Florida Pair Completes 2010 Volleyball Roster
April 22, 2010 | Volleyball
April 22, 2010
GREENVILLE, N.C. - Shelby Beasley (Winter Park, Fla.) and Jackie Varnum (Panama City, Fla.) have signed national letters-of-intent to attend and play volleyball at East Carolina University beginning in the fall of 2010, according to an announcement by head coach Pati Rolf Thursday.
Beasley, a 5-4 defensive specialist and libero, is currently completing her senior year at Lake Howell High School. She led the Silver Hawks to an impressive 98-23 ledger during her four years with the program and owns school records for the most digs in a match, season and career. Beasley also garnered three all-conference nods as well as an all-state accolade her final campaign as she picked up 1,286 digs in her time at Lake Howell. The Silver Hawks made three state final four appearances along with a trip to the championship game her junior season.
While earning four varsity letters in volleyball, Beasley also received three in lacrosse as a midfielder and attacker. She is a member of the National Honors Society and earned Silver Scholar recognition. Her father, John, played baseball at Florida Southern University, helping the school earn its first national title, while her brother, Taylor, is a quarterback at Southern Illinois University.
"Shelby is a rock," assistant coach Katie Virtue said. "She is a very solid and steady player who will be a huge contributor in the back row. Her competitive and aggressive attitude allows her to really take charge of the defense. We will truly benefit from her excellent ball control and consistency. She is small, but mighty, and we are so excited that she is joining us."
Varnum, a 6-1 middle hitter from Gulf Coast Community College, joins the Pirates after a successful two-year stint with the Tornadoes program. She helped the squad collect a 37-34 record as she amassed 257 kills, 254 block assists and 138 solo blocks. Varnum holds the school record for blocks and kills and was named to the All-Panhandle Conference team both campaigns. A recipient of the Roberta Stokes award, she also earned All-State Academic laurels her freshman season.
At Bay (Fla.) High School, Varnum was named team MVP her sophomore year and Best Offensive Player her junior campaign. She earned two varsity letters while serving as a team captain as a senior. Varnum also lettered three times in softball as a first baseman and pitcher. She graduated fourth in her class and received the school's Scholar-Athlete Award.
"Jackie is bringing a wealth of experience to the ECU volleyball program," Virtue stated. "She was very successful in her two-year program at Gulf Coast and will be an excellent addition to our system. With a young team this season, we are looking forward to having her strong court presence and competitive leadership. Jackie is also a phenomenal student and will certainly be a leader in the classroom."
