April 16, 2003

OXFORD, Ohio - Jhnel Weller (Toronto, Canada/Father Henry Carr), a 5-foot-9 middle hitter, has signed a national letter of intent to play volleyball at Miami University, head coach Carolyn Condit announced Wednesday. Weller becomes the fifth addition to the freshman volleyball class of 2003, joining 6-foot-1 middle hitter Jordan Centers (Norwalk, Ohio/St. Paul), 6-foot-0 middle hitter Katie Norris (Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard), 6-foot-1 outside hitter Jessica Woods (Franklin, Tenn./Centennial) and 5-foot-8 libero/outside hitter Rachel Yauss (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Ursula).

"Jhnel's potential as a strong leader and her strength of character were just as attractive to me as her court ability," says Condit. "She joins an outstanding class of athletes in 2003 that will be instrumental in returning Miami to the championship mode."

Weller was tabbed the team's most valuable player at Father Henry Carr and earned the Ontario Volleyball Association Athlete Award of Excellence. She also was one of 10 athletes in the region named to the Ontario Summer Games' All-Star Volleyball Team. She is a member of the Scarborough Solars Vipers Club Team. A strong student, Weller has maintained an "A" average throughout her prep career and garnered Honors Achievement accolades. She also was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board of Education for outstanding service to the student body and in recognition of unique humane and professional qualities. At Father Henry Carr, Weller served on the Multi-Cultural Committee and Student Leadership Committee.

"Jhnel is a very talented athlete who will help our program as a middle hitter," says Condit. "Her highly competitive nature and strong work ethic will quickly earn her the respect of our conference opponents and her teammates."