Dec. 8, 2011
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The LMU volleyball program signed a pair of standout players to National Letters of Intent, it was announced by Head Coach Tom Black. Black and his staff have inked outside hitter Sara Myers (Episcopal School of Dallas) and middle blocker/right side Rachelle Suaava (Long Beach Poly HS).
"Our staff is extremely thrilled about the addition of these two excellent volleyball players," Black said. "They both fit right in line with the great recruiting class we had last year, and are the type of player and person that we are trying to get into our program here at LMU. Both Sara and Rachelle are hard-working players that compete at the level of play that we expect to see day in and day out. The addition of these two student-athletes is another step in the right direction for our program."
Sara Myers - Episcopal School of Dallas - OH
Myers starred at Episcopal School of Dallas in Dallas, Texas for four years, including serving as the team captain in her final two campaigns. An All-North Zone selection in all four years of varsity play, Sara also earned All-SPC honors three times in her high school career, was named TAPPS 5A Newcomer of the Year, TAPPS All-District first team, TAPPS All-State second team, and was a member of the TAPPS 5A State Finals All-Tournament squad. In 2010, her club team was runner-up in the 16's Open Nationals, and she garnered the first of back-to-back Episcopal School of Dallas MVP selections. In 2011, Sara was on the 2011 Under Armour High School Girls' All-American watch list, and was named Prep Volleyball's Senior Aces honorable mention.
"Sara elevates the profile our outside hitter position," Black said. "She has show success both at the high school and club levels, playing for one of the top club teams in Texas. Her height, jump and arm speed are all things that we are looking for in that position, and she is an extremely valuable addition to our program next year and for the future."
Rachelle Suaava - Long Beach Poly - MB/RS
Suaava, who is best friends with current Lion and All-WCC Freshman Team selection Litara Keil, earned All-Moore League first team honors as a junior and senior at Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif. An All-Tournament selection at the Redondo Power Classic in 2011, Suaava helped Long Beach Poly to a No. 1 ranking in the state of California during the 2010 season, while also ranking as high as No. 11 nationally according to Maxpreps.com. Rachelle guided her team to the CIF playoffs as a junior and senior, including helping her team to a runner-up finish at the CIF Division I Championship in 2010. Before transferring to Long Beach Poly, Suaava was named an Oahu Interscholastic Association All-Star as a sophomore while attending Kapolei High School in Hawai'i.
"We are incredibly excited to have Rachelle coming into our program," Black said. "She brings a level of physicality on the court, and has had the level of competitive success that we are looking for in our student-athletes, both of which will elevate the status of our program. Suaava hits with power, can block way over the net, and has the ability to hit from all three positions. She is already a talented volleyball player, and she will only continue to get better. As with Sara, Rachelle is a very hard worker, and we are thrilled to have her coming to LMU."
LMU graduated four players this year, but return five players who logged at least 100 of LMU's 110 sets in 2011.
