| 2003 Signings
The following is a list of all signings for the 2003 season
starting with the most recent signing.
Helm signs for volleyball and softball
McPherson College has announced the signing of Holly Helm of Conway Springs, Kan. to volleyball and softball letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
The 5’6” Helm was part of Conway Springs’ three straight Class 3A KSHSAA state championship teams.
“Holly has to be one of the most positive people I have ever been around,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. She always has a smile on her face and is always helping others stay up and focused on the goal at hand. That is why her team has won state three years in a row, and has been to state consistently. She will be a defensive specialist for us, and knows how to read the floor and opposing hitters.”
Holly was selected to Who’s Who Among America High School Students, and was active in FCCLA and Student Council at Conway Springs High.
Holly is the daughter of Kenny and Michelle Helm of Conway Springs, Kan., and she intends to major in business at McPherson College.
*****
Garcia joins Bulldog spikers
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Alexis Garcia of Hutchinson, Kan., to a volleyball letter of intent for the 2003-04 academic year.
“Alexis will bring experience to our team this fall,” said McPherson College volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She has had the experience of playing at the college level and knows what it will take to be successful at this level.
“Alexis will play DS (defensive specialist) for us and will add a lot to our program. She from a good high school program at Hutchinson High plus has played in the Jayhawk Conference.”
A 2001 graduate of Hutchinson High, Garcia was a second team All-Ark Valley selection as a senior and was named the Lady SaltHawks “Most Improved Player” as both a sophomore and junior.
Following her graduate from Hutchinson High, Garcia played for two years at Butler County Community College in ElDorado, where she was again named the squad’s “Most Valuable Player.” At Butler County, she was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll as a freshman and the President’s Honor Roll as a sophomore.
The daughter of Silvia and Alberto Magana of Hutchinson, Alexis’ has a brother who currently plays soccer for Iowa Central Community College. Alexis intends to major in sociology at McPherson College.
*****
Hendricks joins Mac spikers/tracksters
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Kelsey Hendricks of Alma, Kan., to volleyball and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
A first team All-Mid East League setter following her junior and senior season at Alma-Wabaunsee High School, the 5’4” Hendricks also qualified for the 2003 KSHSAA state track and field championships where she placed 6th in the Class 3A shot put. Named the 2003 “Female Athlete of the Year” at Wabaunsee High, she also broke the school record in the shot put.
“Kelsey has worked hard at improving her skills, not only in season but also in the off-season playing club ball,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She will be able to run a variety of sets for us next year and knows what it takes to get the ball to the setter. She is a smart player and can also hit the ball. We look for great things from her next year.”
“We’re glad to have another thrower joining the young group that Coach Seal began putting together this year,” said Bart Gray, newly named head track and cross-country coach for McPherson College. “Kelsey has shown she is a competitor and given the opportunity to get stronger and refine her skills, she can compete in the KCAC.”
The daughter of Don and Rosa Hendricks of Alma, Kelsey intends to major in pre-physical therapy at McPherson College.
***** Pargman joins Mac volleyball
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Erin Pargman of Olpe, Kan. to a volleyball letter of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
Pargman, a 5’9” hitter, was named to the All-Area first team and second team All-Lyon County League in volleyball. She was part of the Eagles’ 2003 Class 2A third place basketball team and was named to the All-Lyon County League second team and honorable mention All-State Class 2A.
“This young lady plays with a lot of intensity and passion,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “Erin is an outside hitter and works hard at getting to the ball and putting it down. In the back row, she is definitely not afraid of getting on the floor if she must to dig a ball.
“Erin has great work ethics as her volleyball and basketball teams have been perennial contenders for Class 2A state titles and have great tradition. She knows what it takes to win, and will bring that as well as a ‘never give up’ attitude to our team.”
Erin is the daughter of Kim and Sally Pargman of Olpe, Kan.
