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Sunnie Paintin of Denver, Colorado signed a letter of Intent with Graceland University Women’s Volleyball and Coach Stew McDole. Paintin is a 5’4” libero/defensive specialist who played three years of varsity volleyball for the Norsemen of Northglenn High School. Paintin is currently playing for the Norco 18 Black club team out of Fort Collins. “Sunnie is a well trained platform player. She has played high level club and has distinguished herself as a key contributor. I believe she will continue to improve as a college player. I really think her passion and drive for the game means that her best play is still in the future,” said Coach McDole. Sunnie has hopes of pursuing a degree in sports medicine while at Graceland University. |
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Shannon Contreras of San Antonio, Texas signed a letter of intent to play women’s volleyball at Graceland University and Coach Stew McDole. Contreras is a 5’8” outside hitter for the Lady Minutemen of Memorial High School. Shannon played volleyball all four years of high school and was varsity captain her senior year. From 2002 thru 2006 Shannon was selected All-Academic All-District in volleyball, and was selected first team All-District in 05’ and 06’. “Shannon really wants to play college volleyball. She has good athletic tools for the game. I am most impressed with her enthusiasm for the game. I expect her to log a good amount of court time as a freshman and take her game to the next level. We are pleased that she is joining our program and look forward to her future,” said Coach Mcdole. Contreras anticipates majoring in Biology/Pre-Medical while playing as a Yellowjacket. |
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Ashley Kley daughter of Jerry and Sandy Kley of LaPorte, Texas has recently signed a letter of Intent to play volleyball while attending Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Ashley was a 5’8 Outside Hitter for the Bulldogs where she played all four years as a varsity starter. She was “most improved” as a Frosh, “best defensive player” as a Sophomore, “best offensive player and team MVP” as a Junior and “team MVP” as a Senior when she also received the “Coaches Award”. Kley was an All-District selection four years running with the final three at First Team. "Ashley has a hunger and passion for volleyball. She leaves an immediate positive impression with coaches and players alike. You know when you see her play that she loves this game. It is just as clear that she honors her teammates and will sacrifice for them and the greater good of the team. She couples high energy and team play with well developed skills. We are really looking forward to her presence in Graceland Volleyball. Kley is considering a degree program in Business/Advertising or possibly Kinesiology while at Graceland. |
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Savali Ta’amu daughter of Lefeagai and Savali Ta’amu of Kent, WA has signed a letter of Intent to play Yellowjacket volleyball for Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Savali is a member of the 2006 graduating class at Rainier Beach High School. Ta’amu was a 5’11 right side setter/hitter for the Vikings where she logged four years as a varsity starter for Head Coach Nessa Manu. Ta’amu was a four year letter winner who was selected Second Team All-Metro League as a frosh. She followed that with First Team selections her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She was team MVP as a junior and selected Metro Sound Division MVP as a senior. Ultimately she was tabbed 3A All-State Honorable Mention as a senior setter for the 2005 season. Along the way she has taken a four- year slate of college preparatory courses with consistent success. Savali has taken advantage of University of Washington programs “Gear Up” (a college preparation program) and Summer Institute. Coach Stew McDole, "Savali has played this game since she was 10 years old and she still loves it. It is hard to anticipate the effect of all those repetitions, but bottom line she does many things now by nature that many players are just trying to master. Among other attributes she is a physical net player. Savali swings and blocks with authority. She has brought great versatility to the setting position because she is left handed. Viking fans have seen her do a lot of things well. I am really interested in helping her plot her volleyball future. We are looking forward to her arrival at Graceland. We are pleased that she is joining our program.” Ta’amu is considering a degree program in Mathematics or Social Services while attending Graceland. |
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Jana Marler signed with the Graceland University Women’s Volleyball program for the 2006-2007 academic year. Marler a 5’8” outside will not be new to collegiate volleyball this coming fall. Jana graduated from Truman High School of Independence, Missouri in 2003 as an All-Conference player and went on to play volleyball for Longview Community College(Lee’s Summit, Mo) and Northwest Missouri State University(Maryville, Mo). While attending two other schools, Jana earned accolades as an Outstanding Volleyball Athlete, All-Region Team, Graceland All-Tournament Player and Longview All-Tournament Player. Marler earned her Associate of Arts Degree and plans on completing a Visual Communications Degree from Graceland. |
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From Moravia, Iowa, Jessica Scott has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball in Lamoni, Iowa for Graceland University. Jessica, a 5’10” middle, earned 1st Team All-Conference honors this past 2005 season; she was also was named to the All-Courier Team and selected Most Improved on her Club Fusion Team. Scott did not stop there only to go on and earn an Honorable Mention in basketball. This Mohawk was a busy bee all year long having participated in a number of different activities including track, cheerleading, chess club, drumline, jazz band, band, yearbook and speech. Head Coach Stew McDole was very pleased with Scott, “It was really delightful to find a young lady who has such a passion for the game. Her physical tools are the biggest part of her game right now, but her technical tools are just going to get better and better.” Scott would like to major in business administration and minor in communications while attending Graceland |
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Head Coach Stew McDole has had a letter of intent signed by Chauntelle Maduli of Kamehameha High School, Oahu, Hawaii. Chauntelle has been a 4 year varsity player for the Warriors as an outside hitter. Maduli’s senior season ended as her team took the 2006 ILH Championship. This 5’5” warrior is a dedicated year around volleyball enthusiast as she plays club in the off season for the Oahu Volleyball club. Maduli is undecided on an academic major as she enters into her freshman year at Graceland. |
