger - FIU
Hailey Luke - Florida State
Eden Hawes - Georgia State
Olivia Powers - LSU
Ali Denney - South Carolina
Lan Nguyen - Tulane
Devon May - UAB
Nicole Lott - UNC Wilmington
Her playing days over as an indoor volleyball player at Division II Simon Fraser, Canada's only NCAA member institution, May knew being a competitive athlete was something she would not easily relinquish.
Enter the graduate transfer rule, which sparked May's interest and provided an opportunity for immediate eligibility upon enrolling at a new university.
It also gave May the chance to recapture a passion from her youth: playing beach volleyball.
While entertaining interest from multiple elite beach programs, one trait stood above the rest when considering UAB – head coach Kyra Iannone.
"She is very well respected in Canada and everyone encouraged me to play for her if I was going to continue playing. She is going to make you the best athlete possible and cares for you not only as an athlete but also on a personal level," May said.
Though she is only eligible to compete as a Blazer for one year, her experience as a high school junior watching Iannone guide the men's team at her beach club also eased the decision as she weighed her options following completion of her undergraduate degree.
So did the support system that she quickly found in Birmingham.
"The support system that the school provides and the family culture of the team has made the adjustment easier," she added. "The girls here have been so welcoming and are always willing to help and answer my questions."
May, who was tabbed to the CCSA preseason watch list on Thursday, is one of three Blazers from Canada (Annie Pringle, Alex Kells) as Iannone looks to build the roster by recruiting all over North America.
She has a close playing relationship with Pringle, who also proved to be instrumental in bringing May to UAB, as the two trained together extensively over the summer.
Meanwhile, while coaching at the Canadian U18 Provincial Championships last year, she was drawn to Kells' ability and was eager to join the athletic freshman when she learned of her presence on the roster.
May supplements her tangible skills with an array of intangibles that are a byproduct of her four years of experience in the competitive landscape of indoor college volleyball in addition to an intense playing style that she hopes will lead her teammates.
"I am very passionate as a player and I am 110% invested in the game. I like to lead by example – by being professional and competitive and emulating what the coaches' expectations are," May said.
While others have found success through supreme athletic ability, May has combined hers with a work ethic and determination that have paved the way for the success that she has achieved to this point.
"I have high high expectations for myself, but I am always aiming high," May said.
The season is only eight days away, as the Blazers are set to compete in the New Orleans Invitational, Mar. 2-3.
For the latest on UAB Beach Volleyball, follow @UAB_BVB on Instagram and Twitter.
CCSA Preseason All-Conference:
Vanessa Freire - Florida State
Francesca Goncalves - Florida State
Brooke Kuhlman - Florida State
Victoria Paranagua - Florida State
Claire Coppola - LSU
Kristen Nuss - LSU
Kaylie McHugh - Tulane
Madeline Mertz - Tulane
Katie Smith - South Carolina
Jessalyn Kinlaw - Florida Atlantic
CCSA Preseason Watch List:
Krissey Mummey - College of Charleston
Brittany Pellitteri - Florida Atlantic
Dorina Klinger - FIU
Hailey Luke - Florida State
Eden Hawes - Georgia State
Olivia Powers - LSU
Ali Denney - South Carolina
Lan Nguyen - Tulane
Devon May - UAB
Nicole Lott - UNC Wilmington
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
/ Women's Beach Volleyball
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