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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Joplin, Mo. -- Missouri Southern volleyball coach Chris Willis has announced the signing of four northwest Arkansas high school players to national letters of intent to attend Southern and play volleyball beginning in 2010. Kristin Hylton (Spingdale HS), Haley Martin (Fayetteville HS), Katie Collins and Sydney Marsellis (both of Springdale Har-Ber HS) have all signed on to play for Willis in 2010. Hylton, a 5-4 defensive specialist, played for coach Nanette Shamblen at Sprindale High School in Springdale, Ark. A three-year starter at outside hitter, Hylton will most likely move to the libero position at Southern. She holds the SHS school record with 29 kills in a match and also was a cheerleader at Springdale. The daughter of Troy and Sharon Hylton, Kristin is undecided on her future major at Southern. "Kristin is one of those players who brings tremendous athleticism and court awareness to the program," Willis said. "As a libero, she has a quick first step to the ball and can run down digs that most people give up on. Kristin comes from a high school team where she was looked to as a leader and go-to player. We expect much of the same as a Lion." Martin is a 6-0 middle blocker/outside hitter from Fayetteville High School where she played for coach Jessica Phelan. A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Martin was a two-time All-State and All-Conference selection, helping FHS to appearances in the 7A Conference West Tournament each of the three years she played, including a spot in the semi's this past season. The daughter of Allan and Debbie Martin, Haley plans to major in forensic science at Southern. "Haley will have an impact on the court right away," Willis said. "She brings attacking and blocking skills that can score points for us quickly. Her size and multi-faceted abilities will allow us to use her in several different position throughout the season. We've seen her develop for the last two years and anticipate her having a very high learning curve on the court." Collins, a 5-4 defensive specialist, played for coach Sandy Jones at Springdale Har-Ber High School. A four-year starter for the Wildcats, Collins helped her team to two conference championships and a state runner-up finish this past season. A four-time All-Conference selection, Collins was also an All-Region selection as a freshman and was part of the All-State Tournament team in each year. Collins was her conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and she holds the Har-Ber school record for digs in a match at 36 and averaged over 20 digs per match this past season. The daughter of Bill and Robin Collins, Katie plans on majoring in kinesiology at Southern. "Katie is one of the most determined athletes we have ever met," Willis said. "If the gym doors are open, she'll be there ready to play. Her platform control and aggressive serve will help set the table for our defense. We look for Katie to bring a stability and depth to our back row that we're losing with this year's seniors." Marsellis is a 6-0 setter/middle hitter that played with Collins for coach Sandy Jones at Har-Ber. A four-year starter for the Wildcats, Marsellis helped her team to two conference championships and a state runner-up finish this past season. A three-time All-Conference selection, Marsellis was also a three-time All-State selection and a member of the All-State Tournament team, as well. Marsellis is the daughter of Robert and Annie Marsellis and plans on majoring in business at Southern. "Sydney is an athlete who's size and abilities are going to allow her to do many things on the court," Willis said. "As a setter, she brings more height (6') than we've had in the past, along with some very good hands. She's also very effective attacker and blocker. With training, Sydney will be an impact player for the Lions." |