December 3, 2003

FURMAN VOLLEYBALL SIGNS THREE TO NLI

GREENVILLE, South Carolina -- Furman volleyball coach Michelle Young announced on Wednesday the signing of three prep athletes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Lady Paladins beginning in the fall of 2004.

Courtney Stewardson from Apple Valley, Minn., Celestee Wilson from Prairieville, La., and Kerry Wooten of Hamptonville, N.C. will comprise the Lady Paladin class of 2008.

³This class will add tremendous depth to an already solid roster,² said Young regarding her signees. ³We look for them to have an immediate and positive impact on our team.²

Stewardson is a 5-10 setter out of Apple Valley High School who was the 2002 and 2003 MVP of her high school team, a two-time all-conference selection, and a 2003 all-state choice. She also played club ball for the Mizuno M1s.

A 6-2 middle blocker who played prep ball at Dutchtown High School, Wilson was a 2002 All-District and All-Tournament selection at Runnels High School. She went on to earn District MVP as a senior at Dutchtown and was named to the All-Tournament teams at Dutchtown and Denham Springs.

Rounding out the Furman signing class is 6-0 middle blocker Kerry Wooten, who played for Starmount High School and the Yadkin Valley club team. Wooten was a two-time team MVP, two-time All-Conference choice, and 2003 1A Player of the Year. In addition, she led her high school squad to the 2003 state title and is also an all-conference basketball player and state qualifier in track.

³We have added some size to our roster without sacrificing athleticism,² Young added. ³This class is very athletic and loaded with potential, and we are very proud that they have chosen Furman to continue their education both in the classroom and on the court.