Jan. 22, 2002

The South Carolina volleyball team has announced the signing of three players to letters of intent beginning in the 2002 volleyball season. Nicole Miller (Stockton, Calif./St. Mary’s), Sarah Morgan (Gibsonia, Pa./Pine-Richland H.S.) and Lynae VandenHull (Omaha, Neb./Papillion La Vista H.S.) signed letters of intent to the Carolina volleyball program to begin next season.

“I feel this recruiting class is a great mixture of athletes and personalities,” said USC Head Coach Kim Christopher. “We have speed size and talent in Nicole, Sarah and Lynae. They are also extremely competitive as people. I am looking forward to coaching this recruiting class.”

Nicole Miller (6-1, Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter) has played for the Delta Valley Club Team that won the Volleyball Festival in Sacramento, Calif. Miller’s club team also finished tied for third at Junior Nationals. Miller was named MVP and all-are for San Joaquin County and earned all-tournament honors at the ArchBishop Mitty Invitational. Miller has lettered three years in volleyball and two years in track. Miller was MVP Field Athlete for her school’s team. Miller also received the Jester Award Scholastic Athletic Achievement Award from her high school.

“Nicole is an athlete with tremendous speed,” said Coach Christopher. “She is versatile offensively and a great competitor. Nicole is an experienced club player that has played at a high level for several years. Nicole will be a great addition for us because when the whistle blows she is there to win.

Sarah Morgan (6-0, Outside Hitter) will also add depth to the Gamecock roster after playing in one of the largest sports conferences in the nation. Morgan played in the WPIAL, which has 140 member schools. Morgan played at Pine-Richland H.S. that won the WPIAL (Western Pa.) Championship and was runner-up in the Pa. State Championship with a 24-1 record. Morgan was the WPIAL MVP in 2001 as well as Section MVP and Team MVP for the third time. Morgan is a two-time first team all-state and all-WPIAL recipient.

“Sarah is a great all-around athlete with a work ethic to match,” said Coach Christopher. “She is a determined competitor that is intelligent and is committed to being the best she can be. She is a leader on her team and in her community. She also has the intangibles to go with her athleticism. I will enjoy coaching Sarah because she is self motivated and has very high standards for herself.”

Lynae VandenHull (6-2, left-handed Right Side Blocker) will join the Gamecocks from Papillion LaVista H.S. in Nebraska. Lynae is a two-sport athlete competing in volleyball and basketball. At Papillion LaVista, VandenHull was a member of the 2000 and 2001 Class A Volleyball State Champions. VandenHull was named honorable mention all-state in Nebraska as well as the 2001 Omaha Metro Team. VandenHull was also named honorable mention all-america in volleyball by StudentSports.com. VandenHull was also named to the all-tournament team in the 2001 Nebraska High School State Championships.

“Lynae is an exciting player that is 6-2 and left-handed,” said Coach Christopher. “She is a young volleyball player that is seeing the benefits of her hard work and commitment. Lynae has had the benefit of playing for Gwen Egbert at Papillion-La Vista H.S. that is one of the best high school and club programs in the country. I love Lynae’s enthusiasm for the sport and desire to learn as a player. She has great size and good hand-eye coordination.”