*****
Atwater joins Lady Bulldog volleyball & track
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Katie Atwater of Elizabeth, Colo., to volleyball and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
The 6’0” Atwater was an honorable mention All-Conference selection in volleyball for Elizabeth High after being named EHS’ “Best Offensive Player” this past season.
“We are very lucky to have an individual like Katie joining our program next year,” said McPherson College volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She is not only a good volleyball player, but a very good student. Katie will bring some blocking skills that will help us next fall. She is an individual that wants to get better every time she steops on the court and is willing to do what need to be done to do that, and help her team.
“Katie fits into our program very well and will be a positive addition to our campus. We look for many positive contributions from Katie in the years ahead.”
Atwater was a first team All-Conference performer as a thrower in track & field as a sophomore before earning second team honors a year ago. She was selected as Elizabeth High’s “Most Valuable Thrower” in 2002.
“Katie is going to make some noise in the KCAC throws department,” said McPherson College track coach Pete Seal. “She has a strong build and long levers, which are prime for launching huge throws. While the discus has been her main event in high school, I believe she can become a good hammer thrower really fast.”
“With the addition of Katie and Shelia (Bevan of Macksville, Kan.) to our group of young throwers, the team should be primed for success in the throws over the next few years.”
Katie is the daughter of Brenda and Harold Atwater of Elizabeth, Colo.
*****
McGee signs with Mac volleyball
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Nicole McGee of Clay Center, Kan., to a volleyball letter of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
A 5’ 8”, lefthanded hitter, McGee was named to the All-North Central Kansas League first team following her senior season at Clay Center Community High School. She was also named to the all-tournament teams at Ellsworth and Council Grove.
“As our first left hander, Nicole will bring experience not only as a hitter, but also as a setter as well,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “Nicole played for a great program at Clay Center, and will come to us with great skills. She is aggressive and, with her being left-handed, can do many different things for us at different positions. Her knowledge of the game and passion for the sport of volleyball will be a major plus for us.”
Nicole is the daughter of Vernon II and Dawn McGee of Clay Center, Kan. She intends to major in biology at McPherson College, then pursue an advanced degree in physical therapy.
*****
Mayhan signs for volleyball & basketball
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Chandra Mayhan of Kit Carson, Colo., to volleyball and basketball letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
A two-time All-State selection in basketball, the 5’ 5” Mayhan was also an All-State selection in volleyball after her senior season at Kit Carson High. In addition to winning All-Conference honors her final three volleyball seasons and all four years of basketball, Mayhan received honorable mention all-state honors following her freshman and sophomore years of basketball and her sophomore and junior seasons of volleyball.
Mayhan was selected to play in the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports All-Star game and the Colorado High School Coaches Association All-State games following her senior season. She was named first team All-State by the Rocky Mountain News and second team All-State by the Denver Post.
“We are very excited about Chandra playing for us next year,” said McPherson College women’s volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She will bring not only hitting experience, but also setting experience to our program. She knows from her experience as both a hitter and a setter there has to be good communication between players.
“Chandra is a very hard working, coachable young lady, who doesn’t quit when situations become difficult. Rather she will work through it to make herself a better, stronger player and person. She is a good student, and we are very excited about her becoming part of our campus community and team.” Stephenson anticipates using Mayhan as an outside hitter and setter.
Mayhan averaged 14.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 steals, and 3.3 assists per game her senior basketball season at Kit Carson.
“Chandra is a proven basketball player,” said McPherson women’s basketball coach Mel Wright. “She was recognized as such when she was selected as an All-State player. She has very good fundamental skills and a strong love for the game. She has a ‘shooter’s’ mentality, and I think she will make the adjustment to college game quickly.”
Chandra is the daughter of Jerry and Sharon Mayhan of Kit Carson, Colo.
*****
Marquette signs on for volleyball & basketball
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Jennifer Marquette of Waterville, Kan., to volleyball and basketball letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
The 6’ 1” Marquette will come to McPherson from Blue Rapids-Valley Heights Lady Mustang programs, which won the Class 2A state volleyball championship in 2001before finishing second in 2002 plus also qualified for the Class 2A state basketball tournament during her freshman and sophomore years.
