SFA Volleyball Signs Three To National Letters Of Intent

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Debbie Humphreys expects this group's maturity and versitility to be a huge asset.

Nov. 14, 2007

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Head coach Debbie Humphreys announced Wednesday that Amber Roberts, Melissa Miksch and Mary Bottles have signed National Letters of Intent to pursue their educations at SFA as members of the Ladyjack volleyball team.

The all-Texas trio will have large shoes to fill with the exit of this year's senior class of Jami Hill, JJ Jones and Traci Rohde; however, Humphreys feels as though this incoming group's quickness, versatility, character and experience at a high club level will aide them in adjusting quickly the collegiate game.

"The 2008 recruiting class is loaded with athleticism and versatility," Humphreys said. "They immediately make us quicker and add depth for us at every position."

Roberts is a 5-9 outside hitter from JJ Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas, and played her club ball for Dallas Skyline. She was named MVP of the Skyline club - the same club squad that current Ladyjacks JJ Jones, Lauren Railey and Shelly Swendig all played for before coming to SFA.

While attending Pearce, Roberts was named District 10-4A Newcomer of the Year, and also earned Defensive Player of the Year in her tenure. A three-year starter for the Mustangs, she led her squad to a district title in 2005 and all the way to the regional semifinals of the state playoffs.

Roberts also competed in the open division at the USA Junior Nationals and has made her mark in the classroom as well as a member of the National Honor Society, the Gifted/Talented Program at Pearce High School and has taken part in the Duke University Talent ID Program.

"Amber is a top notch athlete with solid volleyball experience," said Humphreys. "We expect her to adjust quickly to our system and contribute early in her career. She is a versatile player who can be used in a variety of positions. We are very excited to have Amber join our program."

Miksch has spent time at both outside hitter and setter in her time at Bowie High School in Austin, Texas. The 5-9 Miksch earned awards such as Most Valuable Setter in District 25-5A and was named Bowie's Offensive Player of the Year. A winner of numerous all-tournament awards, Miksch earned a varsity letter all four years for the Bulldogs and was even named a team captain.

No slouch in the classroom, she was an academic all-district selection and ranks in the top 10 percent of her graduating class. She also spent her time in the club scene with the Austin Juniors, and won the Director's Award as well. Miksch was also selected to play in the Global Challenge Tournament in Croatia and competed in the Open Division at the USA Junior Nationals the last four years.

"Mel is another tremendous athlete who also has excellent ball control," Humphreys said. "She can be utilized in a variety of areas so we will have to look at all the pieces of the puzzle to figure out where she is of most benefit to the team. We are extremely excited about what Mel will add to our team both as a player & a person."

The final member of the class is Mary Caitlin (MC) Bottles, a 6-0 middle blocker from Rowlett, Texas. She was named co-MVP of District 10-5A, as well as a first team all-district selection and Offensive Player of the Year in leading the Eagles to a co-district title.

Bottles also spent her time on the club circuit with the Dallas Skyline squad and competed in the open division at the USA Junior Nationals.

"MC is a workhorse, which is exactly what you need at the middle blocker position," Humphreys said. "She is a great team player who is a good fit for our style of play and will adjust quickly to playing at this level."