Furman Volleyball Inks Two to National Letters of Intent

May 2, 2007

Greenville, S.C. - Furman volleyball coach Michelle Young recently announced the addition of Katherine Hall (Brentwood, Tenn.) and Brooke Ellison (San Diego, Calif.) to her 2007 Lady Paladin squad. Hall and Ellison have both committed to play volleyball at Furman next season.

Hall, a 5-10 outside hitter, was named the 2006 Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year and the TSSAA AAA State MVP after leading Brentwood High School to the state championship with a record of 57-9. The native of Brentwood, Tenn., was named Prep Volleyball All-American as well as first-team Academic All-American. Hall has been a part of two high school state championship teams, leading Brentwood to three consecutive district and region titles. She earned first-team all-state honors in both 2005 and 2006.

"Kat is the whole package," commented Young, "She has had such a successful senior year in high school both athletically and in the classroom. We are so excited for her to continue that success here at Furman."

A two-sport athlete at Mt. Carmel High School, Ellison has had a successful prep career in both volleyball and track & field. Ellison, who can fill the role of defensive specialist or libero, was named most valuable player on her high school volleyball team. She also won the SunDevil award, which is given to the best all-around player and individual with the best attitude. The native of San Diego, Calif., was chosen as a Who's Who in High School Sports and is a member of the National Honor Society.

"Brooke is a great ball control player," Young said, "I think she was under-recruited and we are lucky to have her. I am excited to see her bring her fierce competitive attitude to practice."

Furman is coming off a 19-11 record in 2006, recording a 15-3 mark in the Southern Conference. The Lady Paladins return four starters to their lineup, including 2006 SoCon Player of the Year Nicole Palazzo. Furman will begin the 2007 season at the Tulane Tournament in New Orleans, La., on August 24-25.