“I feel very luck to have found Jennifer,” said McPherson College volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She is a young lady that is just coming into her own in volleyball. She is playing club ball, and working to improve her skills as a middle hitter. She has done a great job of that and I feel she will help us in many ways.
“Jennifer is another very hard working young lady, who is also very coachable. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make her a better player as well as her teammates. We are very excited to have her on our team.”
A year-around athlete, Marquette’s basketball club team qualified for and participated in the junior national tournament in Atlanta, Georgia, after her sophomore year.
“We are thrilled to have Jennifer become a Lady Bulldog. I believe she is a ‘diamond in the rough’,” said McPherson College women’s basketball coach Mel Wright. “Her potential is absolutely unlimited. She has outstanding athletic ability. She runs the floor with the best, and is a team player.
“Jennifer has size you can’t coach. Six-one is God given. She has skills, intelligence, and a great attitude. I believe Jennifer will be an impact player in our program.”
A talented young artist, Jennifer has also been awarded an art scholarship. She is the daughter of Russ and Myrna Marquette of Waterville, Kan. She will major in art at McPherson College.
*****
Frager signs with Mac volleyball & track
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Deidre Frager of Morrowville, Kan., to volleyball and track & field letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
The 5’ 6” Frager was an All-Pike Trail League volleyball selection following her junior and senior seasons at North Central High School after being named honorable mention All-Pike Trail and All-Area as a sophomore.
Part of the Cougars’ third place, state medal winning volleyball team in 2000, Frager posted 243 kills, 30 kill blocks, and posted 35 ace serves on her way to a 97% serving rate for the Cougars.
“I first met Deidre at a volleyball camp three years ago,” said McPherson College head volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “We have been watching her develop as a player and student during that time, and knew we wanted to recruit her. Deidre has great volleyball skills and knowledge of the game. She has worked hard, going to campus and playing club ball, to continue to make herself a better player.
“Deidre is a very smart young lady, and her work ethic is very evident in the classroom as will as on the court. She comes from a good program that knows what it takes to win. She has very good fundamental skills. We are excited about having her decide to be a Lady Bulldog next fall.”
The North Central High School record holder for the 800 meters and javelin as well being part of the school record setting 4x800 meters relay, Frager placed second in the individual, Class 1A state 800-meter run as a sophomore. She then concluded her junior season with a sixth place finish in the 800 meters. Frager posted the school record in the javelin throw last season when she hurled the spear 121’ 10”.
“Deidre will be a building clock in diversifying our team over the next couple of years,” said McPherson College head track coach Pete Seal. “She has the ability and talent to score in a variety of events, 800 meters and up, plus in the javelin. Her talents will make a huge impact on our team.”
Deidre is the daughter of Terry and Sonja Frager of Morrowville, Kan., and she plans to major in marketing/business at McPherson College.
*****
Hall joins Mac volleyball & basketball
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Constance Renee Hall of Geraldine, Ala., to volleyball and basketball letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
The 5’ 9” Hall was an All-State selection and named All-Region “Most Valuable Player” in volleyball following her senior season at Geraldine High School. Those honors came after she had been named All-County and All-Area in both basketball and volleyball her junior and senior years.
“Rene comes to us with a very strong work ethic,” said McPherson volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She is the type of young lady that all coaches love having on their team. We are very excited about her joining us next fall, and we’re expecting great things from her.
“Rene is a hitter and can also set, so her talents will be valuable as we look to move up the conference ladder. She is a very aggressive hitter and can find the holes. Being a setter, she knows how important it is to get the hitters the ball in position to put it away.”
Hall participated in the Central Kansas All-Star basketball game hosted by McPherson College in March.
