• Roster
• |
• Schedule/Results
• |
• Stats
• |
• News
• |
• Archives

There is always strength in numbers, and for the 2007 UT volleyball team, the team's strength and depth is indicated at all positions, including outside hitter. Texas enters 2007 with a talented group of outside hitters that is comprised of seasoned veterans and highly-touted youngsters. The Longhorns boast five players with the ability to play outside hitter -- four veterans and three freshmen -- providing Texas with an arsenal of options on the outside.

HEADLINES
· In 2006, Texas was ranked second among Big 12 teams in hitting percentage (.265) and ranked No. 21 nationally.
· Ashley Engle and Destinee Hooker each claimed All-America and First Team All-Big 12 honors last year, while senior Jen Christian and junior Lauren Paolini are both former Gatorade High School Player of the Year award winners from Arizona and Michigan, respectively.
· Jennifer Doris, Juliann Faucette and Elizabeth Graham are all highly-rated national recruits and the trio's height and physicality will make an immediate impact in the Texas front row.

RETURNEES
Jen Christian (#13, 6-3, Sr.-3L)
Played in 27 of 31 matches in 2006 ... sixth in kills per game (1.79) ... had four double-figure kill matches, including a season-high 19 kills against Stanford in the Regional Finals.

Ashley Engle (#10, 6-3, So.-1L)
2006 AVCA All-America Second Team, Central Region Player of the year, First Team All-Region, First Team All-Big 12, Big 12 Freshman of the Year ... led the Longhorns with a team-high 463 kills while posting a 3.99 kills per-game average ... ranked second on the squad in digs (329), digs per-game (2.84), service aces (33) and assists (89), while ranking third on the team with 88 total blocks

Destinee Hooker (#21, 6-4, So.-1L)
2006 AVCA All-America Honorable Mention, First Team All-Region, First Team All-Big 12, two-time Big 12 Player of the Week ... helped highlight UT's high-powered attack in 2006, hammering out 373 kills and 3.49 kills per-game ... hit at a .276 clip on the season, tallied 4.12 points per-game and tied for third best on the Texas squad with 15 service aces. Lauren Paolini (# 3, 6-5, Jr.-2L) Played in all 31 of Texas' matches, earning 20 starts last season ... led the team in blocking last season, recording 98 total blocks ... ranked second on the club with a .314 attack mark.

NEWCOMERS
Jennifer Doris (#8, 6-5, Fr.-HS)
2007 Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 recruit ... the third-ranked recruit nationally by PrepVolleyball.com ... played exclusively for her Willowbrook club team her junior and senior seasons after playing for Cypress Falls High School her freshman and sophomore year.

Juliann Faucette (#1, 6-2, Fr.-HS)
2007 Volleyball Magazine Fab 50 recruit ... the second-ranked recruit nationally by PrepVolleyball.com and a 2007 PrepVolleyball.com All-American.

Elizabeth Graham (#31, 6-2, Fr.-HS)
2007 PrepVolleyball.com All-American and was a 2006 All-State First Team pick by the Texas Sports Writers Association and Lone Star Volleyball as a senior at Vista Ridge High School.

ELLIOTT'S OUTLOOK: OUTSIDE HITTERS
"Ashley Engle is considered one of the top right side players in the country. She had a tremendous freshman campaign from the start. She is one of the few players who has the ability to take over a match both offensively and blocking, as well as being a setter. On the offensive side, Ashley brings a nice blend of ball control and attacking, and she is a tremendous competitor.

Jen Christian is coming into her senior season. She had her first full spring of training with no injuries, which has been a huge asset. She concluded last season on a great note with 19 kills and hitting over .300 against Stanford. Jen brings a lot of experience and has been through the ropes in terms of playing in the top matches. She can play on the left and possibly on the right side. Jen brings a wealth of knowledge to the court, and when she gets hot, she proves to be one of the better outside hitters in the country.

Destinee Hooker had a phenomenal campaign as a freshman. As we approach another season, she is only going to continue to improve. Destinee truly has the physical capabilities to take over a match. She touched an amazing 10 feet, 10.5 inches this spring, and I'm not sure anyone else in the country can touch that at this point in time. She really has the potential star power to develop into one of the premiere left side attackers in the country.

Juliann Faucette comes to our program as the second-ranked recruit in the country and she is very deserving of that ranking. She is arguably the hardest hitter in our gym and brings a tremendous amount of experience to us for a freshman. Juliann had a very successful club year at Epic (San Diego) this past year and she has extensive international playing experience. She is very physical, hits a heavy ball and will develop into a premier primary passer for us.

Lauren Paolini has played a little bit on the left, but we foresee her being a middle blocker or possibly playing opposite if we run a 6-2. She is starting to get the confidence and strength that is typical of juniors after spending two really good years in our strength program. Lauren will have a major impact on this team, and it will be fun to see exactly what she brings to the table. If she can kick her game up a notch, it will really take our team to another level.

Jennifer Doris is a tremendously gifted freshman who has years of experience with the Junior National Team. She is very physical and can play middle, right and possibly some on the left, if needed. We foresee her as more of a middle blocker, maybe opposite, but again, she is a very hard worker who takes pride in her blocking.

Elizabeth Graham comes in with an amazing amount of athletic ability. She is quick off the ground, has a nice arm, is a very hard worker and has a great feel for blocking. We look forward to watching her grow in our system."