July 20, 2007

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Coach Deborah Matejka-DesLauriers and the Stony Brook volleyball team have announced the signing of St. John's transfer Jackie Ahlers. Ahlers joins Ashley Headen, Alicia Nelson and Jeanette Gibbs who signed earlier in the year.

Jackie Ahlers is a two-time AVCA Honorable Mention All American selection. She also earned back-to-back first team all-northeast region and Big East honors.

Ashley Headen, a 5'11" middle blocker from the Virginia Elite club team, played high school volleyball for St. Stephen's & St. Agnes High School in Alexandria, Virginia. In addition she was selected Virginia State Volleyball Player of the Year.

"We are really excited to welcome Ashley to the team," said Matejka-DesLauriers. " She is a dynamic athlete with a great jumping ability and will be competing for the starting lineup as a freshman."

Alicia Nelson is a 6'0" swing hitter who played her club ball with the Minnesota Select. As a junior she played for the 17-1 Northern Lights, the number one team in the country. She was awarded Outstanding Female Athlete as a home schooled student-athlete and ranked 13th in the state in kills per game.

"Alicia has played with some of the best high school players in the country," said Matejka-DesLauriers. "She has a great arm swing and will help the team out offensively."

Jeanette Gibbs is a 5'10" swing hitter/libero from the Academy Elite Club Team on Long Island. As a player for the Ward Melville High School team, she helped lead the team two state championships and was selected all-state as a sophomore and junior.

"Jeanette has great court sense and will bring intensity and passion to our team," said DesLauriers. "She is a great competitor and we look forward to having her on the team."