“Renee is the type of player a coach dreams about having,” said McPherson women’s basketball coach Mel Wright. “She is a very hard worker with a great attitude. Because of those attributes, she has developed her skills to a high level. Renee can play inside or on the perimeter. She has a very strong rebounder and a great free throw shooter. We are blessed to have Renee joining our team.”
Renee is the daughter of Jimmie and Lorraine Hall of Geraldine, Ala. Her grandfather and aunt both played basketball at Jacksonville State University. Renee plans to major in biology at McPherson College with a career of goal of teaching at the college level.
*****
Sacred Heart’s Vermillion joins Bulldogs
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Sarah Vermillion of Salina, Kans., to volleyball and softball letters of intent for the 2003-2004 academic year.
Vermillion was selected for Sacred Heart’s “most improved” volleyball player award following her senior season.
“Sarah comes from a very good program at Sacred Heart,” said McPherson College volleyball coach Nathalea Stephenson. “It is a program that has been at the state tournament for several years, and has a great tradition. Coming from a program like that, Sarah knows what it takes to be successful.
“Sarah is a very hard working young lady that will bring very good skills to our program. She sees the court well and can read the hitters, knowing where they are going to put the ball. She should be a very good defensive specialist for us.
“Sarah is a very coachable young lady, as well as a good student. We’re very pleased to have her join us.”
“I really liked what I’ve seen of Sarah on the field,” said McPherson College softball coach Mike McCormick. “She’s been basically an infielder, but we may move her to the outfield since that will be a area we’ll need more help with in the future.”
“We’re pleased to add Sarah to the solid group of young ladies we have joining our program.”
Sarah is the daughter of Russell and Cindy Vermillion of Salina, Kans., and intends to major in education with an emphasis in special education at McPherson College.
*****
Bennington’s Crist signs with Lady Bulldogs
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Kelsey Crist of Bennington, Kans., to a volleyball letter of intent for the 2003-04 academic year. Crist was a first-team, All-Eisenhower League volleyball performer as a junior for Bennington High School, where she was a four-year starter and captain her junior and senior years.
“We feel very fortunate to find and sign someone that can pass as well as Kelsey,” said McPherson College head coach Nathalea Stephenson. “This is sometimes hard to do. Her passing ability will help us get into our offense quicker. You can tell she has spent extra time in the gym mastering the skill. Kelsey has great upper body strength. That is evident in her hitting. She has played club volleyball for a number of years, and that shows the type of dedication she has to the sport.
“We are very excited about having Kelsey sign with McPherson College, and we look forward to great things from her during the next four years. In addition to being a good player and student, she has a wonderful voice.”
A 5’6”, middle hitter, Crist participated in the Central Kansas All-Star volleyball at the conclusion of her senior season. She was named to the Kansas Sports magazine, Class 2A volleyball honorable mention team as a junior as well as to the All-Eisenhower League honorable mention squad in basketball. She was the recipient of the Bennington High “Haley Larson Award” as well as the Gatorade “Win-to-Win” award in volleyball and basketball. A two-year cheerleader and track and field participant, Crist was also selected as the BHS homecoming queen.
Kelsey is the daughter of Jeffrey and Barbara Crist of Bennington, and plans to major in elementary education at McPherson College.
*****
West Elk’s Slinkard signs with Lady Bulldogs
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Stefanie Slinkard of Howard, Kans., to a volleyball letter of intent for the 2003-04 academic year. Slinkard was an All-South Central Border League volleyball selection following her senior season as West Elk High School. In addition, she was named to the All-Grasslands Conference squad this past season.
A 5’10”, outside hitter for the Lady Patriots, Slinkard participated in the Central Kansas All-Star volleyball game following her senior season.
“Stefanie is going to bring height as well as skill to our program,” said McPherson College head coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She is a middle-right side hitter and will be able to help us fill that spot.
“She is a very hard working athlete, and is very coachable. In the off-season, Stefanie has played club volleyball to improve and keep her skills sharp. As a coach, you like to see your girls working to improve in the off-season, and then be ready to come in when fall practices start and be ready to get after it.”
