Head coach Lisa Marston adds depth to the Niners front line with two recent signings. |
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Charlotte Signs Two Early For 2007 Season
Nov. 29, 2006
Charlotte, N.C. - Head coach Lisa Marston announced the signing of two new players to the Charlotte 49ers Volleyball roster for 2007 competition. Kara Raker and Nicole Whiddon have committed to the squad and will report as freshman in August of 2007. Adding players from Georgia and Michigan makes nine unique states and Puerto Rico represented on the team's roster for next season.
Raker, from Woodstock, Ga., played her prep volleyball at Etowah High School for coach Susan Murphy. The Eagles were two-time region champions, cracking the state semifinals twice and the quarterfinals once during Raker's time on the court. Her team finished with a 132-45 record during her four-year high school career.
She was decorated All-Region in 2004 and 2005, adding County Player of the Year in 2005. She made the All-County team in 2005 and 2006, and was voted best offensive player on the team for both of those seasons, when she also served as captain. She holds the Etowah High record for kills in a season, set in 2005, and finished in the top ten in Georgia in blocks per game for a single-season in 2004.
"Kara is a well trained, talented middle who gives us both size and experience," said Marston. "She can hit many different tempos and sets and can adapt well to new techniques. We're so excited to have a middle of Kara's level come to Charlotte.
Whiddon plays her high school ball for the Saline Hornets of Saline, Mich., and has just begun her senior season (Michigan prep volleyball plays from November to March). Last year, she had the most blocks in a single match for the state of Michigan, with 15 in a five-game match versus Adrian on February 9.
"Nicole is an amazing athlete," said Marston. "She isn't afraid to try new techniques which makes her open to playing a few different positions. Nicole will mainly train on the right, and is very capable in the middle as well."
Both players came to Charlotte's camp last summer and impressed the players and coaching staff.
"They mixed well with the team and have great attitudes," said Marston.. "I can see four years from now both of their names on Charlotte's and the Atlantic 10's award lists."
Charlotte completed its 2006 schedule in November, finishing with a 20-12 mark, the most wins for the school since 1994. The 49ers begin their third season of Atlantic 10 play next fall.
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