Coach Troy welcomes eight new members of the volleyball program to the University of Mary Washington. This is Coach Troy’s first recruiting class and one that looks to help solidify a strong core of returning players. Coach Troy stated “We are very excited about this talented incoming group of student athletes. I believe that this group, intertwined with our returning players, will help take us to the next level we are striving for within the program.”
Victoria Howell is a 5’10” Outside Hitter from North Carroll High School in Hampstead, MD and the Carroll County Vipers Volleyball Club. A three year varsity player, Victoria garnered 2nd Team All-Conference in 2010, 2011 and 2012. During her senior season in 2012 Victoria was the Carroll County kill leader. Victoria was a member of the National Honor Society and will be majoring in Chemistry. Victoria chose the University of Mary Washington because it “has a beautiful campus that was a comfortable distance from home along with a great science and volleyball program.”
Erica Hepner is a 5’11” Middle Hitter from James Wood High School in Winchester, Virginia. While at James Wood, Erica was a three year varsity player and captain where she led the team in blocks. In 2012 Erica earned 2nd Team All-Northwestern District and was also the Winchester Student Athlete of the Week. Erica also received the coveted Marine Corps-Distinguished Female Athlete Award in 2013. According to the Marine Corps website the award is given to an athlete who epitomizes the adage “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” as well as a “never-say-die” attitude. Academically, Erica was an Academic All-District Selection, a member of the National Honors Society and received her Advanced Studies Diploma. Erica will be majoring in the University of Mary Washington’s highly regarded Elementary Education program. Erica chose the University of Mary Washington due to it having “a beautiful campus that reminds me of home. It has a wonderful volleyball program where I have the opportunity to continue what I love doing while getting a great education.”
Emily Jordan is a 6’0” Middle Hitter from Courtland High School here in our very own Fredericksburg, VA. While at Courtland, Emily was a 3 year varsity player and captain. While at Courtland, Emily received an Academic Letter as well as an Advanced Studies Diploma and Community Service Seal. She plans on majoring in Biology. In Emily’s words as to why she chose the University of Mary Washington: “Mary Washington is a beautiful and ideal campus for me. The familiar downtown atmosphere appeals to me as well as the size of the University. My intended major is Biology, and Mary Washington’s science program was a big part of helping me make my decision. Along with the academics, the volleyball program was the finishing touch.”
Catie Lucas is a 5’4” Libero from Manchester Valley High School in Manchester, MD and the Carroll Vipers Volleyball Club. While at Manchester Valley, Catie earned 2nd Team All-County as a sophomore, followed by 1st Team All-County and All-Chesapeake in her junior and senior seasons. Academically Catie earned the Presidential Award and will be getting a dual certification in Special Education and Mathematics. Catie chose Mary Washington so she could “go to college with a great education program and to continue playing volleyball.”
Emma Olson is a 5’10” Setter from Oakton High School in Vienna, VA and the Virginia Juniors Volleyball Club. While at Oakton, Emma was a highly decorated three year varsity player. In 2010 and 2011 Emma earned the team’s Coaches Award. In 2011, she earned 1st Team All-District. 2012 was quite a season for Emma as she was Oakton High School’s Team MVP, Concorde District Player of the Year, Region Player of the Year, First Team All-Met and First Team All-State. Emma was an Athletic Honor Roll recipient from 2010-2011 and will be majoring in Early Childhood Education. Emma chose the University of Mary Washington for two reasons: “I felt really at home with the volleyball team and felt that I would be comfortable there for four years. The second reason was that they have an excellent Early Childhood Education program that gets you in the classroom starting your freshman year which was very important to me.”
Caroline Porco is a 5’4” Libero from Albermarle High School in Charlottesville, VA and the Charlottesville Area Volleyball Club out of Charlottesville, VA. Caroline was selected 1st Team All-Commonwealth District in 2011 and 2012. In 2012 she was 2nd Team All-Northwest Region. During her junior year Caroline was selected as the team’s MVP and was a team captain her junior and senior seasons. Caroline finished with a top 10 All-Time passing percentage for Albermarle and received the Coaches Award her sophomore and senior seasons. Academically Caroline was an Honors student, a member of the Patriot Athletic Leaders, Female Athletes Striving Together and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Currently Caroline is undecided but is planning on either education or athletic training. Caroline chose the University of Mary Washington “to be a part of a great school athletically and academically.”
Kelsey Stanbro is a 6’2” Right Side Hitter from New Kent High School in New Kent, VA and the UTURN Volleyball Club. While at New Kent she was a two year varsity player where she was an Honorable Mention for the Bay Rivers District and received the Trojan Award. She’s a member of the Honor Roll for four years, Beta Club and the United States Achievement Academy. Kelsey is planning on studying Marine Biology. According to Kelsey she “fell in love with the campus the moment I saw the bridge over looking Route 1. The academic success and numerous opportunities available on campus added to my excitement to become a part of the University of Mary Washington. I believe in the potential of the team and cannot wait to being my journey as an Eagle!”
Sarah Weber 5’8” Outside Hitter from James River High School in Midlothian, VA and Mid Atlantic Volleyball Club. While at James River, Sarah was a four year varsity player as well as a captain in 2012. Over her career she received 1st and 2nd Team All-District along with Honorable Mention All-Region and All-Tournament Team Virginia Varsity Showcase. Her academic accolades include All-Academic all four years, a member of the Honor Roll and Distinguished Deans List. Sarah is currently undecided on a major and chose the University of Mary Washington because she “loved the atmosphere of the campus, size of the school, and the volleyball program.”