Stefanie was a three-year volleyball and two-year basketball letterwinner at West Elk High School. A member of National Honor Society, Stefanie was a delegate to Girls’ State and was named to “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.”
“Not only Stefanie a good athlete,” added Stephenson, “she is a very good student. She is going to be competing for the McPherson College Presidential Scholarship next month. We are very excited about Stefanie being a Bulldog and look for a great future with her.”
Stefanie is the daughter of Gene and Cindy Slinkard of Howard, Kans. She plans to major in education at McPherson College.
*****
Hoisington's Stos joins Lady Bulldogs
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of April Nicole Stos of Hoisington, Kans., to a volleyball letter of intent for the 2003-04 academic year. An honorable mention All-Mid State League performer as a junior, Stos was named to All-Area and Golden Belt honors following her senior season at Hoisington High School.
“April will bring a wealth of volleyball experience as she begins her college career,” said McPherson College head coach Nathalea Stephenson. “ She loves the game and it shows by the way she plays.
“April is very coachable and will do what is needed to put the ball down. We are very excited about having her on our team. She will add a lot to our team, especially with her serving.”
A 5’7” outside hitter, Stos helped Hoisington High to an 84-28 record in her four years of prep play. She led the Cardinals with a 95.8% serving rate, and led them in passing and defensive digs.
Stos’ high school coach, Tina Johnson said, “April has what it takes to be successful – self-discipline, drive, commitment, and perseverance. April will be a huge asset to McPherson College, both athletically and academically. Her commitment to excellance is one her strongest attributes. Always positive, I am sure April will be very successful.”
A participant in the 2002 Central Kansas All-Star volleyball game, April is the daughter of Mike and Pam Stos of Hoisington, Kans., and plans to major in business/marketing at McPherson College.
*****
Stephenson signs with Lady Bulldogs
McPherson College has announced the recent signing of Kendra Stephenson of Salina, Kans., to a volleyball letter of intent for the 2003-04 academic year. Stephenson among a elite group of graduating high school seniors nominated and selected by coaches around the state to play in the Kansas Volleyball Association All-Star game on July 29. An honorable mention I-70 League performer for Salina Central High School as a senior, Stephenson had been named to the Class 5A all-state honorable mention squad following her junior season.
“We are very pleased to have Kendra as part of our squad next year,” said McPherson College head coach Nathalea Stephenson. “She will bring considerable experience to our program, having played the game since she was nine years old.
“Kendra has a passion for the game and because of that, she wants to do whatever she can to help her teammates succeed. Kendra knows most of the players on our team. She gets along well with them and they are excited about having her at McPherson and playing with her.
“At Salina Central, Kendra set school, single season (746 in 2001) and career (1112) records for assists that would appear to be solid for a few years to come. It is apparent she knows how to get the ball to the hitters. She will add to our corp of setters and make that position solid and highly competitive.
Stephenson was a three-year letter winner in volleyball under Larry Cullins at Salina Central plus she lettered two years in basketball and one year in softball for the Lady Mustangs. She was named to the All-Saline County first team in volleyball as a junior and All-County honorable mention this past season. As a junior, she was named All-I-70 league second team as well as to the All-Area second team. She was twice named to both the I-70 Academic All-League and Kansas Volleyball Association Academic All-State teams.
Kendra is the daughter of Tim and Nathalea Stephenson of Salina. Kendra comes from a long line of athletes as her great-grandfather played baseball at Kansas State College (now University) in the mid-1920’s, and her father played basketball and baseball at Barton County and Bethany College in the 1970’s. Her brother, Brandon, was a member of the Salina Central 2001 Class 5A state championship football team, played in the 2002 Kansas Shrine Bowl, and was named first team All-State and All-Class 5A in 2001.
Kendra plans to major in nutrition at McPherson College
|
