Pirate Volleyball Signs Six To 2006 Class
December 14, 2005 | Volleyball
Dec. 14, 2005
GREENVILLE, N.C.--Six high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period to play volleyball at East Carolina in 2006, head coach Chris Rushing announced today.
Erica Banning, Hannah Fenker, Katie Prast, Peyton Thompson, Stephanie Turner and Melissa Zentner have all committed to the Pirate volleyball program and will join the team next season.
"We have made great strides this past season and all six of these newcomers, mixed with our solid returning core, will help ECU volleyball to continue towards a Conference USA championship," head coach Chris Rushing said.
Banning, a 6-0 middle blocker from D.H. Conley in Greenville, was named conference player-of-the-year in 2005 in leading the Vikings to a second place finish in the state championship. She was named team offensive player-of-the-year as well as being named to the all-state tournament team as a senior. Banning was also the recipient of the Lady Viking Award in 2004.
Fenker, a 5-8 setter from Crysler High School in New Castle, Ind., was named all-conference and all-area first-team in 2004 and 2005 while also being named first-team all-state in 2005. She led her team to the school's first ever No.1 ranking in the state her junior and senior seasons. She also broke the school record at Crysler with 32 kills in a match during her senior year.
Prast, a 5-9 outside hitter from Hinsdale South in Burr Ridge, Ill., is a three-year varsity team member and recipient of the Hustle Award in 2005. She was also acknowledged for her performance with the team's Most Improved Award in 2004 and the Sportsmanship Award in 2003. She attends the same high school as former Pirate libero, Johanna Bertini.
Thompson, a 5-11 outside hitter from Plano High School in Plano, Texas, was named to the all-district team her junior and senior seasons. In 2005, she led her team to a district championship, an area championship while finishing runner-up in the regional finals.
Turner, a 5-9 outside hitter from Clarence High School in East Amherst, N.Y., was named second-team all-state as a senior in 2005. A four-year varsity member, she was named All-WNY and All-ECIC from 2003-05. She was also a scholar athlete from 2002-05 and the team captain from 2003-05.
Zentner, a 6-2 outside hitter from Barron Collier High School in Naples, Fla., was named conference player-of-the-year and second-team all-state in 2005. She was a two-time all-county player during her junior and senior seasons while also leading her team to three district championships from 2003-05.
In addition to the six signees, ECU will return eight letterwinners and one redshirt freshman. The Pirates finished the 2005 season with a record of 20-11, the program's best mark in 23 years.
ECU Head Coach Chris Rushing comments on all six signees:
On Erica Banning
"Erica is a real good blocker and can hit a good quick set as well. She works out hard and it will only pay off each year she continues to do so. She is smart and aggressive. It is only a matter of time we will see her excel as a top player."
On Hannah Fenker
"Hannah is a very quick and athletic player. Her reactions are quick, which will help her in the defensive and setting positions. She will help us be a better defensive and offensive team. as she is very well-rounded in both."
On Katie Prast
"Katie will bring a lot of positive energy and attitude to this program. She has a lot of good volleyball skills and will bring some added ball control. Her high level of experience will help her move into the lineup quickly.
On Peyton Thompson
"Peyton has played a lot of volleyball and has played a variety of positions. She could do a lot of different things for us. We are looking forward to her bringing us her talents and competing to be an immediate impact player on the outside."
On Stephanie Turner
"Stephanie is a really dynamic athlete. She has a good arm with a good snap on the ball. She plays hard and has good all-around ball control. She has a great personality and will bring a lot of energy, drive and determination."
On Melissa Zentner
"Melissa is a huge blocker. She will be a strong defensive force for us on the right side. She also has a good arm to keep our offense in line. She is intense on the court and has a huge desire to win."
