Nov. 13, 2002

OXFORD, Ohio - Miami University's volleyball team signed three student-athletes to national letters of intent, head coach Carolyn Condit announced Wednesday. Joining the RedHawks in the fall of 2003 will be 6-foot-1 middle hitter Jordan Centers (Norwalk, Ohio/St. Paul), 6-foot-0 middle hitter Katie Norris (Indianapolis, Ind./Bishop Chatard) and 6-foot-1 outside hitter Jessica Woods (Franklin, Tenn./Centennial).

Centers led St. Paul High School to the 2002 Division IV state title, after capturing district and regional crowns. The team went undefeated, posting a stellar 29-0 mark. Centers was a first-team all-state selection, tabbed the District 6 Player of the Year and was selected to participate in the Ohio All-Star match.

"Jordan is a premier player based on her accomplishments this season," says Condit. "She is one of the hardest working competitors and among the top athletes in the state of Ohio. Jordan has the ability to dominate at the net and will prove this beyond a doubt at the college level."

Norris was a first-team all-state selection and led Bishop Chatard High School to the regional finals in the Indiana state tournament. The team also captured the city championship. Norris, whose sister, Kristi, is a junior on Miami's track and field team, was an all-city selection in both volleyball and track and field and earned honorable mention academic all-state laurels.

"Katie is a strong blocker and powerful attacker who is a proven winner from fine high school and club programs," says Condit. "Her competitive style will blend in well at Miami and will help take us to the next level."

Woods led Centennial High School to the district semifinals and was named first-team all-district and to the all-district tournament team; all-state honors in Tennessee are not announced until the winter. Woods was named most valuable player of her high school team and paced her Impact Silver Aces club team to a runner-up finish in the 2002 USA Junior National Tournament.

"Jessica is a top-notch competitor and leader, who is solid in all skills of the game," says Condit. "Her fine performances at the national tournament in July showcased her athleticism and her ability to execute, regardless of match pressure. She is a winner in every sense of the word."