JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — The Carson-Newman volleyball program has added four signees for the 2010 season, head coach Shannon Mincey announced Wednesday.

Carly Swisher (Fort Collins, Colo.), Courtney Lawson (Chattanooga, Tenn.), Sierra Weaver (Lake Placid, Fla.) and Kirby Ellis (Bakersfield, Calif.) have all signed to play for the Lady Eagles next season and join Lindsey Bryant (Atlanta, Ga.), who signed during the early signing period, to make up C-N's 2010 class.

Swisher, a Tusculum transfer, will be a junior after playing the last two seasons with the Pioneers. A 6-2 right side hitter, Swisher was second on the team in kills for the Pioneers last season with 279 and ranked 18th nationally in aces per set (0.46). As a freshman, she was named to the South Atlantic Conference All-Freshman Team after leading the team wit h a .286 hitting percentage and tallying 295 kills. In high school, Swisher was a three-sport standout at Poudre in Fort Collins, Colo. She earned All-Conference honors in 2008 after leading the team blocking and service aces. She is the daughter of Bob and Sherrie Swisher.

"Losing five key front row players last year took away a lot of size from our front line," Mincey said. "I was looking for a transfer to bring experience to our team without having to st art over. Carly seems to be a player who can fill that void for us so we can continue on instead of having a rebuilding year. I have watched her play for a couple of years and know her blocking will help our system. I look for her to continue to improve on all her skills so we can press forward."

Swisher added, "I am really looking forward to being on a team with such dedicated players who all will do anything and everything not only for the good of the team, but also for each other. Every girl I met has been extremely helpful and nice since I first decided I wanted to go to C-N. From my first visit to Carson-Newman I had instantly felt that I was part of the family because of how welcoming and excited all the girls and coach Mincey were to have me be a part of the team. I am really hoping to bring a lot of energy for the game with me when I join the team next year. I want to be all that I can be for my new team."

Lawson, a 5-7 setter, was a standout at Red Bank High School in Chattan oog a, Tenn. She led Red Bank to the 2009 Class 2A state title and was named Tournament MVP for her efforts. She was instrumental in leading her team to a District and Region Championship her junior and senior years. Lawson also garnered All-State honors in 2006 and 2008 and was named to the All-District and All-Region teams all four years of high school. She earned Best of Preps honors from the Chattanooga Times Free Press in 2008 and 2009. Lawson played on the Choo Choo City Volleyball Club. She is the daughter of Eddie and Debbie Lawson.

"Courtney is such a positive addition to our program," Mincey said. "She is solid defensively and her being with us will enable our hitters to run a variety of offenses. She seemed to fit in quickly and will mold into an outstanding player. I am thrilled to have a Chattanooga p layer on our team. It is great to have solid players coming in from our area. "

Lawson added, "The Carson-Newman volleyball team seemed like a big happy family, and I can't wait to be a part of it and make a difference."

Weaver, a 5-9 outside hitter, will join the Lady Eagles after a stellar high school car eer at Lake Placid in Lake Placid, Fla. She guided Lake Placid to four-straight district championships. As a senior, Weaver was named team captain and Most Valuable Player and received the Coach's Award and All-Heartland Player of the Year honors. She led the team in   kills her final three seasons at Lake Placid to earn first team All-Heartland honors. Weaver played for the AaWamb Volleyball Club. She is the daughter of Terry and Toni Weaver.

"Sierra had the opportunity to go to FCA with my players while she visited Carson-Newman. After talking with her about her experience, I feel she will be an asset to our program as we move forward in an attempt to keep Christ at our center," Mincey said. "She is a hard worker and will be into what we are about. It is evident she will be a true team player."

Weaver added, "This is a great opportunity I have been given. I want to take this chal lenge to bring out the absolute best in me on the court. I want to not only get better, but I want to get my team better by making sacrifices, having commitment, and being a devoted teammate. I want use my talents and gifts God has given me to the best of my ability, all  for His glory."

Ellis, who will be a middle hitter for the Lady Eagles, was a three-sport standout at Frontier High School in Bakersfield, Calif. She was a five-time athlete of the month, a second team All-League selection in Volleyball and Track and holds the school record in the high jump. As a three year starter, Ellis contributed to teams that won the Califor nia Division II Valley Championship in Volleyball and Soccer and a league championship in track. She is a middle hitter for Bakersfield Volleyball Club, a 2010 National Qualifier. Ellis, not only stood out on the athletic field, but stood out in academics, finishing in the top four out of 578 in her class and selected to the distinguished FORD Dimensions Program. Ellis is also an active member in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Kirby is the daughter of Garro and Cheryl Ellis. Her father played defensive back for the University of Wyoming Cowboys.

"I am elated how God had his hands in Kirby attending Carson-Newman. I t was the perfect fit," Mincey said. "Kirby will contribute immediately as a freshman. I am appreciative of her parents trusting Carson-Newman and myself to take care of their daughter, who will be over 2,500 miles from home."

Ellis added, "The past couple months have been crazy for me because I was s truggling to find the right college, but Carson-Newman is the perfect fit academically, athletically and spiritually. I am so excited for this opportunity to not only play the sport I love a nd get the education I need, but also for the chance to grow in my faith. I would especially like to thank coach Mincey for this opportunity to become and Eagle, and for all the time she has put into making sure Carson-Newman is a perfect fit for me."

Carson-Newman completed the 2009 season with a 23-10 record and a 12-4 mark in the South Atlantic Conference to finish second for the second straight year. The Lady Eagles advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament and won the first playoff game in school history, 3-2, over Catawba.

"We lost a talented group of seniors. Under their leadership we had a very successful year. It is refreshing to know we have five student-athletes coming in to help us continue our tradition," Mincey said. "These ladies will be an asset both to our team and to Carson-Newman. They come from great families and will be such a pleasant addition."