August 19, 2008
Winston-Salem, N.C. - New recruits equals more experience and much needed depth for the Salem College Volleyball Program, as head coach Amanda Ziemba announced eight newcomers to the 2008 roster.
This class, consisting of seven first-year athletes and a junior college transfer, has received many accolades; including three all-conference selections, a valedictorian, 2 MVP selections, and a Wendy's Heisman Award.
"Last year we had some excellent players but not a lot of depth. A goal of mine for this season was to have three or more athletes for every position," Ziemba said. "Not only did we get the numbers we need, we were lucky enough to get some very talented players. To see how far this program has progressed in just one season is remarkable. The matches that we lost in 5 games last year, would have turned out differently if we had only one of these new players. I am very lucky for the strength of character that these young women possess, and I am proud that they chose Salem College and our volleyball program."
Salem was 2 -21 last-year with two members being selected for the NCAA Association of Division III All-Independents team and one selected to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association All-State team.
A detailed look at the Spirits eight newcomers can be found below.
Nicole Swinney - MB - Galax, VA - Surry Community College
Swinney played two years under Joshua Simmons at SCC and ended both seasons with over 100 kills. Swinney's team went to the district finals both years under her span as captain. She also received MVP in the '07 season. She was the female athlete of the year at Carroll County High School, while playing for Cindy Edwards. Her teams went to regional championship play each year. She became a member of the National Honor Society while in high school.
Jordan Edwards - Lib/Set - King, NC - West Stokes High School
Edwards has received awards for Best Offensive Player at West Stokes, and she was selected to the All-County Honorable Mention team in 2006. She played for Stokes County Volleyball Club under Coach Doug Balser. Her team placed either first or second eight times in two years. Edwards' club also received the Sportsmanship Award in '07.
Khadija Layne - OH/MB - Boston, MA - Walpole High School
Layne is an accomplished volleyball player receiving awards such as MVP, Coach's Choice for Captain, Team Spirit, and Coach's Award. She played for Lisa Cyr at Walpole High. She also participated in Mass Juniors Volleyball Club of North Quincy. She received academic awards in several different subjects.
Sara Maher - Set - Longmont, CO - Silver Creek High School
Maher set the school record for match assists at Silver Creek High School. She was selected to the All-Conference team and the All-Boulder County team. She also won the Hustle Award and Rookie of the Year for her high school. She was the Wendy's Heisman winner in 2008 for Silver Creek High School. She has played in nine national qualifiers for her club team. They won their age division and finished 2nd overall in the Western Slope Championships in Vail, CO. She was selected to the Western Slope All-Star Team in 2008. Sara was the valedictorian of Silver Creek High School. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and editor of the school newspaper and Student Senate Community Committee Chair.
Krystyna Martin - Lib - Brooklyn, NY - Kadena High School
Martin is a newcomer to the sport of volleyball.With one year of experience under her belt she was selected to the varsity team and was made Co-Captain. She participated in the Far East Volleyball Tournament, a selective program allowing high schools to compete in Asia against many elite Japanese teams. She received Most Improved Player in 2007. She is a member of Quill and Scroll.
Jamica Rice - OH/Lib - Winston-Salem, NC - Atkins High School
Rice played for Charette Guthrie at Atkins High. She received the Most-Hustle Award her senior season. She is also part of the Academic team and an honor roll student. She was the of the Student Government Association Treasurer.
Stephanee Thibodeaux - MB - Jacksonville, NC - Jacksonville High School
Thibodeaux was selected to the All-Conference team her senior season, along with being selected as Athlete of the Week for Channel 12 News in Jacksonville. She received the Defensive MVP for Coach David Cox. Stephanie assisted her team in reaching the playoffs for the first time during the 2007 season. She lettered in four sports at Jacksonville High School.