April 27, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Carson-Newman volleyball program has added three signees for the 2009 season, head coach Shannon Mincey announced today.

Middle blocker Jasmine Clarke (Pelham, Ala.), setter Meghan Gass (Collierville, Tenn.), and outside hitter Rachel Bowlin (Morristown, Tenn.) bring this year's class to five total signees. They join liberos Mackenzie Tyree (Daleville, VA) and Angelle Hayes (Brentwood, TN), who signed in the fall.

"We lost 4 starters and from a team that finished second in the conference, so our 2009 recruiting class will be depended upon for immediate action," Mincey said of her incoming class. "These players have played at a high level in high school and club, so they should be prepared for the demands of collegiate play."

The Lady Eagles open the season August 28-29 hosting their own tournament on the C-N campus. C-N 24-15 last season, reaching the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament.

Jasmine Clarke (MB, 6'0, Pelham, Ala./Pelham)
Standout at Pelham High School in Pelham, Ala...Earned first team all-state honors as a senior ('08)...Was named second team all-state as a junior ('07)...Also named All-Shelby in '07 and `08....Played in 63 matches her senior year...Compiled 449 kills and 142 blocks leading her team to a runner-up finish in the state tournament...Was named to the all-state tournament team...Currently plays for the Birmingham Volleyball Club.

C-N Head Coach Shannon Mincey on Clarke: "Jasmine will add size to our front line...She comes from a winning program and her ability to play all the way around will add depth to us."

Meghan Gass (S, 5'9, Collierville, Tenn./Collierville)
Standout at Collierville High School...Earned District 15-AAA Most Outstanding Player honors as a senior... A two-time all-district, all-region, and all-region tournament selection...Led her team to a 44-15 record and an undefeated regular season in district play in 2008... Qualified for the TSSAA-3A State Tournament three times during prep career...Voted 2007 and 2008 Best of the Preps/Shelby Suburban All-Metro Team..Tallied 3,029 career assists...Currently plays for the Delta Force Volleyball Club...Voted to the Collierville High Senior Hall of Fame which is voted on by the faculty...Played for head coach Lisa Lewis at Collierville.

C-N Head Coach Shannon Mincey on Gass: "Meghan is a great addition to our team adding versatility and depth to our lineup...I love her passion and intensity for the game."

Rachel Bowlin (OH, 5-8, Morristown, Tenn./Morristown West)
Standout at Morristown West High School in Morristown, Tenn...Led her team to a regional semifinal appearance as a senior...Earned All-District Tournament, All-IMAC, second team All-Northeast Tennessee and All Tri-State honors as well...Named team's Best Offensive Player, Most Kills, and Team Captain as a sophomore, junior, and senior...Earned all-district honors and first team All-Northeast Tennessee honors as a sophomore and junior...Led team in aces as a sophomore and junior...Currently plays for Smokey Mountain Volleyball Club out of Knoxville, Tenn.

C-N Head Coach Shannon Mincey on Bowlin: " I've watched Rachel progress for many years...I'm glad she will be joining our team and I'm anxious to train her."