March 15, 2004

Chapel Hill, N.C. - UNC head coach Joe Sagula announces the addition of four student-athletes to the UNC Volleyball program for 2004. Ashley Board, Rebekah Brinkley, Christie Clark, and Brittany Randel are the newest Tar Heels. UNC is consistently ranked as one of the top fifty programs nationally. They have won ACC Championships in 1999, 2000, 2001, and the regular season title in 2002. They finished the 2003 season 20-12 overall, and 10-6 in conference play for third place in the ACC. In 2004 Carolina returns twelve letter winners of which five are returning starters.

"We have added great depth to our team with this class of student-athletes. Each player has achieved extensive success in their high school and club volleyball career and will bring those qualities into our system. This talented group will allow UNC to continue competing on a national level. We feel very fortunate to have these young people join our program with their leadership and athletic talents. I am excited that we can maintain our commitment to have the best volleyball players from our state and around the country compete as Tar Heels adding to our great traditions at UNC."

Ashley Board, a 5'8" defensive specialist/libero, is from Raleigh, NC. She plays for one of the top junior programs in North Carolina, the Triangle Volleyball Club and attends the Ravenscroft School. Ashley has been selected all conference three years, all state in her senior year and Conference MVP in 2003. She is also an All-Conference softball player for the past three seasons. Board is an honor roll student at Ravenscroft and a member of the Dean's List. Ashley Board is the daughter of Nancy Board and Dr. R. Jeffrey Board.

"We are so excited to have Ashley Board as part of our program for what she brings to the team both on and off the court. She is a determined defensive player with a great work ethic. Her presence will continually challenge our team to excel and her leadership will help guide the future Tar Heels.

Rebekah Brinkley, a 6'0" outside hitter is from Asheville, NC. She plays for the Biltmore Volleyball Club. Bekah was named the North Carolina Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year for 2003. She has led Asheville Christian Academy to 5 consecutive NCISAA State Championships (1999-2003). Bekah was also the 2003 WNC Volleyball Player of the Year. She was selected to the All-State team 2001-2003 as well as the CAA Conference player of the year from 2000-2003. Brinkley has also been a part of the USA High Performance program in Colorado Springs. Rebekah is the daughter of Diana and Jack Brinkley.

"Rebekah Brinkley adds to the most recent list of outstanding native North Carolinians (joining Molly Pyles, Caroline deRoeck, and Laura Greene) to play volleyball for UNC. She is a terrific attacker and blocker who is versatile enough to play either position as an outside or opposite. She is a solid athlete with smooth skills that will make her a strong presence in the ACC.

Christie Clark, a 6'1" middle blocker, is from Tulsa, OK. She presently plays for the Triangle Volleyball Club from NC, but has been part of the Tulsa Volleyball Club for the previous four years. Her team was Junior Olympic Club Champions in 2002. At Cascia Prep School in Tulsa, Christie helped lead her team to consecutive 4A state championships from 2000 to 2003. She was also selected the 2003 Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year for Oklahoma. She was selected Oklahoma state tournament MVP in 2002 and 2003. In the classroom she is commended by the National Merit, and earned gold honor roll during her fours years. Christie is the daughter of Laurie and William Clark.

"Christie Clark, is a player with outstanding potential for the Tar Heels. Her training experiences allow her to be quick and mobile and her athletic ability allows her to terminate from all areas of the net. She will be a major part of the Tar Heels future.

Brittany Randel, a 6'2" middle blocker, is from Arlington, TX and plays junior volleyball this year for Team Texas and previously for North Dallas Juniors. Brittany was selected All-State and the All-Texas team the past two seasons while at Arlington High School. In her senior year at Arlington she earned numerous awards being selected to the West All-Star team, Academic All-State team, Hitter of the Year, First team All-District, and the Dallas Morning News All-Area team. She was also selected as the top middle blocker in Dallas. She has been part of the USA Volleyball Youth national A-2 Team and has been selected to the National Honor Society in 2002 and 2003. Brittany is the daughter of Kerre and Neil Randel.

"Brittany Randel, is an athletic middle who can be a force as a blocker and terminate with power. Brittany has a great presence on the court, she is an intelligent player who plays with such confidence and savvy. She has good ball control skills which gives her the versatility to play multiple positions during her career. Her power as an attacker and athletic ability will make her an offensive force for Carolina."