Lady Paladin Volleyball Signs Two

Dec. 8, 2005

GREENVILLE, South Carolina - Furman's Lady Paladin volleyball coach Michelle Young announced on Thursday the signing of Kelsey Salava and Stephanie Smith to National Letters of Intent during the recent NCAA early signing period.

Salava, a senior at Clearwater High School in Clearwater, Fla., is a 5-11 setter who led the Tornadoes with 226 kills and 996 assists as a junior. She was also recruited b y Arkansas, West Florida and Marist and was an all-state selection. Salava is the daughter of Randy and Kathy Salava.

"Kelsey brings great athleticism and size to the setter position," says Young. "I am excited that she chose Furman. We look for her to develop into a tremendous setter."

Joining Salava is fellow signee Smith, a 5-4 all-state libero from Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, Penn. Stephanie is the daughter of Ralph and Wendy Smith.

According to Young, "Stephanie will bring a tremendous amount of ball control to our team. I am very impressed with her ability as a defensive player and am excited about seeing her excel at Furman."

Furman posted a 15-16 overall record in 2005 and returns 10 of 11 team members new year. "I am estatic about signing both of these players," says Young. "They are great, hardworking kids with loads of talent. We look for them to have an early impact and add depth to an experienced team."