George Washington University Athletics
Volleyball Adds Seven Newcomers for 2010
6/7/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
June 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington University volleyball coach Jojit Coronel has announced the addition of seven talented newcomers to the Colonials roster for 2010. Freshmen Jamie Armstrong, Jessica Burr, Hillary DeCarl, Rachael Goss, Taylor Knox, Hayley Woodford, along with redshirt sophomore, Katie Crosby, will play for the Colonials in 2010.
A 6-foot-3 middle hitter from Monroe, WI, Armstrong was four-year starter who garnered All-Conference honors as a sophomore, junior and senior. Armstrong also was an accomplished basketball player for Monroe H.S.
Coronel on Armstrong: "Jamie is an excellent attacker who we feel will be a huge presence on the court in our offensive and transition sets. She plays on a highly competitive club team that has prepared her the last three seasons play at a high level. She is an outstanding young lady of tremendous character. We are looking forward watching her develop into an all-conference middle."
Burr was named First Team All-Division and First Team All-State as a senior at La Salle Academy in Coventry, RI. She graduated in the top five percent of her class and was named the Freshman Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2006-07.
Coronel on Burr: "One word that describes Jessica is `fiery.' She exudes excitement on the court. She has a passion second to none. Coming from an extremely athletic family, Jessica will make a huge impact in practice by her shear work ethic and desire to compete at the highest level."
Crosby, from Los Alamitos, CA, transferred from Arizona State University after appearing in 19 sets as a freshman last season for the Sun Devils. She has three years of eligibility remaining and figures to step in to the starting setter spot vacated by Alyssa Valentine who transferred in the spring.
Coronel on Crosby: "Katie is an `elite player.' We are blessed to have her join our program and expect her to make an immediate impact. Her experience as a Pac-10 player will make the players around her better."
The most local of the newcomers is Goss from nearby Manassas, VA. Named second team All-Met by The Washington Post, Goss also was named All-District, All-Area and MVP at Forest Park High School, the same school that produced former GW standout, Abigail Hatter (`05).
Coronel on Goss: "Rachael is an outstanding athlete who can play either right side or outside. As she develops into a more aggressive player, she will be a force to be reckoned with."
DeCarl was a four-time team MVP for her Chaparral High School team in Temecula, CA. She was named First Team All-Southwestern League as a junior and was the team captain for three years.
Coronel on DeCarl: "Hilary is one of the most steady and consistent defensive specialists that we have recruited in a long time. She is a consumate team player who will make us better throughout her career. She has an extremely high volleyball IQ and plays with lots of savvy and guts on the court."
Knox is the younger sister of Colonials' junior middle hitter, MacKenzie Knox. Knox was named the Offensive Player of the Year from 2007-09 and garnered First Team All-Sunset League honors in `09. She also was All-Orange County honorable mention in `09 at Edison High School in Huntington Beach, CA.
Coronel on Knox: "Taylor has the potential to be an outstanding right side player. She is extremely athletic and knows the game. She will immediately compete for significant playing time."
Woodford is a two-time Rio Hondo League MVP in 2007 and `09 while playing for La Canada High School in La Canada, CA. She helped guide the Spartans to the California Southern Section Div. 2 championship in `08 and a runner-up finish in `09.
Coronel on Woodford: "Hayley is a smart player with excellent location. She has tremendous court sense and wants to be great. As she develops physically, she will be an outstanding quarterback and leader."
GW concluded the 2009 season with a 21-12 overall record, 8-7 in the Atlantic 10 Conference and qualified for the A-10 Championship tournament for the second straight year. GW opens the 2010 season against Georgetown in the DC Challenge at American University's Bender Arena on August 27.
GW Volleyball newcomers for 2010:
Jamie Armstrong, 6-1, MH, Monroe, WI/Monroe High School
Jessica Burr, 5-9, OH, Coventry, RI/La Salle Academy
Katie Crosby, 6-1, S, Los Alamitos, CA/Los Alamitos
Hillary DeCarl, 5-9, OH, Temecula, CA/Chapparal
Rachael Goss, 5-11, OH, Manassas,VA/Forest Park
Taylor Knox, 5-11, RH, Huntington Beach, CA/Edison
Hayley Woodford, 5-10, S, La Canada, CA/La Canada
