July 12, 2006

LAURINBURG, N.C.—Dan Kreiger, Head Volleyball Coach at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, has announced the signing of five student-athletes to study and play volleyball for the Knights next season.

Kreiger, entering his second season at the helm of the SAPC volleyball program, brings in his first recruiting class after being hired in August of 2005. This year’s freshman class includes a nice blend of positions and abilities that will compliment the returning letter winners that will make the ’06 Knights squad exciting to watch.

Beth Conaway (Apex, N.C.) – Conaway comes to St. Andrews from Apex High School where she was an outside and opposite side hitter. The five-foot, eight-inch student-athlete played for the NC Challengers and was a high school Academic All-Conference (2003-2005), Varsity Offensive MVP (2005), All-Conference (2005), and A/B Honor Roll (2002-2006) honoree.

“Beth is a strong, very athletic player,” said Kreiger. “She is going to add offensive presence for us at the outside hitter position. The experience she was able to gain playing for the NC Challengers Club this year has definitely helped prepare her for playing at the next level.”

Jaime Hayes (Gulf Breeze, Fla.) – Hayes comes to SAPC as a setter and defensive specialist from Gulf Breeze High School and the West Florida Flames Club. The five-foot, six-inch wiz (4.0 GPA), who led her area in assists her senior year, achieved numerous athletic awards including First Team All-Area by the Pensacola News Journal (twice), a Florida North/South All-Star participant, All-State Honorable Mention List, and All-Area Honorable Mention List (2003).

“Jaime brings an incredible level of energy to our program,” said Kreiger. “She has very quick feet and is a smart player. She has the ideal personality that coaches look for in a setter. Jaime will make an immediate impact on our program at the setter and defensive specialist positions.”

Chelsea Lavalleur (Greensboro, N.C.) – Lavalleur comes to St. Andrews from Ragsdale High School where she was an outside and opposite side hitter. The five-foot, nine-inch hitter, who graduated with honors and was a member of the national honor society, was a two-year captain and defensive player of the year in her four years as a varsity player.

“ Chelsea brings a good balance of offensive and defensive ability to us at the outside hitter position,” said Kreiger. “She plays the game with quiet determination. Chelsea has a very competitive attitude that brings out her best effort every day. We are looking for Chelsea to continue to evolve as a player in her time here at St. Andrews.”

Tyler Lee (Hillsborough, N.C.) – Lee comes to SAPC as an opposite/middle blocker from Cedar Ridge High School. The six-foot, two-inch student-athlete, who will also compete on the Knights Track & Field team, has garnered several awards including the top student in Allied Health program, the Faculty Leadership Award, and T&F Coaches Award.

“ Tyler has a lot of raw potential that we are hoping to bring out,” said Kreiger. “She is a very determined individual. Her intense desire to learn as much as she can about the game of volleyball will help to speed up her progression. Tyler is going to compete for time at middle blocker and opposite this year.”

Galina Podolsky (Raleigh, N.C.) – Podolsky joins the Knights volleyball team as a blocker from Needham Broughton High School. The six-foot, one-inch blocker, who was team MVP for the past two seasons, is Needham Broughton’s all-time leader in kills, blocks, aces and digs. Podolsky, a two-time First Team All-Conference selection, is also a national honor society and academic all-conference recipient.

“Galina is a good all-around player,” said Kreiger. “She is a very solid blocker and has good court vision. Our team will benefit right away from her net play. Her aggressiveness is probably her best attribute. She was able to play against some great competition with her club team this year. That experience will benefit her greatly when it comes to playing at the collegiate level.”

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