June 10, 2004

FAIRFIELD, CT (June 10, 2004) - Sacred Heart University head women's volleyball coach Liz McGreevy announced the addition of five student-athletes who will join the Pioneers this fall. SHU will look to junior transfer Heather Brooks (Regina, Saskatchewan) and freshmen Sam McMillan (Manassas, VA), Jen Braswell (Wilton, CT), Christine Duffy (Massapequa, NY) and Rachel Wallman (Smithtown, NY) to help the Pioneers build toward success in 2004.

"The new players will add needed depth to the team in all positions," stated McGreevy. "I am excited about what potential these players have. I am most excited about the frame of mind and attitude they have - they are all excited about being a part of the program, they want to help bring this team to the top of the NEC, and they understand the work that it takes to accomplish that goal."

Brooks joins the SHU squad after playing two seasons at High Point as the team's top middle. She captained the team as a sophomore and was in the top three on the team in kills and blocks. "Heather will bring experience to the middle position," said McGreevy. "She saw two years of success at High Point University, which plays a competitive schedule. She will add some power to our offense and will be able to step right onto the court and score points for us."

McMillan is a 5-8 setter out of Osbourne Park Senior High School where she was the Cedar Run District Player of the Year after leading her team to the District Championship. She was also team captain and earned all-area, all-region, all-state and Team MVP honors in 2003. "Samantha is a solid athlete who is full of confidence and leadership abilities for such a young person," stated the head coach. "Her defensive abilities will help us out right away and I am looking forward to working on her setting skills."

Braswell, a 5-7 setter, defensive specialist and outside hitter from Wilton High School, will give the Pioneers added depth at several positions next season. She was a three-time Team MVP and was elected All-State her senior season. She was also selected as the Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year and chosen to play on the CT All-Star team. Braswell also earned All-FCIAC and all-area honors as a junior and senior. "Jen is an overall athlete who can develop in any position she is placed," commented McGreevy. "Her hard work and athleticism will pump up our defense. She has great hands as well and could see some time at setter or right side."

Duffy, a 5-10 outside hitter from Massapequa High School, will give Sacred Heart another offensive option on the outside this year. She helped guide her team to the Nassau County and Class A Conference Championship in 2003. She was an all-county selection her junior and senior seasons as well as All-State and the Nassau County MVP in 2003. Duffy was also selected to play in the LUHI Top-50 Tournament, put together for the top players in Long Island. "Christina is a consistent player, which we will need on the outside," stated McGreevy. "Her basic skills are strong and we are eager to watch her develop and get stronger every day. She is one of the most decorated new players, but has a quiet confidence about her that lets her go unnoticed until you see her stats at the end of a game."

Wallman, a 5-5 setter and defensive specialist from Smithtown High School, will bring a high energy approach to the court this season. She was an all-league selection her junior and senior year and an all-conference pick in 2003. She served as team captain as a senior and earned a spot on the 2003 All-County Tournament Team. "Rachel will bring a lot of energy to our team as she is such a positive and supportive player," said McGreevy. "She is quick on the floor and has setting and defensive skills that will benefit our program."

"We had such a great spring season with just six players competing, we did very well," stated the head coach. "We defeated Marist and Quinnipiac and took games from a few others. Our core six returning players have respect for each other and show great support, which is so important. They are ready to work hard in the fall."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx